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

Natasha Reeve
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

Abigail Laufer
Primary Assistant
Lupine Community
Lupine Community is a full day primary program.

Darien Elam
Primary Lead Teacher

Aubrie Cypert
Primary Assistant
Elderberry Community
Elderberry Community offers both half day and full day primary program options.

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

Ling Zhou
Elementary II Assistant
Amazing Support Staff

Cecelia Pullen
Music Specialist

Glory Banks
Mandarin Chinese Program Director

Kyle Masuhara
Physical Education Teacher/Maintenance Technician

Kelly Hamlin
Auxiliary Services & Substitute Coordinator

Amanda Bradley
Auxiliary Assistant

Pilita Fernandez
Auxiliary Assistant

Aniceta Sanchez
Auxiliary Assistant