Meet the Mayflower Montessori Staff
Anne Estes, Head of School
Anne is thrilled to be in the Mayflower community! She is excited to be part of the Montessori movement to provide high quality Montessori education that is accessible to all, Mayflower's mission. Anne began life as a Montessori child at Lake Country School and in her 20s reconnected with her Montessori roots. For nearly two decades since then she has furthered her education and experience in Montessori education, serving as a guide to children from the ages of 8 weeks to 7 years old as well as teaching adults at the university level. Anne has a B.A. in English Writing from the University of St. Thomas, both the AMI Primary (3-6) and AMI Assistance to Infancy (birth to 3) diplomas, a M.A. in Education from Loyola University Maryland as well as an M.A. in English from the University of St. Thomas, and a Doctorate of Education from Hamline University. She wrote her dissertation on adult-child collaboration in Montessori toddler environments. Anne grew up in South Minneapolis and now lives in Plymouth with her partner and two young children. She enjoys spending time with family, heading up North to the cabin, and experiencing the wonderful arts and culture of the Twin Cities.
Anne is thrilled to be in the Mayflower community! She is excited to be part of the Montessori movement to provide high quality Montessori education that is accessible to all, Mayflower's mission. Anne began life as a Montessori child at Lake Country School and in her 20s reconnected with her Montessori roots. For nearly two decades since then she has furthered her education and experience in Montessori education, serving as a guide to children from the ages of 8 weeks to 7 years old as well as teaching adults at the university level. Anne has a B.A. in English Writing from the University of St. Thomas, both the AMI Primary (3-6) and AMI Assistance to Infancy (birth to 3) diplomas, a M.A. in Education from Loyola University Maryland as well as an M.A. in English from the University of St. Thomas, and a Doctorate of Education from Hamline University. She wrote her dissertation on adult-child collaboration in Montessori toddler environments. Anne grew up in South Minneapolis and now lives in Plymouth with her partner and two young children. She enjoys spending time with family, heading up North to the cabin, and experiencing the wonderful arts and culture of the Twin Cities.
Hari Capra, Administrative Assistant
Hari was born in New Mexico and grew up between Taos, New Mexico and Minneapolis. He is happy to return to Mayflower, after first having become acquainted with Mayflower while doing his AMI primary training in 2013 and 2014, and having subbed here and worked here in the past as well. Before working in Montessori, Hari taught English in Asia, where he lived for a decade, mostly in Daegu, South Korea. Hari enjoys walking around the lake, playing board games, talking with friends, and supporting the staff at Mayflower.
Hari was born in New Mexico and grew up between Taos, New Mexico and Minneapolis. He is happy to return to Mayflower, after first having become acquainted with Mayflower while doing his AMI primary training in 2013 and 2014, and having subbed here and worked here in the past as well. Before working in Montessori, Hari taught English in Asia, where he lived for a decade, mostly in Daegu, South Korea. Hari enjoys walking around the lake, playing board games, talking with friends, and supporting the staff at Mayflower.
Saleha Asim, Administrative Support
Saleha Asim has been working in the Montessori community for the past 25 years. She graduated from the Association Montessori International (AMI) program with a Primary diploma. She worked as a Montessori Guide and Director, plus other roles, for over 17 years before coming to MECC in 2013. Saleha has worked at MECC in a variety of roles, including administrative support and mentoring Montessori teachers. Her hobbies include traveling with her husband and two children along with cooking, painting, and both interior and fashion design. She is proud to be at Mayflower Early Childhood Center!
Saleha Asim has been working in the Montessori community for the past 25 years. She graduated from the Association Montessori International (AMI) program with a Primary diploma. She worked as a Montessori Guide and Director, plus other roles, for over 17 years before coming to MECC in 2013. Saleha has worked at MECC in a variety of roles, including administrative support and mentoring Montessori teachers. Her hobbies include traveling with her husband and two children along with cooking, painting, and both interior and fashion design. She is proud to be at Mayflower Early Childhood Center!
