Teachers

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Trish Gingras

 You may recognize Trish as she first joined our community as an Educational Assistant in the 2021-2022 school year. Trish is a Michigan native; she has a double major in political science and communications with years of experience in Montessori education.  Trish has demonstrated a deep understanding and commitment to the Montessori method and educational practices during her time at TRM. She has proven that she values and respects the uniqueness of each child, is a keen observer who is knowledgeable about developmentally-appropriate behavior and practices and is aware of the children's individual needs and interests.   

trish.gingras@threeriversmontessori.org

Shanny Snyder

I am so excited to be joining the TRM family! I discovered the Montessori method during my first year in college, and immediately knew it was for me. 

I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies, AMI Montessori Certification, and a tier 3 MN teaching license from birth to 3rd grade. Before coming to TRM, I worked at a Montessori public charter in the area, as a Lead Children’s House Teacher. 

I live in Elk River with my husband, Steve, and three children, Jacob, Ethan, and Hannah. We have two German shorthair pointers, two beta fish, and a bearded dragon! My family takes up most of my free time, but I also enjoy painting, throwing pottery, camping, and playing games. I am also a painting instructor in Coon Rapids.

This year my family and I took a long vacation at our family property in Wisconsin where we fished, went fossil hunting, explored nature trails, went cherry picking, and even fed giraffes and pelicans at the zoo!

It is my goal this year to instill a passion for learning so that students will develop a life-long love to learn! I can’t wait to spend the next year getting to know you, learning, and growing with you! I am looking forward to an amazing year together.

shanny.snyder@threeriversmontessori.org

Cassie Zezulka

Cassie Zezulka is the Cedar room's E1 teacher. She majored in Elementary Education at Bemidji State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, received her K-6 Elementary Education License, and is actively pursuing her Montessori Certification in K-6 Elementary Education. In addition, she has invested in the preschool setting as a teacher and administrator before joining Three Rivers Montessori. 

Cassie has known she would become a teacher since 1st grade when she would daydream about her future classroom. She enjoyed so many aspects of her school experiences and has a desire to help each child find their connection and witness each student's pride as they progress into mastery of a lesson.  

She is unwinding with movies, shopping, and coloring when she is not teaching. In addition, she is pursuing her mastery of cooking and baking in between taking trips up north. 

cassie.zezulka@threeriversmontessori.org

Lori George

I am excited to be joining Three Rivers as an E1 Teacher! Working with children in a variety of settings has been a passion of mine for over 20 years. I’ve had the pleasure of working in Montessori classrooms for the last 6 years as both an Assistant Teacher and Lead Teacher. I love all that Montessori encompasses. I believe that students are encouraged to be life-long, curious, and well-rounded learners through all that Montessori offers. 

When I am not working in schools I spend my time coaching high school softball and also run my own pitching instruction business. I live in a nearby community with my husband and 2 boys ages 8 and 13. We enjoy being active and spending time with family and friends. In my spare time I bake, work on my house, and watch as much college softball and hockey as possible. Go Gophers! 

lori.george@threeriversmontessori.org

Sam Siemsen

I am Sam Siemsen. I live in Anoka with my husband and daughter.  In our down time we love to get ice cream and go for walks by Rum River.

I have a bachelor's degree in Youth Development, and am finishing my master's degree in Teaching.  I have worked previously as a 4th grade teacher at a Kindergarten-12th grade school in South Minneapolis.

I am passionate about holistic learning, supporting students in developing into physically and emotionally healthy adults, as well as supporting them in their academics. I have also witnessed the joy that students have and how well they learn when given opportunities to do hands-on work. I am looking forward to the opportunity to lean into holistic, hands-on learning with students and developing my Montessori teaching skills.

sam.siemsen@threeriversmontessori.org

Rose Bleymeyer

We are honored to have Rose Bleymeyer rejoining TRM as our new E2 teacher. Rose brings Three Rivers Montessori her years of experience as a Montessori teacher, leader, and former Montessori child. She has a bachelor's degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences specializing in autism therapy from the University of Kansas.  She was certified as an AMI elementary teacher through the Montessori Center of Minnesota and held a Master’s in Education from St. Catherine University. Rose is overjoyed to participate in the Three Rivers Montessori community as an educator.  She looks forward to bringing her years of Montessori experience to the E2 classroom. Rose’s knowledge and experience will allow our students to receive a truly authentic Montessori education. She will be a guide who ensures that students become confident and productive members of society wherever their path leads them.

rose.bleymeyer@threeriversmontessori.org

Alison Belford

I am excited to be part of Three Rivers Montessori Charter School.  My education started in the early years of my life, attending a montessori school from preschool through fourth grade.  I loved working with the materials, and learning through hands-on experiences.  I am excited to be on the teaching side of montessori.

