1333 5th Ave S.  |  Anoka, MN 55303     

Schedule A Tour 763-323-0741

Anoka, Minnesota Montessori Education

1333 5th Ave S.  |  Anoka, MN 55303     

Schedule A Tour 763-323-0741

Anoka, Minnesota Montessori Education

Schedule A Tour 763-323-0741

Anoka, Minnesota Montessori Education

Teachers & Staff

Jamie

Jamie Beilke

Toddler Teacher

Get to Know

Jamie - Toddler Teacher

Birthday: April 25th
My family: married, 1 crazy cat, 1 daughter, 1 son-in-law, 1 granddaughter, 1 granddog
Schooling: North American Montessori Center 0-3yr Certificate
At MRA since: 2013-2015 (MRS), 2018-current
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is watching the students grow in confidence & independence.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Cinnamon Dolce latte w/coconut milk
Treats: Dark chocolate, Sour Patch Watermelons, Jelly Belly Jellybeans
Snacks: Pretzels, Original kettle chips
Food: Tacos, basically anything potato, Panera
Favorite color: Neutrals – white, cream, gray, tan, black

Vicki

Vicki Sanborn

Children's House Teacher

Get to Know

Vicki - Children's House Teacher

Birthday: April 26th
My family: married, 4 sons, 1 daughter, 1 daughter-in-law, 2 dogs, 3 cats, 1 bearded dragon, 1 ball python, 1 leopard gecko
Schooling: North American Montessori Center 3yr-6yr Certificate

At MRA since: 2022
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is having the ages together – you get to watch them grow in their learning, and it also gives the older students a chance to be leaders for the younger ones. Also, they can keep advancing in their learning.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Diet Coke!
Treats: Anything milk chocolate
Snacks: Chips, nuts, fruit, dill pickle chips, kettle corn
Food: Raising Cane’s, Steak 🙂
Favorite color: Blue, rose, black

Joanna (2)

Joanna Bosacker

Children's House Teacher

Get to Know

Joanna - Children's House Teacher

Birthday: August 20th
My family: 3 kids, 1 dog, 1 snake, many fish, 1 husband 😉
Schooling: Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, North American Montessori Center Certification.

At MRA since: 2020
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is the kids!

– Pick-me-ups – *Dairy, Soy, Wheat Intolerances*
Drink: Iced mocha w/coconut milk, V8 Energy
Treats: Gluten free Oreos, caramels, dark chocolate
Snacks: Jerky, Classic Lay’s chips, Hippeas
Food: Yes! Chick-fil-A, Noodles & Co, Chipotle, Krown Bakery (Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free)
Items: Fun earrings, yarn
Favorite color: All colors!

Tanya

Tanya Krushe

Elementary 1 Teacher

Get to Know

Miss Tanya - Elementary 1 Teacher

Birthday: September 13th
My family: married 32 years, 1 adult daughter, 2 adult sons, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 1 turtle
Schooling: North American Montessori Center certificate
At MRA since: 2008-2015 (MRS) 2019-current (MRA)
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is how the families make you feel like a part of their family. Teaching Montessori gives the kids different ways to learn hands-on.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Caramel Cooler
Treats: Muffins, chocolate
Snacks: Puffcorn
Food: Pepperoni & green olive pizza from Chanticlear, Taco Bell
Items: Gift cards to Walmart, Target, Texas Roadhouse, Red Lobster
Favorite color: Purple

Jaclyn

Jaclyn Gehrke

Elementary 2 Teacher

Get to Know

Jaclyn - Elementary 2 Teacher

Birthday: February 1st
My family: engaged, 1 cat Hermia
Schooling: Bachelor’s in Elementary Education w/science focus, Master’s in Montessori Education, E1 & E2 Certification, Montessori STEM Certification, Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program in progress.
At MRA since: 2014 (MRS)
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is the Montessori Method. I really fell in love with it because I realized it fit with my own learning style, having multiple grades working together. The students can learn so much from each other and make discoveries.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Bubble tea, raspberry white mocha, any blended coffee drinks
Treats: Any!
Snacks: Pretzels, chips & guacamole
Food: Homemade pasta, Mexican food, Chipotle
Favorite color: Pink, turquoise

Nick

Nick Petschl

Middle School Teacher

Get to Know

Nick - Middle School Teacher

Birthday: December 9th
My family: Engaged to Miss Jaclyn
Schooling: Bachelor’s from Minnesota State University Mankato, Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program
At MRA since: 2014 (MRS)
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is watching children grow over multiple years.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Plain, boring black coffee
Treats: M&M’s
Snacks: Pringles
Food: Chipotle
Favorite color: Sky Blue