Jenny Thompson, Family Engagement Coordinator
Jenny has worked in Montessori schools for 16 years, including ten years as a guide at the Children's House, Elementary, and Junior High levels. For the last six years, she did parent outreach, parent education, and school communications. She has her AMI Primary (Ages 3-6) Montessori Diploma and is a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator. She has served on the boards of two Montessori schools, is trained as a YWCA racial justice facilitator, and has a passion for racial justice and equity and inclusion work. Jenny has a B.A. in English, an M.A. in Education, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and is currently working on an M.A. in Parent and Family Education. She lives in St. Paul with her husband, Bob, and her wiener dog, Ellie. Her daughter, Anna, is a senior at Oberlin College in Ohio. Jenny's favorite activities are biking, running, swimming, doing triathlons with friends, hosting dinner parties, and spending time at a family cabin in Wisconsin.
Jenny has worked in Montessori schools for 16 years, including ten years as a guide at the Children's House, Elementary, and Junior High levels. For the last six years, she did parent outreach, parent education, and school communications. She has her AMI Primary (Ages 3-6) Montessori Diploma and is a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator. She has served on the boards of two Montessori schools, is trained as a YWCA racial justice facilitator, and has a passion for racial justice and equity and inclusion work. Jenny has a B.A. in English, an M.A. in Education, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and is currently working on an M.A. in Parent and Family Education. She lives in St. Paul with her husband, Bob, and her wiener dog, Ellie. Her daughter, Anna, is a senior at Oberlin College in Ohio. Jenny's favorite activities are biking, running, swimming, doing triathlons with friends, hosting dinner parties, and spending time at a family cabin in Wisconsin.
Stephanie Melander, Business Manager
Stephanie is incredibly proud to work at Mayflower! She is passionate about the school’s mission to serve an economically diverse community and to provide high quality Montessori learning environments that meet the developmental needs of the whole child. This is Stephanie’s seventh year at Mayflower, where she has worked directly with children in the Children’s House, and also as a member of the Admin Team. She has a B.S. in Business Administration from St. Catherine University, a Graduate Certificate in Holistic Health Studies from St. Catherine University, the AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota, and a Masters in Education from Loyola University Maryland. She is a proud native Minnesotan, runner, and animal lover. Stephanie lives in St. Paul with her husband and two young children.
Stephanie is incredibly proud to work at Mayflower! She is passionate about the school’s mission to serve an economically diverse community and to provide high quality Montessori learning environments that meet the developmental needs of the whole child. This is Stephanie’s seventh year at Mayflower, where she has worked directly with children in the Children’s House, and also as a member of the Admin Team. She has a B.S. in Business Administration from St. Catherine University, a Graduate Certificate in Holistic Health Studies from St. Catherine University, the AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota, and a Masters in Education from Loyola University Maryland. She is a proud native Minnesotan, runner, and animal lover. Stephanie lives in St. Paul with her husband and two young children.
Alex Link, Children's House 1 Guide
Alexander Link has been working at Mayflower Montessori Early Childhood Center for 7 years. Since 2019, Alex has been the Guide in Children's House 1. Before that, Alex was an Assistant and also ran the After Care program. Alex has an AMI Primary diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota. Alex's primary and elementary years as a student were spent in Montessori settings. It is one of Alex's greatest honors to be able to put children in touch with these Montessori materials that have benefitted students for over 100 years. "Children are on the path to becoming and belonging and through work with these beautiful materials they will become functionally independent and be given the freedom to pursue their own interests.”
Jennifer Skaptason, Children's House 1 Assistant
Jennifer earned her AMI diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in 1991. She was inspired to choose this path after marveling at the intelligence and enthusiasm for learning she witnessed in children she’d babysat for in her teen years. After 21 years as a guide at Sunny Hollow Montessori, followed by four years at Children's Workshop Montessori, she is eager to take on the role of the assistant this year, hoping to have a bit more personal time when at home. In the moments when Jennifer is not with children at school, she is visiting her family in other parts of the US, or cycling and walking around St. Paul with her sweetest little bird, Teejay. She loves inhaling cool, Lake Superior air, hiking through forests, taking a stand for what is important to her (and what she believes is for the greater good of society and this earth), and sewing countless face masks to both donate and sell, in hopes of keeping humans healthy.
