763-323-0741    1333 5th Ave S.   •   Anoka, MN 55303
763-323-0741    1333 5th Ave S.   •   Anoka, MN 55303

Teachers & Staff

The heart of Montessori Renaissance Academy is our dedicated team of educators and staff. Every member of our school is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where children are known, encouraged, and challenged to reach their full potential. Together, we partner with families to help every student grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our Team

Meet Our Teachers & Staff at MRA

Montessori education begins with exceptional teachers. Our experienced educators serve as guides, carefully observing each child, introducing lessons at the right time, and fostering independence through encouragement rather than instruction alone. Their commitment to knowing every child as an individual helps create the welcoming, close-knit community that makes Montessori Renaissance Academy such a special place to learn and grow.

Beilke Jamie Tods 2000

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

Sanborn Vicki Ch 2000

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

Bosacker Joanna Ch 2000

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!

Krushe Tanya 31

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

Gehrke Jaclyn 2000

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

Ekker Michael 2000

Michael Ekker

Middle School Teacher

Get to Know

Michael - Middle School 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

Sherepa 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

Dowell Morgan 31

Morgan Dowell

Gym Teacher & Float Assistant

Get to Know

Morgan - Gym Teacher & Float Assistant

Birthday: March 23rd
My family: Married with 2 daughters and 2 dogs
Schooling: Bachelor’s degree from Winona State University
At MRA since: 2025
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is that I get to spend my time helping children learn and grow
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Diet Dr. Pepper
Treats: Chocolate
Snacks: Sun Chips
Items: Scrunchies
Favorite color: Green

Neuerburg Finn 31

Finn Neuerburg

Technology Teacher & Float Assistant

Get to Know

Finn - Technology Teacher & Float Assistant

Birthday: January 31st
My family: Engaged with 1 cat and 1 guinea pig
At MRA since: 2025
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is connecting with all the kids
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Coca-Cola
Treats: Rice Krispie Treats
Snacks: Granola Bars
Items: Stickers, Anything cute
Favorite color: Pink

Ersland Bri Tods 50

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

Bloom Briana Tods 2000

Briana Bloom

Toddler Assistant

Get to Know

Briana - Toddler Assistant

Birthday: November 30th
My family: 2 cats
Schooling: Bachelor’s from Gustavus Adolphus College
At MRA since: 2025
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is learning something new every day
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Mountain Dew, energy drinks
Treats: Twix, Milky Way, chocolate candies
Snacks: Cheddar Ripple chips, BBQ chips
Items: Water bottles, bracelets
Favorite color: Pink

Barbee Emma Ch

Emma Barbee

Children's House Assistant

Get to Know

Emma - Children's House Assistant

Birthday: October 15th
My family: A dog named Finn.

At MRA since: 2025

My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is that it teaches kids independence. 
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Coffee, Diet Dr. Pepper
Treats: Brownies
Snacks: SkinnyPop popcorn, Trail Mix
Items: Candles, Books, Plants (succulents)
Favorite color: Navy blue

Wagner Micah Ch 50

Micah Wagner

Children's House Assistant

Get to Know

Micah - Children's House Assistant

Birthday: January 25th
My family: married with 7 kids, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 6 chickens
Schooling: Associate of Liberal Arts, Infant/Toddler certificate from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies
At MRA since: 2025
My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Chai Latte
Treats: Dark Chocolate
Snacks: Berries, Cheese
Items: Art, Books, Chickens, Plants
Favorite color: Rainbow! Green if I have to choose just one

Cardinal Jay Ch 50

Jay Cardinal

Children's House Assistant

Get to Know

Jay - Children's House Assistant

Birthday: June 2nd
My family: Fiance, 1 cat, 1 guinea pig

At MRA since: 2025

My favorite thing about working at a Montessori school is the loving and welcoming atmosphere for everyone in the building.
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Strawberry Lemonade
Treats: Skittles
Snacks: Pretzels, Fruit Snacks
Items: Stationary, craft supplies
Favorite color: Orange

Christianson Sarah 50

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

Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn Bahneman

Float Assistant

Get to Know

Kaitlyn- Float Assistant
Barry Brandon 50

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

Schug Jonathan 50

Jonathan Schug

Kitchen Specialist

Get to Know

Jonathan - Kitchen Specialist

Birthday: January 3rd
At MRA since: 2025
– Pick-me-ups –
Drink: Flavored Milk
Treats: Crunch Bar
Snacks: Potato Chips
Item: Anything penguin related, crafts, alpaca wool socks
Favorite color: Sky Blue

MRA Board 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

MRA Board Tiffany Toland

Tiffany Toland

Executive Director

Get to Know

Interim Executive Director

Birthday: April 26th
At MRA since: 2022
My family: A dog named Pippa
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

Mahlberg Cassie 50

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!

Jenson Maria Account Specialist 50

Maria Jenson

Accounts Specialist
Want To Learn More?

Discover If MRA Is the Right Fit for Your Family

The best way to experience Montessori Renaissance Academy is to learn more about our programs, philosophy, and community. Explore what makes MRA different and see how a Montessori education can help your child thrive. Whether you’re just starting your educational journey, or looking for a place your older child can will thrive, we have a place for you at our school in Anoka.

Reach out to us by phone, fill out the contact form on our website, or schedule a tour today. We can’t wait to meet your child(ren) and share our passion for Montessori education with you!

Request Information

We would love to share the benefits of a Montessori education with you! Call 763-323-0741 or reach out to learn more.