Teachers and Staff

Administration

Karen Kissell, Director

Education:

Previous work experience:

Montessori Teacher- 15 years

Accomplishments:

I was introduced to Montessori while attending Oxford University in London. I was placed at a Montessori school outside of London to complete my practicum and have never looked backed. I was lucky enough to actually attend the 100 year celebration of Casa de Bambini in Rome, Italy amongst hundreds of Montessorians from around the world. What a wonderful and very humbling experience to visit and "do work" at the school. I even left a little bit of Children's Meeting House there: a picture from our grand opening celebration here in Ohio!

My favorite thing about CMH:

Everything! From the three year olds to the twelve year olds and everything in between and older. It is a great, happy school with wonderful staff members and families. My favorite thing about being principal is getting to spend time with all the children. I love walking into the classrooms and choosing purposeful and sometimes not so purposeful work with anyone!

I am amazed everyday by all the wonderful happenings at this school. The administration and staff work together to create a school environment that embodies Maria Montessori's educational method and philosophy.

Lisa Wachenfeld, Assistant Director

About my position:

I share administrative duties with the Director, focusing more on the operational side of the school.

Education:

B.S. in Food Science and Technology from Ohio State University

Previous work experience:

What I Love About CMH:

I don't think there is a better method and/or environment to educate young children. Each child is respected and nurtured wherever they are in their development. The staff is excellent; the facility is beautiful and peaceful. It is a joy to come to work every day!

The Senior Elementary Teachers

Dana Dale

Accomplishments:

Education:

Work History:

What I Love About CMH:

EVERYTHING! From the moment I visited CMH as a Montessori Student at Xavier I knew that this was the place where I wanted to teach. The setting was so beautiful and peaceful (this was back in the barn days) and the students seemed so happy. Even after 12 years at CMH I still feel the same way. I love the Montessori philosophy and the way it is carried out at CMH.

My favorite things to do when I am not at work:

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, gardening, attending the theater, hiking and spending time in nature. I love listening to music (all kinds) and reading.

John Phenix

Education:

Work History:

Accomplishments:

What I Love about CMH:

I have always loved the beautiful grounds our school occupies. I have spent many years as the Building and Grounds Manager and love planning and developing our natural habitat. Our grounds have also been a great inspiration to me in developing a nature curriculum for the children.

My favorite things to do when I am not at work:

When I'm not at work, my special interests are gardening, woodworking, camping, visiting my grown children and grandchildren, playing guitar, listening to music.

The Junior Elementary Teachers

Paula Doughman, Junior South Classroom

Accomplishments:

I suppose I would say that my accomplishments are quite varied. The one thing that I am most proud of is my fantastic family. I am married to a wonderful man, Doug. We have three amazing children, Chris, Jessica, and Stephanie. Over the past six years, we have moved from Ohio to Brazil, to California, and back to Ohio where we will stay!

I am also proud of having run two full marathons. I have always enjoyed running in local 5K and 10K races as well, and after this last marathon I think I'll return to those shorter distances!

Education:

As a young child, I attended Gloria Dei Montessori school in Dayton, Ohio. Through middle school and high school, I attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts, majoring in music. After high school, I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.A. in Psychology. I completed all of the Graduate Montessori Curriculum courses at Xavier University and earned my Montessori Elementary Certification from the North American Montessori Center.

Work History:

After I graduated from college, I worked for the Hamilton County Department of Human Services as a social worker in the Childcare Division as well as the Children's Services Division. I also worked in the Student Psychological Services Offices at the University of Cincinnati, administering academic, vocational, and psychological tests. After working for a few year at UC, it was time for me to take a few years away from the "professional world" and join the world of the "stay-home moms". I thoroughly loved my time at home with my children, but now they are older and all in school, and I have found my true calling as a Montessori Teacher. I taught in a Montessori school for two years in California, before moving back "home" to Loveland and Children's Meeting House.

What I Love about CMH:

There are many things I love about CMH, but at the top of my list is observing the children here and knowing, just from watching them, how much they love being here. I enjoy seeing the children's love of their school from morning carpool until they get one last hug from their teacher at the end of the day!

This is also a great school because the teachers really believe in CMH and that shows not only in the way that they teach, but in the ways that we support each other. The teachers at CMH are always willing and eager to help each other out and that translates into a great work environment.

The families are also a wonderful part of our school. It is terrific to have parents so interested and supportive of their children's education.

My favorite things to do when I am not at work:

My favorite thing to do when I'm not at work is to just hang around the house with my family and do "nothing". With our lives so full of sports, school, and other activities, I really cherish the times when we can all be together. Whether we are having a nice meal together, playing a long game of Monopoly, or just doing some yard work, just being with my family is what I love most.