Alexander Link has been working at Mayflower Montessori Early Childhood Center for 7 years. Since 2019, Alex has been the Guide in Children's House 1. Before that, Alex was an Assistant and also ran the After Care program. Alex has an AMI Primary diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota. Alex's primary and elementary years as a student were spent in Montessori settings. It is one of Alex's greatest honors to be able to put children in touch with these Montessori materials that have benefitted students for over 100 years. "Children are on the path to becoming and belonging and through work with these beautiful materials they will become functionally independent and be given the freedom to pursue their own interests.”
Jennifer Skaptason, Children's House 1 Assistant
Jennifer earned her AMI diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in 1991. She was inspired to choose this path after marveling at the intelligence and enthusiasm for learning she witnessed in children she’d babysat for in her teen years. After 21 years as a guide at Sunny Hollow Montessori, followed by four years at Children's Workshop Montessori, she is eager to take on the role of the assistant this year, hoping to have a bit more personal time when at home. In the moments when Jennifer is not with children at school, she is visiting her family in other parts of the US, or cycling and walking around St. Paul with her sweetest little bird, Teejay. She loves inhaling cool, Lake Superior air, hiking through forests, taking a stand for what is important to her (and what she believes is for the greater good of society and this earth), and sewing countless face masks to both donate and sell, in hopes of keeping humans healthy.
Elsabet Roth, Children's House 2 Guide
Elsabet is a proud, homegrown Minnesotan. She lives in Minneapolis and feels very happy to be a part of the local Mayflower community! Elsabet received her B.A. in Art and English from the University of Minnesota. She completed the AMI Primary training through the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in 2014 and received a Masters in Education from St. Catherine University. Elsabet enjoys spending time outside in nature, making art, cooking, and working on DIY home projects!
Elsabet is a proud, homegrown Minnesotan. She lives in Minneapolis and feels very happy to be a part of the local Mayflower community! Elsabet received her B.A. in Art and English from the University of Minnesota. She completed the AMI Primary training through the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in 2014 and received a Masters in Education from St. Catherine University. Elsabet enjoys spending time outside in nature, making art, cooking, and working on DIY home projects!
Christy Love, Children's House 2 Assistant
Christy is so excited to be joining the Mayflower community! She has a BA in History and the AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota, graduating in 1995. For the past 25 years she has worked in Montessori schools in various capacities, as lead guide, co-teacher, and assistant, in the Twin Cities and Madison, Wisconsin. Christy and her husband, Rick, live in St. Paul with their dog Radar. They have a 19-year-old son, Forrest, who attends college in Los Angeles, California. In her spare time, Christy loves long walks, reading, gardening, travel, and enjoying the lakes of Minnesota.
Christy is so excited to be joining the Mayflower community! She has a BA in History and the AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota, graduating in 1995. For the past 25 years she has worked in Montessori schools in various capacities, as lead guide, co-teacher, and assistant, in the Twin Cities and Madison, Wisconsin. Christy and her husband, Rick, live in St. Paul with their dog Radar. They have a 19-year-old son, Forrest, who attends college in Los Angeles, California. In her spare time, Christy loves long walks, reading, gardening, travel, and enjoying the lakes of Minnesota.
Dagmar Hoebertz, Children's House 3 Guide
Dagmar grew up in Germany and earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of Cologne. She taught 1st -4th grade in Germany and German language classes at the Germanic American Institute in St. Paul. Her three sons, who attended a local Montessori school, introduced her to the Montessori way of education from a parent perspective-and she got hooked! Dagmar earned an AMI Primary diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota in 2007. Since then, she has worked as a lead guide at Cornerstone Montessori in St. Paul and here at Mayflower Early Childhood Center. After two years of continued Montessori training and work as a substitute teacher at local AMI schools, Dagmar is excited to return to my second year as the guide in Children’s House 3.
