Interim Head of School 2025-2026
The Board of Trustees has named Jenny Keto as Interim Head of School for the upcoming 2025–26 year, effective July 15. This appointment results from a thorough search process that vetted both internal and external candidates. Jenny’s unanimous appointment by the Board comes with the whole-hearted endorsement of our Interim Head Search Committee and the support of former Head of School Mark Niedermier.
Jenny has served the MRM community in many roles over the past 11 years, including Executive Assistant to the Head, Auction Chair, founding Parent Association president, Substitute Teacher, Reading Specialist, Rapids program leader, a parent, and a member of the Board. Jenny has shown herself to be fully up to the job of Interim Head during her recent months on the Transition Team, where her leadership has been astute, dependable, inclusive, and transparent. Few people understand MRM better than Jenny, and her sustained commitment to our school and its values shines through her every interaction. The Board is confident that Jenny is the right leader for MRM’s current chapter.
Faculty
JESSICA MOHN-JOHNSEN | GUIDE, CONFLUENCE: THE MRM MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jessica launched the MRM Middle School in 2016, bringing with her deep experience with middle schoolers and in progressive education. Previously, Jessica taught middle schoolers and elementary students in Waldorf schools in Portland, OR and in La Crosse, WI. She holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and holds AMI Montessori Adolescent certification. Jessica is well-versed in establishing traditions around curriculum and community culture. She has guided culminating research projects and presentations, led wilderness field trips, staged theatrical works, and helped students run small enterprises. A Duluth native, Jessica returned to the Twin Ports in 2014. While Jessica enjoys working with her hands, she can also often be found adventuring outdoors with her family on foot, bike, or boat. “The forests and the Lake are truly home to me,” she says, adding: “I’d like to one day circumnavigate Lake Superior by kayak.”
PATTY KAISER | CO-GUIDE, CONFLUENCE: THE MRM MIDDLE SCHOOL
Patty joined MRM in 2019, bringing more than 13 years of experience in both Montessori and traditional early childhood education. A former Montessori student herself, she has taught at two Montessori schools in the Los Angeles area and values the purposeful environment the Montessori method provides. In addition to her classroom role, Patty launched MRM’s music program in 2025 and also coaches robotics at MRM. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Violin Performance and has taught English as a Second Language. Patty enjoys Duluth’s fresh air and clean water, crafting across several mediums, camping, and treating herself to peanut butter–chocolate malts from the Portland Malt Shoppe.
ANDREA CHRISTOPHERSON | GUIDE, ST. LOUIS RIVER UPPER ELEMENTARY
Andrea, MRM’s founding Upper Elementary guide, is an AMI-certified Montessori elementary teacher with 15 years of full-time experience. She also holds a BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Social Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth. A native of Detroit Lakes, MN, Andrea moved to Duluth after high school and has stayed put ever since. She loves that Duluth is a city known for its beautiful outdoor features and unique local attractions, and “not for its malls.” When not planning lessons or thinking about school, Andrea is usually busy cooking or creating messy projects with her two children, setting up family exercise challenges, walking in the woods with her husband, digging in her gardens, reorganizing a closet, or kicking back with a good book. Andrea is excited to help shape a school culture focused on the love of learning and the embrace of a Montessori community, and is eager to help build a supportive and inspiring work environment.
MARIAH DUFUR | GUIDE, CASCADE RIVER UPPER ELEMENTARY
Mariah (she/her) joined MRM in 2020. She completed her AMI Elementary certification at the Montessori Center of Minnesota. Previously, Mariah served as extended day coordinator for Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy in Eden Prairie, MN. Mariah holds a BS in Elementary Education from Crown College. “I am passionate about the Montessori method, and the freedom that children are given over their own education,” says Mariah. “Montessori opens up the world to children, and I love being able to guide them into finding their own passions.” Mariah is excited to make her home in Duluth, where “the beauty of nature and convenience of city life flow seamlessly together!” When not teaching, Mariah loves to read, spend time outdoors, travel, and care for her vast plant collection.
COURTNEY BARTZ | CO-GUIDE, LOWER ELEMENTARY
Courtney, MRM’s founding Lower Elementary guide, holds a BA in Environmental Science and Elementary Education from the College of St Scholastica, and is an AMI-certified Montessori elementary teacher. She started as an assistant teacher in a Montessori classroom in Duluth in 2008, and assumed the role of lead Lower Elementary teacher in 2010. She has also served with Americorps and worked as a camp counselor, nanny, volleyball coach, reading tutor, and as a teaching assistant in the public schools. Courtney loves Duluth for its people, its sense of community, and its physical beauty. In her limited spare time, she loves to read, run, ski, bike, or go camping. She enjoys working alongside like-minded colleagues to develop a school atmosphere of community involvement, trust, growth and open communication. “I feel we should always keep learning!” says Courtney.
