Teachers
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Gwen Lyon
I am very excited to be a part of the TRM passion and energy! I knew from early
on in my teaching career that Montessori was going to be a perfect fit for me
since teaching the “whole child” aligns with my philosophy of education.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at St. Cloud State
University and received my Montessori Certification in 1999. A short time later I
completed my Master’s Degree through the College of St. Catherine’s (Yes, even
before it became St. Catherine University).
Prior to joining the TRM team I worked at an urban public Montessori school.
Most of my 20+ years there were spent in a Children’s House classroom and I am
excited about sharing my experience and knowledge with the Three Rivers
students and families!
My husband, Dillon, and I have three grown children; Caleb, Morgan and Aidan as well as our daughter-in-law, Sam, and first grandbaby on the way (due in
September)!
In my free time I enjoy spending time at our family cabin, working on outdoor
projects, playing games and Sunday night pizza with my family!
Contact:
Teacher
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Meg Hansen
I am overjoyed to be part of the Three Rivers family. I was born and raised in Waukesha, Wisconsin. I have lived in Wisconsin and Minnesota, which means I'm pretty much a pro at this whole "winter" thing. I love being active and all things sports-related! In my free time, you can find me on a walk with my husband Trey and our dogs, Bubba and Bo, at the farmer's market (coffee in hand), or jamming to some Leon Bridges.
I graduated in 2017 from Concordia University, St. Paul where I got my Bachelor of Arts in Child Life Development. While attending CSP, I was captain of the soccer team and served as Student Body President. I also have a passion for renovating classrooms to create beautiful, safe, calming environments for students and teachers.
I have had many wonderful opportunities to grow as an educator throughout my schooling, and have a diverse teaching experience. Through it all, I have always found immense joy from helping children grow and learn! While I have taken on the role as "teacher", I truly see my students as equals and am so grateful for what they continuously teach me.
I am beyond excited for this new adventure at Three Rivers, and I can't wait to meet you and your awesome sweeties!
Contact:
Teacher
Lead Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Hannah Scholten
I love being a Montessori teacher because of all the fun and hands on learning we get to do. Students in my classroom enjoy getting extra time to work with manipulates and explore the world around them. We dive into topics of interest and cultivate natural curiosities. Outdoor activities are a regular occurrence for us and the students have the ability to impact their community is right at their finger tips.
I have a degree in elementary education from the University of Northwestern St. Paul and a Minnesota tier three teaching licence in elementary education. This is my second year as an E2 teacher but my first at TRM. Before TRM I worked in Hutchinson, MN as an E2 teacher with a student population of fifty percent special education needs. My strengths are creating a positive environment, responsive classroom, special education instruction, and environmental education.
Some of my favorite things to do when I am not teaching are going outside for a walk or run with my dog Jack Jack, laying in my hammock and reading a fiction book, rock climbing, or spending time on a project or craft. Some insider secrets about me are that I love fresh picked produce and I've always been fascinated by stars. I look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to TRM.
Together we will create an awesome learning community!
Contact:
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Denise Troe
I grew up helping to take care of my nephews and nieces, they were only 10 years younger than myself. I enjoy seeing the students learn and grow as they develop confidence in their abilities and become lifelong learners.
I received my elementary education degree (Prek-6) at Mankato State University. In 2005, I went to graduate school at St. Cloud State University to receive my Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) and Emotional Behavior Disorders (EBD) licenses. In 2012, I completed an on-line course at Bethel University to receive my teacher/coordinator work-based learning license.
I have worked in a variety of inner-city/suburban/rural school districts and have taught infants to 21 year olds. I have worked with students in recovery and level IV programs. I am looking forward to supporting and working with students, parents, and staff.
I live in Albertville with my husband Jon. I enjoy reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends. I volunteer on a safety team for a free prom for children with disabilities. We adopted two rescue cats in June named Arlo and Eleanore.
Contact:
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Ebony Williams
My name is Ebony Williams. I was born in Mobile, Alabama and I moved to Minnesota when I was 4 years old, I have deep family roots in the South. I grew up in North Minneapolis, I attended Minneapolis Public Schools. I graduated from North High School in 2001.
I’ve always wanted to be an educator. I knew that from a very young age.