Michael Flohr, Junior North Classroom

Education:

Accomplishments:

I was introduced to Montessori while working as a Dalcroze Eurhythmics Specialist in Cleveland. When the school grew large enough to start a second lower elementary classroom I was asked if I would like to be trained in the Montessori Method and begin a startup elementary classroom at the school. After five years of observing the growth of these particular children and this very lovely school as a part of the support staff I jumped at the opportunity.

Previous Work Experience:

Montessori Teacher - 4 years

What I Love about CMH:

I really enjoyed my year as a substitute teacher at Children's Meeting House. I spent time in each classroom and subbed for each of the teachers from pre-primary through seniors! What a phenomenal opportunity to observe this lovely school, its staff, and its children. I knew that this was a place that I wanted to be a part of after my move to Cincinnati. The grounds of the school are a particular draw--what a wonderful environment in which to offer the Montessori curriculum.

Diane M. Gersten, Junior South Classroom

Accomplishments:

Education:

Work History:

What I love about CMH:

I first fell in love with Children's Meeting House, while looking at schools for my children in 1990. Being a traditionally trained teacher, I was not familiar with the Montessori philosophy, but was instantly drawn to the school's environment, teachers and personnel. It was obvious to me, as I observed the children happily engaged in various activities, that this school was different. It didn't feel like a school, but more like a home, where children were respected and encouraged to choose "works" that were meaningful to them. Needless to say, my family joined the CMH community, and I soon found myself at Xavier University, preparing to be a Montessori teacher.

I am blessed to still be part of this wonderful CMH community today. As a school, we have grown, built a new facility, welcomed new teachers and families, but we have not changed. We still value the peacefulness of our surroundings and the gift of nature. We cherish each child as we work to provide them a rich and safe environment for learning and self-discovery. We are a caring, dedicated community of Montessorians that work together with wonderful parents for the benefit of our children, the future of our world.

My favorite things to do when I am not at work:

I love to watch my daughter play soccer and "catch up" with my son at college. I also enjoy reading, traveling, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing at home.

The Pre-Primary Teachers

Andrea Glassmeyer, Pre-Primary Classroom 1

Accomplishments:

Education:

Work History:

What I Love About CMH:

I love the community feeling of CMH. The first time I came to the school I fell in love with the warm, welcoming feeling I got while there. I could tell that everyone wanted to be there and loved what they did. Also, the children seemed so comfortable and happy in their environments. Another aspect of the school that I love is the gardens. They are beautiful and everyday while looking out into the gardens from my classroom I appreciate how lucky we are and how lucky I am to be a teacher at CMH.

Places I have visited:

Places I have visited include Belize, Central America; France; Alaska; Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies; Bermuda; Hawaii; Bahamas; Mexico; all around the United States.

My favorite things to do when I am not at work:

My favorite things to do when I am not at work are exercise, read, scrapbook, play with my dog, Mosley, hang out and relax at home.

Casey Reed, Pre-Primary Classroom 1

Accomplishments:

Education:

Work History:

What I love about CMH:

CMH is a special place in my world. I love the rich history, special traditions, wonderful families, caring staff, and the unique spirit of each child at CMH. The CMH Community is my extended family.

My favorite thing to do when I am not at work:

My favorite thing to do when I am not at work is to hang out at my parent's home on the Little Miami River in Oregonia, Ohio. My husband, children, and two Jack Russell Terriers especially enjoy canoeing and sitting around the campfire together.

Leann Varon, Pre-Primary Classroom 2

Accomplishments:

Education:

Work History:

What I love about CMH:

I am honored and humbled to be part of this Montessori School, one that embodies Maria Montessori's philosophy and method. This philosophy is present from the administration to the staff and children. It is challenging and exciting each day to be part of its growth and success.

Favorite things to do when I'm not at work:

Theresa Bell, Pre-Primary Classroom 3

Accomplishments:

Education:

Work History:

What I Love About CMH:

What do I do in my free time?

I like to do things with my children - arts and crafts, games, hikes and occasional bike rides. I like to read and lately, I've really begun to enjoy Sudoku.

Special Enrichment Teachers

Karen Cody, Librarian

Education:

Work History:

In the past I taught at Lakota Jr. High, ran the School of Outdoor Discovery at Camp Kern, and have been a naturalist for the Hamilton County Park District. Currently in addition to being the Librarian at CMH I have my own business called Nature Matters, which deliveries entertaining, educational presentations on natural and cultural history subjects to school and organizations and such in the greater Cincinnati area. Since 1996 I have been a Fall Foliage Lecturer aboard the legendary Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen as the vessels cruise the nation's heartland rivers.

What I love about CMH:

THE CHILDREN!

I love the school inside and out!

Inside the school it's very relaxing and has a home-like atmosphere that is very conducive to teaching and learning.

Outside the play area is naturalized with plants, trees, flowers, water, sand, and wild critters. The outside atmosphere here at CMH gives children the opportunity for exploration of the natural world which is important for healthy development. Such experiences develop imagination and the sense of wonder which is an important motivator for life long learning.
That is what I love about the school!

