Let me introduce you...
This year, we welcome 59 returning staff to Oak Farm Montessori, with 11 staff concluding their tenure this past spring. We wish all of these educators the very best in their next endeavors. They have each invested in our students and made valuable contributions to our school; we thank each of them for their years of supporting the Oak Farm Montessori mission. This year, we welcome several new faculty to our community including a new Dual Language Teacher, two new High School Teachers, a lead Toddler Teacher, Chef, Theatre Teacher, Spanish Teacher, Primary Teacher and support staff. We also see three faculty moving into new roles within OFMS; Jon Agler has moved from the middle school to the high school, Bayley Siewek joins the Toddler 1 classroom and Katie Lautzenhiser adds High School Science to her current Elementary teaching! High School Amy Norton has been a teacher for 25 years, holds an Early Childhood Montessori certification and Master’s degree in Language & Educational Computing. Michael Tyler comes to us with a BFA in Design and Illustration as well as five years teaching at Peace Montessori & running his own graphic design company for the last nine years. Elementary Kirsten Nold has lived and worked in Spain, holds a Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education and has been teaching in Chicago for six years. Victorian House Melissa Kalkirtz comes to us with 13 years of Early Childhood experience, I/T and Primary Montessori certification and joins Elizabeth in Primary 3. Sarah Bosworth has three years of of Exceptional Needs Education experience and takes on the lead Toddler 2 Teacher position this year. Laura Zollman has been a familiar face at OFMS for the last two years as a volunteer and guest teacher. She joins the Toddler team as an Assistant Teacher. Melissa Witt is an OFMS parent and moves from guest teacher to Vic House Support Teacher. Chef Noah Starr returns to the kitchen this year and is excited to bring his love of food back to the OFMS community. Theatre Kavin Ley brings seven years of experience with him as our new Theatre Teacher for the Elementary and Secondary program as well as teaching at the Middle School. Spanish Lisa Yde has taught Spanish for 19 years and will introduce Infants, Toddlers and Primary students to her love of Spanish. So, flip the pages to learn more about our new staff and join me in welcoming them to Oak Farm Montessori as we begin our 22nd year of providing a world class Montessori education for families in Northeast Indiana.
Candice
e m o c l We Amy Norton
High School English/ Humanities Teacher
ABOUT ME
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• I met my husband, Troy, while in college at Indiana University.
Graduate of Indiana University with a bachelor’s and Master’s degree in language education and educational computing.
• I love to read historical fiction, narrative nonfiction, and memoir • Our daughter is heading to college this fall. Our other ‘child’, Dolly, is a 10 year old yellow Lab. • I love spending time with my family. We love to play games, travel and listen to music together. • I am involved in the National Writing Project. • If I could not be a teacher, I would own a yoga studio!
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I am so excited to be a part of
a Montessori High School! My Montessori experience as a parent and educator is with younger learners. I am looking forward to the adolescent training and implementing that work with older learners. ”
Certified Teacher Trainer in Literacy Collaboration. Teacher for 25 years, Project Based Learning and Early Childhood Montessori Certification
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ As a teacher, the absolute best moment
for me is when a child finds true meaning in their work. At Oak Farm, this focus on meaningful work excites me. I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of that work and to see these students finding a way to connect their talents and interests to the broader community. It is an amazing gift to be a part of a child’s growth—one I feel so blessed to be able to witness as an educator. ”
HOBBIES
Concerts
Family
Reading
Gardening
e l o R w e N Jon Agler
Secondary Administrator and Program Business Director
ABOUT ME • I am a happy husband to my wife Krista and proud father of two; our daughter, Eden and our son, Noah.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Certification for adolescent studies. Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics and Overhaul from Barnett’s Bicycle Institute
• We’ve been a part of the Oak Farm Community since 2017.
Bachelor of Education from Cedarville University
• I love staying active with cycling, swimming, soccer, camping and woodworking. I also love podcasts, music and reading.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
• If I couldn’t be a teacher, I would be a stay at home dad!
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I am excited to help continue in
the development of the high school program. ”
“ OFMS is committed to giving wholistic
and unwavering approach to educating our students using Montessori philosophy. I admire this approach and will work to help continue this work at the High School. ”
HOBBIES
Podcasts
Sports
Woodworking
Cycling
e l o R New
Katie Lautzenhiser Elementary & High School Science Teacher
ABOUT ME
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• My husband Barry and I have three children who have all attended OFMS.
Graduate of University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) with a B.S. in biology and a minor in chemistry.
• I was born in southern California, but grew up in Carson City, Nevada.
Teaching credential in secondary science.
• We moved to Indiana eight years ago so my husband could farm on his family land and my children could attend an amazing Montessori school. We travel back West each summer to visit family.
8th grade Science Teacher at the middle school level for six years.
• If I could not be a teacher, I would be a physical therapist because then I could still work with and help people.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I am most excited about seeing my
students’ excitement and creativity as they discover new things and pose their own questions. ”
Master’s Work in Ecological Toxicology.
Physical Science Lab Teacher for Upper Elementary at OFMS for the last five years.
