TESTIMONIALS

  • FCMA is like a dream come true. It's like I have this team of educational experts that really think about my kids... their learning style, personality, where they excel and where they need to be pushed. It's like they've "got…
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Meet our Staff

Front Office


Hi, my name is Chris, and I am the Head of School here at FCMA. I have been involved in Montessori education for 15 years as an elementary teacher, curriculum director, assistant principal, principal, teacher trainer and school consultant. I received a BA from Central Michigan University, an MAT from Saginaw Valley State University, and Montessori Elementary I and II credentials from the Michigan Montessori Teacher Education Center. I am excited to be involved in building a Montessori community of educators, parents and students right here in South Oakland County.

Hello, I’m Melanie, and I am a secretary at Four Corners Montessori Academy.  I have a degree in Organizational Business Communication from Western Michigan University.  I enjoy coming to work everyday because I love interacting with the students, and we have a great enthusiastic staff.  Teamwork is at the center of everything we do here!  In my free time, I love to ski in the winter and boat in the summer!

Hi, I’m Connie, and I am a secretary at Four Corners Montessori Academy.  I love working with the staff and families here at Four Corners. Everyone is such a pleasure to work with.  When at home, I love decorating and baking for my family.

 

Bonsai Room


Hello, my name is Stacy, and I am a Preschool teacher and Montessori Consultant.  I am an American Montessori Society (AMS) Certified Teacher with an Early Childhood Education degree from Rochester College.  I love working at FCMA because of the dedicated team of educators and administrators who take pride in educating the children as they collaboratively encourage each child to grow to his or her fullest potential academically, emotionally and socially.  I chose to be a teacher because I love to learn, and I realized that by working with children I would be given an opportunity to learn and grow on a daily basis.  My favorite teacher was my sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Aleo.  She made an everlasting impression on me, and so many others, because she treated each child with kindness and respect.

Hi, I am Colleen, and I am the assistant teacher for AM Preschool, as well as the art teacher for 1st-3rd year students.  I received a BS in Art Education from Michigan State University, and have a Montessori certification.  I wanted to become a teacher so I could be part of the magic in a child’s life.  I love the sense of community here at Four Corners. Families and staff all work together to help children learn and develop their character.  In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, painting and gardening.

My name is Jessica, I am the assistant for PM Preschool at FCMA, and I have a communications degree from Oakland University.  It always makes me smile how much the students here are excited about learning new things.  I became a teacher because I wanted to be a cheerleader in each child's life, helping to instill in them the importance of a good education.  In my free time I enjoy make-up artistry, coaching cheerleading, and reading.

Magnolia Room


Hello, my name is Lisa and I am a Kindergarten teacher at Four Corners Montessori Academy.  I received my degree from Eastern Michigan University.  I became a teacher because I wanted to help children learn and grow in a way that inspires them to want to make the world a better place.  When I am not teaching, my favorite things to do are read and walk on the beach.

I’m Roxanne, and I work with Ms. Lisa and the Kindergarteners of the Magnolia Room. I have my BS from Eastern Michigan University and years of professional childcare experience.  My job is to help our students become confident, passionate learners and peaceful, happy citizens of this earth.  I feel so grateful to be able to work with the warm staff and wonderful children here at FCMA.  My favorite part of this job is seeing the pride and joy in a child’s face when they’ve learned something new.  In my free time I read, cook, and do a lot of yoga.

Redbud Room


My name is LaRhonda, and I am a Kindergarten teacher.  I received my BS from Madonna University, and my MA in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix.  I love the parents, staff, and wonderful children we have at this school.  I became a teacher because I love working with children, and being a witness to lessons learned and goals accomplished.  My favorite teacher in grade school was Ms. Nelson, my 5th and 6th grade teacher.  She always gave encouragement, and had a great listening ear.  In my spare time, I love doing crafts, watching movies, and going to garage sales.

Hello everyone, my name is Maya and I work in Redbud Room as an assistant teacher.  I am so pleased to be at FCMA and do something I absolutely love on a daily basis – teach!  I have an International Affairs degree and an Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society (AMS).  I speak four fluent languages; English, Spanish, Japanese and Italian and have been fortunate to have lived in seven different countries throughout my life.  I decided to give up a career in finance and become a Montessori Teacher when I witnessed firsthand the marvels of the Montessori Method through my own son.  I have been devoted to assisting children in their development ever since.

Sassafras Room

 
Hi! My name is Amy, and I am a 1st-3rd year teacher.  I have a BA in Education from Michigan State University, and a Montessori certification from the North American Montessori Center (NAMC).  I love that at Four Corners the children are educated in a holistic way, and at their own level.  I also love the positive community of staff that is always supportive and collaborative.  In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, swing dancing, trying to learn French, cooking, and playing with my big silly dog, Elvis.