Dagmar grew up in Germany and earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of Cologne. She taught 1st -4th grade in Germany and German language classes at the Germanic American Institute in St. Paul. Her three sons, who attended a local Montessori school, introduced her to the Montessori way of education from a parent perspective-and she got hooked! Dagmar earned an AMI Primary diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota in 2007. Since then, she has worked as a lead guide at Cornerstone Montessori in St. Paul and here at Mayflower Early Childhood Center. After two years of continued Montessori training and work as a substitute teacher at local AMI schools, Dagmar is excited to return to my second year as the guide in Children’s House 3.
Elise Washburn, Children's House 3 Assistant
Elise is honored to be a part of Mayflower where she serves as the assistant in Children's House 3. She earned a BA from Northern Arizona University and enjoyed living abroad before deciding to pursue Montessori studies. She holds AMI Assistants Certificates for birth-3, 3-6, and 6-12 from the Maria Montessori Institute and an AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota. Elise enjoys cooking, reading, and spending her days with the children at Mayflower.
Elise is honored to be a part of Mayflower where she serves as the assistant in Children's House 3. She earned a BA from Northern Arizona University and enjoyed living abroad before deciding to pursue Montessori studies. She holds AMI Assistants Certificates for birth-3, 3-6, and 6-12 from the Maria Montessori Institute and an AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota. Elise enjoys cooking, reading, and spending her days with the children at Mayflower.
Gaby Orozco-Delmont, Children's House 4 Guide
Gaby was born and raised in Mexico City. After graduating from The Escuela Mundial de Turismo, she lived abroad, studying English and French in Canada for several years. When she returned to Mexico, she taught English as a second language to elementary students. Her educational work also included teaching Spanish to adult foreign exchange students at the Cemenahuac Language Institute in the city of Cuernavaca, Mexico. She has been living with her husband and two daughters in Minneapolis since 2000. She completed the AMI Primary Course at the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in St. Paul, graduating in 2010. She worked as a Montessori Assistant at Cornerstone Montessori and Little Flowers Montessori before finding a great home at Mayflower in 2012. She was an assistant for four years, then became a Guide in 2016.
Gaby was born and raised in Mexico City. After graduating from The Escuela Mundial de Turismo, she lived abroad, studying English and French in Canada for several years. When she returned to Mexico, she taught English as a second language to elementary students. Her educational work also included teaching Spanish to adult foreign exchange students at the Cemenahuac Language Institute in the city of Cuernavaca, Mexico. She has been living with her husband and two daughters in Minneapolis since 2000. She completed the AMI Primary Course at the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in St. Paul, graduating in 2010. She worked as a Montessori Assistant at Cornerstone Montessori and Little Flowers Montessori before finding a great home at Mayflower in 2012. She was an assistant for four years, then became a Guide in 2016.
Sarah Walker, Children's House 4 Assistant
Sarah first came to Mayflower as a parent. She fell in love with the school, the community and the Montessori method. She has a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Art History from the University of Minnesota and her AMI Primary (Ages 3 to 6) Diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. Sarah enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with her family.
Sarah first came to Mayflower as a parent. She fell in love with the school, the community and the Montessori method. She has a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Art History from the University of Minnesota and her AMI Primary (Ages 3 to 6) Diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. Sarah enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with her family.
Laura Fritz, Toddler Community Guide
Laura earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the AMI Assistants to Infancy (0-3) diploma at the Montessori Center of Minnesota, and a Masters in Education from Loyola University Maryland. She truly enjoys changing the world and working for peace through children and the Montessori community and is excited to be doing that at Mayflower in the Toddler Community! In Laura’s free time she loves biking, playing music, reading, and camping.
Laura earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the AMI Assistants to Infancy (0-3) diploma at the Montessori Center of Minnesota, and a Masters in Education from Loyola University Maryland. She truly enjoys changing the world and working for peace through children and the Montessori community and is excited to be doing that at Mayflower in the Toddler Community! In Laura’s free time she loves biking, playing music, reading, and camping.
Megan Kirschner, Toddler Community Assistant
Megan has been with the Toddler Community since 2017. She finds a lot of joy spending her days with the toddlers, especially cooking with them and introducing new foods. Prior to Mayflower, she worked at various homeless shelters across the Twin Cities. She is a proud Minnesotan, who resides in Minneapolis with her partner and two daughters. In her spare time she enjoys reading, making art and spending time outdoors.
