Montessori In Motion

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Diana Longen Director I have been involved in Montessori education for 31 years and plan to continue until they carry me out on a stretcher. Born in Wisconsin, I grew up in Sacramento, CA, where I attended college and received a BA in Education with a minor in music. My interest in Montessori developed while I was raising three sons and thousands of mink (ultimately deciding that teaching was much more rewarding than raising mink). I received my Montessori training at Spring Valley and taught there for five years. Then I started my own Montessori school in 1979, the Montessori School of Tacoma. In 1998, we moved to our current location and changed our name to Montessori in Motion.		Joyce Crockett Office Manager I came to MIM in 1989 with extensive experience in office management and computers. I handle all of the data processing and bookkeeping chores as well as talking to prospective clients both in person and on the phone. I use my computer skills to create all kinds of materials for the school, including all our in-house forms and manuals. My son, Geoffrey, age 21, started his education at age two at a Montessori school in Oakland, CA. He attended MIM (after we moved to Washington) from age five through age 11 and is currently in the US Navy stationed at San Diego. By the way, Diana and I are sisters.
Cristina Roe Office Assistant I have the best job in the world! I work primarily in the office. I greet everyone—I get hellos, high 5's, and hugs and kisses from all the children. I know the children, and they know me. I also teach Portuguese and serve as a substitute teacher or TA when needed. I started working at MIM in September 1989 as a teacher's assistant. In 1995 I left MIM to take care of my elderly mother-in-law. I returned to MIM in 2000 as a teacher's assistant. I am originally from Brazil and have been married for 26 years. My husband, an attorney, retired recently. We have three children, all of whom attended MIM: Juliana recently graduated from law school; Thomas graduated from UPS and is doing graduate work in psychology, and Cathy attends the University of Pennsylvania where she plays intercollegiate soccer.
PRIMARY TEACHING STAFF
Marisin Wissman Primary Teacher I am a native of Panama where I attended the University of Panama and earned a BA in Journalism. My first experience with Montessori education began when my husband was stationed at Ramstein, Germany. While there, I worked as a primary assistant at the Little Friends Montessori School in Kottweiler- Schwandan. I then took a comprehensive summer Montessori teacher training program and worked as a head teacher at Little Friends. We moved back to Panama where I worked in a Montessori school. Eventually, my husband was transferred to McChord AFB. I found MIM and was hired in Spring 2000. Soon after, I took the infant-toddler Montessori course in Seattle. The philosophy of Maria Montessori is a part of my life. I love working with the younger ages and am very grateful for the opportunity to teach here and be part of a wonderful staff of dedicated educators. This environment is the best I have seen. I look forward to many more years of working with children, especially at MIM.		Angela Rexroad Primary AM Assistant I have lived here in the Tacoma/University Place area my whole life and am now married with two wonderful children. After graduating from Curtis High School, I worked in retail for several years before deciding to start a daycare in my home. I, then, became interested in working here at MIM and was hired in February 2005, starting in childcare and now as a teacher assistant. I have always enjoyed working with children and look forward to many years here at MIM.
Stephanie Rose Primary Teacher My interest in Montessori education began the year after my high school graduation when I became the assistant of a very dedicated teacher in a primary classroom on Mercer Island. After spending three inspiring years with her, I decided to become a Montessori teacher myself. After earning my BA at Evergreen State College in Olympia, I completed the primary teacher training (AMS) at the Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest in Seattle. This will be my third year at MIM, and I look forward to many more years here with this awesome community of staff and families.		Annie Cooper Primary Assistant My family and I reside in the University Place area. My husband, Duane, and I have five children, four of whom are grown. We also have a terrific two-year-old grandson. I recently retired from a 25 year career in retail. Then, my desire to work with children led me to open a daycare in my home which was a great stepping stone for my work here at Montessori in Motion. I love children and the amazing way they learn so fast through their work and play.
Tonya Miller Primary AM Teacher This will be my tenth year at MIM. I truly have the greatest job ever! I have had a desire to work with children for as long as I can remember. While at Curtis High School, I worked in the developmental preschool at Narrowsview for three years I attended Pierce College studying early childhood education and taught preschool. I transferred to Northwest University and received my BA in Behavioral Science with an emphasis on early childhood education. I worked at Bellevue Montessori for four years as the after-school director, and then took my training at the Montessori Training Center of the Northwest and was an intern/assistant for two years. I am married to the love of my life and have two wonderful stepchildren, Alex, 14, and Abraham, 10. I currently live in Puyallup but grew up in the Tacoma-University Place area.		Linda Kelly Primary AM Assistant In September 2005, I will be starting my 17th year as a teacher assistant at MIM. I love working with children, and I love working here. I also love to cook and sew. I grew up in Fircrest and have lived in University Place since 1975. I have three grown children; two sons and a daughter. I have three grandchildren who have or are attending MIM. My husband Tom and I have been married for 38 years.