“ I want to help OFMS fulfill their mission
because I believe it is so important to engage students in their learning by providing meaningful and hands on experiences. ”
HOBBIES
Nature
Family
Horseback Riding
Reading
e m o c l We Michael Tylere
Creative Media Teacher
ABOUT ME
• My wife and I have a daughter named Quinn who will be starting in Upper this year! • I love to be able to make people laugh, to help them share their burdens, be that as a quick laugh or an extra pair of hands to help move or just being someone who will just listen.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Graduate of Maryland Institute College of Arts (MICA) with a BFA focusing on design and illustration. Teacher at Peace Montessori School for five years. Independent Graphic Designer for nine years.
• If I could not be a teacher, I believe I’d find some way to continue to serve my community.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
• I enjoy being a nerd and playing D&D, comic books, hiking with my family, trips to the museum, getting decimated by my daughter in most games and making sure to appreciate as much as I can.
someone who helps, I can not think of a better place to be than here at OFMS and being a contributing member who strives to help fulfill its mission everyday! ”
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I am most excited to see what the
students will dream up and how I will be able to guide them into bringing their creative endeavors to life! ”
“ It has been a life long passion of mine to be
HOBBIES
Board Games
Helping others
Comic Books
Hiking
e m o c l We Kirsten Nolde
Dual Language Teacher
ABOUT ME • I enjoy the charm of small towns and close-knit communities, but also love big cities! • One of my favorite roles in life is being an aunt to my 3-year-old nephew. • I love traveling and exploring new places. • If I couldn’t be a teacher, I would be a social worker. I love supporting children through regulating and understanding their emotions and challenging moments in life.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“
I am most excited to begin connecting with the students! Being with children is my favorite part of teaching, and I am eager to experience the unique opportunities Montessori education provides for teachers and students to connect. ”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Graduate of University of Illinois Masters from National Louis University in Bilingual Education English Teacher Madrid, Spain Bilingual First Grade Teacher Scott School in Melrose Park, Illinois
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“
I feel that Oak Farm’s mission and approach aligns well to my philosophy as a teacher. I feel so inspired by the respectful, compassionate, and student-centered environment at OFMS, and I greatly admire the holistic perspective of education and of children that is so evident at Oak Farm Montessori School.”
HOBBIES
Travel
Podcasts
Yoga
Cooking
e m o c l We
Melissa Kalkirtze Primary 3 Teacher
ABOUT ME • I am married with two step sons and one daughter. • My husband and I enjoy motorcycle riding and going out to dinner together at new locations. • I enjoy learning from fellow teachers and children each day. • If I couldn’t be a teacher, I would be a a Sheriffs Deputy, Police Officer, Bounty Hunter, Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter, 911 Dispatcher, or work in Crime Scene Clean up!
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“
I am excited to work with so many fellow teachers who share the same Montessori philosophy. I am excited to be a part of the Oak Farm Montessori team and cannot wait until August of this year.”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Student at Ivy Tech Community College Infant/Toddler & Primary Montessori Certificates from Seton Montessori Early Childhood Professional for 13 years
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“
I want to be a part of OFMS because I believe in the Montessori philosophy to the point that I model it at home as much as I do when working with students. Children are the future, and I feel that I can help Oak Farm to educate young people to their fullest potential; children need to be allowed to explore their own interests. ”
HOBBIES
Motorcycles
Running
Reading
Music
e m o c l e W
Sarah Bosworth Toddler 2 Teacher
ABOUT ME
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• My wonderful family consists of my mom and dad, sister and brother-in-law, and my two cats.
Graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Exceptional Needs Education.
• I love music! I was in choir all four years of high school and enjoy Broadway musicals in New York City.
Applied Skills Teacher for East Noble School Corporation for three years.
• Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw and Defying Gravity from Wicked are two of my favorite songs because of the messages they share. • If I could not be a teacher, I would probably be a librarian or run a horse ranch that serves people with special needs and traumatic pasts. I would probably do both!
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I am SO excited to finally receive my Montessori training and certification! I am simply thrilled just to be back in a Montessori environment where I can teach the whole child. ”
Assistant aftercare teacher/summer camp teacher, and substitute teacher at The Montessori Academy Edison Lakes.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ I believe education is not just about getting a
good test score. A good education is teaching a child that learning never ends and instilling within them an unquenchable curiosity about the world and communities we live in. A good education is also teaching a child to be a good person, no matter the circumstances they face. If children adopt these qualities, they will go far in life. I want to help them do just that. ”
HOBBIES
Gardening
Family
Music
Reading
e l o R New y y Bayley Seiwek Toddler 1 Teacher
ABOUT ME
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• My partner and I have a sweet one year old son, Hudson, who will be beginning his second year at OFMS.
Assistant at Oak Farm Montessori for the last six years. I have filled many roles and am excited for this next experience.
