We feel so fortunate to have the founders of Firelands Montessori Academy, Peter and Roseann Larrow ,as our Educational Consultants. They bring over 30 years of education and teacher training on the Montessori Method. Peter and Rosann will help ensure a true Montessori Curriculum and Education for all students here at FMA.
Peter and Rosann Larrow
Educational Consultants
Katie Hayden
Director
Katie Hayden grew up in Vermilion Ohio and after 12 years of living in Cincinnati she is excited to be back home. Katie holds a her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Cincinnati in Organizational Leadership as well as her Public Relations Certificate from UC. Katie received her Montessori teaching certificate from Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education while working at Montessori Center Room. Katie also has a love of dance teaching for over 15 years. The past 5 years Katie taught and developed a dance program at Mercy HealthPlex Anderson which grew to over 100 students.
Katie and her husband Matt have 3 daughters that will attend FMA. They love to spend time on the water, enjoying trips to the islands, and making lasting memories with family.
Chana Foley
Business Manager
Chana Foley began her career with FMA in 2008. She brings many years of experience to her expansive role as Business Manager. Chana speaks fluent Swedish after having lived in Sweden for several years. She was raised in Findlay, Ohio and currently resides in Huron with her husband, their twin sons, and daughter who is a senior at Ohio University.
Keelie Webb
Teacher, Toddler House
Keelie holds a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education as well as her Masters in Cross-Cultural and International Education. She brings aboard years of experience in not only education, but also art and yoga. Keelie brings knowledge of children from a variety of cultures from throughout the world and we are excited to have her expand them upon our children at FMA.
Katie Joyce
Teacher, Toddler House
Katie came to FMA with a degree in Human and Family Studies. She has done a variety of roles including Teaching Aid since graduation. Katie creates a room full of love and trust in all she does with children and you can see it when she is with them.
Kathie Hudson
Teacher, Children's House East, Enrichment
Jacob Samblanet
Teacher, Children's House East, Specials
Janet Michel
Teacher, Children's House North
Janet Michel as been a teacher at Firelands Montessori Academy since 2000. She has a 3-6 Montessori Credential from Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute as well as a Bachelors of Art. Janet is the mother of 3 children, all of whom attended FMA. She is also a photographer and takes the children’s school photos each year. She genuinely loves coming to work every day.
Kirsi Hemphill
Teacher, Children's House North
Kirsi brings such joy and excitement to our Children’s House North classroom. She has spent the last few years as a Substitute as well as a Paraprofessional. Kirsi was blessed to start raising her children in a small village in Germany while her husband was stationed there and her children were taught in a hands –on, multi-age classroom.
The Montessori philosophy really stuck and we are so happy to have her!
Katie Corcoran
Teacher, Children's House West
Katie holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mount Union and a Master’s degree from Kent State University. She received her Montessori training from Columbus Montessori Education Center. Prior to joining the staff at FMA, Katie worked as a Children’s Librarian and Administrator in a public library.
Kelsey Maas
Teacher, Children's House West
We are excited to utilize Kelsey even more this year joining the Children’s House West classroom.
Kelsey holds her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and is excited to continue her Montessori Education!
Jessica Bartlett
Teacher, Elementary
Jess is ready to teach each individual child and we feel so lucky to have her here at FMA.
Jess holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Minor in Intervention Services. In addition she is finishing her Masters in Reading as well as her 6-9 Montessori training.
Previously, Jess taught 3rd grade for 8 years. She is also Reading and Curriculum Development Endorsed.
Jess believes that Education is the door to opportunities and wants to open as many doors for these children as possible.
Casey Stower
Teacher, Elementary
We were lucky enough to have Casey provide reading last year and are excited to have her join the FMA family full time this year.
Casey holds Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Minor Psychology Kent State University. She also received her International Baccalaureate Teaching Certificate and K-12 Reading Endorsement.
Casey enjoys also: Piano, reading and running
When asked why she wants to teach at FMA she responded with, “I believe in educating the whole child, fulfilling their learning needs through multiple modalities, while allowing the child to be the director of their education.”
Jessica Procner
Teacher, Enrichment Lead, Gym
Haley Schaffer
Music
Diane Hahler-Johnson
Spanish
Diane is the Spanish teacher at Firelands Montessori Academy. She is originally from the Willard/Attica Area and is a graduate from Bowling Green State University. She double majored in Elementary Education and Spanish and also completed a Master’s Degree in Administration. She taught in the Margaretta School System for 29 years and also spent a year at St. Peter’s School in Huron. She lives on a small farm in Berlin Township and enjoys gardening, her CASA kids and her little brother Diego. She also volunteers for Erie Metro Parks and the Make a Wish Foundation.