Natasha Beverforden will use her varied talents to assist all of the children at the Vic House in her new role as VH Support.
Related Arts Betsy Ley brings her musical talent and exhuberance for life to her new role as Music RobertTeacher.Kenworthy is a talented local artist who brings experience and excitement to his new role as Art Assistant. So, flip the pages to learn more about our new staff and join me in welcoming them to Oak Farm Montessori as we begin our 22nd year of providing a worldclass Montessori education for families in Northeast Indiana.
Candice
Krissy Mulholland and Vic House Support Staff Michaela Curtis. We wish all of these educators the very best in their next endeavors. They have each invested in the students and made valuable contributions to our school; we thank them for their years of supporting the OFMS mission.
Elementary Patsy Cadalzo may hail from from Puerto Rico, but she has found a new home at Oak Farm Montessori in the Dual Language Teacher position for LE1.
Let me introduce you...
This year, we welcome 62 returning staff to Oak Farm Montessori School, with six staff concluding their tenure this past spring. We say goodbye to Elizabeth Green from Primary, Kristin Nold from Lower, Jeni Ekovich from Infants, Art Teacher Hattie Baer, Music Teacher Sara Pulse, PE Teacher Ryan Gould, Admissions Director
April Coverstone, current Oak Farm parent and former Elementary Teacher at Towles Montessori, joins Melissa Kalkirtz in the P3 classroom.
This year, we welcome several new faculty to our community including a new Infant Lead, Primary Lead, Primary Co-Teacher, Dual Language Teacher, Primary Assistant, Music Teacher, PE Teacher, Office Administratrator, Art Assistant and Vic House (VH) Support. We also see several faculty moving into new roles within OFMS; Nefy Hathaway has moved from Toddler 1 to Toddler 2, Laura Zollman is now in Primary 1, April Adams moves from Toddler 2 to take on the lead role in Toddler 1, Devon Crouse moves from Primary 1 to lead in Primary 4, Diana McCreery leaves the classroom to become our PE Teacher, Sarah Shanton-Cox moves from Office Administrator to Admissions Director and Leigha Vandezande has moved up to our lead Art Teacher. Our new faculty includes: Victorian House Leah Watson and her two children join our OFMS family as she takes on the Infant Lead role. Dani Norris is a Kendallville native and moves into the Toddler 2 Assistant role supporting Sarah and Nefy.
Adams OneFormulaRacingReadingHiking Lead Toddler 1 Teacher Nature
ABOUT ME • I am mother to my daughter, Aria, who is 6 years old and the love of my life.
“ I have fallen in love with the school’s commitment to helping children grow through meaningful work. To experience being a part of entering the child’s work environment and helping to remove obstacles to allow for a child to self learn while watching the excitement and accomplishment that the child experiences, that is rewarding on a personal level to me. ”
• I enjoy reading, learning about new things and I have a love of exotic cars!
• If I were not teaching I would be a legal assistant to an Attorney who practices Criminal/Family Law. THE JOURNEY AHEAD
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
HOBBIES Graduate of Purdue University with a focus on Legal Studies. Student at Seton Montessori Institute persuing my Infant/Toddler Credential. Toddler Teacher at OFMS since 2020, Guest Teacher and volunteer since 2018.
“ I am most excited to become a larger part of the OFMS community and to continue to learn more about the Montessori way of teaching. I love learning new things and wrapping my mind around new concepts, so I welcome the opportunity to grow along with the children I will be interacting with on a daily basis. ”
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April
New Role
WHY JOIN THE TEAM? HOBBIES Graduate of the University of Saint Francis with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Professional experience working with disadvantaged families through SCAN, The Sexual Assault Treatment Center and The Women’s Bureau and have volunteered at Erin’s House for Grieving Children as a group facilitator and in crisis managment. “ I am inspired to help the Oak Farm family fulfill their mission because there is nothing more fascinating to me than facilitating in the growth and confidence of a child. Children have incredible potential at a young age and giving them the opportunity to learn and thrive with meaningful work is the best tool we can provide. ”“ I am excited to continue my journey alongside our future leaders. I am excited to see where this journey takes me, but more excited to see where it takes all of them! ”
THE JOURNEY AHEAD PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• During my experience as a professional social worker, I gained several awards including the Duckling of the Year in 2014 from SCAN, Inc., the Hope Award from the YWCA in 2011 and Advocate for Social Justice from USF in 2011.
• Most recently, I operated my own in-home childcare for six years and gained irreplaceable experience and knowledge.
ArtHikingGardening Natasha Vic House Support Staff Welcome Family
ABOUT ME • I am a wife of almost seven wonderful years and a mother of two.
