Letmeintroduceyou...
As we begin this year, we're delighted to welcome back our returning faculty members and want to express our heartfelt thanks to those who completed their journey with us this past year. Saying goodbye is always bittersweet, but we remain deeply grateful for the dedication they showed our community and the impact they left on our students and school.
We're excited to welcome several new faculty members to Oak Farm Montessori this year! Each one brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to our community, and we can't wait to see the great things this year has in store.
Carli Sheets - JoiningToddler 1 with Sarah B.
Taylor Miller - Joining Primary 2 with Noah
Paige Hodge - Joining Upper Elementary 1 withAmber
Fransys Quintero - Joining Upper Elementary 4 with Linda
Sophie Edwards - Joining the Middle School team, teaching Science
Joel Brauchla - Joining the High School team, teaching Math
Skylar Campbell - Joining as the SecondaryAgriculture Coordinator
Shauntel Brooks - Joining as a bus driver
Zoë Lien - Moving to Lower Elementary 2 with Debbie
Ines Oldenburg - Moving to Upper Elementary 3 with Chad
Oakleigh Butler -Taking on the new role of Director of College, Career, and Business Programs
Sandra Deacon -Taking on the new role of Social & Emotional Learning Coach
Jordan Fiedler - Stepping into the role of Director of Strategic Partnerships
Kim Davidson - Stepping into the role of Events Coordinator
Kavin Ley - Stepping into the role of Communications Director
Please join me in extending a warm welcome to each of them as we embark on this year of serving Northeast Indiana families with a world-class Montessori education, grounded in purpose, passion, and community
Here’s to a great school year!
CandiceHolbrook
Welcome
ABOUT ME
CARLI SHEETS
Toddler Teacher
I am married to my husband Matt and I am a mom to two children. Their names are Stella and Cole. I have a dog named Gordie Howe and I have a cat named Paisley. I love Diet Coke, planting flowers, watching my son play hockey and spending time with my daughter who does competition dance.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CNA certification through Quality Care 2007. Awarded best Tech at Parkview Cancer institute. Graduated cosmetology school at Rueda's School of Beauty Culture in 2011. Worked at Peace Montessori Forest School in the toddler environment for the last 8 years.
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT? THE JOURNEY AHEAD
I hope to gain a deeper understanding of Montessori principles. I want to learn new ways to foster independence and encourage childcentered learning. I also want to keep learning from the children themselves, since they show us so much when we take the time to observe them. I care about meeting the emotional needs of my students and respecting them as individuals. I want our classroom to be a place where we take care of one another with compassion and respect, and where every child feels supported and free to grow at their own pace.
I look forward to getting to know each child, their family, and the broader Oak Farm community. With a deep understanding of the toddler age and a strong commitment to Montessori principles, I'm excited to bring that dedication to this classroom.
HOBBIES
Welcome
ABOUT ME
TAYLOR MILLER
Primary Teacher
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
I live in Fort Wayne with my fiancé and our two daughters, Koa and Ahri. Spending time with my family fills my cup. Fun fact: before joining Oak Farm, I worked alongside Noah and Zoë at Martin Luther King Montessori.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
I hope to grow as an educator and deepen my understanding of Montessori principles. I want to keep learning every day, from my colleagues and from the children themselves. I want to find new ways to support each child's independence and curiosity. I also hope to build strong relationships with families, since I believe that partnership makes such a difference for kids. Every day is a chance to learn something new and I am looking forward to growing right along with my students.
My background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Western Governors University, an Associate's Degree in Elementary Education from Ivy Tech, four years of early childhood teaching experience including Montessori, and Kindergarten teaching experience at Lakeland Primary School.
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT?
I am excited to meet the OFMS staff and students. I can't wait to get to know everyone and become part of the community. I know there is so much I will learn from being here and I am looking forward to every part of it.
HOBBIES
Welcome
ABOUT ME
PAIGE HODGE
Upper Elementary Teacher
I grew up all over northeast Indiana, but graduated from East Noble High School. Today, I live in Angola with my husband and our daughter, Finley, who is one of my greatest joys. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family, creating memories together, and finding opportunities to explore new places and experiences.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
As I begin my journey at Oak Farm Montessori, I hope to grow both personally and professionally. I am excited to deepen my understanding of Montessori education and learn new ways to foster independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning in my students. I look forward to being challenged, inspired, and surrounded by educators committed to continuous growth and collaboration. I also hope to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues while becoming an active member of the Oak Farm community. Most importantly, I hope to become the best educator I can be one who creates a nurturing, engaging environment where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. I want my time at Oak Farm to shape the educator I become and strengthen my ability to make a lasting, positive impact on the children and families I serve.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
B.S. Elementary Education (Trine, 2015); pursuing B.S. Business Administration/ Accounting (WGU, 2026). Licensed in Indiana and Michigan. 12 years teaching second and third grade, plus reading intervention, with leadership roles in curriculum development.