James

James Sherepa

Music Teacher & Elementary 1 Assistant

Get to Know

James - Music Teacher & Elementary 1 Assistant

Birthday: December 17th
My family: married, 1 cat, 1 dog
Schooling: Bachelor’s from Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music, Master’s from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
At MRA since: 2022
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is witnessing the natural transfer of knowledge & experiences from the older students to the younger students, and watching students become leaders in the classroom.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Iced coffee, hot tea
Treats: Cookies
Snacks: Nuts
Food: Wings, pizza, Raising Cane’s
Favorite color: Blue

Michael Ekker

Michael Ekker

Technology Teacher

Get to Know

Michael - Technology Teacher

Schooling: Bachelor of Science in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, with a minor in Computer Science.
At MRA since: 2023
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is: Integration between the subjects that helps facilitate better understanding of the information in other contexts.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: A&W Root Beer, apple juice
Treats: Minty things, KitKats, Reese’s, peanut M&M’s
Snacks: Apples, Chex Mix, popcorn, peanut butter pretzels
Food: pasta, gyros, Chipotle, Cane’s
Favorite color: Green

Isaac

Isaac Lerum

Gym Teacher

Get to Know

Isaac - Gym Teacher

Birthday: February 6th
Schooling: College courses in teaching and human development. Robotics teacher
At MRA since: 2023
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is playing basketball with the students (and beating them at it!).
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Chocolate Milk, Hot Chocolate
Treats: Chocolate
Snacks: Mangoes, Blackberries
Food: Culver’s

Favorite color: Purple

Garrett

Garrett Krushe

Toddler Assistant

Get to Know

Garrett - Toddler Assistant

Birthday: April 20th
My family: single, no kids, 2 dogs
At MRA since: 2021
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is the kids.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Black coffee, Caramel Cooler/Frappuccino, Mountain Dew
Treats: M & M’s
Snacks: Goldfish, Club crackers
Food: Steak, potatoes, corn, Chick-fil-A
Favorite color: Black

Bri (2)

Bri Ersland

Toddler Assistant

Get to Know

Bri - Toddler Assistant

Birthday: May 4th
My family: married to Bobbie – he’s the best! We have 3 animated daughters, including a set of twins
Schooling: Bachelor’s from University of Minnesota Duluth
At MRA since: 2023
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is seeing when things click the the student. Witnessing the “Ah-ha!” moment is rewarding!
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Vanilla latte with oatmilk
Treats: Twix, Reese’s, gummy candy, chocolate. cookies
Snacks: Crackers, granola bars, fruit
Food: Anything!
Items: Candles, gift cards, books, coffee
Favorite color: Blue

Ashley

Ashley Aldelemy

Children's House Assistant

Get to Know

Ashley - Children's House Assistant

Birthday: October 17th
My family: married, 2 sons
At MRA since: 2022
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is watching the kids grow in their independence.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Blue Powerade, orange Fanta
Treats: M&M’s, Ferrero Rocher, KitKat
Snacks: Fritos, Lays
Food: Chipotle, Chick-fil-A
Favorite color: Purple, green

Megan (2)

Megan Backstrom

Children's House Assistant

Get to Know

Megan - Children's House Assistant

Birthday: September 20th
My family: married, 1 son, 1 dog
Schooling: Bachelor’s with Education Studies focus
At MRA since: 2019
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is having students for more than one year, because I love seeing how they progress and develop over a long time span.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Chai tea latte
Treats: Dark chocolate
Snacks: Popcorn
Food: Chinese cheese wontons, Panera
Items: Gift cards to Target, Cub Foods
Favorite color: Blue

Mercy

Mercy Tambe

Children's House Aide

Get to Know

Mercy - Children's House Aide

At MRA since: 2023
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is the Montessori method of teaching kids, and I love putting a smile on their faces every day. 
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Lemonade
Treats: Chocolate
Snacks: Potato chips, cheese balls
Favorite color: Blue

Hope

Hope Martindale

Children's House Aide

Get to Know

Hope - Children's House Aide

Birthday: October 1st
My family: married, 1 son, 2 cats
Schooling: 
At MRA since: 2024
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is getting to connect with students & families to make their day fun & easy.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Lavender coffee, Snapple, Root Beer
Treats: Oreos
Snacks: Pop-Tarts, Goldfish, Hot Cheetos
Food: Pancakes
Favorite color: Teal, Copper/Orange, Black

