Our Teachers

Ms.Tami is the Owner and Director. She has been working with children her entire life.

Ms. Shawn is the director at Northstar.  Ms. She received her Associates of Art in Secondary Education from Washtenaw Community College and studied Math and German at Eastern Michigan. 

My name is Christina Smith.  I mainly work in the office, but when needed I fill in in the classrooms. 

Ms. Lisa works primarily in the office, helping wherever needed. She received her Bachelor of Arts and secondary teaching certification from the University of Michigan.

Jennifer grew up in Manitou Beach before moving to Traverse city where she lived, married Dave, and raised her two children from 1984-2015.

Erica has experience working with children for 14 years and has two kids in college.

Miss Vikki has lived in Ann Arbor most of her life.  She has worked with preschoolers for 12 years. 

Hello! I’m Dawn Weatherholt. I joined the Northstar team in January 2023, and before that I worked at Meadow Montessori in Monroe, MI from 2002-2023.

Arpana Mathur received her Montessori teaching certificate from Association Montessori Internationale ( AMI) in  Hyderabad India.

Hello, my name is Donna Du.  I currently live in Saline with my husband and our three children Evan, London and Madeline.  

I am Ms. Fariba, one of the Teacher Assistants in the Purple Room. As a mother of three, I have a medical assistant and a child development certificate, with an associates in science.

Hello, my name is Sarah, I have been teaching in Montessori for 6 years and have finished my training for Montessori two years ago.

Hello, My name is Pari. I love working with kids, teaching them new things, and playing with them. I believe each child is unique and love to see them grow.

Hi! My name is Amy Raymond and I am a Lead Teacher in the Lavender Room. I have been working in Early Childhood Education for over 20 years.

Thomas is from Adrian, Michigan. Growing up, he frequently babysat for both family and friends, and recently began volunteering at Sunday school alongside his girlfriend and best friend.

Hello my name is Andrea Stamper, but I like to be called Drea. I have been working at Northstar Montessori for nine years.

Hi, I’m Bre! I work in the Orange Room as an Assistant Teacher.

Hi! I’m Kelsey Stamper and I’m 18 years old, turning 19 in May. I’m currently going to school for Phlebotomy at Monroe County Community College.

Hello my name is Halley (Hay-lee) Studnicka. My name comes from Halley’s Comet.

Hello my name is Cari Kirby. I have been in childcare for 10 years, four of which have been at Northstar.

My name is Ghinwa Mikdashi and I am the Red Room Lead Teacher. I have been teaching at Northstar Montessori since 2019.

Hi, there! My name is Ella Slupe, I’m from Adrian, Michigan and I am so thrilled to be working at Northstar Montessori!

Hello, my name is Nicole.  As a teenager I found myself in my first babysitting position, and that quickly turned into a love of working with kids. 

Hello families! My name is Jo and I have been a childcare worker for the last 10+ years. I have a huge passion for fostering growth in children.

Hello, my name is Nancy Jacobs. I am very excited to be a part of the Northstar Montessori community!

Hi, I'm Ashley. I'm an assistant teacher. I graduated from eastern Michigan University with a degree in communications and theater.

Ms. Denise grew up in Saline, and went to Eastern Michigan University for 2 years, then transferred to Cleary College where she received her degree in Business Administration.

Ms. Jacqueline cherishes the mutual learning that she has facilitated with students of all ages using her Foreign Languages & Bilingual Studies education for more than 25 years.

Hello my name is Naomi. I am 18 years old and love working with children.

Hello I’m Tessa Stamper, I just started working at Northstar Montessori part time last year and I absolutely love it.