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT?
What excites me most about my journey with OFMS is becoming part of a community that values relationships, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Throughout my career, I've discovered that what fills my cup isn't simply teaching, it's building meaningful connections, helping others grow, and creating environments where every child feels known, valued, and inspired to learn. I'm excited to learn alongside my colleagues, embrace the Montessori philosophy, and continue growing as an educator, while contributing my own experiences and learning new ways to foster independence, creativity, and a love of learning in my students. Beyond the classroom, I'm looking forward to building lasting relationships with students, families, and colleagues while creating a positive, welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
HOBBIES
Welcome
ABOUT ME
FRANSYS QUINTERO
Upper Elementary Teacher
My name is Fransys and I'll be co-teaching Upper Elementary this year. I am originally from Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to the United States 22 years ago. My first language is Spanish. I live in Fort Wayne with my husband, José, our 17-year-old son, Max, and our two dogs, Astro and Lola. My family is very important to me and I love spending time with them. I'm grateful for the opportunity to join the Oak Farm community and begin this new chapter.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
I'm new to Montessori and that's exactly what excites me the most. I've always believed that one of my greatest strengths is being a learner. I love asking questions, researching, and challenging myself to keep growing. After many years in education, I was ready for a new challenge. When I learned about Oak Farm, I knew it was an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and continue growing as an educator. One of the things I enjoy most about teaching is watching children become more confident, independent, and excited about learning. My hope is to learn alongside my students and colleagues while discovering how Montessori will shape me as an educator.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
I have 10 years of experience in education and previously taught Spanish and Art at St. Mary School for five years. I earned an Associate Degree in Computer Science in Venezuela before moving to the United States. Later, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from Purdue University.
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT?
I'm most excited about experiencing the Montessori environment firsthand and seeing it through the eyes of my students. I'm looking forward to collaborating with experienced teachers, discovering new ways to support children's growth, and becoming part of a community that values curiosity and respect. I like to jump in and help whenever I can. I enjoy working as part of a team, sharing ideas, and supporting others. I'm naturally curious, and I enjoy finding creative solutions to challenges. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of Oak Farm, and I look forward to contributing in any way I can.
HOBBIES
Welcome
ABOUT ME
SOPHIE EDWARDS
Middle School Science Teacher
I am the oldest of 4, all homeschooled, and highly involved in family-oriented hobbies such as sports, music, outdoor play, travel, etc. Fun fact: from age 8-16, my family had a family band called St. John Family Band, where we would play live music at farmers markets, weddings, and private events. I grew up on a hobby farm right outside the little town of Roanoke, IN where my husband and I live now with our dog named Bug.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
I hope to gain confidence in my teaching, more knowledge of the natural world, and how to better communicate that knowledge with other people, especially the younger generations that have the power to positively change trajectories!
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
B.S. in Environmental Science from Taylor University and pending Secondary Teaching License in Earth Science.
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT?
I am most excited for the Alpacas. :) Really though, teaching science is so special to me and I find great joy in witnessing students feeling genuinely excited and motivated about learning. I want to help OFMS fulfill their mission by getting to know each individual student the best I can, helping assist them in their journey of lifelong learning, and assuring they feel seen, known, and supported by me and the broader OFMS community.
HOBBIES
Welcome
ABOUT ME
JOEL BRAUCHLA
High School Math Teacher
I grew up in the Fort Wayne area, but have done some traveling. I have lived in Bloomington and Indianapolis while here in Indiana. I have been a resident of Colorado as well as South Carolina. More recently I have made a few trips to Peru and intend to make many more. I came to Oak Farm last year as a guest math teacher and am glad to be brought on full time this year.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
So far, Oak Farm has been a place where I can grow and learn new things. I have spent the summer learning about Arduino/robotics in anticipation of a summer camp and am looking to share my understanding in a self-expression course. I have also been facilitating the work in the bike shop, which is where I can truly see the Montessori practice thrive as I have been learning the ins and outs of bike maintenance. In general, I am just looking to grow as a professional at a place where curiosity is cherished and rewarded.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
I received by B.S. in Mathematics from IUBloomington where I also minored in Economics. I continued my economics journey at Colorado University - Boulder where I did graduate work in Behavioral Economics. I most recently got a M.S. degree in Human-Computer Interaction from IU's Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering in Indianapolis. I have been tutoring Mathematics since my second year of undergrad, around 2012, and have loved the business of communicating mathematics ever since.
