Meet the Mayflower Montessori Staff
Anne Estes, Head of School
Anne is thrilled to join 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 BA in English Writing from the University of St. Thomas, both the AMI Primary (3-6) and AMI A to I (birth to 3) diplomas, a Masters in Education from Loyola University Maryland as well as an MA in English from the University of St. Thomas, and recently completed her 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 the wonderful arts and culture of the Twin Cities.
Anne is thrilled to join 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 BA in English Writing from the University of St. Thomas, both the AMI Primary (3-6) and AMI A to I (birth to 3) diplomas, a Masters in Education from Loyola University Maryland as well as an MA in English from the University of St. Thomas, and recently completed her 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 the wonderful arts and culture of the Twin Cities.
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.
Kaylin Kealy, Administrative Assistant
Kaylin is new to Mayflower, and comes with a background in Special Education and Administrative school support. Additionally, Kaylin has a history of working with students with diverse backgrounds, behavior management techniques, and coordination of program services. She is eager to support all MECC Staff in providing the best Montessori experience for families. Currently, she has a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of MN, and is working on completing her Master's Degree in Social Work at Augsburg University. Kaylin enjoys spending time with family, going to the dog park, and seeing live music. She lives in Saint Paul with her husband and their four beloved pets.
Kaylin is new to Mayflower, and comes with a background in Special Education and Administrative school support. Additionally, Kaylin has a history of working with students with diverse backgrounds, behavior management techniques, and coordination of program services. She is eager to support all MECC Staff in providing the best Montessori experience for families. Currently, she has a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of MN, and is working on completing her Master's Degree in Social Work at Augsburg University. Kaylin enjoys spending time with family, going to the dog park, and seeing live music. She lives in Saint Paul with her husband and their four beloved pets.
Alex Link, Guide, Children's House 1
Alexander Link has been working at Mayflower Montessori Early Childhood Center for 7 years. He ran the After Care program, has been an assistant, a summer Guide and this is his first year as a Children’s House Guide. 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.”
Jana Hedlund, Assistant Children's House 1
Jana attended Montessori school in Houston as a child and her Montessori career began in Prague, Czech Republic, where she completed her International Baccalaureate and worked at Duhovka Montessori Center. Jana began her Bachelor’s degree at Bath Spa University, in Bath, England, and then lived in Fargo, North Dakota, where she worked in both traditional and Montessori settings. Jana is a graduate of the AMI Primary Guide program at the Montessori Center of Minnesota, where she now serves as a mentor to current trainees. Jana is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development at Metropolitan State University and has been substituting at Mayflower during this time. She is pleased to be joining the staff at Mayflower and looks forward to a spectacular year with the children.
Alexander Link has been working at Mayflower Montessori Early Childhood Center for 7 years. He ran the After Care program, has been an assistant, a summer Guide and this is his first year as a Children’s House Guide. 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.”
Jana Hedlund, Assistant Children's House 1
Jana attended Montessori school in Houston as a child and her Montessori career began in Prague, Czech Republic, where she completed her International Baccalaureate and worked at Duhovka Montessori Center. Jana began her Bachelor’s degree at Bath Spa University, in Bath, England, and then lived in Fargo, North Dakota, where she worked in both traditional and Montessori settings. Jana is a graduate of the AMI Primary Guide program at the Montessori Center of Minnesota, where she now serves as a mentor to current trainees. Jana is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development at Metropolitan State University and has been substituting at Mayflower during this time. She is pleased to be joining the staff at Mayflower and looks forward to a spectacular year with the children.
Elsabet Roth, Guide Children's House 2
Elsabet is a proud, homegrown Minnesotan. She lives in Minneapolis and feels very happy to be a part of the local Mayflower community for the second year! 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. Before coming to Mayflower, Elsabet spent two wonderful years as a guide at Children’s Workshop Montessori School. Elsabet is a former art, dance and gymnastics teacher as well. In her free time she loves spending time in nature, traveling, making art, and going out for dinner!
Elsabet is a proud, homegrown Minnesotan. She lives in Minneapolis and feels very happy to be a part of the local Mayflower community for the second year! 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. Before coming to Mayflower, Elsabet spent two wonderful years as a guide at Children’s Workshop Montessori School. Elsabet is a former art, dance and gymnastics teacher as well. In her free time she loves spending time in nature, traveling, making art, and going out for dinner!
Lijuan Yu, Assistant Children's House 2
I was born and raised in China. After I did a B.S. in Economics, a Graduate Certificate in Biochemical, I joined an International education group as a consultant. It was 2016 in July, I moved to the US and settled in Minnesota. I earned the AMI primary diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in 2019. Before coming to Mayflower, I worked as an Assistant at Twin Cities International Bilingual Montessori School. Now I am so proud to work at Mayflower and to be the Assistant in Children’s House 2. I also teach 1st-2nd grade in Chinese language and Mathematics at the Ledian Chinese School in Burnsville. I have been living with my husband in Twin Cities for the past 3 years. In my free time I love reading,
playing with my cat, and traveling.
I was born and raised in China. After I did a B.S. in Economics, a Graduate Certificate in Biochemical, I joined an International education group as a consultant. It was 2016 in July, I moved to the US and settled in Minnesota. I earned the AMI primary diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in 2019. Before coming to Mayflower, I worked as an Assistant at Twin Cities International Bilingual Montessori School. Now I am so proud to work at Mayflower and to be the Assistant in Children’s House 2. I also teach 1st-2nd grade in Chinese language and Mathematics at the Ledian Chinese School in Burnsville. I have been living with my husband in Twin Cities for the past 3 years. In my free time I love reading,
playing with my cat, and traveling.
Dagmar Hoebertz, Guide 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.
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, Assistant Children's House 3
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, Guide Children's House 4
I was born and raised in Mexico City. After graduating from The Escuela Mundial de Turismo, I lived abroad, studying English and French in Canada for several years. When I returned to Mexico I taught English as a second language to elementary students. My educational work also included teaching Spanish to adult foreign exchange students at the Cemenahuac Language Institute, in the city of Cuernavaca, Mexico. I have been living with my husband and two daughters in Minneapolis for the past 13 years. I completed the AMI Primary Course at the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in St. Paul, graduating in 2010. I also worked as a Montessori Assistant at Cornerstone and Little Flowers Montessori in recent years, before finding a great new home at Mayflower one year ago.
I was born and raised in Mexico City. After graduating from The Escuela Mundial de Turismo, I lived abroad, studying English and French in Canada for several years. When I returned to Mexico I taught English as a second language to elementary students. My educational work also included teaching Spanish to adult foreign exchange students at the Cemenahuac Language Institute, in the city of Cuernavaca, Mexico. I have been living with my husband and two daughters in Minneapolis for the past 13 years. I completed the AMI Primary Course at the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in St. Paul, graduating in 2010. I also worked as a Montessori Assistant at Cornerstone and Little Flowers Montessori in recent years, before finding a great new home at Mayflower one year ago.
Sarah Walker, Assistant Chidren's House 4
Laura Fritz, Guide Toddler Community
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 Barim, Assistant Toddler Community
Chyanne Barber, Aide Toddler Community
Zara Idris, Aide
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.
Serura Yerro, Aide
Daja Barber, Assistant After Care
Gao Hli Xiong, Lead Aide After Care
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, After Care Assistant
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, After Care Assistant
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.
Daja Barber, Assistant After Care
Gao Hli Xiong, Lead Aide After Care
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, After Care Assistant
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, After Care Assistant
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.