Faculty & Staff

Amy is originally from Mentor, OH, and joined MSBG in August 2004. She has been here for 15 years because of the warm and positive environment. She has worked in numerous environments with a wide variety of people and MSBG is a place that she is truly grateful to be a part of. Her first employer was Chuck E. Cheese and she loved listening to Christian music. When she was 10 I she wanted to be a teacher because she absolutely loved her second grade teacher Mrs. Brinker!

Brenda grew up on a small family farm in Pioneer, Ohio. When she was little she wanted to be a veterinarian and help take care of all kinds of animals. She has four children (3 girls and 1 boy). Her youngest son is a student at MSBG and her older children are alums. She started at MSBG in 2004 as an aide in the Early Childhood West Classroom and has never left. Brenda fell in love with everything about Montessori. From the multi-age classrooms to the hands-on way of learning and everything in between. She completed her training and received her AMS Certification in 2009. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Care. In her spare time she loves spending time with her family and dogs doing things outdoors or curled up on the couch reading a good book.

Brittany is a Childcare worker here at MSBG. She has been a part of the MSBG community as a parent for the last 8 years, and worked with the Home Shopping Network for 7. Brittany joined MSBG because of the philosophy and the community surrounding the school.  We are grateful for her support and excited to have her as a member of our MSBG team! 

Cecil is from Cygnet and has a wealth of experience. He currently is a maintenance manager for two apartment complexes in Bowling Green and has served in this capacity for over 20 years. We couldn’t be more excited to have someone of Cecil’s abilities on our team!

Christina is a graduate of BGSU and is excited to be one of our valued Child Care Workers. She believes that communities thrive when we all lend a hand where possible, and she looks forward to seeing everyone in Extended Care. When she is not here you can find Christina at Club Pilates in Perrysburg as a manager and teacher. We are grateful for her support and excited to have her as a member of our MSBG team! 

Clementina is from Panama, a very small country in Central America. All of her siblings still live there. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations while in Panama. Clementina currently lives in Temperance, Michigan, with her husband, son, and puppy. She also has an older daughter. Clementina loves teaching Spanish as it is her native language, and in Montessori, she can develop different programs adapted to each level she teaches. We are happy to have her on our MSBG team! 

Emma Fifer is from Napoleon, Ohio and is a sophomore at Bowling Green State University pursuing a degree in Middle Childhood Education. Emma has worked for the last couple of years at West Side Montessori during their summer camp and as a substitute teacher. She has also subbed in her hometown and has enjoyed being a Sunday School teacher for several years.

Hannah has had some wonderful experiences serving others including working as a dental assistant in high school and within a senior assisted living facility for the last several years. She is an accomplished scholar, volunteer, and leader, heading up her 4-H club and mentoring youth with disabilities.

Jennifer grew up in Norwalk, OH, and joined MSBG in August 2015. She fell in love with Montessori because it makes sense – trust the child and his/her natural pace of development. Society screams race and compete, but that’s so unnecessary. She never had a broken bone until she was 36! Jennifer always wanted to be a teacher. She picked music because learning to play all the instruments sounded super fun!

Jennifer is from Bowling Green, OH and has been at MSBG since 2007. She fell in love with the way she saw the Early Childhood children learn in the classroom. Jennifer knew that she wanted her daughter to be in there as soon as possible. She is a grandmother! She has always wanted to be a teacher.

Jennifer is from Maria Stein, Ohio and currently lives in BG with her family of seven! She is a double graduate of BGSU with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Special Education. She has spent her career working at the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities and most recently teaching at Woodlane. Jennifer is passionate about special education and Montessori.

Jeremy is from Dennison, Ohio and joined MSBG in August 2016. Montessori suited the needs of his own child, and he fell in love with the philosophy. Jeremy holds an MBA in Human Resource Management and has completed his Montessori Secondary I-II Credentials through CMStep. He is an Eagle Scout and when he was 10, he wanted to be a basketball player.

Jordan is from the area and graduated from Bowling Green High School and subsequently from Kent State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She has been teaching for the last 10 years at Head Start and previously taught behaviorally challenged youth at the Children’s Resource Center.

Josh Poca has joined the Montessori Middle School Team as an Associate Teacher. He is a proud BGSU graduate who has spent time as an Ironworker, a Copywriter, a Substitute Teacher, and, most importantly, a dedicated stay-at-home dad. His children attended MSBG, and he is familiar with the wonderful community here. Josh is excited to embrace the challenge of teaching middle school and is eager to learn and grow alongside his students.

Kaitlyn is from DeGraff, Ohio, and is studying exercise science/pre-physical therapy at BGSU. She has childcare, retail, and factory experience as well as working in a marina near her hometown. Kaitlyn is a small-town, family person and was very active in 4-H, taking care of animals on her family farm as well as participating in basketball and softball.

Kate is from Bowling Green, Ohio and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Psychology from Bowling Green State University. She has been part of the MSBG community since 2008 as a parent alum of three. After being a parent volunteer for several years, Kate began as a classroom aide in 2015 and began teaching in 2018. She earned her American Montessori Society credential for 3-6 year olds in the Spring of 2020. The educational philosophy comes naturally to her and she appreciates that the Montessori method aims to educate the whole child. Kate thinks it is important that children have an understanding of their place and importance in the world, and are taught how to be kind, empathetic, curious and intrinsically motivated students. She loves that lessons are hands-on and our curriculum allows the children to work at their own pace. In her spare time she enjoys being outside, practicing yoga and gardening. When she was 10, she wanted to be a marine biologist in Florida and work with turtles.