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT?
The campus is beautiful and the culture even more so. I have come to treasure the interactions I have had with students and staff alike. I look forward to helping contribute to this culture through the thoughts and ideas I share with students and staff. I am happy to make a meaningful impact on those around me - and hopefully inspire some curiosity and interest in mathematics and economics.
HOBBIES
Welcome
SKYLAR CAMPBELL
Secondary Agriculture Coordinator
ABOUT ME
I grew up in Ligonier, IN on a 300 acre row crop and dairy goat farm, raising corn, soybeans, alfalfa hay, and 30-40 head of Oberhasli dairy goats. I was a 10 year 4H member and 4 year FFA member at West Noble High School, graduating in 2012. I attended Purdue University and majored in agricultural education, graduating in 2016. While a student, I worked at the Animal Science Research Center’s sheep unit, assisting in the care and delivery of research animals across the country. I began my teaching career "back home" at Columbia City High School in fall 2016, teaching for 10 years as an FFA advisor and assistant baseball coach for 7 years. I am engaged to my beautiful fiancée Rebekah and we are getting married in September. Rebekah is a high school ag teacher and FFA advisor at DeKalb High School. Together, we have a three year old Great Dane named Opal.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
I am hoping to achieve lifelong learning and success with the students I will be able to impact while working here. Farm hand experiences are one of the best ways to learn about different pieces of life, both figuratively and literally. Seeing the miracle of life happen, caring for that life, making decisions to best take care of that life, and then making sure that those actions also impact them personally is what it is all about.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
American Dairy Goat Association Member: 2005 -Present; Indiana 4H Goat Judge: 2013-Present; American FFA Degree - 2014; Purdue University bachelor's degree in agricultural education with a minor in crop science - 2016; Honorary Chapter FFA Degree - 2016; Ag Teacher & FFA Advisor: 2016-2026; Indiana Association of Agricultural Educators (IAAE): 2016-Present; Indiana FFA Board of Trustees Member: 2024-2026
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT?
I am excited to get back to the "farm" ways of learning with the hands on learning of life on the farm. Animal agriculture has a very strong impact on all of those who interact with it. Regardless of age, the animals here are more than learning pieces. I have always had some kind of animal with me through my life and they have been some of the best elements we use. These animals are also going to be a place for the students, and even some adults, to be able to get way from the stressors of every day life.
HOBBIES
Welcome
ABOUT ME
SHAUNTEL BROOKS
I was born in Indiana, but moved to New Jersey when I was 6. I went to a vocational high school there. I moved to Florida for about a year in 1990. It was back to my roots here in Indiana after that. I have 3 children, a bonus son, and 3 grandsons. I very much love spending time with my family. I decided to become a school bus driver to have a job, but still be able to spend time with my children. I enjoy being a driver.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
I want to bring a safe bus ride to and from school for the students. Getting kids to and from school safely is important to me, and it's a big part of why I love this job. I want every child who steps on my bus to feel comfortable and know they're looked after. Being a school bus driver lets me care for other people's kids the same way I care for my own family, and that means a lot to me.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
High School diploma (Sussex County Vo-Tech, Sparta, New Jersey); Cosmetology license from New Jersey and Florida; IPFW, Ivy Tech (Fort Wayne); EMT-B certificate (Ft. Wayne); CDL B (Garrett IN); CPR certified (Garrett).
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT?
To meet all the staff and students. I want to help OFMS fulfill their mission because i believe children deserve a positive learning experience. Reading a book, walking and spending time with my family fills my cup.
