Staff
Amanda Ungerecht - Toddler Teacher / Development Director
Amanda is an “Alaska Grown” woman having been born and raised in Anchorage. After graduating from high school in 1997 she joined the AMS team as a preschool assistant, supervised the Before and After School Program, and then switched to being a Toddler Assistant. In 2000 Amanda entered the Entertainment Field as a performer in “Up With People”, touring the United States and participating in Community Service activities.
Amanda lived in Colorado for over two years where she returned to school at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies, earning her Toddler Montessori Certificate. With her heart missing her family and her hometown she packed her goldfish and her worldly possessions in her VW Golf and traveled the Alaska Highway back to Anchorage in 2003. Amanda is currently working on her BA in Art, creates and displays beautiful pieces of stained glass in a local studio, and enjoys spending as much time outside with her dog as she can.
Angie Knowlton - Preschool Teacher/Director of Education
Angie was born and raised in Golden, Colorado, and was introduced to the Montessori approach during her college years. In order to learn more about the method she spent four years as an assistant at the Montessori School of Golden, during which she obtained a Fine Arts degree. Angie went on to receive her Montessori Certification in the 3-6 year old field from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies in Boulder, Colorado. While there an instructor by the name of Sue Kennedy (and a former AMS teacher) mentioned to Angie that AMS was looking for a full-time teacher. Angie moved up to Anchorage and taught here for two years before returning to Colorado. There she partnered up with a colleague and started the first Christian Montessori School in the Denver metropolitan area.
Angie returned to Anchorage in 2003 to be closer to her fiancè, and they were married in 2004. She and her husband Brian have now settled into the Anchorage area.
Alejandra Rios - Preschool Teacher Assistant
“I was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico, the daughter of hardworking parents who’d retired from the military. My first job after getting out of high school was at a Montessori School in Tijuana, where I worked as a teacher assistant for three years. I enjoyed working with the infants and toddlers, but I resigned from that position to work in our family’s insurance business.
“When I came to the United States I earned my Early Childhood Education Diploma and was a lead teacher for a class of four-year olds at Providence. I’m also married to an Alaskan from McGrath and we have a young son.
“I try to go and visit my family in Mexico every year or whenever I have the time and the money. I enjoy listening to music, talking on the phone with my brothers and sister in Mexico, and spending time with my son.”
Leslie West - Lower Elementary Teacher Assistant
Leslie was born in Ohio but has grown up all over the world. Leslie graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Mathematics and qualified for her Indiana Teaching Certificate. She moved to Anchorage in 2006 with her husband and two children. She and her youngest son, Jason in the Upper Elementary class, joined AMS this year. Leslie’s oldest son, Ryan, attends Central Middle School. Along with Math, she enjoys being a full-time mom and all that comes with it! In her spare time she enjoys dining out, traveling, skiing, and scrapbooking.
Kelly Hamlin - Lunch Supervisor, Elementary Summer Recreation Coordinator and Before School Care Coordinator
She was raised in Alaska and has lived here since 1963, growing up fishing with her father in Southeast Alaska. Kelly has been with AMS since 1997 and succeeds in making the Kitchen area a place of warmth and companionship. Kelly's time outside of AMS is dedicated to enjoying her family.
Liz Hamlin
She has been at Anchorage Montessori School since 1998, and received her toddler certification in 2003 at MECR in Boulder, Colorado and is now a teacher in the toddler program. She was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and she says her mom (who is also a valued staff member at AMS) is her hero. Liz enjoys spending time with her family and outdoor activities.
Julie Matthews - Art Teacher
Julie’s passion is creating architectural tile projects. For the past 30 years she has been working in clay. Her focus is exploiting the possibilities of handmade tiles and their application.
Since 1983 Julie has created over twenty major installations including BP Exploration, the Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak, a concrete and tile memorial project at Kincaid Park, a three-n replica of e sun as part of a planet walk and several “1% for Art” projects.
Julie has been teaching Art at Anchorage Montessori School since 1996. She has a degree in Art and in Elementary Education. She loves working with children and finds their spontaneity is contagious. She strives to incorporate Montessori methods in Art classes and often works with integrating the teacher’s curriculum with Art projects as well.
Julie has a daughter who went through the Montessori program.
Sheryl Lick - Office Manager, Registrar
Sheryl and her family moved to Alaska in 1998. She joined the AMS community in 2000 when her oldest child, Lauren, attended as a toddler. In 2002 Sheryl became a part of the staff and her other two children began their Montessori journey. Sheryl enjoys being a full-time mom in addition to serving as the Office Manager and Registrar. Sheryl also likes to spend time with her family, scrap booking, and reading.
Shirley Miller - Preschool Teacher
Shirley came to Anchorage Montessori School in 2003 to teach in the preschool program and assist in a lower elementary classroom. She is now a teacher in the preschool program. Shirley grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and received her Montessori certification from CMTE, New Rochelle, New York in 1991. She became fascinated with Montessori Methodology while serving as a Preschool Assistant at a Montessori School in Connecticut. Shirley also has an AA degree from the University of Connecticut and she’s currently attending APU to complete her BA in Human Services. She has lived in Germany, England and France, and her hobbies are walking, reading, films, and her grandchildren.
