BETH MACDONALD....is in her 23rd year as the Director of MacDonald Montessori. “Our connection with the Reggio Emilia philosophy has breathed new life and purpose into our school for young children. It has deepened our commitment to creating a school that supports children and families and teachers in a new way of connecting with each other.”
PAT DALY....is in her 23rd year. Patti and I have been friends for 47 years and she is a treasure as a friend and peer on this journey. “I have always felt parents had their job and we had ours. They took care of the children at home and brought them to us to care for during the day. Now I see parents and teachers as interwoven and interconnected….a deeper, richer fabric…much more beautiful.”
SANDY BURWELL....is in her 18th year at MMS and her 31st year in teaching. “Why do I like working at this school...listening to, watching, and developing a
relationship with each child; helping to build community; pursuing and sharing my passions...laughing often.”
SHANNON O’CONNOR....is in her 19th year. Shannon is a ray of sunshine and brings many gifts and talents to the children. “Our school has a solid foundation but it also grows and contracts and is flexible in it’s exploration of new ideas and concepts. I enjoy seeing staff and parents working and flowing in this flexible way.
AARON MACDONALD....started at MMS in 2001. “I really started when I was 12 with a paint brush, not paid well. I graduated from UW Eau Claire with a BA in Business Management. The parents and children always surprise me! The children are a joy to visit, for a short while! Do’s: Payables, receivables, repairs, ordering, payroll, painting, assembly, disassembly, medical, dental, and other HR tasks.
Don’t: Diapers, counseling, conferences, seminars, behavior issues, Reggio, meetings and licensing.
VICTORIA OKWABI....is in her sixth year at MacDonald Montessori. “I enjoy working with MMS children because they are nice and friendly. I hope to do my best to train them to become respectful children in the future and keep them in a safe environment."
PERRYS WAHINYA....is in her eighth year at MMS. “Our goal is to make sure that we value each one of our children individually….create an environment in which children feel comfortable enough for them to open up to us and in return we treasure them.”
JILL BERGHOLTZ....joined our staff in June 2007. “I am pursuing a college degree in Child Psychology. I enjoy working with children because it gives me an opportunity to work with our future, because these children are our future. I love children and I hope to bring a fun and safe environment for the children we care for.”
MARY SCHMITZ....I have been working at MMS since November, 2003. I have been bringing my beautiful son, Alan here since he was an infant. I have a background in early childhood education and have 12 years experience. I am also a massage therapist. I am excited to be with the babies. They are such a joy to be around.”
CORINNE TILL....is in her sixth year at MMS. “I like working with children because of the reactions children show when learning something new for the first time. It gives me great joy when seeing the smiles on children’s faces everyday. Working with young children is one of the best jobs there is. “
NAOMI BOTCHWAY....started at MMS in August of 2004. “I heard a lot about the school for almost one year before I entered. I really like everything in the school, especially the babies. I love taking care of children because they are very gifted and precious. Thank you."
FRANCESCA “FRANNIE” AFRIYIE....joined our staff in August 2004. “I like working here and with the children because it has always been my dream to work with children because they are honest and funny to be around."
ROBYN STASHENKO....is in her tenth year at MMS. “I enjoy working in the early childhood field because I feel the first few years in a child’s life are an especially important time for nurturing healthy development and learning. It’s also nice to be able to have an impact on the future lives of children.”
SARA SCHULTE....started with MMS in October, 2006. “I have worked in early childhood for the past five years. I am currently attending Concordia University to finish my B.A. in Child Development. What I love most about my job is watching children learn and discover new things. I love to watch the excitement of a child doing something for the first time, and I love being a part of guiding their learning.”
JONI CHRISTIANSEN....is in her tenth year. “I work with children because they are funny, honest, silly, curious, creative and real. They have so much potential.
I feel children need freedom and the chance to show their true colors.”
SAMMELIA SAM BREW....is in her eighth year. “The turtle is slow but it reaches its goal at the end of the day. The turtle is like a child as an infant. One very slow in learning, but will reach its goal at the end of the day or in the future.” Sammelia and her husband are expecting their second child in September. Sammelia will be on maternity leave for 8 weeks.