KRISTI TOLLEFSON | CO-GUIDE, LOWER ELEMENTARY
Kristi (she/her) is the founding guide of French River Lower Elementary environment, which opened in 2018. She holds an AMI Elementary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota (2018) and an AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma from The Montessori Institute Denver (2015). Kristi joined MRM at its inception in 2014 to launch Duluth’s first Montessori Toddler Community. She joined the St. Louis River Elementary Environment (Grades 1–6) as a guide in 2017. She holds Master of Education as well as Bachelor of Applied Science degrees from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and has served as a director in a local nonprofit, where she worked closely with children and their families. Prior to this, she worked nearly four years at a local hospital, specializing in children’s mental health. Kristi comes from a Montessori family, and has had her own children in every grade level at MRM, from the Toddler Community through Middle School. Kristi can often be found outside in the Northland, whether with family, friends, or bringing Montessori outdoors with her own students. She also loves to cook from scratch, and is a lover of history and trivia. Kristi holds a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion at MRM. “I truly believe that the children are the seedlings of humanity and are likewise the hope and promise of a better world,” she says.
REBECCA TOLLEFSON | GUIDE, CHESTER CREEK CHILDREN’S HOUSE
Becca launched the Chester Creek Children’s House at MRM at the school’s inception in 2014. A native of Bemidji, Becca graduated in 2014 from the Montessori Center of Minnesota with her AMI Primary diploma. She holds a BA from St. Catherine University in Education with an emphasis on Montessori, as well as her Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner’s License. Prior to attending AMI training, Becca taught for seven years at Child Garden Montessori School in Minneapolis, both at the Primary and Infant levels. When she is not teaching, you can find Becca spending time outside with her daughter, traveling, learning about history, reading or doing puzzles. Becca loves to guide the children along their natural path of development, offering them “keys to the world in a concrete form.”
KATIE THOITS | GUIDE, TISCHER CREEK CHILDREN’S HOUSE
Katie comes to Many Rivers after attending Philosophy and Geography and DePaul University in Chicago, before getting her first experience in a Montessori School. She spent time in the toddler room and found her home in a Primary classroom for three and a half years. After being in the “Big City” for 9 years, she moved to Duluth and is so happy she did, and even more excited to be at Many Rivers! Katie says, “I love all of the opportunities to be outside here and the people are so welcoming”. Last year, Katie worked at Many Rivers in a floater position, and while she states, “it was so fun to get to know all of the staff and families, I am really happy to get this opportunity to be a guide.” Katie is excited to continue my Montessori journey in such a warm and thoughtful environment.
CORA MCGLAUFLIN | GUIDE, KEENE CREEK CHILDREN’S HOUSE
Cora (she/her/hers) comes to MRM as an experienced Children’s House guide and assistant in both Minnesota and California. She holds an AMI Primary Diploma from the AMI Montessori Teacher Training Center of Northern California, a Graduate Teaching Licensure from the College of Saint Scholastica, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation-Outdoor Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She has also worked as a wilderness therapy instructor. Cora loves that Duluth is a “perfect-sized city”, surrounded by beautiful natural spaces. She feels lucky to be at MRM, and feels that “the children are lucky to have this place helping to create their foundation for life”. An experienced rock climber, Cora has climbed near the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming and the Black Hills of South Dakota.
NAJ BACHINSKI | GUIDE, AMITY CREEK TODDLER COMMUNITY
Naj (she/her) received her BA in Education at the University of Wisconsin Superior. Her goal as a Guide is to create a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment. She believes in fostering independence, curiosity, and a love for learning. Naj received her 0-3 AMI Diploma from the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies in Mesa, Arizona. What Naj loves most about guiding toddlers is how determined they are to do things independently in which they develop their confidence and a sense of capability. Naj’s favorite thing to do outside of work is spending time with her husband and son out at their cabin near Pattison Park. She enjoys hiking, crafting, trying out new recipes, kayaking, reading, and scrapbooking. What Naj likes most about working at Many Rivers is the strong sense of community and the devotion to supporting young learners.