My name is Deborah, and I am an assistant teacher for 1st-3rd year students.  I received my degree from Wayne State University.  I love this school because the children are so wonderful.  I'm very much enjoying getting to know them.  There is not one specific thing that made me want to become a teacher.  I believe teaching is a calling, and feel as though I was called. Mrs. Davison, my Anatomy and Physiology teacher, was definitely my favorite teacher in school.  She expected a lot, but she was fair and she always treated us respectfully.  Outside of school, I enjoy reading, gardening, horses, and biking.

Catalpa Room


Hello, I am Katie, and I am a 1st-3rd year teacher at FCMA. I received my BS from Western Michigan University.  I love that at Four Corners students are able to work at their own level.  I became a teacher because I enjoy working with children, and wanted to share my love of learning with others.  My favorite teacher was Mrs. Moore because she always took time to make me feel special.  Outside of school I enjoy running, snowboarding, and cooking.

Hi, I’m Tina, and I am a 1st-3rd year teacher assistant at FCMA.  I received my BS in Elementary Education from Oakland University.  I love Four Corners because of the wonderful caring staff.  Everyone truly cares about the welfare of each and every child.  I became a teacher because I love to learn, and wanted to pass that love and passion for learning onto others.  My favorite teacher was my 10th grade History teacher.  He made history come alive, and it is still my favorite subject.  In my free time I like to read, cook, and travel.

Oak Room


My name is Sherry, and I am a 1st-3rd year teacher.  I have a B.S. in Elementary Education from Oakland University, and a master’s in Elementary Education from Wayne State University.  I love the Montessori philosophy, and I love getting to work with these wonderful children everyday!  I like my colleagues here, and the parents who support me in my efforts. I truly enjoy working with children on a daily basis.  They possess a genuine interest in learning about the world around them.  Teaching is a natural fit for me.  I love sparking kids' imaginations and watching them grow. I enjoy free time with family and friends, listening to all kinds of music, yoga and nature walks.

Hello, my name is Rose Hess and I am excited to be working in the Oak Room as Ms. Sherry’s assistant.  Over the past four years, I have taught Kindergarten, first, fourth, and sixth grade at “traditional” charter schools.  I feel like I have been a Montessorian all of my life, but was not able to implement that style of delivery in my classrooms, so when this opportunity came along, I was elated.  I am almost finished earning my Reading Specialist degree from Wayne State University and hope to share that expertise with the students and staff at Four Corners. 

Palm Room


Hi, my name is MelissaSu, and I am a 1st-3rd year teacher.  I received my degree from Baker College.  The great thing about FCMA is the strength of our staff.  I also love that we get to spend three years with our students.  This enables us to really get to know them.  I wanted to be a teacher because I have always loved children! I began babysitting at a young age, and had a class in high school that placed me in a Montessori preschool.  In my free time I enjoy camping, reading, scrapbooking, spending time with friends and family, jogging, and learning.

Hello, my name is Enisa, and I am a teacher’s assistant for 1st-3rd year students.  I received my Associates degree in Early Childhood from Wayne County Community College.  I love that FCMA has multi-age classrooms.  It helps our older children learn what it means to be role models, and it helps the younger children learn from their peers.  I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember.  I always wanted to help my teachers when I was in school, and now I want to be a teacher that impacts the lives of my students.

Chestnut Room


My name is Sara, and I am a 1st-3rd year teacher.  I received a BA in English from Western Michigan University, and graduated from the Teacher Certification Program at Grand Valley State University.  I love the staff, families, and students here at FCMA. I also love the Montessori method!  My love of children and teaching are what made me want to be a teacher.  I know this is how I can make a difference in the world.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, writing, running, and spending time with family and friends.

Hi, I’m Michelle.  I am an assistant 1st-3rd year teacher at Four Corners Montessori Academy, and received my BS from Oakland University.  The thing I love most about this school is the staff.  You won’t find a more dedicated group of teachers anywhere, and when we put our talents together, we can do great things!  I also love the family support. We couldn’t accomplish what we do without their help.  I became a teacher in hopes that I would be able to inspire my students to ask questions and explore for answers. I want to guide my students in their learning so they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to.  When I’m not in school, I love reading, traveling, listening to music, and cooking.

Pine Room

 
Hello, my name is Kyle and I am a 4th-6th year teacher with a degree from Western Michigan University.  I love the family atmosphere here at FCMA, and I also love my students who put a smile on my face everyday.   I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was in the 6th grade so I could make a difference in people’s lives.  When I have time, I like to read, play hockey and soccer, golf, snowboard, run, spend time with my family, study astronomy, go to concerts, and eat.

 Hi, I am Bryan, and I am an assistant teacher in the Pine room.  I received a BA in Elementary Education from Michigan State University (Go Green!). I love the strong sense of community at FCMA, it's an amazing school to be a part of! I began my education in a Montessori school. This helped develop a great love for learning, and is the major reason why I decided to become a teacher!  My favorite teacher was Professor Summerhill, he brought history alive in the classroom. Outside of school I enjoy reading, watching classic films, and collecting autographs.