DOM D’VALLE....started at MMS in October 2001. “I’ve experienced many wonderful adventures here. In my time here I’ve spent enough time in each room to observe and take in the different abilities within each age group. This journey at MacDonald Montessori has taught me many lessons that will be with me for life, and for that I want to thank the children, the babies to the oldest school ager for the many gifts they have given me.”
LIZ WATZL....is in her tenth year. “It is wonderful to see the children grow and change, and watch their faces light up when they see you. I think children need most a happy and safe place to be when they are not at home.”
KARI RYG....is beginning her third year at MMS. “I graduated from Hamline University with a degree in Communication Studies. Children inspire me to look at the world with an open mind and a fresh perspective. As their teacher I feel my role is to encourage their creativity, respect their individuality, and instill in them a love of learning. Teaching is a privilege and an honor. Early childhood education in particular is powerful and I am lucky to be a part of it.”
KELLY KRITSBERG....is in her fifth year at our school. "I enjoy the atmosphere of MMS and the wonderful children I work with each day. I am attending Dakota Technical College to finish my degree in Early Childhood Education."
Kelly and her husband are expecting their second child in September. Kelly will be on maternity leave for six weeks.
ANNA BARTHOLOME....is in her second year at MMS. I graduated from Hamline University and received my Montessori teacher training at St Catherine’s. “I believe that a child’s early childhood learning experience can shape their educational experience for the rest of their lives. As a teacher, I feel my role is to provide children with the necessary tools and strategies to make them successful learners. I learn as much from the children as they learn from me. I feel very fortunate to have a job that brings me such joy!
DAVE HAIDER....is beginning his second year at MMS. "I have just completed my associate degree in Applied Sciences in Radiological Technology and I was a Ski Instructor for many years. “I find children to be both incredibly funny and honest and intelligent. I would like to help this school to continue to be an environment where learning and growth are encouraged. I will be proud if I can do anything to contribute to that goal.”
AKUA BOAKYE....is beginning her fourth year at MMS. I have always loved children because there are so honest, funny and intelligent in their own special way. Being here at MMS, sharing what I have as well as helping each child express themselves in unique ways, makes my love for the children complete.
LORI SCOTTRUSSELL....is in her first year at MMS. "I have a background in Child Development with classed at St Thomas University and the U of M. I have worked in the field of early childhood education for 15 years. I believe children are intrinsic learners. I also believe by providing an environment rich in materials and activities relevant to their world, learning happens naturally and in a meaningful way."
JON EMERSON KRAMER....is in his first year at MMS. "I graduated in music from the Perpich Center for Art Education, attended Loyola University in Jazz Studies and will graduate in May from the University of St Thomas with a BS in Communication Studies. All children learn and develop at a different rate and education should be tailored to work around this fact. By approaching every child as a unique individual we can maximize learning and development."
KAREN POTYONDY...is beginning her second year at MMS. "I have a BS degree in Psychology, with a minor in Art. I enjoy working with children because they give you new experiences and perspectives everyday. They keep you smiling and laughing (laughter is the best medicine). Growing up I was in the hospital frequently and received encouragement from the child life staff. I want to give back that encouragement which I received and more."
JENNY TOGSTAD....is in her first year at MMS. "I have a BAS in Early Childhood Studies. I believe children learn through hands on experiences with natural materials and be provided with opportunities to explore the world around them while feeling safe and secure. Positive early childhood experiences lay the ground work for children becoming life long learners."
KATIE WULF....is in her first year at MMS. "I have a BA in Theater and Family Studies from Concordia University in St Paul. I would like to gain experience and insight into the Reggio philosophy and to create a positive environment for young, growing minds. I believe that children learn best in an open, creative environment that is rich with opportunities to explore and nurture their curiosity."
MONICA MALLEY....is in her second year at our school. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Visual Arts. "I love working with children to observe the way they learn and discover their interests. I think this school has a great community and I am drawn to that. My goal is to introduce new materials to the children, help them be creative and use their minds in new ways."