Beverforden
Graduate of University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. Graduate of University of Puerto Rico with a Masters of Art in Educational Supervision and Administration.
LE1 Dual Language Teacher Family
• I grew up in Puerto Rico and my extended family still lives there.
ABOUT ME • My partner Jose and I have been together 16 years and have a daughter, Celeste, who will be in first grade this year.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WHY JOIN THE TEAM? HOBBIES
• Finding the perfect balance of time in the classroom, time with my family and time by myself fills my cup!
Cadalzo
Certified Special Education Teacher (PR,FL).
Patsyy
Welcome
• During my first year as a special ed teacher in the states I won the rookie teacher of the year award.
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Graduate of Instituto Nueva Escuela with Montessori Elementary I credentials. Bilingual in Spanish and English, oral and written. “ I believe that education should take into consideration the whole child. It is not just about learning facts, it is about developing the human that will contribute to the world. This can only be done through a prepared environment that will provide the child with opportunities to explore work using the hands and the brain to find its cosmic task. ”
“ I am excited about working in a community that embraces different languages. I’m excited to contribute to the learning process of the children in Spanish; opening countless opportunities and access to different cultures. I believe that my personal mision is in alignment with OFMS and I trust that joining this community will help me contribute to a better world. ”
• I taught dance for 6 years at Steppin’ Out Studio of Dance in Fort Wayne and 7 years at the Fort Wayne Ballet.
• If I couldn’t be a teacher, I would love to be an event planner.
CampingWalking Arts Crafts& Primary 3 Teacher Welcome Family
Coverstone
HOBBIES Graduate of Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a concentration in Language Arts, and a minor in Dance. Teacher for 7 years at Towles Montessori and Elementary Montessori Certification “ I believe that it is important for a child to build an intrinsic motivation for learning. If a child is intrinsically interested in learning, it will give that learning meaning. Meaningful learning experiences will help a child reach their full potential. I want to help foster that! ” “ I am so excited to be a part of Oak Farm Montessori School! I’ve already experienced Oak Farm as a parent and now I’m excited to experience it as an educator. ”
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• I LOVE spending time with my family. We enjoy arts/crafts, playing at parks, taking walks, and visiting the zoo. We also have a 12 year old pug, named Bandit.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
ABOUT ME • My husband Kyle and I have two daughters, Clara who is a current Primary student and Rosalyn who will begin this year in Toddlers.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
WHY JOIN THE TEAM? HOBBIES Graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. Graduate of San Diego City College in Early Childhood education. Certificate from Parents as Teachers and work as a parent teacher and program assistant. Graduate of Trine University Montessori Early Childhood education. “ The individualization and 3 year cycle of Montessori education is such a beautiful approach to learning. I’ve never felt as connected to my students and the community as I have at OFMS. The prepared environment is a comfortable extension of the home, and children feel loved and safe to explore and discover new things.” “ I am most excited this year to really put my new Montessori knowledge from my Teacher Training into practice in my classroom! I feel most peaceful and happy among children that are inspired and excited about growing and learning together with their community. The nice “hummm” of a normalized classroom makes my heart happy.”
ABOUT ME
• If I were not a teacher, I would probably be an Anthropologist, studying the people and places around the world.
New Role Devon
• My husband Jose and I have two beautiful babes! Jacquelin is 5 years old and Mateo is 7 months old.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• We met while I was living in San Diego, where we loved to spend time at the beach and up in the mountains.
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• I am married to my beautiful and amazing wife Amanda. We are excited to celebrate our one year anniversary this month.We have two dogs and are looking forward to starting a family this year.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
• If I couldn’t be a teacher I would be a rock star!
THE JOURNEY AHEAD PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
TravelSportsFamily Toddler 2 Teacher Singing ABOUT ME
• Lorene Dekko Salsbery, the founder of OFMS, was good friends with my mother Nancy and I got to housesit and babysit her two daughters.
Hathaway
• The boy band Hanson opened up for my band Paradise ten years ago.
HOBBIES OFMS employee since 2005 in various positions including: Guest Teacher, Support Staff, Primary PE Co-Teacher, Toddler Assistant and Lead Toddler Teacher. Infant Toddler Montessori Associates Degree from MTEC in San Jose, CA. Certified and trained in Positive Discipline and 7 Habits. “ I want to help Oak Farm fulfil our mission because, “I get to” make a difference in the lives of young children everyday. “I get to” to be a part of something much greater than just myself. “I get to” be a part of a community that represents life-long learning, acceptance, respect, emotional intelligence, and compassion. This has truly been my home away from home for seventeen years. ” “ I will be co-teaching in the Toddler 2 classroom with Sarah Bosworth this year, while welcoming a new assistant, Danielle Norris. I will also be coaching the OFMS Varsity Middle School basketball team this Fall. This is going to be the best year yet! ”
New Role Nefyy
• I do some voice acting, I love MMORPG’s, Cartoons, Anime, Motorcycles, movies and playing Dungeons & Dragons!