ERICA FONT | SPANISH GUIDE
Erica is the Spanish instructor for Upper Elementary and Middle School at Many Rivers Montessori. Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, she brings experience from both corporate roles and educational settings, including teaching at Superior High School and volunteering at Bryant Elementary in Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor’s in Tourism Administration from Cuauhtémoc University in Puebla, along with training in child development and Montessori education. Erica values empathy and strives to create a positive, inclusive classroom environment. She enjoys the strong sense of community at Many Rivers and loves sharing her language and culture to inspire curiosity about the world. Outside of school, she spends time with her husband and son, exploring the outdoors, cooking Mexican food, and practicing photography.
LAURIE CHRISTIAN | SPANISH GUIDE
Laurie (she/her/hers) is the Spanish guide for Lower Elementary and first plane. She comes to MRM from Lowell Elementary School’s Spanish Immersion Program, where she taught for two years. She has also worked in the Lake Superior School District as a paraprofessional and a substitute teacher. Laurie started her Spanish studies as a kindergartener in a Spanish immersion school in the Twin Cities metro area, continuing her studies for 16 years. She has stayed with host families on trips to Mexico and Spain. Laurie holds a teaching degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (K–8) from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City. Laurie loves Duluth because of the convenience of city life along with so much natural beauty. She enjoys going longboarding on the Lakewalk as well as hiking and camping on the north shore with her husband. Her hobbies include her Aerophone (electric sax), cooking from scratch, and reading science fiction. Laurie says, “I love being a part of MRM! I enjoy developing a good rapport with students, and I like how everyone is so supportive of each other and passionate about their work.”
Gretchen Swedin | Student Support Guide
Gretchen Swedin (she/her), is a relatively new Duluthian and Montessori enthusiast. Amongst adventures around the globe and the US, she earned teaching certificates in elementary education and special education. She also holds a Masters degree in Special Education from the University of Colorado, and she has experience working with students of all ages. After about a decade of teaching near Denver, Gretchen and her husband Jon chose Duluth to raise their children. For the Swedins, Duluth offers proximity to family, fun, nature, and importantly less traffic! These days she spends her time with friends and family, enjoying the seasons of the mid-coast, and “touring” with her all-mom’s banjo band.
Cierra Slattengren | Rapids Reading Specialist
Cierra (she/her) loves sharing in the joy and curiosity of students at MRM. After earning a BA in International Studies from the University of St. Thomas, she spent most of her adult life living all around the world doing everything from teaching English in Ethiopia with the Peace Corps, thru hiking the Appalachian and Superior Hiking Trails and earning a Masters Degree in Outdoor Education from the University of Edinburgh. Born and raised in Duluth, Cierra is excited to return to the grounding energy of Lake Superior and bring what she’s learned back to the community she calls home.
Classroom Assistant Teachers
JEFF ROCK | CONFLUENCE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jeff comes to MRM from five years of teaching in Japan, where he taught English to Japanese high school and junior high students. Prior to moving to Japan, Jeff was the high school science teacher at the Fond du Lac Ojibwe School for three years. Jeff holds a B.A. in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College.
KYLE MAKELA | ST LOUIS RIVER UPPER ELEMENTARY
Kyle joined MRM in 2017. He holds a B.A. in Scandinavian Studies with an emphasis in Finnish from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He has served as a counselor at Salolampi, the Finnish Village at Concordia Language Villages, and has also worked with preschool children at a Finnish language school in the Cities.
TANZEEM ALI | Cascade River Upper Elementary
Tanzeem (she/her) comes to MRM with a wealth of education and experience within education. Tanzeem earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Wyoming, with a Masters in Natural Resource Management from Asian Institute of Technology. With over 15 years of experience in teaching and research from PK to higher education in environmental education, environmental literacy and sustainability. She was recognized for her with in Science Education by Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers and received the Excellence in Science Teaching award in Higher Education 2021. She also served as a Board Member of the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education 2021-2023. Some fun facts about Tanzeem is that she speaks three south Asian languages and has taught in two different countries and three different states over the years. Outside of work Tanzeem enjoys being a Rotarian putting service above self, volunteering in the Twin Ports community and participating in outdoor activities all year round with her family.
SARI MUNDON | CLOQUET RIVER LOWER ELEMENTARY
Sari (she/her) worked previously as a 4th grade teacher for about 20 years! She currently is the Assistant in Cloquet River and enjoys working with the younger elementary students. Sari says, “Being involved in an educational setting feels like home to me. After getting a small taste of the Montessori Pedagogy and being around like minded people, I find myself inspired to learn and practice more.” Sari and her family moved here from California, and she has found the transition to be an amazing life choice for her family. She Loves that seasons exist in Duluth! In her free time, she enjoys sailing on the lake in the summer, snow shoeing in the winter, and exploring hiking trails whenever she can. She is also slowly learning to adjust to the fact that not everybody enjoys or feels the need for a hug.