HOBBIES
NewRole
ABOUT ME
ZOË LIEN
Lower Elementary Teacher
I grew up in Fort Wayne with my mom and two sisters and, as the middle child, I learned early how to balance being independent while keeping the peace! I have two nieces, ages 4 and 7, and being their aunt is one of my greatest joys. I met my best friend and husband, Noah, five years ago when we both began our Montessori journeys at Martin Luther King Jr. Montessori School. Many families may know us as "the married teachers" who taught together in Primary 2 for the past two years. One of my favorite things about teaching is listening to the wonderfully unexpected questions children ask. Their curiosity reminds me every day that learning is meant to be joyful.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
One of the things I love most about Oak Farm is that learning isn't just for the students, it is encouraged for the adults too. I hope to continue growing alongside my colleagues, students, and families while deepening my understanding of Montessori education and the second plane of development. As I transition into Lower Elementary, I look forward to learning from Debbie, expanding my practice, and creating an environment where children feel empowered to ask big questions, discover their passions, and develop confidence in themselves as lifelong learners.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
B.A. in Elementary Education, Indiana University Indianapolis. Taught fourth grade in Fort Wayne Community Schools. Served as YMCA Youth and Family Director before discovering Montessori education. Five years teaching Primary classrooms and as Montessori resource teacher. Master's in Early Childhood Montessori Education.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO HELP FULFILL OAK FARM’S MISSION?
I want every child who walks into our classroom to feel seen, capable, and genuinely excited to come to school each day. I believe learning should inspire curiosity, creativity, confidence, and kindness, and I love being part of a community that values those things just as deeply as I do. Oak Farm's philosophy aligns with the kind of educator I strive to be and I feel incredibly fortunate to contribute to that mission alongside such passionate colleagues and families.
HOBBIES
NewRole
ABOUT ME
INES OLDENBURG
Upper Elementary Teacher
I'm the mother of two former Oak Farm students and it was through my children that I first discovered Montessori. I grew up in Germany and moved to the US in 2006 and began my Montessori training in 2008 through Indiana University and the Montessori Teacher Academy. Supporting Montessori teachers and programs across the state is work I care deeply about and that continues to inspire my own growth as an educator.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
I've taught in Montessori classrooms since 2007 and have worked with children ages three to nine throughout my career — experience that spans both the Lower and Upper Elementary years. After 13 years as a Lower Elementary guide in LE 2, I'm excited to bring that foundation into Upper Elementary, continuing to support children's growth as they move into greater independence, leadership, and more complex academic work.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
My Montessori path spans training at Indiana University and the Montessori Teacher Academy, certification as a Positive Discipline Trainer, and study in Nonviolent Communication and Montessori Inclusion — alongside mentoring new teachers and serving on United Montessori Schools of Indiana’s Board of Directors where I chair the Professional Development Committee and the Validation Program.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO HELP FULFILL OAK FARM’S MISSION?
I deeply value creating a classroom community where children feel a strong sense of belonging, encouragement, and respect while developing independence and a love of learning. I feel honored to step into this new role and I look forward to building strong relationships with the children and families while supporting each child's growth academically, socially, and emotionally.
HOBBIES
NewRole
ABOUT ME
OAKLEIGH BUTLER
Director of College, Career, and Business Programs
I grew up in Martinsville, Indiana, and graduated from Franklin College in 2019. I began teaching at Oak Farm Montessori Middle School in January 2021 before transitioning to Oak Farm Montessori High School in August 2023, where I taught Math and Business. This year, I will serve as the Director of College, Career, and Business Programs while continuing to teach Integrated Algebra, Algebra I, and Business classes. My husband, Kyle, and I live in Kendallville with our three children—Callahan (4), Channing (2), and Barrett (4 months) who all attend Oak Farm Montessori School.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
I hope to continue to grow as an educational leader while making a meaningful impact on my students, colleagues, and the Oak Farm community.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Degrees:
Secondary Math Education (Franklin College) Pure Math Mathematics (Franklin College) Secondary Montessori Education Certification CMStep
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT?
I am excited to build on the strong foundation Rikki established and continue growing our Pathways, Internship, and College & Career programs. I look forward to expanding opportunities that help students discover their passions and prepare them for success beyond high school.
HOBBIES
NewRole
SANDRA DEACON
Social & Emotional Learning Coach
ABOUT ME
I am married to my husband, Matthew Deacon. I usually call him "Deacon" because we have so many friends named Matthew. It's just the two of us (no kids), along with our little menagerie of animals: two indoor cats, Freyja and Binks; our bulldog, Buford; the UE1 classroom bunny, Vanilla Pancake; and a handful of neighborhood cats who have decided our house is a pretty good place to visit for breakfast and dinner. We live in Avilla, though we both grew up in Fort Wayne. We moved here about a year after I started working at Oak Farm and have really enjoyed making it our home.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
I hope my experiences over the years will allow me to support both students and teachers in ways that are practical, collaborative, and responsive to what they need. Having spent so many years in the classroom, I understand what teachers experience every day, and my hope is that this perspective will help me serve as a useful resource for teachers and strengthen the work of the Student Services team. I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside such a skilled and supportive team in Upper Elementary over the years, and now I get to join an equally talented and supportive Student Services team, and I'm excited to continue growing under their guidance in this new role.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
AMS Certification, Lower Elementary Montessori Education; AMS Certification, Upper Elementary Montessori Education; Purdue University bachelor's degree in Psychology; St. Catherine University master's degree in Education, concentration in Montessori Education; ABA Technician supporting children on the autism spectrum and in foster care; Trine University Montessori Seminar Instructor: 2026-2027
WHY DO YOU WANT TO HELP FULFILL OAK FARM’S MISSION?
