Let me introduce you...
This year, we welcome 63 returning staff to Oak Farm Montessori, with nine staff concluding their tenure this past spring. Saying goodby to faculty is hard, they have each invested in the students and made valuable contributions to our school; we thank them for their years of supporting the Oak Farm Montessori School mission.
This year, we welcome several new faculty to our community including: two new Upper Elementary Teachers, a Primary Teacher, Spanish Teacher, School Safety Specialist, Assistant Director of Student Services, and Music Teacher. We also see Melissa Witt, former Primary 4 Teacher, moving into a new role within the school; Outdoor Specialist. Our new faculty includes:
Middle/High School
Solomon Boyce joins us as our Secondary Spanish Teacher with a love of Latin America studies and the Spanish language.
Chea Parton joined our Middle School team mid year as the Language and Humanities Teacher and began her Montessori training this past summer.
Elementary
Amber Coss is a Lower and Upper Montessori trained teacher and is excited to join Sandra Deacon in the UE1 classroom.
Chad Seewald hopes to incorporate his love of baking into making math practical and delicious as he joins April in the UE3 classroom.
Victorian House
Noah Lien comes to us from MLK Montessori and is excited to put his love of Early Childhood Montessori education to work in Primary 2.
Related Arts
Aaron Samra has worked with children of all ages and most recently inspired students at the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. He is ready to immerse himself in the Montessori culture.
Administration
Don Davis, who goes by Davis, has two decades of law enforcement experience and is ready to lead our school in his new role as School Safety Specialist.
Student Services
Amara Sobczak joins our team as the Assistant Director of Student Services. She has ten years of special educational experience and is finishing her Masters degree.
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 24th year of providing a worldclass Montessori education for families in Northeast Indiana. Candice
Welcome
Solomon
Boyce
Spanish Teacher
ABOUT ME
• My wife and I have two boys. They have attended Montessori preschool and will be attending OFMS this fall.
• I grew up in LaGrange County, but while in college I did a semester in Lima, Perú and have also worked doing organic farming and harvesting coffee in Puerto Rico.
• My wife and I both lived and taught in New Mexico on the largest Indian Reservation in the U.S. We taught at a public school where the student body was 100% Diné.
• I love to read and write, and to play guitar and sing. I was in a punk band in high school, but those days are (mostly) behind me!
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ Learning new things and working collaboratively with students in new ways! I am excited to get out of the traditional classroom environment and let students take the lead! ”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Certificate in Latin American Studies
Graduate of Western New Mexico University with a Graduate Certificate in Special Education
Spanish Teacher at Evansville Central High School in Evansville, IN
K-12 Special Education Teacher at Navajo School Cluster in Navajo, New Mexico
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ I have seen how positively my own children have responded to Montessori education. I am excited to merge my interest in Montessori with my passion for sharing the Spanish language and the many cultures it encompasses. ”
HOBBIES
Welcome
Amber
Coss
Upper Elementary 1 Teacher
ABOUT ME
• My husband and I moved to Fort Wayne this summer with our five year old daughter, Greta. We also have three adult children named Trayce, Zane, and Saxton.
• I grew up in Indiana, but have lived in five other states.
• After becoming a parent, discovering my path as a Montessori guide has been the most impactful experience of my life. It completely changed my course and has greatly influenced who I am today.
• As a child, I wanted to be either an archaeologist or a paleontologist and I still find these careers fascinating!
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I am impressed with the organization and thought that has clearly been put into every decision here at OFMS. I can’t wait to be part of this community where joyful learning, nature, and peace are so clearly core values. ”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Graduate of Western Governor’s University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education
Graduate of The Center for Guided Montessori Studies with a 6-12 Montessori Certification
Lower Elementary Guide at Montessori School of Westfield
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ Helping a child to discover, learn, and grow is such a joyful experience; but, it’s also one of the most important jobs in the world. It is a blessing to be part of a community that cares so deeply for the whole child. ”
HOBBIES
Welcome
Donald
Davis
School Safety Specialist
ABOUT ME
• I am a proud father of three daughters and enjoy attending church, going to the gym, and completed the 75 Hard Challenge over the spring/summer!
• I am a Level 39 Pokémon Trainer. I started playing as a way to connect to the youth while traditional policing.
• I am an Amateur Radio Operator -Technician (N9DUC) as well as the owner of approximately 50 pairs of shoes.
