Anne Estes, Head of School
Anne is thrilled to be part of the Creekside Montessori mission to provide high quality Montessori education that is accessible to all. Anne began life as a Montessori child at Lake Country School and in her 20s reconnected with her Montessori roots. For nearly two decades since then she has furthered her education and experience in Montessori education, serving as a guide to children from the ages of 8 weeks to 7 years old as well as teaching adults at the university level. Anne has a B.A. in English Writing from the University of St. Thomas, both the AMI Primary (3-6) and AMI Assistance to Infancy (birth to 3) diplomas, an M.Ed. from Loyola University Maryland as well as an M.A. in English from the University of St. Thomas, and a Doctorate of Education from Hamline University. She wrote her dissertation on adult-child collaboration in Montessori toddler environments. Anne grew up in South Minneapolis and now lives in Plymouth with her partner and two young children. She enjoys spending time with family, heading up North to the cabin, and experiencing the wonderful arts and culture of the Twin Cities.
Arulai Mathis, Administrative Coordinator
Arulai Mathis was born and raised mostly in rural Pennsylvania, moving to Minnesota recently in June of 2021. She has spent the last 10 years teaching primarily in the preschool age bracket, beginning as an assistant teacher in a small school classroom in northern NY. Her work in education has taken her through various positions, teaching methods, and locations, most recently spending a year in a dual immersion Spanish/English program here in Minneapolis. She enjoys the vibrant diversity of the city, specifically the many cultures and traditions represented and celebrated here. She also enjoys biking, swimming, and generally spending time in and around the lakes, as the weather permits!
Saleha Asim, Administrative Support
Saleha Asim has been working in the Montessori community for the past 25 years. She graduated from the Association Montessori International (AMI) program with a Primary diploma. She worked as a Montessori Guide and Director, plus other roles, for over 17 years before coming to CMS in 2013. Saleha has worked at CMS in a variety of roles, including administrative support and mentoring Montessori teachers. Her hobbies include traveling with her husband and two children along with cooking, painting, and both interior and fashion design. She is proud to be at Creekside Montessori School!
Kimberly Sims, Family Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
Kimberly Sims joined the CMS community in November 2021 as a substitute and support for staff. Kim was a Montessori parent of four sons over the course of 23 years straight, and worked in their Montessori school as a substitute at all levels CH (3-6 years old) through Junior High, and then as a Receptionist, Health Care Liaison, Transportation Coordinator and Administrative Assistant over the course of 13 years. She is a parent of 6 sons (4 biological and 2 bonus sons/step sons), grandmother to 9 (soon to be 10) grandchildren. 5 of her sons were college athletes, 1 served in the Marine Corps. 1 son is currently playing basketball professionally. Kim grew up in South Dakota and was an athlete as well as a cowgirl who competed in rodeos and horse-shows. Her past-times still revolve around sports, (from watching her youngest son in his professional career to grandchildren who are just beginning their sports journeys.)
Laura Fritz, Family Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
Laura Fritz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the AMI Assistants to Infancy (0-3) diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota, and a Masters in Montessori Education from Loyola University Maryland. She truly enjoys changing the world and working for peace through children and the Montessori community. She has served as a mentor, album reader, and school board member; was a Toddler Community Guide for 12 years; and is currently an AMI/USA consultant at the 0-3 level. Laura is excited to return to Creekside in this new role while continuing to lead singing with the children!
Stephanie Melander, Business Manager
Stephanie is incredibly proud to work at Creekside! She is passionate about the school’s mission to serve an economically diverse community and to provide high quality Montessori learning environments that meet the developmental needs of the whole child. This is Stephanie’s seventh year at Creekside, where she has worked directly with children in the Children’s House, and also as a member of the Admin Team. She has a B.S. in Business Administration from St. Catherine University, a Graduate Certificate in Holistic Health Studies from St. Catherine University, the AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota, and a Masters in Education from Loyola University Maryland. She is a proud native Minnesotan, runner, and animal lover. Stephanie lives in St. Paul with her husband and two young children.
Natalie Friesen, Toddler Community Co-Guide
Natalie holds a B.A. in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Theater and Music, an AMI Primary diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota, and a Master’s in Education from St. Catherine’s University. She has her AMI Assistants to Infancy (Birth to Age 3) training and served as lead Toddler Guide for the past two years. Natalie has eleven years of experience working with children in both Montessori and non-Montessori settings and has enjoyed the privilege of working as a Montessori guide at three different schools before finding her home at MECC. Natalie enjoys sharing her love of music, handcrafting, yoga and travel with all of those around her.
Janette Leslie, Toddler Community Co-Guide
Janette earned her AMI Birth to Age 3 Diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota and AMS Ages 3-6 Early Childhood Education Diploma from the St. Catherine Contemporary Montessori Program. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Justice and Peace Studies from the University of St. Thomas and a Master of Education degree from Loyola University Maryland. She has been involved in the Montessori Community for 25 years as a professional educator with experience working as a classroom teacher, parent educator, consultant, mentor and presenter. She has served as school administrator, school board member and a board member of the Minnesota Montessori Network. Janette, her husband, Pete, and daughter, Lili ,live in Richfield. In her spare time she enjoys travel, spending time in nature, gardening, cooking and reading.
