Renee’s affiliation with Children’s House began as a parent when her oldest child started Primary.  Two years later, Renee became an assistant in the lower elementary program where she worked for 13 years. In addition to her time in the classroom, Renee has directed the after-school program, run summer camp programs, and taught art during the school day and as an after school class option.

Renee moved into the office in 2008 to become the Administrative Assistant and works closely with Mo in the day to day operations of the school. She continues to teach after school art classes as well. Her children are now a freshman at Michigan Tech, a sophomore at St. John High, and a 4^th year in Sharon’s class. Renee is pursuing her degree in fine arts in her “spare time”.

Mo began her affiliation with the school in 1990, when her oldest child enrolled at Montessori Children’s House. Impressed by the longevity of the staff, and the genuinely caring environment, she felt that the school provided a wonderfully unique environment for her sons. Her involvement grew from being a parent to becoming a volunteer, and then part time staff. Eventually, this evolved to a position as full time administrator under the mentorship of Sue Husband.

Originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Mo holds an undergraduate degree in Literature from St. Andrews College, and a Masters degree in education from Virginia Tech. She moved to Michigan in 1985, where she did further graduate studies in education and counseling at Michigan State University.

Mo proclaims and supports a strong commitment to experiential education. She has worked with children of all levels from preschool through college in a variety of settings including outdoor adventure and alternative schools – both public and private. Each day she is enlightened a little more by the children, parents, and staff, who practice the Montessori philosophy at it’s finest.

“The first time I observed at this school, I knew I had found home. My involvement here has challenged me to deepen my understanding of what it means to educate the whole child. I feel fortunate to be in the presence of such fine families and such profoundly committed educators. This is what education can and should be all about.”

Sharon Dhanak has lived in the Lansing area her entire life. She has been teaching at Montessori Children’s House for sixteen years. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Michigan State University, and is certified to teach children K – 9th grade. Her AMI Montessori training, which prepared her to work with 6-12 year olds, was completed at the Montessori Training Center in Cleveland, Ohio. This training led to the completion of a Master’s Degree from Loyola University in Education with an emphasis in the Montessori Philosophy.

Sharon feels very fortunate to work with children 9-12 years old. She says “I love this age child because it is a mutual teaching environment; they teach me as much as I teach them.”

Mindy Banks has been with Montessori Children’s House since September 1984. She began as an assistant in the lower elementary, and has worked in both lower elementary classrooms, and two primary classrooms. In addition, Mindy started the before and after school programs at our school. Mindy began directing her own classroom at the lower elementary level in August 1994. Mindy holds a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation – Environmental Interpretation, and holds a master’s degree in Literacy Instruction, as well as teacher certification from Michigan State University. She holds Pre-Primary Montessori Certification from the Michigan Montessori Teacher Education Center in Rochester Hills, Michigan. She also holds Lower and Upper Elementary Certification from The Center for Contemporary Montessori Programs in St Paul, Minnesota.

Mindy enjoys working with children, but especially enjoys the children at the lower elementary age because “they are so eager to learn about the world they live in. Montessori truly opens doors for them – they have the opportunity to explore in all directions, whether it is in math, geography, science, language or personal growth. Their learning is infectious, quickly spreading from child to child. They learn so much from each other, and are so willing to help each other that we have not one, but 20 or more teachers in the classroom!”

Claud Agnello received his B.S. in Crop and Soil Science from MSU in 1979. He received his teacher certification from MSU in 1982 and his Association Montessori Internationale diploma in 1984 from Washington Montessori Institute in Washington, D.C. Claud began teaching at Montessori Children’s House in 1984.

Claud was born in Milan, Italy, and spent his youth in Harper Woods, Michigan. He moved to East Lansing in 1976 for school and eventually settled in Grand Ledge. Claud enjoys many aspects of teaching and loves being with a community of children, finding their energy to be positive and mirthful.

Candy graduated in Elementary Education from Michigan State University in 1978.  Her major was in Fine Arts, with endorsements in Child Development and Reading Instruction.  She holds an Elementary teaching certificate.  She received her American Montessori Society Primary Diploma in June of 1979 and has been a guide of young children ever since.  In 2005, she completed a Masters in Elementary Reading and Literacy through Walden University.  In 2008 she received her Primary Association Montessori International teaching certificate.  Candy is trained in the Lindamood-Bell Language/Literacy Learning Processes, LETTERS & LIFT.  She enjoys ongoing educational studies.

“To listen and be in the present moment with a young child; to fashion a ‘community’ environment that calls the young child to reflect, think, create, express himself, experience mistakes as ‘his friends’ and be energized by his own efforts is very fulfilling work.  He experiences hi altruism.  It is a privilege and I feel a great responsibility.  The work is creative, challenging, educational and inspiring   Each day is joy with the children.”

Patty received her B.S. in Communication from Western Michigan University and her Association Montessori Internationale teaching certification from the Toronto Montessori Institute. She began her career as a Montessori teacher in 1976.

Patty enjoys all aspects of teaching in the primary (3 – 6 year) level. However, she has a special love for sharing music, both instrumental and vocal, storytelling, and language lessons with the children.

In addition to her Montessori Training, Patty is trained in SEE –Sequential English Education and the Lindamood-Bell Processes, which address the areas of phonemic awareness, visual imagery, and language comprehension. She is also trained in the Handwriting Without Tears program.

Pat Taylor has been a primary (3-6 years) directress for 25 years. She received her Montessori training at the Montessori Institute of Greater Cincinnati, an Association Montessori Internationale affiliated center. She holds a B.A. in education, and a M.A. in education with a reading specialization. Pat taught in traditional schools for nine years before “finding” Montessori, a perfect match. It was such a joy to discover a type of education that considers the whole child –intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual. She enjoys creating a warm, nurturing, and attractive environment in her classroom.

Pat has been a volunteer in many community organizations including Ele’s Place, LAAN, Listening Ear, and Hospice House.