Miniapple International Montessori

We, the staff of Miniapple International Montessori, follow the teachings of Maria Montessori by embracing the uniqueness and potential of each child. As the role of an adult we strive to create an environment which nurtures the development of the young minds through compassion, respect, creativity and trust. Our commitment is to guide the children in a safe, warm, secure and happy learning environment which requires us to be prepared, present, whole and accountable.

Udi, Administrator
After completing A.M.I. teacher training in Sri Lanka over 30 years ago, I came to the U.S. on vacation; then to be hired as a teacher-director of a local Montessori school. Our intention was to go back home once my husband Mithula finished his business degree at the U of M. One thing led to another, and we bought the school and opened up two more! They are now called Miniapple. Mithula and I have 3 daughters and one son, all Miniapple alumni, and a grandson who is currently a Miniapple student. Apart from cooking, gardening , scrap booking, and community service, I do what I love to do; giving children the best at home and school."The apple of my eye''.

Estelle, Administrative Assistant
After obtaining a MN teaching license in early childhood education/parent education, I worked in local early childhood programs before joining the Miniapple family as Udi's assistant in 1996. Most of my free time is devoted to helping Shelties in need with Minnesota Sheltie Rescue, and I enjoy spending time with my own Shelties. Consistent with Miniapple's global approach, I am from the Netherlands (though I'm now a U.S. citizen).

Barb, Music Educator
I am a music educator and teaching artist, singer and songwriter. Since 1986, I have been teaching music to young children in more than 200 early childhood programs and schools through my creative children's music program, Sound Beginnings. I have worked as a teaching artist doing musical residencies in Minnesota public schools, and was on teaching staff at The Children's Theatre Company. I started teaching Sound Beginnings at the three Miniapple Montessori Schools year-round in 1993. The children at Miniapple are part of a true community of learners, and it is a real pleasure to be involved in their growth and development.

Minneapolis

	Lee, Director My family came to Miniapple in 2004 when my oldest daughter started as a preschooler. We fell in love with Miniapple as a parent and now I feel right at home as an employee. I received a BA from the University of Minnesota in Counseling and Deaf Studies. Before becoming a Director, for over 20 years I was a staff supervisor of group home staff who provided care to disabled and mentally ill adults. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Calder, and our daughters, both Miniapple graduates. I enjoy going to movies, concerts, camping, reading, and horseback riding. I live in SE Minneapolis and love working in my neighborhood!
	Danielle, Assistant Director After graduating from the University of Minnesota, I spent a year and a half as an Americorps volunteer, working with children in libraries. After that wonderful experience, I decided I wanted to work with children full time and joined Miniapple in 2004 as the School-Age coordinator for the summer program. I also assist the Director in administrative duties. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, reading and going to shows with my husband, Chuck.
	Wangmo, Children's House I was born in India as a Tibetan refugee. I graduated from school in Dheradun, India and got a job in a Tibetan school and taught there for 4 years. In 1992, I moved to Nepal and on October 22, 1997, I flew from Nepal to Minnesota. I received my AMI certificate in 2002 and really enjoy working with children. I have been with Miniapple since 2002.
	Erica, Children's House I have been with Miniapple since 2006. I earned my B.A. in psychology, my Montessori Credential and my Master’s of Education in 2009. In my free time I enjoy gardening, traveling and spending time outdoors with my husband and our son, Gus, who also attends Miniapple. I am excited to begin a new year working alongside the amazing Miniapple staff, children and families!
	Lara, Children's House I was born and raised in south Minneapolis where I attended a Montessori school through kindergarten. I joined Miniapple in 2009 as an assistant in Children’s House. It was soon clear that I had found my calling, so I completed the Montessori training certification at St. Catherine University, and, after spending a year teaching Montessori in Thailand, I returned to Miniapple as the Directress in CH 2. My husband and I enjoy cooking, movies, being outside and playing with our cat, Gracie.
	Terah, Children's House I am originally from Minnesota. After studying in Colorado and earning the Montessori Credential there, I worked at Montessori schools internationally for many years. In 2012, I joined Miniapple as the Directress in Children's House 3.
	Reshma, Toddler House I was born in India and have a Master’s Degree in Home Economics with a major in Food and Nutrition. I have traveled to Moscow and Japan with my husband. I enjoy cooking and being with my two lovely sons and husband. I have been with Miniapple since 1997.