Sarah C

Sarah Christianson

Elementary Assistant

Get to Know

Sarah - Elementary Assistant

Birthday: December 21st
My family: 2 daughters, 4 cats, 1 dog, recently engaged
Schooling: CNA license from Anoka Tech
At MRA since: 2024
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is helping kids grow and learn new things in an amazing environment!
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Iced black coffee
Treats: Scones
Snacks: Sweet potato chips
Food: Chinese food, sushi, Taco Bell
Items: Arts & crafts
Favorite color: Purple

Brandon (2)

Brandon Barry

Float Aide

Get to Know

Brandon - Float Aide

Birthday: March 16
My family: 1 cat
At MRA since: 2022
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is watching the students learn and grow, and it’s a fun work environment.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Ramune,  Mountain Dew Code Red
Treats: KitKat, Skittles, Gushers
Snacks: Chili Cheese Fritos, Honey Twist Fritos
Food: Burgers, wraps, sandwiches, burritos, Raising Cane’s
Items: Sweatshirts
Favorite color: Blue, black, purple

Staff Mraspring2024 06

Maren Johnson

Float Assistant

Get to Know

Maren - Float Assistant

Birthday: June 13th
My family: mom, dad, 3 brothers, 1 cat 
Schooling: Currently in college
At MRA since: 2024
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is seeing how the kids learn to become their own person!
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Lemonade
Treats: Gummy candy
Snacks: Cheez-its (original or whole wheat)
Favorite color: Blue

Staff Mraspring2024 13 (1)

Mariann Lowe

Kitchen Specialist

Get to Know

Mariann - Kitchen Specialist

Birthday: May 12th
My family: 1 cat named Simba
At MRA since: 2024
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is that I get to work in the kitchen.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Frappucino w/French vanilla sugar free syrup, Diet Dr. Pepper
Treats: Gummy worms, chocolate
Snacks: Chips & Spanish peanuts
Food: Anything except Alfredo
Favorite color: All shades of blue!

Karla Wagner

Karla Wagner

Education Director

Get to Know

Karla - Education Director

Birthday: June 2nd
My family: 2 adult sons Preston & Parker, 1 cat Linus
Schooling: Bachelor of Science in Music Education from UofM Twin Cities, Certification in Children’s House from North American Montessori Center.
At MRA since: 2011 (MRS)
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is the joy in a child’s face when they figure things out for themselves.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Cherry Coke, Dr. Pepper
Treats: Sour anything, or milk chocolate
Snacks: Salty – chips, pretzels
Food: Pizza, McDonald’s, Panera

Favorite color: Purple

Tiffany

Tiffany Toland

Executive Director

Get to Know

Interim Executive Director

Birthday: April 26th
At MRA since: 2022
Schooling: Bachelor’s in Music Education from University of Kentucky (2012). Former PreK teacher, Assistant Director, and Director of child care centers.
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is seeing a child’s face light up when they have figured out a work that was previously hard for them to finish on their own.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Caribou BOUsted iced drinks, zero sugar pop
Treats: fruity/sour/gummy candy
Snacks: cheesy chips, dill pickles, butter popcorn
Food: pepperoni & olive pizza, Arby’s

Favorite color: purple & black

Madison

Madison Westpfahl

Administrative Assistant

Get to Know

Madison - Administrative Assistant

Birthday: July 20th
My family: Fiancé, 1 dog
Schooling: Bachelor’s in Psychology from UofM (2020)
At MRA since: 2022
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is how funny the kids are.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Coffee, Coke Zero
Treats: Dark chocolate M&M’s, Twix
Snacks: White Cheddar Popcorn
Food: Noodles & Co, Panera, Taco Bell
Favorite color: Blue, green, black

Photo Coming Soon!

Cassie Mahlberg

Office Assistant

Get to Know

Cassie - Office Assistant

Birthday: November 14th
Schooling: Bachelor’s degrees in Global, Cultural, & Language Studies and Peace & Justice Studies from St. Scholastica
At MRA since: 2024
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is watching kids figure out problems independently, and having the opportunity to learn about familiar concepts through a new les.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Coffee, Coke Zero
Treats: Ice Cream, Boba Tea, Donuts, Starburst, Tropical Mambas, Sour Skittles
Snacks: Nacho Doritos, Lay’s Original, Cheez-Its, Apple Straws, Applesauce
Food: Caribou
Items: Cute things, plush toys, stickers, key chains, art/craft supplies
Favorite color: Pink!

Maria Jenson

Maria Jenson

Accounts Specialist
Photo Coming Soon!

Paige Comer

Advertising & Marketing Associate