NIDO GUIDE

Jeanette grew up in Traverse City and found Montessori almost ten years ago. She has worked in every 0-3 classroom at the school and loves partnering with families to support children during the first years of their lives.

YOUNG CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY GUIDE

Betsy has always loved interactions with toddlers and started babysitting at a young age. Betsy has been a part of The Children's House family for over 20 years, as a consistent and positive role model to our Young Children's Community.

YOUNG CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY GUIDE

Annie has worked at The Children's House since the spring of 2018. When she is not at school, Annie enjoys traveling, running, reading, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Willow.

YOUNG CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY GUIDE

Emily finds joy in movement and exercise, thrifting, baking, and making music any chance she can! She is a lifelong learner who rarely sits idly, unless she's at the beach with snacks and a good book.

PRIMARY GUIDE

Megan moved to Traverse City in 2016 to join The Children's House community. She spent her childhood moving around South America but always returned to Leelanau County for the summer. Now, she feels lucky to call Michigan her permanent home.

PRIMARY GUIDE

Kristi has been in Montessori for six years, with three years of experience as a Lead Guide. Kristi recently moved to Michigan in the summer of 2023 from Massachusetts.

PRIMARY GUIDE

Chelsea was born and raised in Traverse City and then moved away to complete her B.A. and Montessori training. After meeting her husband, Mark, and getting married, life took them from coast to coast and back again.

PRIMARY GUIDE

Taylor graduated from Florida State University in December of 2012 with a degree in Social Sciences. During her time at FSU she played on the Seminoles nationally-ranked soccer team.

LOWER ELEMENTARY GUIDE

Jaime is a member of the TCH community as a parent and teacher. She enjoys spending time with her family and animals by exploring Northern Michigan and its abundant beauty on hikes, at the beach, camping, and riding bikes.

LOWER ELEMENTARY GUIDE

Carey attended Montessori for primary school, where she grew up, in Berkeley, CA. When she is not teaching, Carey enjoys gardening and baking, as well as listening to and performing music.

UPPER ELEMENTARY GUIDE

Living in the Traverse City area since 2005, Karin has greatly enjoyed spending time with her family at home and on the many stunning beaches and gorgeous trails available.

UPPER ELEMENTARY GUIDE

Jamie is a lifelong learner choosing to spend her moments working on art projects, reading books, gardening, canoeing and hiking. She lives in a home she built with her partner Brenin in the woods with her dog Rue, and cat Pancho.

ADOLESCENT GUIDE

After a decade working with nonprofits and farms for food justice, Tori realized being with young people was the common feature of her favorite jobs and decided to pursue teaching. She is energized by the potential for creativity and change she finds in the classroom.

ADOLSCENT GUIDE

Kristina has been a parent at TCH since 2006, and an employee since 2009. She has had many roles during her tenure; room parent, summer yoga instructor, coach, Kitchen Classroom, Earth to Table, and Junior High Guide.

ADOLSCENT GUIDE

A native of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Isabel bounced around the East Coast United States, United Kingdom, and Norway for her higher education. She recently pursued a postgraduate at the London School of Economics Department of Geography.

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Michele has been with The Children’s House since 1998, teaching in a Primary classroom, and eventually was hired as Head of School. Michele holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Washington, AMI Primary diploma from Montessori Institute Northwest, and an MEd from Loyola College in Baltimore.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Alison is a native of Traverse City. She knew when she graduated from college and met her husband, Eric, this is where she wanted to stay to raise her family. Alison worked as a Primary Guide for over 20 years and now supports the 0-6 classrooms with her deep classroom experience, steady leadership, and love for the Montessori Philosophy.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Kim began working at The Children’s House in 2014 when her children, Adrienne and Charlie, started as students. Her son is now in High School while her daughter continues her education The Compass Montessori Junior High. Kim has held many roles over the years and now supports the school through it’s most valuable resource - it’s people.

DIRECTOR OF DONOR RELATIONS

Shanna and her family recently moved back to Michigan after 12 years away, split between Chicago and Seattle working in the healthcare and non-profit sectors. She is excited to be part of the Children’s house community with her daughter starting in YCC.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Stephen grew up in Metro Detroit and had lived in Colorado before moving back to Traverse City in 2015 after the birth of his son to be closer to family. Stephen and his family have been a part of our community since 2016, when his son joined the Nido. His son is now in Upper Elementary.

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

After 12 years as Executive Director of Michigan Legacy Art Park, Renee is happy to continue her career in the nonprofit sector at The Children’s House. She and her husband, Chris, became part of the TCH community in 2008 when their son started in the Primary program. Both their children, Isaac and Anika, are Children's House alumni. 

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Andrew joined the TCH community in 2025 as both a parent and administrator with a background in non-profit leadership and operations. He was born and raised on the Leelanau peninsula but spent the first 12 years of his professional career in the entertainment and hospitality industries of NYC.

OFFICE MANAGER

Marty and his family live in Lake Ann, and his daughter has been a student at TCH since 2018. His background is in business, and he's worked with a variety of nonprofit organizations both domestically and abroad. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing hockey, fishing, and cozying up to Excel spreadsheets.

MA, LPC, IMH-E (II), MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTANT

Trisha is a clinical mental health counselor and early childhood specialist. Her practice is built on the belief that a holistic approach must be taken to mental health and well-being with a focus on hope and healing. At The Children’s House, Trisha provides reflective consultation to our guides seeking to enhance their own ability to work with their students.

MEDIA COORDINATOR AND HISTORIAN

Arielle started at The Children's House as the Media Coordinator in the Fall of 2021. She is often found behind the camera, in classrooms and at events, capturing the photos seen in Waypoints. She also manages the school's website, social media channels, and advertising.

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Norie has been a valued member of The Children’s House community since 2010, contributing her time, talents, and care in a variety of roles that have supported the life of the school. Over the years, her dedication and versatility have touched nearly every corner of our community. Today, Norie leads purchasing, keeps us organized, and supports events with her brilliant cheese parties and refreshment tables.