Executive Director
Laura Roark
Executive Director
Laura was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta but has a passion for travel and adventure that took her around the world and eventually landed her in Alaska. She holds a Montessori Early Childhood credential, a Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University, and a Masters in Montessori Education from Xavier University.
Laura has experience in the classroom, as a school director, teacher trainer and training center director and has spoken at various international Montessori conferences. She is passionate about Montessori education and helping families communicate effectively with children.
In her free time, Laura enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time her daughter and her pets. In her travels she has worked with organizations that help bring preschool education to children in rural regions of Yunnan, China and Tibet and has co-written two children’s books, as well as worked with various animal rescue and conservation organizations. She is passionate about making a better, more peaceful world through Montessori education.
Office Staff
Maleia Schaezlein
Office Manager/Accounting/Compliance Support
Kolotita Saunoa
Administrative Support
Birch Community
Birch Classroom is a half day toddler program.
Liz Hamlin
Toddler Lead
Toddler Program Director
Tabitha Ronzone
Toddler Assistant
Willow Community
Willow Community is a full day toddler program.
Kathleen Liwanag
Toddler Lead
Peyton Blanton
Toddler Assistant
Wild Iris Community
Wild Iris Community is a full day toddler Program.
Chrishelle Hamlin
Toddler Lead
Pilita Fernandez
Toddler Assistant
Prickly Rose Community
Prickly Rose Community is a half day primary classroom.
Erin Ballantyne
Primary Lead Teacher/Primary Program Director
Jessica Stroman
Primary Assistant
Fireweed Community
Fireweed Community is a full day primary program.
Madison Masuhara
Primary Lead Teacher
Natasha Reeve
Primary Assistant
Lupine Community
Lupine Community is a full day primary program.
Darien Elam
Primary Co-Lead Teacher
Glory Banks
Primary Co-Lead Teacher
Elderberry Community
Elderberry Community is a full day primary program.
Lindy Risinger
Primary Lead Teacher
Lisabeth Croft
Primary Assistant
Silverberry Community
Silverberry Community is a full day elementary program for grades 1-3.
Greta Seitz
Elementary I Lead/Elementary Program Director
Melissa Thompson
Elementary I Assistant
Salmonberry Community
Salmonberry Community is a full day program for grades 4-6.
Hunter Simmons
Elementary II Lead Teacher
Lena Antonian-Donaldson
Elementary II Assistant
Amazing Support Staff
Cecelia Pullen
Music Specialist
Glory Banks
Mandarin Chinese Program Director
Kelly Hamlin
Auxiliary Services & Substitute Coordinator
Amanda Bradley
Auxiliary Assistant
Lucas Johnson
Auxiliary Assistant
Aniceta Sanchez
Auxiliary Assistant
Kawika Khachadoorian
Auxiliary Assistant
Abigail Laufer
Auxiliary Assistant
Stephanie Scott
Auxiliary Assistant