2022 - 2023 Teachers

We are in search of our next great K/1 Montessori teacher!

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.
Contact: shanny.snyder@threeriversmontessori.org

Cassie Zezulka

My name is Cassie, and I could not be more excited to introduce myself as a 2nd-3rd grade

teacher for the new school year! If you are familiar with TRM, you may know me from working at

the front desk the past few months or helping out with the Pathfinders summer program.

I majored in elementary education at Bemidji State University and have always known that I

wanted to work as a teacher. After graduation, I began teaching preschool and did that for 2

years before moving my way up to management in a preschool setting. While I loved working

with that age group, I knew I wanted to work in an elementary school, which is how I found

myself at TRM.

I have loved my job here so far and cannot wait to finally apply what I have learned to a

classroom of my own. While I am new to Montessori education, I’m eager to learn. I’m currently

enrolled in Montessori training and learning more every day!

When I’m not here at work, I spend my time at my apartment in my hometown of Ramsey, MN.

I’m pretty creative and spend a lot of time drawing or coloring to unwind. I love watching reality

TV shows and horror movies. I’m a strong believer in retail therapy and will go shopping almost

whenever possible. I’ve also recently been getting into cooking/ baking and trying out new

recipes.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about me, and I look forward to all the fun we’ll

have this school year!

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! 

Contact:

lori.george@threeriversmontessori.org

Samantha 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.

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:

hannah.scholten@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.

Contact: ali.belford@threeriversmontessori.org