WHY JOIN THE TEAM? HOBBIES Graduate of Indiana/Purdue University Fort Wayne with a Bachelor of Arts in Art. Graduate of Ivy Tech with an Associates Degree in Visual Communications. Experience in modern classroom technology, collaboration and analytical thinking. “ I believe that art can be a gateway to an incredible amount of understanding. Everything has taken inspiration from the creative mindset. Inspiring students in an atmosphere to be themselves, to truly discover the possibilities of what they can do, brings me a tremendous amount of joy. ”
ABOUT ME • I have two brothers, Forest and Dale, as well as a new neice named Avalon!
THE JOURNEY AHEAD PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Welcome
“ I’m really excited to get to know everyone and find out what passions everyone has! Helping them along their journey, just like my professors have helped me in art, feels only right and I will do whatever I can to grow their craft, whatever it may be. ” Robert
• I love dancing to music and get lost in my own world.
Kenworthy Motorcycles&DungeonsDragons Music Art Assistant Art
• Finding out what drives people, knowing passions and seeing the fire light up their face fills my cup.
Betsyy
Ley GamesBoardMusicCrafting Music Teacher Welcome Family ABOUT ME • My husband Kavin (who also works at OFMS) and I have three kiddos — Bryn, Eliza, and our angel baby Asher. • I grew up in Northeastern Ohio in Amish country. • Conversations with others that are filled with honesty, vulnerability and empathy fill my cup. Those interactions foster community and belonging, and there’s nothing better! THE JOURNEY AHEAD PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
HOBBIES Graduate of IPFW with a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance Member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Licensed massage therapist. Affiliated with Parkview Kindred Heart Program. “ I’ve seen firsthand how special the culture is at Oak Farm and how it allows students to advocate for themselves, take risks within a safe environment and become a meaningful contributor to their community. Acting as a guide for students as they grow in this place will be such a privilege and pleasure! ” “ I’m excited to share a love of music with my students and to show them what meaningful participation in the arts truly means. It doesn’t mean you’re an expert or you’re talented; rather, it means you creatively share a perspective this is uniquely yours and work collaboratively with others to create something bigger than yourselves. ”
GardeningTravelHiking P.E.Teacher Family
• If I were not a teacher, I would love to cook in my food truck “Dirty Dozen” with products that are grown from my garden/farm. THE JOURNEY AHEAD PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ABOUT ME • I have been married for 15 years to my wonderful husband Christopher. Together we have 2 children, Sullivan 15 and Cohen 13, whom both attend OFMS.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM? HOBBIES Graduate of Ivy Tech with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Graduate of Seton Montessori Institute with an Early Childhood Credential. Positive Discipline trained. 12 years of experience working with children in a school setting. “ Our family began the Montessori journey 9 years ago. We completely changed our lifestyle when we saw what the philosophy is capable of when implemented. I am excited to continue this mission of guiding and encouraging children to reach their potential as well as supporting families just as the Primary Team did for us. ” “ I am excited to bring my Montessori training and love of sports into a cohesvie position that allows me to work with children of all ages. The opportunity to support them in learning productive communication, collaboration and living a healthy life will fulfill many personal goals. ”
• We enjoy traveling together and exploring the many hiking trails.
New Role
Diana
McCreery
ChildcareCosmetology Softball Toddler 2 Assistant Pets
ABOUT ME • I am a 2020 East Noble graduate where I played softball & soccer.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Going to the lake with my 4 dogs, Athena, Indie, Trixie & Sasha, where they can swim and walk through the woods is what I enjoy doing in my free time.
Norris
• This is my 2nd year as one of the two head coaches for the Wawasee varsity softball team.
Welcome
• I have worked for the last three years as a hairstylist at Jagged Edge hair salon in Kendallville.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM? HOBBIES Graduate of Impact Center with a cosmetology license. Graduate of East Noble High School Experience as a childcare provider for over four years at Apple Tree Center in Kendallville. “ I want to help Oak Farm Montessori fulfill our mission because what is going on here is such an amazing thing, and such a rewarding program to be a part of. The early years of life will set these children up for a successful future. ” “ I am most excited to get started and see the children in action. They are capable of so much at such a young age and I can’t wait to see them grow to their full potential. ” Danielle
Shanton-CoxSarahe
Admissions Director Nature
THE JOURNEY AHEAD PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
• If I were not a teacher, I would have my own wellness studio/ health food shop where a holistic approach to living would be encouraged and supported.