I graduated from Augsburg College with my elementary education degree.  I taught preschool through third grade in many types of schools (private, public, and charter).  I went back to school to get my license in special education from St. Cloud State University where I received my Autism Spectrum Disorder certification. I have taught in various levels of special education the last five years.

I have two teenage boys who keep me very active.  We spend a lot of time playing board games, watching movies, and just started cooking together.  In my free time, I love to work in my vegetable garden, hike trails, and do stuff with my family and friends.

ali.belford@threeriversmontessori.org

Jan Creed

Jan is the previous Owner/Director of Heritage Montessori School in Big Lake, MN.  She is a certified Montessori teacher with a master's and Ph.D. in Education.  Jan brings her knowledge and years of experience into the role of Educational Assistant.   

jan.creed@threeriversmontessori.org

Laura Duce

Laura has served TRM in various roles, most recently as a Special Education paraprofessional. Laura has a passion for supporting our youngest learners and is thrilled to be joing our K/1 setting. 

laura.duce@threeriversmontessori.org

Nikki Patterson

Nikki enjoys experiencing the Montessori method and the variety of learning materials that go along with it. She feels that they really make learning more fun.

Nikki is currently working on her teaching degree with a minor in Special Education to accompany her degree in Psychology and AA degree.

Nikki and her husband moved to Monticello in 2017 and have enjoyed getting to know the area with their little boy, Brayden. They spend a lot of time outdoors as a family. 

Nikki's favorite memories have been made camping on the weekends and she can’t wait to make many more memories with traveling and exploring.

nikki.patterson@threeriversmontessori.org

Rebecca Lehn

My name is Rebecca, but I will respond to almost everything except Becky. Some fun facts about me; I'm a Hufflepuff dog mom of 3, I am married to my high-school sweetheart Nathan and we just bought our first house in Big Lake.

I'm a summer to heart, I love being outdoors in the warm weather, and being in or around water. Duluth is one of my most favorite cities. I love how I can spend hours just walking and hiking around the many footpaths that Duluth offers. My favorite holiday is any holiday spent with my family and friends.

rebecca.lehn@threeriversmontessori.org

Angel Adam

Hello, my name is Angel, and I am very excited to be part of the Three River Montessori team. I am thrilled to learn more about the Montessori method and the way kids learn and develop from it.

I have worked with children in the Elk River School District for the past few years and finally decided to switch to the Montessori School. 

I live in Elk River with my husband Dustin and my 4 kids, three of my kids attend Three Rivers and my 7th grader is at Spectrum.

In our spare time we are either at the Hockey rink where I coach my daughter's hockey team or, in the summertime, we are at the soccer fields trying to get to 4 different practices. I also love being outdoors, swimming, fishing or just hanging out with the kids.

angel.adam@threeriversmontessori.org

Kristen Ennis

Kristen loves being part of the atmosphere and experiences that Montessori learning has to offer.

She has a degree in nursing, along with many years of experience working as a licensed childcare provider. She has a passion for working with children, and loves watching and helping them grow to their full potential.

Kristen lives in Zimmerman with her husband, three children, and their mini golden doodle - Cooper.

She enjoys watching their two boys play their favorite sport- hockey, and spending time with her daughter when she comes home to visit from college.

kristen.ennis@threeriversmontessori.org

Sami Maske

Sami has worked with children off and on throughout the years and feels like she has found her calling within this community.  She is super excited to be apart of the kids lives and watch them grow!

Her family is made up of her 19 month old  daughter named Scarlett, her wonderful husband, and two cats named Oscar and Felix. They enjoy playing outside and playing games as a family.

samantha.maske@threeriversmontessori.org

Aubrey Henrickson

Aubrey graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with a Bachelors degree in science. She is currently enrolled in a Masters program. 