Willow Room


My name is Shannon, and I am a 4th-6th year teacher at FCMA.  I received a BA in Education from Wayne State University.  Four Corners prepares children for life by creating independent and self-motivated learners. I love that the education is individualized for every student. We meet the students at their levels, making sure they have a strong foundation to build upon.  Ever since I can remember, I knew I was going to be a teacher. There's nothing more amazing than watching a child change over time and become an independent person.  What I love doing most is planning for my classroom! When I'm not doing that, and when it's nice out, I enjoy jogging and walking in the park.

Hi, my name is Christina, and I am the assistant teacher for the Willow Room.  I received my BA in Psychology from Michigan State, and my MAT in Elementary Education from National-Louis University.  The sense of community at FCMA is so great! I love all the staff, families, and of course the students!  I have always loved working with children, and think this is such a rewarding job.  I just love coming to work every day!  Outside of school I love reading, spending time with my family, and talking walks with my dog Bernie.

Gingko Room


My name is Amanda, and I teach years 4-6 at FCMA. I received a BS in Elementary Education from Wayne State University. I love the cooperation of the staff here, and the willingness of parents to participate.  Having active parents in a school setting has been such a blessing.  It also helps to know that everyone is working towards the common goal of successfully educating our children. I have always wanted to become a teacher. When I was younger, I thought the best part of teaching was correcting papers.  As I grew older, I understood the real reason; I love helping children learn to their greatest potential, and helping them to feel success. In my free time, I like being with family and friends, camping on Lake Michigan, scrapbooking, playing my guitar, cooking nice meals, "trying" to golf, and playing Wii.

Hi, I'm Kim, and I am the assistant teacher in the Gingko Room.  I received my BA in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University.  I love being able to work with the passionate and dedicated staff here at FCMA.  I became a teacher because I have always found learning exciting, and wanted to help other children feel the same way.  The students here definitely share my excitement and enthusiasm for learning. In my free time I enjoy reading, running, backpacking, and skiing.

Birch Room


Hi, I’m Anne, and I am the 7th & 8th grade teacher at Four Corners Montessori Academy.  I received a BS in Elementary Education from Oakland University, and am currently working on getting an MA in Reading from Wayne State University.  The staff here is the most positive, helpful, and cooperative group of people I have ever had the pleasure to work with.  I am really able to connect with my students here. We have fun together!  Away from school I love spending time with my family.  We ski, camp, cook, and watch movies together.  I also enjoy singing, reading and knitting.

Maple Room


Hi, I’m Meghan and I proudly teach FCMA’s 7th and 8th grade students.  In 2009, after almost two decades of a career in Internet and engineering business development, I decided to become a student myself and complete my master’s in education.  I love working at FCMA because I can make a difference in helping students love learning and achieve greatness. Growing up my favorite teacher was Mrs. Booth because she laughed hard, made me feel as if I could accomplish anything, and found creative ways to get me to love writing. I hope to instill confidence and a love for learning among my students so that they may reach their personal goals!

Middle School Assistant

 
Hi, my name is Jennifer, and I am the assistant for both the Birch and Maple Rooms.  I received my BA in Economics and German from the University of Michigan.  I love the wonderful families and staff here at FCMA, but the children are what really put a smile on my face every day. I became a teacher because I felt that I needed to give back, and working with children was a natural choice for me.  In my free time I enjoy cooking, painting, writing and reading.  I also play piano and am a seasonal cyclist.

Title I


Hi, my name is Kim, and I am the Title I teacher here at Four Corners Montessori Academy.  I received my BS in Elementary Education, and MAT in Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University.  I love being at FCMA, and watching all the activity going on in the classrooms and hallways.  The opportunities children have for physical movement, interaction, and learning choices are very cool!  My favorite teacher was the one I had in 3rd grade. She taught me to love writing, and now it is something I do for fun in my spare time.  I also enjoy yoga, being outdoors, and Wii dance-offs with my family.

Special Education

I am Marianne, and I am the Special Education teacher at FCMA.  I received my bachelor’s in Education from Central Michigan University, and my master’s in Reading from Oakland University.  I love the atmosphere of unity and peacefulness that Four Corners has.  I became a teacher because I want to make a difference in children’s lives.  In my free time I enjoy scrapbooking, playing with my daughters, and shopping.

Gym Aide


Hello, my name is Coach Ray, and I am the Gym/Recess Aide at FCMA. I am currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice at Kaplan University.  I love that at FCMA we all work together to reach the common goal of giving children a better education. It’s like that saying, "it takes a village to raise a child"; we are a really great village.  My favorite teacher was Mr. Snyder.  He took the time to teach me calculus, and his not giving up on me made me love math.  In my free time, I enjoy coaching 3-8th grade boys and girls basketball teams, reading, and playing basketball.