OUR DIRECTORs

MISS HANNEKE

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  • Miss Hanneke has owned and operated her own Montessori School in Salem for over 14 years. She began her Montessori journey in California where she attended Sacramento State Teaching College. She earned her Montessori credential from the National Center for Montessori Education. Her students know her as an educator and advocate for equality and equity. She chose Montessori education because it celebrates and nurtures a child’s intrinsic desire to learn.

MISS JULIE

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  • Miss Julie has been on this journey alongside Miss Hanneke with LFM since 2012. She began as an assistant guide and presently assists Miss Kali as afternoon director of LFM and YVMSA. She has completed trainings in Early Childhood Education.

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MISS SOPHIE

  • Miss Sophie has worked with children and families for over 20 years. She holds a Montessori credential and a General Associate’s Degree. Since joining the LFM team in 2018 as a Primary Lead Guide, she has been deeply committed to nurturing children’s learning and development through the Montessori Method.

    Now, as the Director of the Young Voyagers School of Arts, Miss Sophie continues to inspire and support children’s growth, fostering a love of learning and creativity in every student she serves.

OUR GUIDES

MISS CHRISSY

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  • Miss Norma was born and raised in Autlan De Navarro Jalisco, Mexico. She has lived in Salem since 1999 and loves working with children. Miss Norma always seeks more knowledge and ways to self improve by doing courses related to working, teaching, and caring for children.

MISS WILLOW

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  • I come from a background of dance. My passion for dance began at the tender age of three. My journey took a significant turnaround 2012 when I met Rebecca Russell, the artistic director of TTDS. Inspiredby Rebecca’s mentorship, I discovered my own calling as a teacher. In 2017, I officially joined the unique partnership with LFM, I decided to join the collaboration and become part of the LFM commmunity.

  • Miss Cecilia is an assistant guide in the Toddler classroom. She had three years experience working as an assistant teacher in a previous childcare before joining LFM. She enjoys working with children and is so happy to be a part of Little Friends Montessori.

  • I love to cook and I love spendingtime with my family. I am originally from Mexico MX and I am the mother of 4 children. I like working with kids because I love kids. I’ve take care of kids for 9 years.

  • I like drawing, writing about my days, listening to music and having a good time with friends and family. I am the only girl of a family of 6. I have 2 older brothers and 1 younger brother, along with my mom and dad. I’ve worked at LFM for 8 months now and it’s been a great experience. I like working with kids because they always surprise us with how fast they learn. I love how they communicate (or try to). They always want to learn and know more.

MISS SOPHIE

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  • Miss Sophie has worked with children and families for over 20 years. She has her Montessori credential and General Associates Degree. Miss Sophie joined the LFM team in 2018 as a Primary Lead Guide. Watching children learn and grow has always been a passion of hers, especially with the Montessori Method.

  • Miss Rhonda is our floating Assistant Guide. She moved to Salem from Napa, California and loves how beautiful it is here. Miss Rhonda has worked with children in various childcare settings. She also worked in a small private school for 26 years. She is looking forward to a new adventure with us at LFM.

MISS MELANIE

MISS ELVIA

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  • Miss Elvia has been working with children since 2018. She started working in a home daycare and then began working at LFM in 2022 as an Assistant Guide. Miss Elvia has earned an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. She is bilingual and speaks both Spanish and English in the classroom.

LFM ASSISTANTS

  • Miss Jennifer has worked at LFM since early 2022. She currently works as a floating assistant guide. Miss Jennifer graduated from South Salem High School in 2021. She loves working with children and has siblings and cousins that she’s taken care of throughout the years.

MISS BEATS

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  • Miss Beats has been teaching classroom music since 2013. She moved to the area to serve in Music Across Oregon, an Americorps program that places music teachers in rural, underserved communities. She received her Bachelors of Music in Percussion Performance from University of Central Florida and a Masters from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In addition to teaching music, she is an active performing musician who you can find playing in rock bands and orchestras.

MISS BECCA

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  • Miss Becca is the owner and artistic director of Tippy Toe Dance Studio. She has trained in many styles of dance including Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, and International Folk. Miss Becca has worked locally as a choreographer for organizations such as Oregon School for the Deaf, Blanchet Catholic School, Pentacle Theater, Corban University, and other community productions. She is proud to partner with LFM & YVMSA to direct special program education such as dance and theater.