Megan has been with the Toddler Community since 2017. She finds a lot of joy spending her days with the toddlers, especially cooking with them and introducing new foods. Prior to Mayflower, she worked at various homeless shelters across the Twin Cities. She is a proud Minnesotan, who resides in Minneapolis with her partner and two daughters. In her spare time she enjoys reading, making art and spending time outdoors.
Sarura Yerro, Toddler Community Support Staff
Sarura works in our Toddler Community, as well as supporting Children's House students in the first part of the morning. Sarura was born in Somalia and moved to Kenyan refugee camps when she was 8 years old. Sarura's father, four sisters, and four brothers still live in the Kenyan refugee camps. "A really difficult life," she says. Sarura grew up and got married in Kenya and had five children there. In 2009, she and her husband and their five children immigrated to the United States to start a new life. These children are now ages 12 to 18. She has three younger children who were born in the U.S. and attended MECC (including her youngest now attending). Before joining Mayflower in 2019, Sarura worked in a childcare center for four years plus worked at Macy's department store and as a home care aide. Sarura lives in Minneapolis with her family and they enjoy walking the lakes and going to the library. She enjoys cooking and her favorite dish to make is chapati (a Kenyan unleavened flatbread) with beans and spinach.
Sarura works in our Toddler Community, as well as supporting Children's House students in the first part of the morning. Sarura was born in Somalia and moved to Kenyan refugee camps when she was 8 years old. Sarura's father, four sisters, and four brothers still live in the Kenyan refugee camps. "A really difficult life," she says. Sarura grew up and got married in Kenya and had five children there. In 2009, she and her husband and their five children immigrated to the United States to start a new life. These children are now ages 12 to 18. She has three younger children who were born in the U.S. and attended MECC (including her youngest now attending). Before joining Mayflower in 2019, Sarura worked in a childcare center for four years plus worked at Macy's department store and as a home care aide. Sarura lives in Minneapolis with her family and they enjoy walking the lakes and going to the library. She enjoys cooking and her favorite dish to make is chapati (a Kenyan unleavened flatbread) with beans and spinach.
Zara Idris, Children's House & After Care Support Staff
Twenty-seven years ago, Zara made the long journey from Ethiopia to Seattle, Washington. In Seattle, Zara worked as a homecare aide and child care provider for nine years, as well as a nanny for seven years. After ten years, Zara made the brave decision to move to Minnesota. It certainly wasn’t because of her love for winter! Zara does, however, love family. She is one of eleven children, the mother of three boys, and proud grandmother of two girls. In 2014, she completed the AMI Assistant Training at the Montessori Center of Minnesota. This is her eighth year at Mayflower Early Childhood Center, and is enjoying her fourth year as the Assistant in the Toddler Community.
Twenty-seven years ago, Zara made the long journey from Ethiopia to Seattle, Washington. In Seattle, Zara worked as a homecare aide and child care provider for nine years, as well as a nanny for seven years. After ten years, Zara made the brave decision to move to Minnesota. It certainly wasn’t because of her love for winter! Zara does, however, love family. She is one of eleven children, the mother of three boys, and proud grandmother of two girls. In 2014, she completed the AMI Assistant Training at the Montessori Center of Minnesota. This is her eighth year at Mayflower Early Childhood Center, and is enjoying her fourth year as the Assistant in the Toddler Community.
Deja Barber, Children's House & After Care Support Staff
Deja Barber was born in Minneapolis. She began her journey at MECC in fall of 2015 and later received the AMI assistants training certificate. Deja enjoys time in the gym and most of all loves getting together and spending time with all of her loved ones.
Gao Hli Xiong, Children's House Aide & After Care Lead Support Staff
Gao Hli Xiong was born in Minneapolis. She began her journey at MECC in 2015 as a volunteer, then in 2017 as a highly regarded substitute teacher. She graduated in 2018 from Saint Paul Community and Technical College with an AS degree in Child Development. She enjoys traveling and nature, reading books, art, trying out new restaurants and loves to play volleyball.
