Teachers

Gwen Lyon

I am so 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 educational philosophy. 

Beyond my Bachelor’s degree I have earned a Master’s as well as my Montessori Certification.

In my free time I enjoy spending time at our family cabin, working on outdoor projects, Sunday night pizza with the family and playing with my adorable granddaughter! 

Contact:

gwen.lyon@threeriversmontessori.org

Laura Gaustad

My name is Laura Gaustad. I live in Champlin with my husband and three children. My oldest is ten years old in fourth grade and my twins are seven years old in second grade.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education, an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and a teaching certification in Montessori for early childhood. I have a passion for hands-on learning and meeting the students where they are at in their learning journey.

I have worked in many different charter school environments in both teaching and paraprofessional positions around the metro area before starting at Three Rivers Montessori Charter School. I am excited to get to know and work with you and your students. 

Contact: laura.gaustad@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.
Contact: shanny.snyder@threeriversmontessori.org

Lori George

I am excited to be joining Three Rivers as a Long-Term Substitute! 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

Christopher Olson

My name is Chris Olson and I am very excited and honored to be joining Three Rivers Montessori this school year!  This will be my 9th year as an elementary teacher.  I have had the wonderful opportunity to teach in a number of varied settings including a full time online academy, a charter school that utilized the Classical approach to education and I also served 13 years as a juvenile correctional counselor and probation officer for Anoka County.  The Montessori method has always been an opportunity I was interested in and I am thrilled for the chance to learn and grow this year alongside my students!

I received my teaching license from Augsburg College in 2011 and completed my student teaching at Hoover Elementary in Coon Rapids.  Prior to this, I obtained my BS from the University of Minnesota in Criminology and an AA from North Hennepin Community College in Child Development.  

I grew up in Brooklyn Park and split my school age years between Catholic schools and the Anoka Hennepin School District.  I currently live in St. Louis Park within close distance of my family including my two nephews Jaxon and Zane.  In my free time, I love going to movies, reading non-fiction books, golfing and traveling.  Two of my favorite recent destinations have been New York City and Paris.

My favorite part of teaching is the opportunity to build relationships with students and families and my goal is to be a wonderful role model to children in my class.  I feel that teaching is one of the most important and necessary careers that impacts a community and I aim to inspire all students to find their true love of learning and reach their highest potential in what they love to do as well.  Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to work with you and your students this year!

Contact: chris.olson@threeriversmontessori.org

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

Lesa Peeler

I am very excited to be joining the Three Rivers Montessori team. I am excited to learn about the Montessori method of teaching.

I grew up on a farm in Iowa. I have a Business degree from Iowa State University. 

I worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional for 12 years and realized my passion was working with children. I returned to school and received my Masters in Special Education from Walden University. This is my 5th year of teaching Special Education and I love it!

I live in Clear Lake with my husband, my two kids and two dogs. In my free time I love to be on the water, spending time outside and being with my family and friends.

Contact: lesa.peeler@threeriversmontessori.org

Elly Tran

I am so excited to be part of the Three Rivers Montessori team! I have a passion for working with children and families. I enjoy connecting with children and learning how they behave and communicate while building connections, gaining trust, and recommending services to families.

I graduated from Missouri State University with my Bachelor's of Social Work in 2020 and Master's of Social Work in 2021. 

In my free time, I love to bake/cook and travel.

Contact: elly.tran@threeriversmontessori.org