I have a love and compassion for helping others and education. I’ve been in the education field for 14 years, I worked with various age groups starting from Preschool to High school.
I got my Bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University in Early Childhood Education. I’m in the process of finishing my Master’s degree in Special Education at Metropolitan State University.
I am a Special Education Teacher here at TRM. This is my first experience at a Montessori school, I look forward to learning all about the Montessori way of teaching and learning. I’m also looking forward to getting to know all the students and families that attend TRM!
I have 3 beautiful children, Z’Nhya, Antoine and Ay’Zjah. I love spending quality time with my family and traveling. Every year we travel to a new country so that my children can see the world and experience different cultures other than their own. But our favorite place to go is Jamaica! We all love the ocean and sun.
Contact:
SUPPORT STAFF
Montessori Curriculum Developer
Montessori Curriculum Developer
Montessori Curriculum Developer
Debbie Hutton
I have a strong passion for the Montessori Method so I could not be happier to join the TRM team. I truly believe in the Montessori approach and the wonderful opportunities that it offers the students.
I have worked for many years as a Montessori teacher and I am thrilled to use my experience and knowledge to help TRM thrive. I also feel grateful that I can be a part of bringing a true Montessori experience to the families within my own community.
I have lived my entire life in Elk River. My husband and I raised our two children here.
I received my Associates of Arts degree from Anoka Ramsey Community College and my Primary Level Montessori Certification from AMI in St. Paul, MN.
When I am not working, I usually can be found at my cabin. I love to relax, swim, and play on the water. In the winter, I am most likely knitting or reading next to the fire.
Contact:
Paraprofessional
Montessori Curriculum Developer
Montessori Curriculum Developer
Kristen Ennis
I am so excited to be part of Three Rivers Montessori! I love the atmosphere and experiences that Montessori learning has to offer.
I have a degree in nursing, along with many years of experience working as a licensed childcare provider. I am excited to share my experiences and knowledge within TRM. I have a passion for working with children, and love watching and helping them grow to their full potential.
I live in Zimmerman, MN with my husband- Mike, three children- Hannah, Jacob, and Zachary, and very spoiled mini goldendoodle- Cooper.
Our family enjoys camping, cheering on the MN Wild, and spending time outdoors. I also enjoy watching my boys do what they love most, play hockey; and always look forward to spending time with my daughter when she comes home to visit from college.
Contact:
Paraprofessional
Montessori Curriculum Developer
Paraprofessional
Jessica Palmer
I am ecstatic to be a part of this growing community at TRM.
I am certifiied as a Personal Care Assistant for special needs children and adults. I have worked with special needs for several years. I began my journey when I was 14 years old volunteering at a summer camp for all ages and fell in love.
I have worked in group homes, independent care childcare, and education. Special Education is a huge passion of mine and I am so glad for the opportunity to work with all the students here at TRM.
I am engaged to my fabulous fiance Nick. We have a son named Preston and 2 dogs (Bella and Oreyo). We reside in Elk River (born and raised in Otsego).
In my spare time I like to bowl, play cards, and spend as much time with my family and friends that I can. I am definitely a sports mom, mainly football and basketball.
Contact:
Paraprofessional
Food Service Attendant and Before / After Care Coordinator
Paraprofessional
Nikki Patterson
I am so excited to join the Three Rivers Montessori team! I love experiencing the Montessori method and the variety of learning materials that go along with it; they really make learning more fun.
I am currently working on my teaching degree with a minor in Special Education to accompany my degree in Psychology and my AA degree.
My husband and I moved to Monticello in 2017 and have enjoyed getting to know the area. We started a family in the spring of 2020 by welcoming our little boy, Brayden, into the world.
We spend a lot of time outdoors as a family. Our favorite memories have been camping on the weekends with our little guy. We can’t wait to make many more memories with him by traveling and exploring as he grows.
Contact:
Paraprofessional
Food Service Attendant and Before / After Care Coordinator
Food Service Attendant and Before / After Care Coordinator
Rondi Reinert
I am happy to be a part of TRM family.
I have worked with children at multiple school districts in the northwestern metro. I have also been a nursing assistant for 25 years working with seniors at an assisted living facility. I have enjoyed working in the Activity programs with the residents.
I live in Elk River, MN with my husband Greg and our two sons Matthew and Andrew.