Tamira Omer, Children's House & After Care Support Staff
Tamira moved from Kenya to Minneapolis in 2008. She worked as a nanny for a family of four, and then as a caretaker for her grandmother. After dedicating years to supporting families and children, she began her work at Mayflower in 2011 as a Hallway Aide and Support staff. In 2015, Tamira proudly earned her GED and one year later received AMI Assistance Training Certificate. She is a mother of two who enjoys spending time playing with her children and reading about the Montessori pedagogy.
Mingus Robson, Mid-Day Recess Support Staff
Mingus was born in Minneapolis MN, and has lived here all his life. Mingus enjoys helping and working with people. He worked as a Customer Service member at Lunds and Byerlys grocery store and as a PCA and Resident Assistant in various homes for people with disabilities. In 2015, Mingus earned his AA degree in Liberal Arts from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. This is Mingus’ third year working at MECC and second year working as an Assistant in the After Care program. Mingus completed several Montessori workshops, and loves to connect with children and watch them grow. Mingus looks forward to working with the Mayflower children and parents to help support and guide them using the Montessori techniques.
Fariya Osman, Children's House Hallway Aide/Support Staff
Fariya is from Ethiopia and her first language is Oromo. She moved to the U.S. in 2007 with her father, three sisters and seven brothers. She went to Wellstone High School here in the Twin Cities with Tamira Osman (MECC staff. member). She has four younger siblings who live in Ethiopia. She has previously worked in a childcare with 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds. Fariya has three children; her older daughter is in first grade and younger daughter and son may start at Mayflower in November. Fariya's favorite foods to cook are injera (a fermented Ethiopian flatbread), macaroni, and spaghetti. Her children's favorite restaurant is Chuck E. Cheese.
Deja Barber was born in Minneapolis. She began her journey at MECC in fall of 2015 and later received the AMI assistants training certificate. Deja enjoys time in the gym and most of all loves getting together and spending time with all of her loved ones.
Gao Hli Xiong, Children's House Aide & After Care Lead Support Staff
Gao Hli Xiong was born in Minneapolis. She began her journey at MECC in 2015 as a volunteer, then in 2017 as a highly regarded substitute teacher. She graduated in 2018 from Saint Paul Community and Technical College with an AS degree in Child Development. She enjoys traveling and nature, reading books, art, trying out new restaurants and loves to play volleyball.
Tamira Omer, Children's House & After Care Support Staff
Tamira moved from Kenya to Minneapolis in 2008. She worked as a nanny for a family of four, and then as a caretaker for her grandmother. After dedicating years to supporting families and children, she began her work at Mayflower in 2011 as a Hallway Aide and Support staff. In 2015, Tamira proudly earned her GED and one year later received AMI Assistance Training Certificate. She is a mother of two who enjoys spending time playing with her children and reading about the Montessori pedagogy.
Mingus Robson, Mid-Day Recess Support Staff
Mingus was born in Minneapolis MN, and has lived here all his life. Mingus enjoys helping and working with people. He worked as a Customer Service member at Lunds and Byerlys grocery store and as a PCA and Resident Assistant in various homes for people with disabilities. In 2015, Mingus earned his AA degree in Liberal Arts from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. This is Mingus’ third year working at MECC and second year working as an Assistant in the After Care program. Mingus completed several Montessori workshops, and loves to connect with children and watch them grow. Mingus looks forward to working with the Mayflower children and parents to help support and guide them using the Montessori techniques.
Fariya Osman, Children's House Hallway Aide/Support Staff
Fariya is from Ethiopia and her first language is Oromo. She moved to the U.S. in 2007 with her father, three sisters and seven brothers. She went to Wellstone High School here in the Twin Cities with Tamira Osman (MECC staff. member). She has four younger siblings who live in Ethiopia. She has previously worked in a childcare with 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds. Fariya has three children; her older daughter is in first grade and younger daughter and son may start at Mayflower in November. Fariya's favorite foods to cook are injera (a fermented Ethiopian flatbread), macaroni, and spaghetti. Her children's favorite restaurant is Chuck E. Cheese.