Kayla has worked with us since 2016 as a childcare worker and recently as a substitute. She serves as a childcare worker in the early childhood west classroom.

Kelsey is from Jerry City, OH, and joined MSBG in August of 2019. She chose Montessori because she wanted to join a community where she could learn new things and broaden her knowledge on the Montessori way of teaching children. Montessori is special because within the community you always feel welcomed and supported. Also, children are inspired to learn through this amazing method of teaching. Kelsey loves traveling to different places. When she was 10, she wanted to be a teacher.

Kristina is a Bowling Green HS and Owens graduate and lives in Bowling Green. She has held service and management positions including managing her family’s pizza shop. She has worked with special needs children during summer day camps and studied early childhood education and child psychology while in college. Kristina has an infectious personality and a smile to share with everyone.

Prior to moving to Ohio from Colorado, Kristine spent eight years as an upper and middle teacher at the Montessori School of Evergreen. She completed her bachelor’s degree at UCLA in English & Anthropology and her master’s degree at UNM in education graduating Summa Cum Laude. Additionally, Kristine holds her Montessori secondary credential from CMSTEP and her Elementary I and II credentials from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies.

Kristine has a wealth of experience and knowledge along with a true passion for children and Montessori methodology. She has a zeal for supporting children in their development of independence and purpose in the world!

Lindsey is from Sylvania and is currently attending BGSU studying middle childhood education. She has experience working with children and also in a retail setting working with customers.

Liz is from Port Clinton, OH, and joined MSBG in August of 1993. The fact that each child works at their own pace is a special thing about Montessori. To see our students focused and on task with activities they choose is a “good thing”. She comes from a family of 8 children. She also had 4 younger siblings that she would watch, play, and care for while her parents worked, perhaps preparing her for my future! When Liz was 10, she wanted to be a hairdresser!

McKenna Kalman is from Independence, Ohio and is a junior at Bowling Green State University pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. McKenna has worked in summer camps and in aftercare programs in her hometown as well as tutored and observed in several public preschools and elementary schools during her time at BGSU.

Megan is from Van Wert, OH. She joined MSBG in August 2003. Montessori is special to her because of the multi-age groupings, and the nurturing environment where students can work, develop, and learn at their own pace using the Montessori materials. She has always been a dog person and has rescued many over the years, but recently she rescued a kitten and named him Flea! When she was 10, Megan knew she wanted to be a teacher.

Paige is our building substitute teacher and has been with MSBG since 2007 and she is an alum parent of four. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University. She has been the Bowling Green High School golf coach since 2009. Paige is also an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist and is an avid golfer, volleyball player, outdoor enthusiast, loves music and yoga and encourages going barefoot. When asked what she likes best about the Montessori School she says, “I adore working with every child in the school on all different academic levels and what I learn from them. I enjoy getting to know all of the families and watching their children grow from Toddler through Middle School.”

Pam is from Elmore, OH, and joined MSBG in August 2018. Montessori is special because it follows the child. Many education philosophies claim they do, but the Montessori Method of teaching was built around this concept. When she was 10 she wanted to be an interior decorator and design furniture, all while raising horses on a large farm!

Renee is from Wayne, OH, and joined MSBG in August 2014. Montessori advocates for teaching the whole child and has a deep respect for individual needs, ideas, and differences. Children develop a love of learning that is authentic and life-long. She loves to go antiquing! When she was 10, she wanted to be a teacher.

Samantha is from Perrysburg, OH, and joined MSBG in the Summer of 2016. She loves the Montessori philosophy! After teaching in a non-Montessori school for a few years prior, she has seen the difference this philosophy makes in educating kids. Samantha now practices this same philosophy as a parent. When she was 10, she wanted to be a teacher.

Sarah, originally from Medina, OH, began her journey with MSBG in 2008 as a junior in college. She officially joined the MSBG team in July 2011. From her first visit to a Montessori classroom, Sarah was captivated by the philosophy, which focuses on educating and nurturing the whole child. She was inspired by the thoughtfully designed environment and beautiful materials that create a hands-on, individualized learning experience. The Montessori approach allows children to thrive at their own pace, fostering a lifelong love of learning and helping them grow into happy, contributing members of society.

Susan is a Bowling Green native and has experience cleaning offices and residences in the area. Susan is described as friendly, meticulous and dependable by those that know her. She also attended MSBG as a child!

Sydney Westfall is an Education Aide in our Toddler room and will also be helping with coverage in our extended care programs. Sydney currently works at the Cookie Jar in BG and has volunteered in a local day care program as well as been an in-home babysitter for several years. She is from Pioneer Ohio and a graduate of Bowling Green High School.

Tessa is from Hilliard Ohio and is attending BGSU studying Early Childhood Education. During high school, she was always involved with children as a student worker, observing and working in her local elementary school with children of all ages. Tessa has also worked in the before and after school program in her hometown as well as nannying and babysitting for the last several years. She works in her church’s Sunday School program and volunteers with her hometown’s baseball league for children with special needs.

Tina joined our team in 2022 and supports our early childhood east students. Tina is from Jerry City Ohio and retired after 35 faithful years as a dietary aide and cook for a local health care facility. She loves children, is easy-going and hard-working, and wants to continue working and learning new things.