Tammy Bell Primary Teacher I was born in Miami Beach, FL, and have lived in Asia and many parts of the US. No matter where I have lived, my fondest memories are filled with the sound of music, art, and physical activity. I received a music scholarship from Weber State College and spent a year singing in a choir throughout the US. After college, I married and continued to enjoy music with my husband and six children. I obtained my Primary Montessori teaching credential from Spring Valley. I enjoy many outdoor and indoor physical activities and have worked at the YMCA in various youth programs.		Alla Lyanskaya Primary Assistant I am from a beautiful country, Russia, where I grew up, graduated college, and got married almost 27 wonderful years ago. I have two beautiful daughters, Yulianna, 26, and Aleksandra, 16. For 15 years I worked as a teacher at a music school for gifted children. About 12 years ago, my family and I emigrated to the US, and I started to learn English (what a difficult language). Then, I came to work at MIM, one of the significant and marvelous events in my life. I really enjoy this job. I love the children; their smiles and questions, suggestions, and decision making. The past nine years at MIM have gone so fast, and I have really enjoyed watching the children grow and learn. I look forward to each day of work here. I also enjoy my family, playing piano, writing poetry, and going to my favorite places such as Victoria, Cannon Beach, and Harrison Hot Springs.
Hema Marreddy Primary Teacher I was born and raised in India where I earned my BS. While earning my BS, I went to evening school and took a two-year child psychology course. I then married and moved to the US. I have two great children. My son has finished his premed studies and is now at medical school in Philadelphia. My daughter is in her third year at USC working toward a degree in Biomedical Engineering. I obtained my Primary Montessori teaching certificate and have been teaching for 13 wonderful years.		Marli Emery Primary Assistant I was born and raised in Brazil. I moved to Washington in 1991 and worked as a nurse's aid for seven years. I started working at MIM in 1998 as a teacher's assistant with Mrs. Marreddy. I have a daughter who lives in Tacoma, and two grandchildren, 17 and 18 years old. I really enjoy my job working with children.
ELEMENTARY TEACHING STAFF
Mike McKay Lower Elementary Teacher I enjoyed a 27-year career in the Navy as a commander and followed that with 18 years as a fireman retiring recently as a Lieutenant. During the past few years, while observing and assisting my wife, Jacque, in her Montessori classrooms, I discovered my own interest in early childhood education. I obtained my Montessori Primary Certificate from the Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest. I thoroughly enjoyed my first two years of primary teaching at MIM and look forward to another rewarding year in the lower elementary class.		Lisa Teager Lower Elementary AM Assistant I am from Gig Harbor and have lived in the Tacoma-Gig Harbor area all my life. I have two school-aged boys. My hobbies and talents lie in interior decorating and arts and crafts. My work experience has all been with children in child care positions at various child care centers. I have been working at MIM as a teacher assistant and in child care for the last four years. I really enjoy working with and caring for children.
Jacque McKay Upper Elementary Teacher I'm truly one of the luckiest people on the planet to be able to do my life's dream and get paid for it! I have an AA degree in Art and a BS in Business Administration. After working 15 years, I returned to college and became a Montessori teacher. I taught at the primary and lower elementary levels. I have also completed my Montessori elementary degree. I believe every child has many gifts and so much to offer. I love to work with children and bring my many animal friends from home to share with everyone. It is a privilege for me to work with the children, and I enjoy every moment (well, almost every moment J!). This school year, I will begin my second year as teacher of the upper elementary class. It is very exciting to see the students put all the pieces of knowledge that they have acquired and begin to explore and understand higher levels of curriculum.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAM TEACHERS
Lisa Page Art Teacher I live in University Place with my husband Steve, my daughter Emma, and my son Ethan. One or both of our children has attended MIM for the past four years. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a nearly completed minor in art, with classes in both Studio Art and Art History. I'm excited to be a part of this school and have the opportunity to work with your children.		Nancy Poppe Music Teacher Music, music, music—that has been my life since I began violin lessons at age 7. I am currently concertmaster of the Rainier Symphony and am active in my string group, the Leggiero String Quartet. In addition to teaching private students on violin, viola, and piano since age 14, I have taught strings and/or choir in public schools, elementary through high school grades, after receiving a BA Degree in Music with a minor in education from Sacramento State College. My sister, Diana Longen, (yes, another sister!), has been asking me to teach music at her school for a few years, and I am finally able to step into the position with great anticipation and excitement in being able to help the MIM students develop musical skills that will enhance and enrich their lives. We will do this through song, dance, listening to music, studying composers, reading music, composing, and playing various instruments.