Joe Doerfler | French RIVER LOWER ELEMENTARY
Joe Doerfler (he/him) was an Environmental and Outdoor Education Major at University of Minnesota Duluth, where he also worked as a climbing instructor at the Recreational Sports Outdoor Program. Joe’s experience comes from filling many roles, including being a cabin coordinator (head counselor) and Adventure Area Specialist (facilitated ziplines, mountain bikes, and ropes courses) at Trout Lake Camps. Joe has spent the last couple of years in the Cities where he supervised a before-and-after school program, specifically accommodating students with special needs. He recently moved back to Duluth because of his love for the recreational opportunities and the community. Joe is excited to be a part of the MRM team and to get to know the students and their families. “When life is true to the poles of nature, the streams of truth will roll through us in song” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
ELIZABETH MCLAUGHLIN | CHESTER CREEK CHILDREN’S HOUSE
Elizabeth brings to MRM a depth of experience as a Lead Teacher and assistant in Montessori and other early childhood settings. She has also worked as an advocate and house mother for a homeless women’s shelter. She holds an AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota, a Masters in Montessori Education from Loyola College of Baltimore, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Elizabeth grew up near Lake Michigan, and is happy to live by another Great Lake with her husband and two children. She sees MRM as a community filled with “caring people who go the extra mile to take care of each other and help one another grow.” Elizabeth also loves walking on the Lakewalk, and spending time with her family at their family cabin in Ely.
KATHRYN TRIPLETT | CHESTER CREEK CHILDREN’S HOUSE
Kathryn started at Many Rivers in 2019. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Montana. Her and her partner, Noah, moved to Minnesota in 2017 to homestead their land north of Duluth. They live in a small space consisting of a yurt, sauna, and outhouse, with their son Owen and cat Cooper. They utilize their outdoor environment well and are always working on home projects. In her free time she enjoys baking, running and frequenting the family lake property just down the road. She loves being a part of Many Rivers. “It’s great helping children gain independence so they can figure out their passions.”
SAM FIDLER | TISCHER CREEK CHILDREN’S HOUSE
Sam joined MRM in 2019. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and a Bachelor’s degree in History from Ball State University. Sam brings a wealth of experience from when she worked for the largest children’s museum in the world (the Children’s of Indianapolis) and was a lead toddler teacher. Outside of school, Sam enjoys reading by the lakeshore, taking long walks to the local movie theaters, or playing tabletop games at home with her two medium-haired cats and long-haired husband.
ANDI FEIST | TISCHER CREEK CHILDREN’S HOUSE
Andi comes to MRM after five years of being a lead preschool teacher at Summit School. She holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education from Mesabi Range Community and Tech College. In her time outside of MRM, Andi enjoys taking care of her houseplants and thrifting. She also enjoys hiking, camping and traveling with her partner Zach, and their dogs Mack and Dumpling.
DAPHNE AMUNDSON | KEENE CREEK CHILDREN’S HOUSE
Daphne is in her second decade as a Montessori educator and her first decade as a wearer of bifocals, and she is grateful for the perspective that both of these things give her in life! She joined MRM in 2019 and thoroughly enjoys her role as a Children’s House Assistant, where she can support the Guide and the children, helping create an environment where learning and community come naturally. Daphne holds an AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota, a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and Bachelor’s degrees in History and Elementary Education from the University of Texas at Austin. Before her Montessori training, Daphne served as a Lutheran pastor, a tour guide at the State Capitol in St. Paul, and a ticket-taker at the state fair. While she took her Montessori training, she fell in love with the Montessori principles of order, beauty, and simplicity, as well as Maria Montessori’s passion for providing “the best for the smallest.” She is grateful to be part of the MRM community and have the chance to bring these principles to life.
MONICA DECKER-SCHACK | KEENE CREEK CHILDREN’S HOUSE
Monica brings to MRM deep experience in preschool education, having been a preschool teacher as well as center director. She has also worked as a family liaison in a local after-school tutoring program. Monica holds a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from St. Cloud State University. When Monica is not at MRM, she enjoys camping, hiking, sewing and taking her dog for walks. She says she really enjoys living in the Woodland neighborhood with her husband and two daughters.
