MEET THE M.C.H. STAFF
YOUNG CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY
VANESSA KOCH began her career with MCH as an assistant at the CASA (our child care center) in 2012. Inspired by the children and seeing Montessori in action, Vanessa developed an interest in seeking training at the infant/toddler level. This interest heightened with the birth of her son. Through her own experience and training, Vanessa's commitment to this stage of development has continued to grow. Vanessa offers great care, love, acceptance, patience, and understanding - all wonderful characteristics which have helped her establish and lead our toddler community. Vanessa is assisted by Alyssa Ridenour, Luanne Ferguson and Laura Aten .
Vanessa has her Bachelors of Social Work from Central Michigan University, Associates in Secondary Education, and received her Association Montessori International (AMI) Assistants to Infancy training through the Montessori Training Center of St.Louis, MO.
primary
VALRIE BROOKS received her initial training with the International Montessori Council in Early Childhood Education in 2010. Valrie completed her internship with MCH and returned as an assistant. Furthering her education, Valrie now holds certification in both AMS and AMI training and has been a classroom lead for several years. She is currently pursuing her Master of Education. Valrie is assisted by Lynette McClure.
Valrie holds a Bachelors of Business Education from Northwood University. She is certified through the International Montessori Council in Early Childhood Education and earned her A.M.S. Primary credential. Valrie also completed her A.M.I. Primary credential with the Training Center of New England.
CANDY VOIGT believes Montessori is a transformative, creative process of development where learning is based on one's meaningful engagement in context of the social life of a caring community; all belong. Candy enjoys being out in the beauty of nature, especially by the water. She loves music, art, reading, and travel. Candy is assisted by Palak Beri.
Candy has a BA from Michigan State University in Elementary Education with endorsements in Child Development and Literacy. She has a Master’s degree from Walden University in Elementary Reading and Literacy. Candy has her Montessori Primary Level credential through AMI and AMS. She is certified in Primary Level Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Additional training: LINDAMOOD-BELL language processing. In July 2014 she was one of five teachers in the U.S. awarded by UNICEF to travel to Tanzania.
VANI ANBARASAN came to MCH by chance, just after we had experienced an unfruitful global search for a new Primary guide. Eagerly returning to the classroom after a few years at home with family, Vani co-taught in the 2022-23 school year with long-time guide, Patty Blackburn. This year, Vani is back leading the classroom solo.
Lower Elementary
MARIE CRUTCHER began her journey with Montessori education as a parent at Children's House and has served in several positions with us. Marie pursued her Montessori training while working as an assistant in the lower elementary program. Marie completed her A.M.I. training with the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee and has served as one of our lower elementary classroom guides for several years. In her down time, Marie enjoys reading, nature walks, and the hunt for a great antique. Marie is assisted by Sherie Mason.
Marie holds a Bachelor of Science, Integrative Studies from Ferris State University, AMI Elementary training from the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee, and her Master of Education with Loyola University of Maryland. Marie holds certifications for: Foundations of Montessori Inclusion through IAE/MMPI and Compassionate Leadership Through Service Learning with Jane Goodall and Roots and Shoots. Additionally, Marie is a Certified Yoga Instructor and Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator through Breathe for Change.
MINDY BANKS was working as a Naturalist at the Woldumar Nature Center developing environmental education programs for children when she began to realize that she wanted a deeper connection with the children. During that time a group of 3rd graders from MCH would visit once a month. She heard about an open position as an assistant in one of the classrooms and took that position. After receiving her Montessori training, Mindy accepted a position as one of our lower elementary classroom guides. Mindy is assisted by Ariba Mohammed.
Mindy has a BS in Parks and Recreation from Michigan State University. She is certified through the Michigan Montessori Teacher Education Center at the Primary Level and through the Center for Contemporary Montessori Programs at the Elementary Level. She has a Master’s Degree from Michigan State University in Literacy Instruction. She also has a K-8 Teaching Certificate from Michigan State University. Additional Training includes LINDAMOOD-BELL – Seeing Stars Literacy Program
UPPER ELEMENTARY
ALBERT "JAV" CANIFF has an enthusiasm for learning that is clearly evident. With a patient desire to help others discover for themselves, Jav is well suited for the upper elementary classroom. Jav has previous teaching experience in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Celebration, Florida. His intersts include raising and tagging Monarch butterflies, the arts, and camping/backpacking. Jav is assisted by Rafia Waraich.
Jav holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Grand Valley State University and received his Montessori training credential at the Elementary level from Seacoast Center for Education.
Specialists
See the scientist, artists, musicians and others who lead our extended curriculum classes in the arts and sciences.
Administrative Staff
RENEE DVORAK, Head of School, joined the Montessori family as a parent in 1994. Her son and two daughters attended MCH through the 6th grade. She was an assistant in the elementary program for 13 years and joined the office staff in 2007. Renee holds a BS in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University and Master of Science in Non-Profit Administration from Louisiana State University.
ADIA BOONE, Director of Program Support, is a former student of Montessori Children’s House. Adia returned to the school as staff in 2019 and joined the administrative team in 2020. Adia holds a BA in Special Education, Learning Disabilities from Michigan State University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University.
KRISTI TAYLOR has been involved with MCH since 1999 when her son and daughter started in Primary. She began working at MCH as a Substitute and later became an Assistant in the Lower Elementary with Claud and then in Primary with Maggie. She currently assists in the office as the Bookkeeper. Kristi received her degree in Marketing and Management from Western Michigan University after which she worked as a Financial Consultant for ten years until the birth of her son. When she is not at school she enjoys riding her horses, helping her garden grow, sailing the seven seas, and researching her family history.