• Our family also includes: one dog, one cat, and 12 fish! • My mom also works at Oak Farm, my brother is an 8th grade graduate and my youngest brother is a current 8th grader. • I was an OFMS student in Middle School. • If I were not a teacher, I would be an interior decorator, or a blogger.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I am VERY excited to work
together with my friend Nefy, and welcome 12 sweet toddlers into the classroom in a few short weeks. ”
Early Childhood Assistant at a local daycare through a business co-op program.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ I believe every child has the capability
to learn in their own way and change the world, I’m here to help facilitate each child in finding their how so they can do anything and everything they set their mind too. ”
HOBBIES
Gardening
Family
Walks
Pets
e m o c l e W
Laura Zollman Toddler 2 Assistant Teacher
ABOUT ME
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• I am a mother to four beautiful children who all attend OFMS and am married to my best friend, Sam.
Bachelors in Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana.
• We’ve been a part of the Oak Farm Community since 2014. • Family, helping others to see and achieve their potential and working on my own self care and health fills my cup. • If I couldn’t be a teacher, I would be a Homeopathic Practitioner.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I’m excited to work at the toddler level, where we are laying the foundation of Montessori education. Montessori is beautiful at this level. ”
Guest Teacher at Oak Farm Montessori for the last two years.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ My family has benefited greatly from being
part of the Oak Farm community. My children are well rounded and confident in being who they are. As a parent, I feel safe in sending them to school everyday with teachers who uplift them. I am happy to join that community of teachers. ”
HOBBIES
Scrapbooking
Family
Singing
Homeopathics
e m o c l We Melissa Witte
Vic House Support
ABOUT ME
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• My husband, Chris, and I have two children who both attend Oak Farm Montessori.
Student at Purdue University Northwest for several years to work towards a Bachelors in Elementary Education.
• Time in nature fills my cup. I also enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with a friend.
Guest Teacher at Oak Farm Montessori
• I enjoy learning from fellow teachers and children each day. • I’ve known all my life I wanted to work with kids. If I couldn’t be a teacher, I’d probably be a stay at home mom or go back to coaching gymnastics.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“
I’m most excited about the opportunity to learn from my co-workers and grow in my knowledge of Montessori principles.”
Coached gymnastics for 11 years in Northwest Indiana so gymnastics will always hold a special place in my heart.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“
I am passionate about Oak Farm Montessori’s mission because I can see the impact it has had for my own children. It’s a beautiful thing to watch children get the tools they need to thrive. I’m excited to join the team and offer my support and skills. ”
HOBBIES
Gymnastics
Hiking
Yoga
Nature
e m o c l e W Noah Starr School Chef
ABOUT ME
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• My wife Rachel and I have one daughter, Hazel (who will be at the MS this year), and two sweet dogs.
Chef at Oak Farm Montessori for three years. I took a hiatus during the pandemic, but I am excited to be back!
• We’ve been a part of the Oak Farm Montessori community since 2015. • I was born and raised in Chicago, but relocated to Fort Wayne in 2012 for my wife’s job. • My dream job would be to be a restauranteur.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I’m excited to bring my food culture back to Oak Farm. ”
Volunteer at OFMS for two years and fell in love with the people and atmosphere.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ My wife and I were drawn to the Montessori philosophy even before we had any children, and our daughter has thrived at Oak Farm. I love getting to be a part of the team that makes it all happen.. ”
HOBBIES
Gardening
Family
Walking my dog
Cooking
e m o c l e W Kavin Ley
Middle School & Theatre Teacher ABOUT ME
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• My wife Betsy and I have two sons: Asher (our angel baby) and Bryn (our almost 3 year old who will be joining Oak Farm this year!)
Graduate of IPFW with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2014.
• I am very much a people person, so let’s get to be friends! I’m an open book, so feel free to ask me anything!
Music Teacher for North and South Side Elementary in Kendallville for five years.
• Not to brag, but I’ve won three Harry Potter trivia contests. • I think I might work in HR if I wasn’t a teacher. I love working with people and being a problem solver.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I am very excited to get to know the
people! Everyone that I’ve met at Oak Farm so far have been wonderful, so I’m eager to get to know everyone else too! ”
Performing Arts Teacher for East Noble School Corporation for four years.
Mariachi Music Teacher in Chicago for a year before returning home to teach music and theatre at East Noble.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ I believe that teaching children through
meaningful work is paramount to student development. I hope to help guide students toward becoming lifelong learners. ”
HOBBIES
Board Games
Family
Video Games
Music
e m o c l e W Lisa Yde
Infant/Toddler & Primary Spanish/Music Assistant
ABOUT ME • My husband and I have three grown children, two sons and a daughter. • I am originally from Fort Wayne and the youngest of eight! • If I could not be a teacher, I would be a private chef. • My love of Spanish has carried over to my children; my daughter studied in Spain and my sons also use languages in their fields of study.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I love the idea of sparking students’
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Spanish Teacher at Homestead High School for 19 years. Project Based Learning trained. Traveled with students abroad to three different Spanish-speaking countries (Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Ecuador).
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ I am excited to learn more about the
Montessori system and to work with children in a completely different environment. I hope to share not only the gift of language, but also the love of different cultures with the students of Oak Farm.”
HOBBIES
interest in language learning and encouraging them to go with it. ”
Cooking
Family
Travel
Reading