Misty Rowan, Toddler Community Assistant
Misty Rowan was born and raised in Minnesota and loves to call Minneapolis her home. She began working at the Lake Country Montessori School in 2016, where she discovered her love of working with children. In 2007, she completed her Montessori Classroom Assistant training. And she started working at Creekside Montessori in the summer of 2020. In 2022, Misty graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's of art, which she hopes to use to pursue teaching as well as volunteering /working with kids and community art projects.
Sarura Yerro, Toddler Community Aide and Before Care Staff
Sarura works in our Toddler Community, as well as supporting Children's House students in the first part of the morning. Sarura was born in Somalia and moved to Kenyan refugee camps when she was 8 years old. Sarura's father, four sisters, and four brothers still live in the Kenyan refugee camps. "A really difficult life," she says. Sarura grew up and got married in Kenya and had five children there. In 2009, she and her husband and their five children immigrated to the United States to start a new life. These children are now ages 12 to 18. She has three younger children who were born in the U.S. and attended CMS (including her youngest now attending). Before joining Mayflower in 2019, Sarura worked in a childcare center for four years plus worked at Macy's department store and as a home care aide. Sarura lives in Minneapolis with her family and they enjoy walking the lakes and going to the library. She enjoys cooking and her favorite dish to make is chapati (a Kenyan unleavened flatbread) with beans and spinach.
Laura Gerhardt, Children's House 1 Guide
I am honored to be joining the Mayflower community. Originally from Wisconsin, I first came to Minnesota to attend St. Olaf College where I received a B.A. in Psychology and Economics. A spark was ignited to become an educator when as an 8th grader, I had an opportunity to teach a lesson in an elementary school. Honoring that memory, I found my way to teaching in 2005 and haven’t looked back. I have a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota, K-6 teaching license, and the AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota. I have served as a Montessori lead guide for the past nine years and am eager to continue my journey at Creekside. I proudly live in the great city of Minneapolis with my husband and our dog Zoe. I love walking around the lakes and exploring all the city has to offer.
Jing Ni, Children's House 1 Assistant
Jing moved to Minnesota a year ago and fell in love with the four distinct seasons. In the spring of 2024, Jing received her AMI Montessori Primary Diploma (3-6) from Montessori Center of Minnesota and is thrilled to work with children. Jing has one year of experience in Toddler Community and Children's House in the Montessori environment. Before that, she spent 8 years working with college students. Jing is a multilingual speaker, she can speak Chinese-Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and English. In her spare time, she enjoys doing yoga and journaling, and she is committed to keeping any environment she is in tidy.
Deja Barber, Children's House 1 Aide & After Care Staff
Deja Barber was born in Minneapolis. She began her journey at MECC in fall of 2015 and later received the AMI assistants training certificate. Deja enjoys time in the gym and most of all loves getting together and spending time with all of her loved ones.
Heidi Quiring, Children's House 2 Guide
I am delighted to join the Creekside community. My Montessori journey began 20 years ago when my children attended Alpharetta International Academy in Georgia. I was so struck by the environment and the unique relationship between the teacher and the children that I have worked in Montessori schools ever since. My three children attended Montessori schools through elementary and I have been fortunate to work at both the primary and elementary levels, as an assistant and classroom paraprofessional. Finally in 2018, I received my primary diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. I have worked as a primary lead guide the past three years. My hobbies include cooking, painting, decorating, redecorating, and playing with my granddaughter.
Christy Love, Children's House 2 Assistant
Christy is so excited to be joining the Creekside community! She has a BA in History and the AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota, graduating in 1995. For the past 25 years she has worked in Montessori schools in various capacities, as lead guide, co-teacher, and assistant, in the Twin Cities and Madison, Wisconsin. Christy and her husband, Rick, live in St. Paul with their dog Radar. They have a 19-year-old son, Forrest, who attends college in Los Angeles, California. In her spare time, Christy loves long walks, reading, gardening, travel, and enjoying the lakes of Minnesota.
Fariya Osman, Children's House 2 Aide and After Care Support Staff
Fariya is from Ethiopia and her first language is Oromo. She moved to the U.S. in 2007 with her father, three sisters and seven brothers. She went to Wellstone High School here in the Twin Cities with Tamira Osman (MECC staff. member). She has four younger siblings who live in Ethiopia. She has previously worked in a childcare with 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds. Fariya has three children; her older daughter is in first grade and younger daughter and son may start at Mayflower in November. Fariya's favorite foods to cook are injera (a fermented Ethiopian flatbread), macaroni, and spaghetti. Her children's favorite restaurant is Chuck E. Cheese.
Sarah Walker, Children's House 3 Guide
Sarah first came to Creekside as a parent. She fell in love with the school, the community and the Montessori method. She has a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Art History from the University of Minnesota and her AMI Primary (Ages 3 to 6) Diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. Sarah enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with her family.