Accomplishments:

My favorite children's book:

THE LORAX

What I love to do when I'm not at work:

I love hiking! Hiking is good for the mind, body and soul, and doesn't cost a thing. There is no better way to rejuvenate than an escape to the woods.

My family spends countless hours each week exploring the outdoors!

I love just about any outdoor adventure! My husband and I love to Scuba dive, in fact he proposed to me while we were Scuba Diving in Key West. My whole family enjoys kayaking, cycling, snorkeling, wild food foraging, caving, birding, banding birds, camping, my two boys love to rock climb blah, blah and blah, you get the idea. One of our goals is to hike all the Appalachian Trail and the John Muir Trail. We recently hiked a section of the Na Pali coast in Kauai and loved it!

Pre-Primary Classroom Assistants

Cassi Power, Pre-Primary 1 Assistant

Accomplishments:

The accomplishments that I am most proud of are my two beautiful daughters Emily and Maggie. Watching them grow and thrive, laughing with them, teaching them, sharing the world with them, I could go on and on. They really are the joys of my life.

Education:

Work History:

What I love about CMH:

CMH is a very special place. The Montessori tradition of respect for self, others, and the environment is teaching our children life long lessons of consciousness.

In my past life:

I was a wrangler at a dude ranch in Wyoming. When I graduated from Ohio University my best friend drove all the way to Jackson with me. What an adventure. We had the most wonderful road trip. When we drove up the mountain to Brooks Lake Lodge (10,000 feet above sea level) we were feeling a bit woozy from the altitude, and were amazed by the most beautiful vistas we had ever seen.

She flew home, and I worked all summer with a young group of employees. We went trail riding every day. On our days off we went to Yellowstone, or fly fishing. I will always love the American west.

Veronica Brannen, Pre-Primary 2 Assistant

Accomplishments:

Education:

University of Cincinnati: B.A. English Literature, also completed 1 year of Educational Foundations, and Post-Graduate Natural Science Studies that include Tri-State Native Plants, Geology, Astronomy.

Work History:

Over the past 20 years worked as a Naturalist for the Cincinnati Park Board, Hamilton County Park District, and Clermont County Park District. Taught 5th - 8th grade science at St. Bernadette School.

What I Love About CMH:

The people are the biggest part of what makes CMH such a wonderful school. The natural surroundings (the woods, fields, trails, O'Bannon Creek) make the school very unique and special.

When I am not at work I love to...

...enjoy time with my family, hiking, biking, paddling, sitting around a campfire, cooking and baking, playing guitar and singing.

Children's Meeting House Staff

Tamara Toppen, AfterCare Director

Accomplishments:

I am most happy about my role as a parent and have tried to do my best to encourage good morals, habits, compassion, kindness and the importance of good education in my son. He is a bright light in my life as are all the children that I serve at CMH.

I play some classical and rag time piano. I have played piano and sang solos in churches.

I have purchased a home on my own and have been renovating it for the past year. It is in an area that I have wanted to live in for the past 20 years. I am having a lot of fun decorating and landscaping.

Education:

I attended Southeastern College in Lakeland, Florida. I had two majors, Secondary Education and Music Education. I sang in the college choir. I took a course in sign Language. I made friends from all over the country.

Work History:

Before working at CMH I worked for Sycamore Public Schools in Cincinnati, Ohio. I worked with children of all types of disabilities, mostly Autistic children. Usually, every year a parent would thank me for working with their child and ask me if I would be willing to move to a new school to be with their child. During my time at Sycamore I was trained in many topics relating to Child Development, Safety, and working with children with ADHD, Autism, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other childhood conditions. I have also worked with gifted and typical children.

I worked as a Preschool Teacher in a church and also opened up my own preschool named Tami's Tots in my home.

I worked as Shipping Manager for Weibold Antique and Art Restoration. Here I estimated repairs on beautiful museum quality works of art. I worked mostly with artists and metalsmiths. I quit this job and took a large cut in pay to take a job working in my sons preschool so that I would not have to be away from him so much while he was young. This is when I began my career working with children. I am so happy that I made this decision!

What I love about CMH:

I have to say that what I love most about CMH is the wonderful community of parents here who believe in their children and want the best foundation for their child's education. I have met the most wonderful friends while working at CMH. People who are warm, concerned and environmentally aware.

I love the children at CMH and look forward to everyday that I see them. I truly believe that working with children is the most sacred job that there is. I take it very seriously.

At CMH we have the most pleasant and accommodating staff and administration. We feel more like a family everyday.

My favorites:

A couple interesting things about me is that I never judge a book by its cover. I use to have a pet skunk that was potty trained and lived in my home for seven years. I would like to find a friend who likes to go on weekend trips! I like anchovies.