GRETA Durovec | AMITY CREEK TODDLER COMMUNITY
Greta started at Many Rivers in 2023 as a substitute teacher and floating position working at the front desk during aftercare. She comes to us with experience as a full time nanny, and working at two other childcare centers as an assistant teacher. Greta was born and raised in Duluth, MN. The thing that Greta loves the most about Duluth is being able to experience all four seasons of nature, and being able to get outside and explore with her family. Greta says “I love all the people at Many Rivers, and am so excited to be full time this year!”
EMMA WILEY
Emma (she/her) has been with MRM since 2023 and has held the roles of floating sub, upper elementary assistant, and aftercare staff. Originally from Jamestown, ND, she’s studied at both NDSU and UMD, and is now working towards becoming a licensed massage therapist at Lake Superior College, while continuing to assist in elementary aftercare. One thing Emma loves about MRM is how curious the students are and often finds herself learning from, and alongside them. In her free time, Emma likes being outside, thrifting, and attending local events!
SARA CURWIN
Sara joined MRM in 2017. A Duluth native, Sara is the mother of four Montessori children who are now “fully grown, independent humans”. In 2020, she welcomed a grandson and in 2022, a grand daughter for their family to collectively “love on and gush about!” Sara has been a parent, board member, parent educator, and administrator at Sunny Hollow Montessori in St. Paul. She holds an industrial design degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and has worked in design at Rollerblade and Tonka Toys before starting her own business, Grace Press Design, specializing in greeting cards, custom invitations and commemorative paper arts. MRM is a place that “invites us all to carry intention and awareness in our daily observations and guidance of children,” says Sara. “The jewels of our days here at MRM are that we get to witness the pedagogical ideas and words of Maria Montessori, building a life-strong foundations within every young child.” When she’s not at MRM, Sara enjoys road biking, mountain biking, hiking, gardening, creating, reading, cooking, traveling and sailing on the big lake. To be a “good friend” in life is what its all about says Sara.
RUBY MCROBERTS
Ruby holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and has worked with children of all ages as a nanny, early childhood educator and after school instructor. The belief that each individual child is at the center of their own learning process drew her to the Montessori philosophy. She has been with Many Rivers since the spring of 2021 as a substitute and lower elementary assistant. She now holds a new role as a Children’s House assistant and Lead Aftercare Staff. Ruby loves to see the world through the eyes of children and believes that “each child has an innate need to explore the world through their play.” Ruby enjoys spending time with family, attending live music concerts, finding treasures while thrift shopping and is always in the midst of a craft project including sewing and collage work.
AMANDA Wilmot
Amanda is a senior at St. Scholastica pursuing a degree in elementary education. The attention to each individual student in the montessori philosophy is something that originally attracted her to the school. The respectful and kind relationships between both students and staff is why she keeps coming back. She works as a floating sub and can often be found surrounded by piles of books in the Children’s House library. When she is not working with kids she enjoys staying home with her husband, writing poetry, and cuddling with her two cats.
Kelly Duffy
Kelly is a life-long learner that discovered and joined MRM in January 2025 as a substitute.
She retired from teaching in public schools in 2019 having taught special education, elementary education as well as coaching special education teachers for 34 years. She also taught in Bangor Northern Ireland on a Fulbright Teacher Exchange in 1993-94. After retiring she has consulted in school
districts surrounding Duluth, supporting children that struggle academically and behaviorally. She holds a Doctorate of Education from Hamline, a Masters of Education from St. Cloud State and a Bachelor of Science from College of Saint Teresa in Winona. She has loved living in Duluth since 1995 due to the strong sense of community and gorgeous natural, clean environment. While Kelly loves learning and working with children, she also loves her little hobby farm with sheep, chickens and angora rabbits.
She has many interests, most related to exploring with her husband, children and grandchildren this beautiful planet we inhabit. She is excited to continue learning with and about this Montessori community. She is inspired by Maria Montessori’s observation, “Those whom nature has fitted to care for children see a change in them every day, almost every hour. They see these small changes as admirable. This is an art which cannot be acquired without effort. To encourage is to rejoice, so that the child sees that you are rejoicing.”
Karen Kilpo
Karen (pronounced “car-in”, as in “car-in” the garage), comes to MRM with a degree in Elementary Education from UMD and experience as a classroom and substitute teacher with the Duluth Public Schools. After a career detour into the SAAS/online learning industry, she is very happy and excited to return to her education roots. “I am looking forward to meeting and working with the students, staff and families in the MRM community!” A lifelong Duluthian, she loves everything Lake Superior and all the opportunities to get into nature quickly within the city limits and up the North Shore. She and her husband enjoy hiking on Park Point, and in Gooseberry, Chester and Hartley Parks. When not “taking a hike”, she enjoys reading, baking and spending time with her family – especially at their cabin.