Medora Schou, Children's House 3 Assistant
Medora came to know and love the Creekside community as a parent in 2016. She enjoyed watching her children being guided so respectfully as toddlers and throughout their years in Children’s House. Recently, she took the Primary and Elementary Assistant Courses at Montessori Center Minnesota. She studied Elementary Education in her undergraduate work and then went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education from Hamline. Medora has worked with children in both independent and public school settings for over 15 years. She lives in Minneapolis and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, especially taking walks and bike rides along Minnehaha Creek. She also likes to bake, garden, read, and practice yoga. Medora is happy to rejoin the CMS community as a staff member.
Zara Idris, Children's House 3 Aide & Before Care Staff
Zara was born and raised in Ethiopia. She has 3 adult sons and 2 grandchildren. She has 11 brothers and sisters and too many cousins, uncles, and aunts to count! One of Zara's favorite things is being in any kind of nature, because she grew up on a farm, with a lot of animals. She moved to Minneapolis from Seattle in 2007 and started working for Mayflower in January 2011 until now! Zara loves the work, she loves working with our staff and all the children and their parents!
Gaby Orozco-Delmont, Children's House 4 Guide
Gaby was born and raised in Mexico City. After graduating from The Escuela Mundial de Turismo, she lived abroad, studying English and French in Canada for several years. When she returned to Mexico, she taught English as a second language to elementary students. Her educational work also included teaching Spanish to adult foreign exchange students at the Cemenahuac Language Institute in the city of Cuernavaca, Mexico. She has been living with her husband and two daughters in Minneapolis since 2000. She completed the AMI Primary Course at the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in St. Paul, graduating in 2010. She worked as a Montessori Assistant at Cornerstone Montessori and Little Flowers Montessori before finding a great home at Creekside in 2012. She was an assistant for four years, then became a Guide in 2016.
Tammy Ray, Children's House 4 Assistant
Tammy is a 2022 graduate of the 3-6 Diploma Course at Montessori Center of Minnesota. Though her prior background is not in education, Tammy has worked with many children throughout her life, both as a personal caregiver and in her customer service roles. Most recently she has worked for 14 years at the Minneapolis Institute of Art in the security department, where she has both engaged with and protected children with her vigilant always observing eyes, while developing and sharing knowledge in the art world. Working in early childhood education has been a lifelong dream of hers, and she took recent changes in her job structure as an opportunity to make it a reality. In her personal life Tammy is the eldest of three sisters, and a proud aunt to two nieces, four nephews, two great nieces and a great nephew, with one great nephew on the way. In her personal time she likes to read, ride her bike, cook delicious meals, write songs, and is an endeavoring gardener.
Dewita Nuryana, Children's House 4 Aide
Dewita was born on Sumatra Island, Indonesia. When she was 3 years old her parents moved to Jakarta in Jawa Island of Indonesia. She went to school in Jakarta, Indonesia. She was a full time student in college and graduated in 1991. In 1993, she attended a postgrad program and graduated in 1996. She worked in Indonesia after she graduated through 2005 at a private company in Indonesian government. On September 2005 she came to visit Canada and USA for vacation and really enjoyed seeing different things, especially the seasons. Indonesia only has two seasons: summer and rain because her country is on the equator line. In 2006, Dewita moved to the United States of America. In 2015 she started working at Montessori schools and has continued doing so up to the present. She took the CH Assistant Training in 2016 at the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. She has worked with different ages of children at different times of the year. Before care as well as extended day for elementary and junior high children, CH classroom an assistant, CH summer program, toddler summer program, subbing in different classrooms and as school support.
Nikki Barber, Aide
Nikki started working in childcare, mostly with infants and toddlers, in 1997. She began working in health care in 2009, caring for those who are unable to fully care for themselves. She enjoys working with children because she grew up in a large family full of love. She has five children and six grandchildren. Nikki enjoys music, dancing, making jewelry, doing hair, drawing, art, and home design. “Family is my life,” she says.
Gina Hoffman, Children's House 3 Aide and After Care Lead Guide
Gina was born and raised in St. Paul, where she currently lives. Montessori has been a part of her life since she was nearly 5 years old as she was a Montessori student all through grade school. She graduated with her B.S. from St. Catherine University in 2014 and began working in a Montessori environment as an assistant that fall. She received her Montessori Assistants certificate in 2016 and graduated with her Montessori Primary (ages 3 to 6) lead teacher diploma this past May. She enjoys reading, shopping, hanging out with friends and going to concerts.
Mingus Robson, Mid-Day Recess Support Staff
Mingus was born in Minneapolis MN, and has lived here all his life. Mingus enjoys helping and working with people. He worked as a Customer Service member at Lunds and Byerlys grocery store and as a PCA and Resident Assistant in various homes for people with disabilities. In 2015, Mingus earned his AA degree in Liberal Arts from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. This is Mingus’ third year working at MECC and second year working as an Assistant in the After Care program. Mingus completed several Montessori workshops, and loves to connect with children and watch them grow. Mingus looks forward to working with the Mayflower children and parents to help support and guide them using the Montessori techniques.
Sundus Dahir, Aide
Biography and photo coming soon.
Chyanne Barber, Hallway Aide and Nap Support
Biography and photo coming soon.