Faculty & Staff

Sarah Walden

Head of School
Upper Elementary Teacher
email Sarah

Upper Elementary

Lower Elementary

Elizabeth Hallstrom

Upper Elementary Teacher
email Elizabeth

Kindergarten

Mary Nur

Kindergarten Teacher
Spanish, French, Art
email Mary

Kelly Wilson

Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
email Kelly

Primary

Jennifer Flemming

Primary Teacher
Program Director
email Jennifer

Mary Beth Hendrickson

Primary Teacher
Music, Science K-2
email Mary Beth

Specials

Sara Souraty

Business Administrator

Sarah Walden

Head of School, Upper Elementary Teacher

DEGREES

Wichita State University, B.A. of Performing Arts (Dance and Elementary Education) (2006)
Grand Canyon University, M.A. in Elementary Education

WORK EXPERIENCE

Wichita Montessori School (2017-present)
Buckner Elementary, Dance K-5^th, Math Enrichment 4-5^th Reading Enrichment 4-5^th, and Teacher in Charge (2009-2017)
Wichita Children’s Theater & Dance Center, Dance Teacher and Choreographer (2007-present)

PHILOSOPHY

“Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses—learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.” ~Leonardo DaVinci

Email

Charity McGee

Upper Elementary Teacher

DEGREES

Teacher Ready Training/Certification Program, University of West Florida (2019)

Wichita State University, B.S. Criminal Justice (2012)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Wichita Montessori School (2019-Present)

TOP Early Learning Center Pre-School, Pre-K Teacher (2018-2019)

Substitute Teacher for Wichita Public Schools (2017-2019)

Greater Mt. Zion Church Music Teacher & Director (2013-Present)

Published Author, “How to Live On Purpose” (2016) and “Committed to Die” (2016)

PHILOSOPHY

“I wasn’t born to just teach. I was born to inspire others to shine their light, and to never give up; even when faced with challenges that seem impossible.” ~Charity McGee

Email

Elizabeth Hallstrom

Upper Elementary Teacher

Email

Joni Wilson

Lower Elementary Teacher

DEGREES

NAMC/International Montessori Teacher Training Program (2013)
BA Elementary Education + 40 hours, University of Wyoming

WORK EXPERIENCE

Wichita Montessori School (2006 to present)
Teacher in American schools overseas, teacher in a Vietnamese refugee camp, tutored English to Japanese students (1986 – 1996)
1st Grade Teacher, Midwest WY (1979 – 1983)

PHILOSOPHY

“Prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child.”

Carolyn Orndorff

Lower Elementary Teacher

Email

Mary Nur

Kindergarten Teacher, Spanish, French, Art

DEGREES

NAMC/International Montessori Teacher Training Program (2014)
Wichita State University, BA French, Minor Spanish (1990)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Wichita Montessori School (1998 – present)
French teacher, The Independent School, Wichita KS (1990 – 1998)
Conducted extra-curricular Spanish course, Wichita KS (1991)
Foreign language teacher, summer sports camp, Wichita KS (1991)

PHILOSOPHY

“It is important for a child to feel successful. This can build a confidence that will stay with the child throughout their life. An atmosphere of discovery and responsibility is the ideal classroom environment.”

Kelly Wilson

Kindergarten Assistant Teacher

DEGREES

Graduated Burlington High School, Burlington IA (1977)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Wichita Montessori School (1995 – present)
Kindergarten, Pre-K and nursery teacher in various churches (1981 – 1994)

PHILOSOPHY

“I believe that children who understand and demonstrate consistency and respect in the classroom are better equipped to learn and to feel successful. When teachers mentor these behaviors we can affect the children with whom we interact and help them develop to their greatest potential.”

Jennifer Flemming

Primary Teacher, Program Director

DEGREES

B.S. Elementary Education, KSU (1989 – 1994)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Wichita Montessori School (2009 – present)
Discovery Place Preschool, Asst. Teacher (2008 – 2009)
The Independent School, K Teacher (1997 – 2006)
Celebration Montessori Center, Teacher (1994 – 1996)

PHILOSOPHY

“A child’s classroom is truly successful when he or she demonstrates a love of work, respect of materials and exhibits graciousness towards teachers and peers.”

Toranj Irani

Primary Teacher

DEGREES

High School – Karachi Grammar School, Karachi, Pakistan (1986)
Bachelors in Arts – Karachi, Pakistan (1990)
American Montessori International Certification – Karachi, Pakistan (2001)
Early Learning Childhood Diploma Certificate – Karachi, Pakistan (2001)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Wichita Montessori School (2006 – present)
Woodland Lakes Early Learning Center (2004 – 2006)
Learning Tree Preschool, Pakistan (2003 – 2004)
Links School, Pakistan (2001 – 2003)

PHILOSOPHY

“A key to a child’s heart is to accept, care and love them for who they are.”

Mary Beth Hendrickson

Primary Teacher, P-3 Music, K - 2 Science Lab

DEGREES

Xavier University, BS Montessori Education 3-6 year old- AMS certified (1989)
Xavier University BS Elementary Education pre-K -3rd Grade (1989)
WSU, Masters Curriculum & Instruction (2011)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Wichita Montessori School Primary (2011 – present)
Upper Elementary Teacher, Cheyenne Eagle Butte, SD (1996 – 1998)
Children’s House Montessori School, Pierre, SD (1993 – 1996)
Parker & Lone Tree Montessori Schools, CO (1989 – 1992)

PHILOSOPHY

“Each child has a matchless combination of potentials to be unleashed. It is the responsibility of a teacher to nurture the growth and development of each student in his or her preparation for life. This requires the guidance of the child with freedom to be uniquely himself or herself, but never usurping the freedom of others.”

Nadia Khalidi

Physical Education Teacher