Faculty & Staff
Head of School
Administrator
Upper Elementary
Lower Elementary
Kindergarten
Primary
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-5th, Math Enrichment 4-5th Reading Enrichment 4-5th, and Teacher in Charge (2009-2017)
Wichita Children’s Theater & Dance Center, Dance Teacher and Choreographer (2007-present)
PHILOSOPHY
Charity McGee
Upper Elementary Teacher
DEGREES
WORK EXPERIENCE
PHILOSOPHY
Elizabeth Hallstrom
Upper Elementary Teacher
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
Mary Nur
Kindergarden 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 Primary-5th