Michalynn Thompson - Preschool Teacher
“My name is Michalynn Thompson. Everyone calls me ‘Micha.’ I have lived in Alaska since February 1999 with my now-grown daughter Tomìmyka. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, I enjoy living in Anchorage. I love the diversity and cultures surrounding me. It has been good for Tomìmyka as well to be exposed to children from all backgrounds and cultures; an opportunity not available in Columbus.”
“I have worked for Nationwide Insurance since I was 18 beginning as a mailroom clerk and more recently as a customer service representative for Medicare. That was 20 years ago! I’ve been at AMS since 2000, first as a lower elementary assistant teacher, and now as a Preschool Teacher. I completed my Montessori training at the Montessori Training Center of the Rockies in 2007.”
“For relaxation I like to read, listen to music, hang out with Tomìmyka (when she lets me), and play with our Pomeranian ‘fatso.’ I love to crochet and write short stories and children’s stories when I have the time. I’m not much of an outdoors person; I pretty much like to stay at home. In the future I would like to go back to school and get a degree in Art. I want to write and illustrate children’s books; preferably Montessori books.”
Heather Brazell - Kindergarten Teacher
Heather was born and raised in the Seattle/Tacoma/Olympia area of beautiful Washington State. Heather came to Montessori the way so many people do quite by accident! After spending years in a customer service job and raising her daughter, Becca, Heather decided it was time for a change and time to find something she truly loved. She discovered the Montessori Method at Capitol Montessori School in Olympia, WA, where she began working as an assistant. After only a few months she knew she had found her true calling, and she took her 3-6 Preschool Training during the year of 2002-2003 at Spring Valley Montessori School in Federal Way, WA. The following year she was an intern in the preschool class. In October of 2005 Heather received her Montessori certification for the preschool level and began working as the head teacher. That same year her husband Rodney relocated to Anchorage with his company. After a year apart while her daughter finished the 5th grade and Heather fulfilled her contract, the family reunited in the summer of 2006. Heather researched Montessori school in Anchorage before making the move and from the minute she walked through the doors at Anchorage Montessori School she knew that she had found her new school; it just felt right! Heather has thoroughly enjoyed leading eighteen exuberant Kindergartners through the year and is looking forward to next year and many more to come!
Jennifer Dohanos-Walton - Preschool Assistant
Jennifer was born and raised in Westport, Connecticut. She grew up surrounded by farmlands, the ocean, and lots of artists. She grew up loving nature, gardening, the sea, and all forms of creativity.
Jennifer went on to study Art at the State University of New York at Purchase and finished her studies in San Francisco at the Academy of Art College. She then began a career as a free-lance artist, working as an illustrator and graphic designer.
Jennifer has taught Art classes, After School Enrichment programs and Yoga in addition to her Artwork. Her love of teaching grew and she decided to teach full time. She has been teaching for over twenty years.
Jennifer became entranced at the love and wonder involved in teaching young children at the Anchorage Montessori School in 1998 and has been a dedicated and creative staff member ever since.
Amy Butler - Full Day Preschool Teacher
Amy grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. After a bit of world traveling and graduation from North Idaho College she decided that Alaska would be a great adventure. It was in Alaska that she discovered the Montessori Method and her passion for that moment when a child reads their first word a nd lights up. She got her Montessori Certification from the Houston Montessori Center and has been teaching for five years. When she’s not at school she can be found enjoying beautiful Alaska, reading the classics, writing, or spending time with good friends.
Saeng Yabut - Secretary/Receptionist Part-time
Saeng was born in Vientiane, Laos, and came to the United States in 1986. She comes from a family of six children and is the first to graduate from college, earning a BA in Global Logistics Management from the University of Alaska-Anchorage. She currently lives in Anchorage with her husband and two sons.
Saeng joined the AMS staff in 2008. She loves being a mom and treasures the time she spends with her children. Some of her hobbies include fine dining, watching movies, singing, and shopping.
Amy Carter - Secretary
Amy was born in Japan and has lived in Anchorage since the sixth grade. She graduated from Bartlett High School and married Jonathan, her high school sweetheart. She has two children that have both attended AMS. She started working here as a Toddler Assistant and became Secretary in 2007.
Stephen O’Brien - Executive Director
Steve is originally from New Jersey where he taught both fifth grade and high school English/Drama. He also worked for the Boy Scouts in Newark and served as a Summer Camp Director.
Steve moved to Alaska in 1979 and started out teaching for the Bureau of Indian Affairs School in Tuntutuliak. He eventually served in the Lower Kuskokwim School District for twenty years and retired from public education in 2001. During that time he was the principal at Bethel's Yupik Immersion School (K-6), in Tuntutuliak (Pre-12), Atmautluak (pre-12), and Platinum (pre-12), Steve also taught elementary & HS classes in Goodnews Bay and Kasigluk.
After retiring from public education he served as the Senior Educator at The McCann Treatment Center in Bethel for five years. Steve moved to Anchorage in 2006 and served as an instructor at The Alaska Military Youth Academy prior to joining AMS.