Montessori education helps children do more than simply succeed in the world they inherit. It helps them become thoughtful, capable people who think outside of themselves and are willing to improve things. Whether those changes happen within their family, the classroom, a local community, or on a larger scale, I believe Montessori helps people develop deep curiosity, resilience, heartfelt empathy, and problemsolving skills to make a true and positive difference. Seeing students develop in these ways at Oak Farm is why I continue to believe so strongly in our mission.
HOBBIES
NewRole
ABOUT ME
JORDAN FIEDLER
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Hello! I am not necessarily a new face, but I have a new title! After training alongside Kim Davidson, I am officially stepping into the role of Director of Strategic Partnerships. My husband and I live in Fort Wayne, but I was born and raised in Kendallville. I was a student at OFMS from 20002013. I enjoy traveling, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with my family and friends. Jared and I are licensed foster parents, so that is a big rock in our lives right now. We are overjoyed to be on the parent side of things at OFMS this year.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
Now that I am heading into my second year as a faculty member, I feel more excited knowing what is to come this year. I am excited for the Oak Leaf Cafe to be open again. That space created a great landing zone for parents and faculty to connect. I am looking forward to welcoming back familiar faces and fostering relationships with our new faculty and families.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from The Univeristy of Alabama.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO HELP FULFILL OAK FARM’S MISSION?
I thought I felt passionate about OFMS's mission as an alumna who experienced it firsthand. Then I became a faculty member and gained a new appreciation for the work we do. Now, experiencing OFMS as a parent, I have an even stronger desire to excel in my work in Fund Development to support our school. Students are at the heart of everything we do, and I do not take my front-row seat to their growth and development for granted.
HOBBIES
NewRole
KIM DAVIDSON
Events Coordinator
ABOUT ME
I grew up in North Carolina and my job in Hotel Management & Conference Services brought me to the Midwest, where I met my husband, Mike. We have been married for 29 years and live in Fort Wayne with our youngest daughter, our dog Harley, and our two "granddogs," Seaver and Sami. We have four adult children who have all attended OFMS, with our youngest being a member of the OFMS High School Class of 2026! What fills my cup is sharing my love of cooking with others, especially those in need.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
I am looking forward to connecting with both faculty and families in a more relaxed role with a focus on building community. As I transition to this new role, I am excited to be able to work on projects that are designed to build community at the school.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
I graduated from Meredith College in 1989 with a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Communications.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO HELP FULFILL OAK FARM’S MISSION?
The OFMS community has been amazing from the earliest years, and to be trusted to oversee these important community events is an honor. I am a strong advocate of Montessori education and want to continue to share my talents in a way that moves the school's mission forward. I am thankful to have this opportunity to continue to engage with our school community.
HOBBIES
NewRole
ABOUT ME
KAVIN LEY
Communications Director, Theatre Teacher
I grew up in Avilla—the train tracks that go by the Vic House were quite literally in my backyard! Though Avilla will always be my first home, my wife (Betsy), son (Bryn LE4), daughter (Eliza P2), and I live in Auburn with our two dogs. We’ve found a real home right here at OFMS. My background is in Music Education, but I transitioned to Theatre Education when I came to OFMS in 2021. In addition to my theatre classes, I run the Oak Farm Montessori Theatre Company, our extracurricular theatre program. I started on as the Communications Director in July and I am enjoying it immensely!
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
I look forward to seeing how being the Communications Director changes how I engage with the Oak Farm Montessori community. I’ve been lucky to interact with many students and families through my theatre work, but now I’ll have even more opportunities to connect!
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
I began my career in music education (graduated from IPFW in 2014) and taught music, band, and theatre for 7 years before coming to OFMS to teach theatre. I have experience teaching students from Kindergarten through High School. I’m glad to be adding communications to my list!
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT?
Connecting with our community! There are many special things about OFMS, but the community is one of the best. We’ve got a great group of students, parents, faculty, and other community members FULL of kindness, expertise, and fun!