  • Averie Allen is a skilled dancer, choreographer and instructor. She leads the Beginning Dance program at Tippy Toe. For two years, she has been an invaluable assistant under Miss Becca in the dance program at LFM and YVMSA. Her local work includes choreoraphy with Enlightened Theatrics and Blacnchet Catholic School. Averie is finishing her degree in graphic design, blending her passion for visual and performing arts.

  • Romeo is a dedicated performer and dance instructor assistant, passionate about inspiring young artists. Known for their kindness and gentle demeanor, Romeo brings unique style each day with clothing and makeup. They assist Miss Averie at Tippy Toe Dance Studio in Ballet and Contemporary dance, and support both Miss Becca and Miss Averie at Little Friends Montessori and Young Voyagers Montessori School of Art. Romeo's enthusiasm and creativity make them a cherished part of our dance community.

OUR GUIDES

MR. CASEY

  • I’m excited to introduce myself and begin what’s sure to be an amazing year. My name is Casey Waltz, and I have the privilege of being the 3rd and 4th grade teacher here at Young Voyagers.

    I’m an Oregon native and haven’t found another place I’d rather call home. This is my ninth year in education. I began my career in high schools, but my interest shifted to elementary education shortly after my son was born. Watching students discover the world with wonder and amazement inspires me to nurture their enthusiasm for learning and help them carry it for a lifetime.

    I’ve worked in Special Education at both the high school and elementary levels, and during the summers, I train adults in CPR and First Aid. I can’t wait to get to know your students. I believe a strong pillar of education is building a nourishing rapport and trust, so that students feel safe and know they have someone partnering with their families in support of their best interests.

    I look forward to working together to achieve the aspirations we all share for our students.

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MISS MERIDETH

  • Miss Merideth joined LFM/YVMSA in 2014 when she created the Elementary program with Miss Hanneke. She earned her Masters in Teaching and BA in History from Willamette University, and holds an Oregon Teaching License and an Elementary Montessori Teaching Credential. She is the Master Guide at YVMSA and oversees all levels of academia.

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MISS DANIELLE

  • Miss Danielle grew up in Western Massachusetts and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has been a part of the LFM/YVMSA community since 2013 as a parent, and joined the staff in 2019 as an Assistant guide. She received her Montessori teaching credential in 2021.

  • Miss Danielle grew up in Western Massachusetts and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has been a part of the LFM/YVMSA community since 2013 as a parent, and joined the staff in 2019 as an Assistant guide. She received her Montessori teaching credential in 2021.

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MISS ERIN

  • Miss Erin started working with children in 2015 while living in Florida. She always knew early childhood education was what she wanted to do with her life. Miss Erin has been with LFM since July 2020 and received her Montessori credential in November 2021.

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  • Miss Hannah is our substitute Guide and covers all classrooms as needed. She studied Political Science and Sociology and is interested in furthering her studies in Early Childhood Education. She has volunteered in both preschool and kindergarten classes in the past. She enjoys working with children and encouraging their creativity.

MISS BECCA

  • Miss Becca is the owner and artistic director of Tippy Toe Dance Studio. She has trained in many styles of dance including Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, and International Folk. Miss Becca has worked locally as a choreographer for organizations such as Oregon School for the Deaf, Blanchet Catholic School, Pentacle Theater, Corban University, and other community productions. She is proud to partner with LFM & YVMSA to direct special program education such as dance and theater.

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  • Miss Beats has been teaching classroom music since 2013. She moved to the area to serve in Music Across Oregon, an Americorps program that places music teachers in rural, underserved communities. She received her Bachelors of Music in Percussion Performance from University of Central Florida and a Masters from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In addition to teaching music, she is an active performing musician who you can find playing in rock bands and orchestras.

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MISS BEATS

MISS NICOLE

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  • Miss Nicole has over a decade of experience in theater and performance, with all ages of children. Nicole is currently finishing her degree at OSU in Human Development and Family Science. She currently is the choreographer for S.K.I.T. Theater productions. Nicole also works with Miss Becca as the manager of Tippy Toe Dance Studio.

  • Romeo is a dedicated performer and dance instructor assistant, passionate about inspiring young artists. Known for their kindness and gentle demeanor, Romeo brings unique style each day with clothing and makeup. They assist Miss Averie at Tippy Toe Dance Studio in Ballet and Contemporary dance, and support both Miss Becca and Miss Averie at Little Friends Montessori and Young Voyagers Montessori School of Art. Romeo's enthusiasm and creativity make them a cherished part of our dance community.