Our Teachers

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.

Hello my name is Julianne Weber.  I’ve taught middle school students for nine years and I am excited to join the Northstar Montessori team. 

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.

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.

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.

Ms.Gaby grew up in Onsted, MI and now lives in Tecumseh with her family. She enjoys small towns and how welcoming everyone can be.

Hello! My name is Alyssa! I’m so excited to be a part of the Northstar family! I’m currently expecting my first child , a baby boy who will be here at the end of April!

Hello! My name is Samantha Smith, and I am a recent graduate of the University of Toledo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Letters.

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.

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

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

Hello my name is Christine. I have two daughters Trinity who is 19 years old and Jennavieve who is 17 years old.

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

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 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 Ms. Nicole.  I'm the lead teacher of the Coral room. 

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! My name is Cassie Siedlik and I've been working at Northstar for 3 years.  I'm from Kentucky, where I graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Bellarmine University. 

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

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.