educators | Macdonald Montessori

Beth is the founder and Executive Director of MacDonald Montessori. She started in March 1986. "The Infant and Toddler centers and Preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy have been a constant source of inspiration to me and the life of Macdonald Montessori School. The educator from Reggio Emilia, in particular Amelia Gambetti and the other educators in our country inspired by this approach have supported us in our journey to envision a deeper, richer, more powerful image of children, parents and teachers. The collaboration of all three of these protagonists-children, parents and teachers have created a school that welcomes, encourages and sustains love, learning and creativity.”

Beth MacDonald, Executive Director

Kari joined MacDonald Montessori School in February of 2019. She has been in the field of education and family support services since 1992. Kari has a Montessori certification for preschoolers, a Bachelor’s of Science in early childhood education and a graduate certificate in infant studies. She has previous experience working with all age groups in early childhood education as a teacher in multiple different educational organizations.

Kari Austin, Pedagogical Coordinator

Paige joined MacDonald Montessori School in May of 2013. She has worked as a classroom teacher with infants and toddlers. In 2021, Paige became the director of MMS. She oversees payroll, billing, employee benefits and overall organization of our school.

Paige MacDonald, Director

Lori joined MacDonald Montessori School in September of 2007. After working as a classroom teacher in the toddler and preschool programs and on the collaboration team at MMS, Lori joined the administration team as program coordinator. In 2021, Lori became pedagogical director working to support educators in developing classroom environments and materials, in project work, in documenting the learning, and in promoting partnerships with families. She has previous experience working with all ages of children in various childcare settings, and has studied child psychology at the University of Minnesota.

Lori ScottRussell, Pedagogical Director

Liz joined MacDonald Montessori School in September of 1999. After working as a classroom teacher with infants, toddlers and preschool aged children. Liz became school coordinator in 2009. She works directly with parents, oversees enrollment, licensing, staffing and overall organization of our school.

Liz Watzl, School Coordinator

Karen joined MacDonald Montessori School in 2007. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in ceramics. She has worked as a classroom teacher in the toddler and preschool programs, as well as on the collaboration Team at MMS. In 2016, she became the expressive languages coordinator working to strengthen the use of expressive materials used by children and adults and supporting the teachers in all nine classrooms. Karen has previous experience working with children as an Early Childhood teacher at the YMCA.

Karen Potyondy, Studio Coordinator

Lyn joined MacDonald Montessori School in August of 2019. Lyn has a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a minor in business from Purdue University and a Masters of Management degree with a concentration in sustainable business from Aquinas College in Michigan. Lyn has previous experience working with children of all ages as a paraprofessional, a teacher, and as a home-based facilitator for Head Start.

Lyn Wolf, Toddlers

Hannah Jacobson, Support

Jaimie Zavala, Support

Jordyn Thompson, Infants

Charlie McAllister, Support

Nou Chee joined MacDonald Montessori School in September of 2021. She received her degree in education and professional studies from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. Nou Chee worked for two years in special education at an elementary school. During her time there she helped students aged 3-10 years.

Nou Chee Her, Toddlers

Lillian Pineda, Preschool

Kimberly Zavala, Support

Marah Maher, Infants

Robyn joined MacDonald Montessori in August of 1999.She has experience working with infants through preschool age children. Robyn has a Bachelors of Arts in child development and early childhood Studies.

Robyn Spicer, Infants

Ashton Valentines, Preschool

Tara joined MacDonald Montessori School in January of 2015. She is a graduate of the College of Visual Arts with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in the teaching artists program with an emphasis on illustration. Tara has worked with Preschoolers and Toddlers and as a studio teacher supporting the expressive languages.

Tara Jones, Pedagogical Coordinator

Mayra joined MacDonald Montessori School in January 2023. After graduating from high school, she has been pursuing her goal of working with children. Mayra is working towards getting her CDA(Child Development Associate). She has been working in child care since 2022, primarily with infants. Mayra also has previous experience working with children as a volunteer Sunday school teacher and as a volunteer at the children’s museum.

Mayra Guarneros, Infants

Lizzie joined MacDonald Montessori School in October of 2022. Lizzie has previous experience working in a childcare setting with infants through preschool and working as a nanny.

Lizzie Wahl, Preschool

Aasha Sheek, Infants

Julia joined MacDonald Montessori School in June of 2018 as a support teacher in the summers working with all the age groups. She also has experience working with preschool and school aged children as an intern at the Minnesota Children’s Theater.

Julia ScottRussell, Toddlers

Sheely joined MacDonald Montessori School in June of 2022. She attended Metro State University and is working towards becoming a licensed teacher. Sheely has previous experience woking with middle school aged children. She also has experience working working with children as a babysitter.

Sheely Vang, Toddlers

Brooke Burdick, Toddlers

Ben joined Macdonald Montessori School in September of 2021. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in marketing and an Associate’s degree in business management. Ben has experience working with children through coaching youth basketball and as a 2nd grade student teacher.

Ben Lister, Preschool

Winnie Jacobson, Toddlers

Grace Jacbobson, Support

Mazey Hill, Infants

Alexandra Holthaus, Support

Renee joined MacDonald Montessori School in December of 2022. She has experience working in children care centers with infants and toddlers and being a mother. Renee is currently going to school to become an esthetician.

Renee Alisigwe, Infants