Donna Smith | Primary

During student teaching I realized that the public school classroom could not successfully serve all students.  My 1st grade class had a child who couldn’t hold a pencil, color or write his name and other child who was working at a 3rd grade level.  The rest fell in between.  I watched my supervising teacher struggle to give the children what they needed and knew there had to be a better way.  I was introduced to Maria Montessori in a “filler” class before graduation.  Upon moving back home to Indy, I saw an ad for a Montessori assistant and met Judy Edwards.  The answer to my concerns became so clear: Montessori is the answer!  And the rest is history!

Every day is a new day!  Every day a child in my class is introduced to something new, grasps a new idea, practices a work as long as they need to, or masters a concept.  The joy of learning is written all over their little faces.  It’s such a precious moment!

What I love about Northside…Northside is home.  From the beautiful old building with the big windows and high ceilings to the large outdoor spaces, Northside is a comfortable and happy place – just like home should be!

A multiple fun fact about me;
-The children love to say that I’m a teacher, a mom, and a grandma!
I’ve been at Northside since 1986!
I’ve got 2 sons (who attended Northside) and I have 5 grandchildren!

SUZANNE LOHRSTORFER | elementary

I am excited to be joining the NMS community. I have had over 20 years teaching in a Montessori classroom and have witnessed the effectiveness of a Montessori education. I was attracted to Montessori while pursuing my undergraduate degree in education. I was drawn to the hands-on materials which introduce concepts at a concrete level and then allow the students to make a leap to the abstract. It is exciting to see the children work independently and at their own pace. I love how the older students are role models for the younger students and I am inspired by their willingness to help each other.

Fun Fact: I just finished my 3rd sprint triathlon!

Tara franke | co-owner & primary

I remember the first time I laid eyes on a Montessori Classroom.  I could not believe the independence and respect that I was seeing.  The students were moving about the classroom with such purpose and control.  It was like nothing I had ever seen before.  After 20 years, I continue to be a part of Montessori because it works.  Having the opportunity to watch children grow, learn, and mature is the best reward anyone could ask for.  Montessori allows for each of those things to happen at each child's individual pace. 

The personal and deep relationship with each individual child is what fuels me daily.  With the three year cycle, I am able to really get to know each child.  We spend time observing and getting to know each child individually, learning their likes and dislikes in addition to their strengths and areas that might need gentle guidance.  Those moments when they grasp a concept for the first time, give a lesson to a friend or go and complete a job are priceless.  Their pride and joy can be seen through their smile!

The families and students at Northside are compassionate, loving and supportive.  The students have an insatiable appetite to always learn more and they in turn teach me so much throughout the day.  The Northside Families are what make us such a strong community.  I don't know if it is because our school is in a house or not, but there is definitely something about Northside that makes you feel a part of one big family!

Amy Wenck | Primary

I too, first learned about Montessori Education while reading a single chapter during a General Education Course in college. I immediately scheduled an observation. This is it, this is what it is all about! This is how I want to parent, this is how I want to teach, this is how I want to live, I thought. After moving to six different cities in five states, and becoming a Montessori parent, I finally became Montessori certified.

I am proud to be a Montessorian. I have been rewarded with classroom experiences full of joy, learning and wonder. Some of my Montessori magic days included a child as young as two and a half giving another child a lesson on how to return their work to the shelve exactly the way they found it and an older friend patiently assisting and listening to a beginning reader. Oh, the gentleness the children treat each other with fills my heart.

I have twenty-nine wonderful years of experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. I also support The Ronald McDonald House and School on Wheels. I enjoy practicing yoga, kayaking, hiking and family.

Fun Fact: I outrigged canoed and snorkeled with green sea turtles in Hawaii, not once but twice!

Ali Osborn | Elementary assistant

    For the first time in 17 years of teaching, I have seen differentiated instruction at its very finest. Montessori education meets students exactly where they are in their learning journey.
I have taught in many settings, countries and schools and I am very excited to join NMS as a teacher this year as well as a parent.
We love being a part of the northside family!
Fun fact- our family has a pet chinchilla named John, who currently resides in the walnut classroom.

Jessica Stuaan | PRIMARY ASSISTANT

My introduction to Montessori was through my daughter - and I’ve since learned this is a common route of introduction to the methodology amongst Montessori instructors! It makes sense that, once you see the results of a Montessori education in your own child, you’d be inclined to passionately pursue it as a career :)  I’ve had a fairly varied list of careers, ranging from research assistant in botany and psychology labs at IU, to chiropractor, to opening a plant shop. But nothing has felt as much like home as Northside has. 

My daughter started at NMS when she was three years old, and is now a Walnut Class friend. Northside has always felt like an extension of our family, especially while we were going through some very challenging times. The “family feel” at NMS is a beautiful thing!

This will be my second year teaching the Oak friends, and I’m beyond honored to be a part of the NMS family and now staff. 

Jeannie Brammeier | Permanent sub

Several years ago my daughter came home and said, "I think I am going to become a Montessori teacher."  And then shortly after graduation she said, "I want to own my own Montessori school!"  So I have had time to prepare for that day.  However, I never knew the pay off would be this great.  What a wonderful experience it is to see the children grow and accept so many challenges that are given to them with such enthusiasm.  It has truly been a blessing to experience the Montessori Philosophy.

The children desire to learn new things!  It is contagious to see them so happy to be going to school and having such a wonderful time with their friends.  

Aaron Franke

My favorite aspect of the Montessori Philosophy is the independent learning aspect.  I can't think of a better way to teach children!  Being at Northside feels like you are part of a large family.  Everyone is kind and courteous.  And it is incredible to watch how everyone is willing to help and support the school.  

The chickens are really cool too.

Fun Fact: I share a birthday with Maria Montessori.