• What fills my cup is the commitment to becoming a better version of myself each day.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I’m thrilled to take on this new journey with OFMS, embracing the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I look forward to building on past successes while navigating new paths to meet the evolving needs of our students. This role allows me to honor our tradition of excellence, while shaping a safe and secure future for our community. ”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
School Resource Officer National
Practitioner Level through the N.A.S.R.O
Professional Level School Resource Officer through the I.N.S.O.R.A
Graduate of Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, ILEA Class 155
18 years as an ILEA Certified Instructor and various Instructor Certifications
10 years of School Based PolicingRestorative Justice Certified, NASRO Basic and Advanced SRO, Communications Liaison, Indiana School Safety Specialist.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ I want to help OFMS fulfill its mission while creating a safe and secure Montessori environment that allows students to explore and grow without compromising their liberties. Ensuring a protective setting while supporting meaningful work is crucial for inspiring students to reach their full potential. ”
HOBBIES
Fitness
Welcome
Noah
Lien
Primary 2 Teacher
ABOUT ME
• My wife and I have been married since October of last year. We are both passionate Montessori teachers with very nerdy hobbies.
• I have just started my woodworking hobby. So far, I have made a board game table with a removable top that seats six, a raised garden bed, and a coffee table.
• I love getting to see the child’s “ah ha moment.” Getting to see those moments and share it with them fills my cup.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I know that children are naturally eager for knowledge and with the help of a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment and educator, children will be inspired to reach their protentional through meaningful work. I know that I can help students be immersed in a learning environment that fosters a sense of community and encourages interpersonal skills, problem solving, goal setting, creativity, independence, and selfaccountability. ”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Graduate of Ivy Tech Community College with an Associate of Science in Elementary Education
Graduate of The Center for Guided Montessori Education with an Early Childhood Training Certification and AMS Early Childhood Credential
Lead Primary Teacher at Martin Luther King Montessori School
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ I am so excited to join the OFMS family and beautiful campus! As a Montessorian, my hope is to help guide children to become caring, creative, resilient, curious, and empathetic adults. I’m excited to have the opportunity to foster these future citizens to have healthy relationships and discover the joy of lifelong learning. ”
HOBBIES
Welcome
Katie
Munro
Toddler 2 Assistant Teacher
ABOUT ME
• My husband and I have been married for thirteen years and have two children who are 11 and 5.
• Kindness, nature, and relationships ‘fill my cup’.
• My two favorite hobbies are horses and gardening. I am currently growing a salsa garden and can’t wait to make fresh salsa!
• If I couldn’t be a teacher I would love to own a horse stable and help riders reach their goals!
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Oak Farm Montessori, fostering meaningful connections with students, families, and farm animals! I’m excited to explore the beautiful campus with the students and to be apart of the early years of learning and exploring with the toddlers. ”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelors degree in General Studies
Graduate of Indiana University with an Associates in Early Childhood Development
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ Being a part of the foundation to a child’s learning when they are toddlers is so special to me. Seeing them become independent and confident in their learning environment is so rewarding to observe. I am truly inspired to be able to be apart of this community. ”
HOBBIES
Welcome
Parton
Middle School Language and Humanities Teacher
ABOUT ME
• My husband Ravi and I have been together for 16 years and we have 3 children: Adaline (5); Leland (3); and Jesse (21-months), as well as 2 dogs.
• I grew up on a farm in central Indiana, ended up in central Texas for 8 years, and am glad to be back in the Hoosier state
• If I weren’t a teacher, I’d be a professional writer and/or journalist.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ After being a teacher educator for a number of years, I’m so excited to work with and talk about reading and writing with young people again. I’m also *really* looking forward to getting to spend time in the barn and greenhouse. I’ve missed being part of a school community, I miss my farm, and in an amazing twist of fate, OFMS is giving me the chance to get to be part of both again! I can tell I’ll be working with an incredible team in an amazing community, and I couldn’t be more excited about that. ”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Graduate of University of Texas at Austin with a PhD in Language and Literacy.
Graduate of Purdue University with a Masters of Education in English and a Bachelors Degree in English and a minor in psychology.
Published Author: Country Teachers in City Schools: The Challenge of Negotiating Identity and Place.
Student at Cincinnati Montessori pursuing a secondary Montessori credential.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ I’m a firm believer that education and young people can change the world. Providing young folks with the opportunity to engage with the world around them and one another in meaningful work is how we prepare them to be part of that change, and I’m so honored to be part of that journey at OFMS! ”
HOBBIES
Welcome
Aaron
Samra
Music Teacher
ABOUT ME
• I am a proud father of two from Fort Wayne that has been to 35 of our 50 illustrious states and has also spent time in Europe.
