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.
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Meghan, 4-6 YearWhat I like about FCMA is that the teachers are so nice. Also, the students are so kind.