Our family activities includes year around Hockey, snowmobiling in the winter and boating and camping in the summertime.
In my spare time I enjoy Scrapbooking, crocheting and reading a good book.
Contact:
Food Service Attendant and Before / After Care Coordinator
Food Service Attendant and Before / After Care Coordinator
Food Service Attendant and Before / After Care Coordinator
Jean Stanley
I am thrilled to be a part of the TRM amazing and caring family. I love the Montessori method and the whole child, hands on approach.
I have provided care and a nurturing environment for children since I was a young girl. I raised five great kids and provided daycare for my awesome (now grown up) granddaughters. I am privileged and blessed to also have two grandsons, ages seven and nine living in the northern part of the Idaho panhandle.
I have been, among other things, a roofer for 12 years, a self-employed floor installer and have owned my own store. For the past 13 years I was employed by ISD 728, primarily working in Community Education. Some of the roles I have held include Child Care Provider, Substitute Sight Lead, Enrichment Instructor, Classroom Assistant, Summer Class Teacher, and Paraprofessional.
Accepting a position at TRM in October 2020 marked the start of my 14th year of my career working with children. I feel so blessed to be here at TRM!
I have always believed kids teach me something new every day, and I feel privileged to be part of their learning environment.
Contact:
Classroom Aide
Classroom Aide
Classroom Aide
Gaby Hurtado
Coming Soon
Classroom Aide
Classroom Aide
Classroom Aide
Jan Martyn
Coming Soon
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Interim Executive Director
Interim Executive Director
Interim Executive Director
Rose Bringus
Rose joins Three Rivers Montessori as an experienced Montessori teacher, leader and former Montessori child. She is overjoyed to be a part of Three Rivers Montessori and to bring an authentic Montessori experience to the community.
Following a bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences and specializing in autism therapy at the University of Kansas, she started her career in Montessori as an assistant teacher at the Montessori school she attended as a child in Kansas.
After multiple years of experience working in Children’s House classrooms and elementary classrooms, Rose decided to pursue her own career in Montessori education by attending the AMI elementary course at the Montessori Center of Minnesota. Upon completion of her International Montessori Certificate, she attended St. Catherine University to receive her Master’s in Education.The program was heavily focused on Montessori Education for all ages as well as teacher development and growth. Rose continued to serve as a Montessori educator for children ages 9-12 for three years in Lawrence, Kansas before moving to Minnesota permanently.
Most recently, Rose served as a director for a Twin Cities Montessori school providing care and education for children from birth to six years of age.
Rose lives with her human family and furry family in Big Lake, Minnesota. She loves the Minnesota summers and tolerates the winters! She is a physically active person, always ready for a new adventure.
Contact:
Office Manager
Interim Executive Director
Interim Executive Director
Jen Heuer
Jen joined Three Rivers Montessori on the first day of school 2020 and loves being a part of this fast moving ever growing school. She brings with her a wide variety of experience including working with children, corporate experience and even a culinary baking and pastry education.
Following her education in Early Childhood Development and Elementary Education, she worked as a Lead Preschool Teacher in public childcare settings as well as the Program Director in a before and after school program with school aged children. Most recently, Jen was a Special Education Paraprofessional at St Michael Albertville High School.
Jen’s past experience in a variety of corporate settings have provided her with the strong organizational and multitasking skills that allowed her to successfully step into the role of Office Manager at Three Rivers Montessori. She wears many hats while sitting at the front desk such as covering phones, completing attendance, maintaining lunch accounts, updating student records and even covers any medical occurrences that come up as the school nurse. Her favorite part of each day at TRM is greeting each family at drop off and pick up.
Jen is a born Minnesotan and has never lived anywhere else. She was born and grew up in Plymouth, MN attending Wayzata High School. She currently resides in Rogers, MN with her teenage daughter (Abby), 3 dogs (Cocoa, Trouble & Noodles) 1 cat (Monkey) and parakeet (Jose). She also has a grown son (Tony) who is married (Meg) with 2 sons (Nash 3, Max 1).
In her free time, Jen enjoys gardening, baking, reading, puzzles, hanging out with friends and family as well as playing with her two grandkids.
Contact:
jen.heuer@threeriversmontessori.org