Mitch Woodruff P.E. Teacher They say 95% of people who get a university degree in one field of study will end up working in something totally unrelated. I graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Economics. I spent 16 years in management and buying with two major retail companies and gladly ran away from flying a desk to becoming a stay-at-home dad for my newborn son and two middle school girls. I was a coach in cross country and track and field with a youth program in Federal Way and organized and ran the track meets for my girls' high school. When my son started at MIM several years ago, the school discovered I love to work with my hands, and I was hired first as the handyman and then also as a P.E. teacher. I look forward to coming to work every day and being greeted by your wonderful children. Both of my girls went to MIM years ago and are now in collage at the U of Portland, and I see the benefits of their MIM education at work every day.		Gene Longen Italian Teacher I have been a teacher all my adult life. I have taught early elementary through college. I have a PhD in Comparative Literature from Indiana University. I completed my Montessori training in both primary and elementary levels at Spring Valley Montessori School in Federal Way. I came to MIM (it was Montessori School of Tacoma at that time) in 1983. I have a special interest in writing. I have written several verse plays for children which it has been my pleasure to see performed at MIM. This year, I will teach Italian to the Primary and Elementary classes. Besides studying Italian, I lived in Italy for several years and have a special fondness for the language and the country. By the way, I'm married to the Director.
Cristina Roe Portuguese Teacher I have the best job in the world! I work primarily in the office. I greet everyone—I get hellos, high 5's, and hugs and kisses from all the children. I know the children, and they know me. I also teach Portuguese and serve as a substitute teacher or TA when needed. I started working at MIM in September 1989 as a teacher's assistant. In 1995 I left MIM to take care of my elderly mother-in-law. I returned to MIM in 2000 as a teacher's assistant. I am originally from Brazil and have been married for 28 years. My husband, an attorney, retired recently. We have three children, all of whom attended MIM: Juliana recently graduated from law school; Thomas graduated from UPS and is doing graduate work in psychology, and Cathy attends the University of Pennsylvania where she plays intercollegiate soccer.
OTHER STAFF
Mitch Woodruff Handyman They say 95% of people who get a university degree in one field of study will end up working in something totally unrelated. I graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Economics. I spent 16 years in management and buying with two major retail companies and gladly ran away from flying a desk to becoming a stay-at-home dad for my newborn son and two middle school girls. I was a coach in cross country and track and field with a youth program in Federal Way and organized and ran the track meets for my girls' high school. When my son started at MIM several years ago, the school discovered I love to work with my hands, and I was hired first as the handyman and then also as a P.E. teacher. I look forward to coming to work every day and being greeted by your wonderful children. Both of my girls went to MIM years ago and are now in collage at the U of Portland, and I see the benefits of their MIM education at work every day.		Ethel Kechejian Nap Room/Child Care I was born in the Philippines. After completing my BSE I moved to the northern Philippines and attended seminary for three years obtaining a degree in Religious Education. I taught General Science, Biology, and Chemistry at Davao City High School in the Philippines from 1979 to 2000. After 21 years of teaching I retired and moved to the US where I met and married my husband. I have been a preschool director and am currently doing volunteer work in my community. My husband and I enjoy doing ministry work together and traveling.
Zoila Gamboa Maintenance & Child Care I was born and raised in Ecuador. I studied Radiology at the University Central in Quito for two years and then worked at a pharmacy in Quito for eight years until I moved to the US. I am married and have two children (Luis, 14 and Andy, 5). My husband Fernando is in the Army. We moved to Washington in August 1999. I worked in my home for two years doing babysitting. In 2002, I started working at MIM in Maintenance. I love working with the children. I am very thankful and blessed for having the opportunity to work with the children and staff here at MIM.