Roseville

	Lisa, Director I was born in Fridley and grew up in Brooklyn Park. I now live in Forest Lake and I love it there. I started with Miniapple in April of 1994 as the Toddler Coordinator for 18 years, before assuming the Director role in 2012. I still love it here at Miniapple!
	Cindy, Assistant Director I was born and raised in Wadena, MN. I graduated from Moorhead State with a BS in Elementary Education. Since graduating in 1987 I have been working with children. I started working for Miniapple in 1999. I live in Shoreview and have 3 children who are all Miniapple graduates.
	Sonia, Children's House I live in Roseville with my husband, our daughter Nora (a current Miniapple student), and our 3 animals. I attended Northwestern College and took the Montessori Primary Training from International Montessori Training Center of MN AMI in 2004. I have been working with children for 13 years and joined Miniapple in 2009. I also enjoy music and studied vocal performance at McNally Smith College of Music. Children have always been my passion and I love being a part of their learning journey!
	Vanessa, Children's House I grew up in Stillwater, MN. I still live there with my husband, our son (who currently attends Miniapple), and our 2 dogs, Sophie and Oliver. I have been working with children for the past 11 years. I worked 8 years for the Stillwater School District and then joined Miniapple in 2005. I attended St. Paul College where I studied Early Childhood Development. I received my Montessori teacher training certificate from St. Catherine University. I have been with Miniapple since 2005.
	Jaci, Children's House I was born and raised in Coon Rapids, MN and attended a Montessori program myself from ages 2½-6. I enjoy working with children and completed my Montessori training at the St. Catherine University. I have been with Miniapple since 2008. Recently I moved to White Bear Lake with my husband, Nick, and our cat and we enjoy living in the city.
	Marie, Infant House I am originally from France and moved to the U. S. when I was 14 years old. I speak French and Spanish fluently. I have always loved working with children. I started working for Miniapple in 2009 as a Teacher’s Assistant and then as a Head Teacher with Toddlers at the Oakdale location. In August of 2010 I started working at Roseville as the Head Infant Teacher for the brand new second baby room that opened. In my spare time I love to draw, paint, travel, and watch movies.
	Michelle, Infant House I am from Minneapolis, and have three sons. My background is in Child Development with additional training in infant sign language, nutrition and health & safety I have been working with infant & toddlers since 1998, and joined Miniapple in 2010.
	Sarah, Toddler House I grew up in a small town in northern Minnesota called Bagley. I have a degree in Child Psychology and have been working with children since I was still one myself. I attended the U of M and started in the Infant House at Miniapple in 2010, and now am the lead teacher in Toddler House.
	Amy, Toddler House I graduated from Gonzaga University in 2008 with a degree in business. I have a great deal of experience in, as well as a passion for, working with children, so I went back to school at St. Catherine’s University for a degree in Elementary Education. I have been with Miniapple since 2009. Currently, I live in White Bear Lake and enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially at my family cabin.

Oakdale

	Deb, Director Deb is our director. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and has been with Miniapple since it first opened in Minneapolis in 1990. Deb and her husband, Keith, enjoy camping and biking with their son, Lucas, a Miniapple graduate.
	Margaret, Children's House Margaret is originally from Texas and moved north in 1999. She began working at Miniapple in 2000. Margaret completed her Montessori training in 1996. She is another one of our scrapbookers and with her husband, Randy, she enjoys riding snowmobiles and motorcycles.
	Marie, Children's House Marie has been with Miniapple since 1993. Marie completed her Montessori training in 2000. She was born and raised in Quebec, Canada. Marie and her husband, Craig, have two daughters, both graduates of the Miniapple program. Their family enjoys traveling, skiing, hiking and canoeing. In addition to teaching in Children's House, Marie teaches our French language program at Miniapple.
	Monica, Children's House Monica was born in Colombia. She joined Miniapple in 2002 and then completed her Montessori training in 2004. Along with being a mother to two children (a Miniapple graduate and a current Miniapple student), she enjoys stamping. In addition to teaching in Children's House, Monica teaches our Spanish language program at Miniapple.
	Prarthana, Children's House Prarthana is originally from India. She completed her Montessori training in 2005 and joined Miniapple in 2006. She enjoys spending time with her family and being a mother two wonderful boys; one is a Miniapple graduate and one is a current Miniapple student.
	Debbie, Toddler House Debbie graduated from St. Olaf College and worked as a classroom teacher in the public schools for 6 years, teaching primarily Middle School Language Arts. She completed her Infant/Toddler Montessori training and joined Miniapple in 2008. In her free time she loves spending time with her husband, Adam, and their three children, two of whom attend Miniapple, and one who graduated from the Miniapple program. She also enjoys reading, photography, spending time with her extended family and traveling.
	Sara, Toddler House Sara has worked at Miniapple since 1996. In addition to her great experience, Sara completed the Infant/Toddler Montessori Course in 2005. Sara enjoys scrapbooking with her co-workers and sewing. Her family likes to go fishing and biking together.
	Mary, Infant House Mary grew up in New Ulm and graduated from the University of MN – Mankato with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a specialty in Early Childhood. Mary enjoys spending time with her two boys (Miniapple graduates) and husband, going to the cabin and biking. She also enjoys sewing and scrapbooking. Mary has been at Miniapple since 1995.