Other tidbits of Steve’s life include ten years as a Cub/Boy Scout Volunteer, eighteen years coaching Native Youth Olympics, ten years on the non-profit Bethel Community Services Board of Directors (six years as chair), which facilitated a Community Preschool Program and Developmental Disability Services, seven years as a commercial fisherman, three years as a volunteer firefighter, Secretary for the Bethel Actors' Guild (in which he directed and acted) and a member of the Bethel Community Choir. He currently sings base in his church choir.
Steve has a BA from Rowan University and a M.Ed. from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He’s certified in Elementary Education, Language Arts and Social Studies, and in School Administration.
Steve enjoys music, theater, the outdoors, and reading. He’s married to Helen Berlin of Kasigluk and they have four children (youngest at East HS) and four grandchildren.
Greta Seitz - Lower Elementary Lead Teacher
Greta has a B.A. in Arts from Wheaton College in Illinois where she received an Illinois Teaching Certificate for grades K-8 with an endorsement in German. Her education was focused on developing reading and social studies curriculums and teaching science. Greta has been with AMS since 2005.
Aniceta Sanchez - Toddler/Preschool Teacher Assistant
Aniceta was born in the Philippines in the small town of Porac, Pampanga, forty-five miles northeast of Manila, as the youngest daughter of Marciano and Leonila Ayson. Aniceta attended Holy Angel University for three years in the Philippines before working in a dental clinic with her cousin. In 1992 she married Prime Sanchez Jr. and in 1993 they moved to the USA, first to Bremerton, Washington, and then moving on to Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands. In 1998 they moved into Anchorage where her husband is employed at Alaska Airlines.
Aniceta has worked at the Little Red School, Children’s Montessori, and Midnight Sun Montessori before joining us at Anchorage Montessori School.
Aniceta and Prime have three children, Shalane, Sharleen, and Prime John III.
Rosanna Lee, Preschool Teacher Assistant
“Hi, my name is Rosanna Lee. I was born in Seattle and moved to Hong Kong when I was two months old. My family moved to Anchorage, Alaska, when I was five years old where we made a home for ourselves. When I was growing up my sister and I would spend our summer holidays visiting relatives in Hong Kong.
“With the desire to see the world and my love of traveling I moved to San Francisco, California, and joined United Airlines as a Flight Attendant in 1997. During that time I also completed massage therapy training and was certified as a massage therapist; a profession I continue to practice today. After traveling around the world for seven years I had my son Gabriel and decided to resign from flying to stay home to care for him.
“Gabriel started his toddler education at AMS in 2007, and I started as a Teacher Assistant in November that same year. I am very happy to be here as a part of the Montessori community.”
AnnMaria Umholtz, Preschool Teacher Assistant
“My name is AnnMaria Umholtz. I was raised in and around Santa Fe, NM. I went to college in New Mexico and Texas.
“Before Anchorage I lived in Fairbanks and Texas. My son and I moved to Anchorage in August 2008 to take advantage of the opportunities here. Cool weather, yoo-hoo!
“I was on the swim team in college and now I enjoy swimming for fun. I’ve also joined the Anchorage Spinners and Weavers Guild and am looking forward to improving my skills.
“I was raised in a home where both Spanish and English were spoken and I’m retrieving Spanish from brain hibernation to my delight and (hopefully) the delight of the students. I also play the piano and guitar. Soon I would like to learn the trumpet.
“I am excited to be a part of the Anchorage Montessori School.”
Monica Mann, Preschool Teacher Assistant
“My name is Monica Mann and I’m originally from Oklahoma. I have been an Alaskan Since August of 2001 but made my first trip up in 1990. I have been happily engaged now for ten years and have a daughter who is three and attends Micha’s afternoon class. I am also a nanny for a very nice family and have been with them for seven wonderful years!
“When I am not at AMS I enjoy cooking and scrap booking. When I get bored I pick up a book and read it front to back within a week.
“I love AMS. I first learned about the school by bringing the children I nanny for, then I enrolled my own daughter. I feel very fortunate to be on the staff here.”
Jennifer Wagner - Preschool Teacher
Jennifer recently came to us after working five years as a Preschool Teacher at the BP Daycare Center and holds her CDA. She grew up in Soldotna and attended the Philadelphia Biblical University and has a passion for Early Childhood Curriculum Development.
Jennifer loves children likes to knit and read in her spare time.
Tere Obrochta - Elementary Spanish and Physical Education
Tere is a native Spanish speaker, born in the Dominican Republic to Dutch and Spanish parents. Most of her childhood was spent in Florida. Tere has a BA degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado, with a concentration in Child Development. She has extensive experience working with children in social services settings and is noy very happy to make the transition to an educational setting. Tere is new to Alaska and has lived in Hawaii, Germany, Alabama, Colorado, and several other states. She is now looking forward to her first winter in Alaska! Tere's hobbies include hiking, camping, biking, traveling, reading and cooking. She has been married for 20 years and has two beautiful daughters aged 15 and 12.