AARON MACDONALD....started at MMS in 2001. “I really started when I was 12 with a paint brush, not paid well. I graduated from UW Eau Claire with a BA in Business Management. The parents and children always surprise me! The children are a joy to visit, for a short while!
MARY SCHMITZ....I have been working at MMS since November, 2003. I have been bringing my beautiful son, Alan here since he was an infant. I have a background in early childhood education and have 12 years experience. I am also a massage therapist. I am excited to be with the babies. They are such a joy to be around.”
CORINNE TILL....is in her sixth year at MMS. “I like working with children because of the reactions children show when learning something new for the first time. It gives me great joy when seeing the smiles on children’s faces everyday. Working with young children is one of the best jobs there is. “
NAOMI BOTCHWAY....started at MMS in August of 2004. “I heard a lot about the school for almost one year before I entered. I really like everything in the school, especially the babies. I love taking care of children because they are very gifted and precious. Thank you."
FRANCESCA “FRANNIE” AFRIYIE....joined our staff in August 2004. “I like working here and with the children because it has always been my dream to work with children because they are honest and funny to be around."
SARA SCHULTE....started with MMS in October, 2006. “I have worked in early childhood for the past five years. I am currently attending Concordia University to finish my B.A. in Child Development. What I love most about my job is watching children learn and discover new things. I love to watch the excitement of a child doing something for the first time, and I love being a part of guiding their learning.”
LIZ WATZL....is in her tenth year. “It is wonderful to see the children grow and change, and watch their faces light up when they see you. I think children need most a happy and safe place to be when they are not at home.”
KARI RYG....is beginning her third year at MMS. “I graduated from Hamline University with a degree in Communication Studies. Children inspire me to look at the world with an open mind and a fresh perspective. As their teacher I feel my role is to encourage their creativity, respect their individuality, and instill in them a love of learning. Teaching is a privilege and an honor. Early childhood education in particular is powerful and I am lucky to be a part of it.” 
KELLY KRITSBERG....is in her fifth year at our school. "I enjoy the atmosphere of MMS and the wonderful children I work with each day. I am attending Dakota Technical College to finish my degree in Early Childhood Education."
ANNA BARTHOLOME....is in her second year at MMS. I graduated from Hamline University and received my Montessori teacher training at St Catherine’s. “I believe that a child’s early childhood learning experience can shape their educational experience for the rest of their lives. As a teacher, I feel my role is to provide children with the necessary tools and strategies to make them successful learners. I learn as much from the children as they learn from me. I feel very fortunate to have a job that brings me such joy!
DAVE HAIDER....is beginning his second year at MMS. "I have just completed my associate degree in Applied Sciences in Radiological Technology and I was a Ski Instructor for many years. “I find children to be both incredibly funny and honest and intelligent. I would like to help this school to continue to be an environment where learning and growth are encouraged. I will be proud if I can do anything to contribute to that goal.”
AKUA BOAKYE....is beginning her fourth year at MMS. I have always loved children because there are so honest, funny and intelligent in their own special way. Being here at MMS, sharing what I have as well as helping each child express themselves in unique ways, makes my love for the children complete.
LORI SCOTTRUSSELL....is in her first year at MMS. "I have a background in Child Development with classed at St Thomas University and the U of M. I have worked in the field of early childhood education for 15 years. I believe children are intrinsic learners. I also believe by providing an environment rich in materials and activities relevant to their world, learning happens naturally and in a meaningful way."
JON EMERSON KRAMER....is in his first year at MMS. "I graduated in music from the Perpich Center for Art Education, attended Loyola University in Jazz Studies and will graduate in May from the University of St Thomas with a BS in Communication Studies. All children learn and develop at a different rate and education should be tailored to work around this fact. By approaching every child as a unique individual we can maximize learning and development."
KAREN POTYONDY...is beginning her second year at MMS. "I have a BS degree in Psychology, with a minor in Art. I enjoy working with children because they give you new experiences and perspectives everyday. They keep you smiling and laughing (laughter is the best medicine). Growing up I was in the hospital frequently and received encouragement from the child life staff. I want to give back that encouragement which I received and more."