Aubrey is motivated by the desire to help young children grow and she is honored to be a part of their learning experience.

Aubrey has always aspired to be in a field where she could serve and from the age of 5 wanted to be a nurse or a teacher. 

aubrey.henrickson@threeriversmontessori.org

Rachel Wenz

I’m so excited to be joining the Three Rivers Montessori team! The staff and environment are very welcoming, and I can't wait to learn more about the Montessori method! 

My passion for this field started in 2013 working as a Special Education Para. I've worked with several different age groups and nothing makes me happier than seeing them progress and succeed to their full potential. 

I currently live near Becker with my husband and 8 year old son. We love being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family as much as possible.

rachel.wenz@threeriversmontessori.org

Jessica Woodcock

Jessica, who is brilliant and known for her quirky humor, lives in Elk River, MN. She has 10 years of successful IT systems implementation and training experience with Graco. Jessica is passionate about change management, process improvement, training, and troubleshooting.

Jessica’s personality, bright outlook, and creative nature make her a great fit for our team. When not busy at TRM, you will find Jessica spending time with her family, at the gym (getting pumped up!), or sweating at hot yoga 

jessica.woodcock@threeriversmontessori.org

Zack Maske

Zack comes to TRM with many life experiences such as working in the food and service industries, as tech support, and as a child care worker in a daycare. Zack values the relationships he is able to build through these experiences.

Zack is excited to join TRM as he finds that the traditional school, setting wasn't right for him. He believes the Montessori method can help him to make a difference with each student and provide a level of support he believes was missing for him in school.

zack.maske@threeriversmontessori.org

Callie Olson

Callie obtained her Bachelors degree in Psychology from Bethel University. She has received certifications in The Franklin Covey 7 Habits for de-escalation. She has also worked at Mercy hospital helping individuals find coping strategies to address mental health concerns.

Callie is currently pursuing her Master's degree in crisis/trauma counseling and school counseling. She works to see a positive change in people who are struggling or just need an extra layer of support.

Callie is dedicated to each and every student and works to make the best of each situation while offering the tools students need to be successful.

callie.olson@threeriversmontessori.org

Connie Wrightsman

Connie comes to us with a wealth of experience in office management, including the management of a large boarding school school setting, legal offices, and most recently managing a family crisis center. Connie's focus on building systems and processes, ensuring connection and community are present within her role, and her collaborative approach to all she does are just some of the reasons the hiring committee selected Connie. 

connie.wrightsman@threeriversmontessori.org

Debbie Hutton

Debbie has worked for many years as a Montessori teacher and is thrilled to use her experience and knowledge to help TRM thrive.  She also feels grateful that she can be a part of bringing a true Montessori experience to the families within her own community.
Debbie lives in Elk River with her husband where they raised their two grown children.   
She received her Associates of Arts degree from Anoka Ramsey Community College and her Primary Level Montessori Certification from AMI in St. Paul, MN. 
When she is not working, Debbie usually can be found at her cabin.  She loves to relax, swim, and play on the water.  In the winter, She is most likely knitting or reading next to the fire.  

debbie.hutton@threeriversmontessori.org

Emily Rossmeisl

Emily is a recent graduate of Elk River Highschool.  She is returning to TRM as our Pathfinders Coordinator and also supporting the kitchen and Special Education department. 

Emily has a passion for helping students learn and grow and find fulfilment in her unique and various roles at TRM.

emily.rossmeisl@threeriversmontessori.org

Katie Horner

Katie comes to TRM with experience managing an electrical company. She is able to coordinate our food service program and ensure each student has a hot and healthy option to keep them going each day.

Katie enjoys seeing the students as they come through the lunch line and works to connect with them as she provides her role of service. Katie also helps to support our Special Education programming throughout each day as well.

katie.horner@threeriversmontessori.org

Rebecca Tripp

Rebecca earned her Bachelors degrees in Human Development and Family Science and social work. She is a licensed social worker in the state of Minnesota and is additionally licensed by the Minnesota Department of Education to provide school services. 

Rebecca has experience working in a Montessori childcare center and providing case management and intervention services to families.

Rebecca loves working in a position where she can connect children and families with the resources they need to succeed. She is diligent and adaptable in meeting each need with empathy, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

rebecca.tripp@threeriversmontessori.org