• Contributing to my community fills my cup!
• I am a true believer in the quote by Aristotle: “In practice, instruction will fall into two categories: gymnastics for the body, and music for the sake of a well-ordered soul.”
• I love a good trip, puzzle, conversation, or a good project.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I am grateful to have the opportunity to meet students from all over this beautiful campus to grow and help one another broaden our appreciation for music and culture in our lives ”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education K-12.
Graduate of Saint Joseph’s College with a Master of Arts in Music and Liturgy.
Program Manager at the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ I am very excited to learn and grow within the context of student driven learning. My previous experience included Montessori students, but now to be immersed within a Montessori environment is music to my ears! ”
HOBBIES
Welcome
Chad
Seewald
Upper Elementary 3 Teacher
ABOUT ME
• I’m happily married for 24 years to my best friend, Heather, and we’re the parents of two “kids”, Emma (21) and Connor (17).
• I am a consummate fan of Dad jokes, sarcasm, and puns, and believe that laughter is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other.
• I love reading, role-playing games (D&D), road trips, and spending time with my family.
• I’ve also had a lifelong love a cooking and baking and owned a bakery for nearly 10 years.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I am impressed with the organization and thought that has clearly been put into every decision here at OFMS. I can’t wait to be part of this community where joyful learning, nature, and peace are so clearly core values. I have felt welcomed and wanted each step of the way. I’m looking forward to being in the classroom each day, interacting with students, parents, and faculty, and starting what I hope will be a very long tenure at Oak Farm! ”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Graduate of IPFW with a Bachelors in Elementary Education
Student of Trine University-The Center for Montessori Education to obtain a certification in Montessori Elementary Education
9-12 Montessori Teacher at Towles Intermediate, FWCS
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ I believe that a Montessori environment allows for students to become true citizens of the world; capable of making the world a better place through both their own actions, and their influence on the world around them. Helping OFMS fulfill their mission will go far in creating a better world for generations to come. ”
HOBBIES
Welcome
Amara
Sobczak
Assistant Director of Student Services
ABOUT ME
• I married my college sweetheart, Ben, and we have three beautiful children.
• I grew up in Auburn, Indiana, and am lucky enough to be raising our family in my childhood home.
• Our family enjoys lake days, exploring nature, exercising, playing games, and movie nights.
• Coffee shops and bookstores are my favorite places to spend time.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ I am excited to join Oak Farm Montessori School because it represents a unique opportunity to contribute to an educational environment that genuinely prioritizes the growth and development of each child. I look forward to connecting with students, staff, and families this year! ”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science and major in Elementary Education/Special Education, Mild Intervention Exceptional Needs
Student of Ball State University Masters Program with an emphasis on Educational Leadership and Supervision
School Improvement Support at Prince Chapman Academy, East Allen County Schools.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ I am eager to join OFMS because I am deeply committed to fostering a Montessori environment where students can truly reach their potential through meaningful work. Oak Farm’s dedication to creating a child-centered, thoughtfully prepared environment aligns perfectly with my own educational values and passion for individualized learning. I believe that by working together, we can cultivate an inspiring educational atmosphere that empowers all students to explore their interests, build independence, and achieve their fullest potential ”
HOBBIES
New Role
Melissa Witte Outdoor Specialist
ABOUT ME
• My husband, Chris, and I have two children who both attend Oak Farm Montessori; Tinley, who is in Lower, and Milo, who is in Primary.
• I grew up in rural LaPorte, IN on 5 wooded acres. I spent most of my childhood outside in the woods.
• I love hiking and exploring nature with my kids.
• Interesting fact... I attended a Montessori school as a child!
• Quality time with my family and friends is what fills my cup. I also love cooking or baking with my kids..
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“ As I begin this journey in a new role in our community, I’m most excited to be attending Forest School and getting my Forest School Certificate.”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Student at Purdue University Northwest for several years to work towards a Bachelors in Elementary Education.
Primary Teacher at Oak Farm Montessori
HSI Pediatric First Aid trained and HSI Adult First Aid/ CPR AED All Ages trainedi Coached gymnastics for 11 years in Northwest Indiana, so gymnastics will always hold a special place in my heart.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM?
“ I want to help another generation of students learn to love nature and the outdoors. I want them to find joy in moving their bodies, test their limits, and learn what they are capable of doing. ”
HOBBIES