Nora Steinmetz
Nora (she/her) graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2022 with a degree in Environment, Sustainability, & Geography, and minored in Environmental & Outdoor Education. During school and after graduating, she gained professional experience in sustainable agriculture management and education as well as youth nature education, and is thrilled to continue to joyfully connect with and foster curiosity in young people at MRM. In her free time, she loves to hike, garden, swim in Lake Superior, and play with her cat, Ziggy Stardust.
Administration
NICK O’CONNELL | OPERATIONS OFFICER
Nick comes to MRM as a seasoned finance professional, having held Controller, business development and project manager positions, in addition to having been a wealth management advisor. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Organizational Management from UMD. Nick loves Duluth for its fresh air, clean water, and abundance of opportunities for outdoor activities with his family. Nick is also a Montessori parent, and says: “I’m glad to be a part of something bigger than myself and where I can see an impact on not only my son, but on the next generation.”
MELISSA ANDERSON | REGISTRAR/FRONT DESK
Melissa is the friendly face that greets children and visitors as they enter MRM’s front doors. She has been a critical part of the MRM administration and childcare staff since its inception in a number or roles. In her current position, Melissa oversees all student registration and front office management. Melissa has worked in the business field and local non-profits for many years. She also holds an AMI Assistants’ training diploma. In the summer, Melissa is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time in nature with family and friends at her cabin. In the winter, Melissa, her husband, and son are actively involved in youth hockey and the Duluth Curling Club. Melissa also sings in the Duluth Superior Symphony Chorus.
KELSEY GAGNON | Director of auxiliary staff & Marketing and Events Coordinator
Kelsey holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Kelsey has worked in many roles at MRM since she started here in 2016, taking a short break for 4 years to follow her school counselor passion, while still coming back in the summer months. Kelsey chose to take a step back from the counseling field and re-joined the Many Rivers Community full time, following her second passion with administrative work while also still being able to support the whole child growth of our future leaders. “Many Rivers is a place that feels like home, it was hard to be away, and it feels so great being back here full-time.” Kelsey is a lifelong Duluthian who loves spending her time outside of work with her wife and their two daughters, exploring Duluth, enjoying eating out at local restaurants, and relaxing at home with their two dogs.
KELLY WICK | admissions coordinator & administrative assistant
Kelly was born and raised in Duluth and has always embraced the area’s natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. Living near Hartley, she and her family enjoy spending time hiking and biking the local trails. Two of Kelly’s children play hockey, and much of the winter is spent at rinks around the region. In the summer, her family loves relaxing at their cabin in Ely, MN. Kelly attended Lake Superior College and worked as a Health Unit Coordinator at Essentia. During her college years, she also worked as a nanny. After spending several years at home raising her children, she joined the MRM team in December 2022. Since joining MRM, Kelly has loved being part of a community where students, staff, and families all support one another. She finds great joy in watching students learn, grow, and discover their passions.
JEN BUSHMAKER | CHILDCARE AND SUMMER COORDINATOR
Jen brings to MRM deep experience in outdoor education and working with individuals of different abilities. Prior to coming to MRM, Jen was summer and youth and family programs director of the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center for 12 years. She has also worked as coordinator of out-of-school programs for the Lake Superior School District. She holds a M.Ed. degree in Environmental and Outdoor Education, as well as a BS in Fish and Wildlife Management with a minor in Biology from the University of Minnesota. She has also taken outdoor education courses in Queenland, Australia. Jen cares for four cats and two rabbits, and is a fantastic tomato grower, backpacking enthusiast, and great fan of Gophers football.
All staff members at Many Rivers Montessori are interviewed, hired, and trained in compliance with guidelines set by the state of Minnesota. Each of our staff members has a background in education and/or child care. We facilitate relationships between staff and children that are nurturing, responsive, supportive, and respectful. Every one of our classrooms has a lead teacher, or Guide, certified by the Association Montessori International (AMI-USA). We currently employ 11 AMI-certified guides in guide and assistant roles. Our maximum teacher-to-student ratio goals are as follows: 1:15 in Elementary, 1:10 in Primary, and 1:7 in Toddler.
Educators at Many Rivers Montessori hold diplomas from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Many Rivers is licensed as a child care provider with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. We are also a fully accredited member of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), and adheres to the principals of good practice of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).