Our
Educators

Beth is the founder and Executive Director of MacDonald Montessori. She started in March 1986. "The Infant and Toddler centers and Preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy have been a constant source of inspiration to me and the life of Macdonald Montessori School. The educator from Reggio Emilia, in particular Amelia Gambetti and the other educators in our country inspired by this approach have supported us in our journey to envision a deeper, richer, more powerful image of children, parents and teachers. The collaboration of all three of these protagonists-children, parents and teachers have created a school that welcomes, encourages and sustains love, learning and creativity.”

Beth MacDonald

executive director

Paige joined MacDonald Montessori School in May of 2013. She has worked as a classroom teacher with infants and toddlers. In 2021, Paige became the director of MMS. She oversees payroll, billing, employee benefits and overall organization of our school.

Paige MacDonald

director

Lori joined MacDonald Montessori School in September of 2007. After working as a classroom teacher in the toddler and preschool programs and on the collaboration team at MMS, Lori joined the administration team as program coordinator. In 2021, Lori became pedagogical director working to support educators in developing classroom environments and materials, in project work, in documenting the learning, and in promoting partnerships with families. She has previous experience working with all ages of children in various childcare settings, and has studied child psychology at the University of Minnesota.

Lori ScottRussell

pedagogical director

Liz joined MacDonald Montessori School in September of 1999. After working as a classroom teacher with infants, toddlers and preschool aged children. Liz became school coordinator in 2009. She works directly with parents, oversees enrollment, licensing, staffing and overall organization of our school.

Liz Watzl

school coordinator

Kari joined MacDonald Montessori School in February of 2019. She has been in the field of education and family support services since 1992. Kari has a Montessori certification for preschoolers, a Bachelor’s of Science in early childhood education and a graduate certificate in infant studies. She has previous experience working with all age groups in early childhood education as a teacher in multiple different educational organizations.

Kari Austin

pedagogical coordinator

Karen joined MacDonald Montessori School in 2007. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in ceramics. She has worked as a classroom teacher in the toddler and preschool programs, as well as on the collaboration Team at MMS. In 2016, she became the expressive languages coordinator working to strengthen the use of expressive materials used by children and adults and supporting the teachers. Karen has previous experience working with children as an Early Childhood teacher at the YMCA.

Karen Potyondy

studio coordinator

Tara joined MacDonald Montessori School in January of 2015. She is a graduate of the College of Visual Arts with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in the teaching artists program with an emphasis on illustration. Tara has worked with Preschoolers and Toddlers and as a studio teacher supporting the expressive languages.

Tara Jones

studio coordinator