• Throwing on the pottery wheel is my “new’ creative outlet!
HOBBIES Certified Professional Coach Faculty Member at OFMSl from 20042016 for 12 years and a return in 2020 for the last 2 years. Roles included Administrative Assistant, Admissions, Infant/Toddler Coordinator and Human Resources. “ Being a part of Oak Farm allows for me to support a mission much bigger than myself. I have always made it a personal philosophy to be a life-long learner and being a member of the OFMS community allows me to be a part of an environment which inspires and fosters growth. It brings me true joy to witness the work that happens here everyday!.” “ In my new role, I look forward to meeting and welcoming new families and students to our wonderful community. ”
• I love animals. I have 4 rescues; 3 dogs and 1 cat (who thinks she’s a dog and part of the pack.) Cody, Casey, Ella and Lola.
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New Role
ABOUT ME • Married to my husband, Seth, for 15 years. I have a 24 year old son, Elijah, who attended OFMS from Primary - Middle School.
• I’ve never been much of a sports person, but I grew up roller skating with my family and still enjoy cruising around.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
WHY JOIN THE TEAM? HOBBIES Former Student at PFW pursuing a degree in Art and Elementary Education. Board member for Heart of the City an organization that helps local young or new artists and entrepreneurs find work and sales opportunities. Weekly Volunteer at the Fort Wayne Youth Service Center teaching ceramics. “ Oak Farm is a really special place with a loving community. I feel invested in this community because of the love and relationships I’ve built with students and faculty alike. The Montessori Philosophy has changed how I look at life and relationships for the better, and I am so glad I found it within Oak Farm. ” “ I’m excited for my new role as the lead Art Teacher! I’m most excited to create fun and challenging work for our students and to build upon our advanced arts in the Secondary level. The students unfiltered creativity and honesty fill my bucket! Children make the most interesting and hilarious art, and say the funniest things.”
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New Role Leighag
Vandezande
• We absolutely love being together on campus every day! When we are away from campus we love to be outside enjoying nature, kayaking, hiking and camping.
ABOUT ME • We are a full Oak Farm family, my partner Buddy is the new Sous Chef and my son Wyatt is a student in Toddler 1.
Leah
• I started my journey into Montessori early childhood education in August 2020, needing a different work environment during the pandemic.
HOBBIES Graduate of Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies teaching and a bachelor’s degree in History.
Welcome
Watson VolleyballTravelGamesBoard Infant Teacher Family
• If I had to choose an entirely different career, I think I would try my hand at book editing so I could get paid to read!
THE JOURNEY AHEAD PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
Career Counselor for young adults with barriers to employment. I also provided service coordination for struggling families.
Student at Seton Montessori Institute pursuing my Infant/Toddler Certification.
“ As I have learned more about Montessori, I have come to believe that all children deserve such an education and I want to be part of it! ” “ I am excited for my children and myself to join the thriving and vibrant community at OFMS! I’m happy to be part of the wonderful team of educators and staff at Oak Farm Montessori School, and am striving to become more faithful to the Montessori philosophy. ”
ABOUT ME • My husband and I live in Kendallville and have two children, our daughter Natalie and our son Merritt.
CampingChurchScrapbooking Assistant Primary Teacher Family
• We recently bought a camper for our family. We have traveled with it throughout the summer and have lots of plans for the future.
HOBBIES Graduate of University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor’s in Social Work Guest and Toddler Teacher at Oak Farm Montessori School for four years. Positive Discipline trained. “ I love the Montessori method and how it embraces each individual’s differences. As a mother of four, I can clearly see that every child is different, with different interests and skill sets. I want to be a part of this great work at OFMS so that we can help these students develop strong skills, independence, confidence and a sense of citizenship. Our society needs resilient youth with a drive to do good. ” “ I’m excited to get to know the students in Primary 1, as well as the Primary faculty. Getting to know each child on a personal level makes each day a joy for them as well as myself. The Toddler environment really trained me to stop and observe so that I can see each child’s strengths and needs. ”
Zollman
ABOUT ME • My husband Sam and I have four children who all attend OFMS: Ruby, Annalyse, David and Evelynn.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
• I enjoy watching my kids swim for the local swim team and participate in their other sporting events at school.
New Role
Laura
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
