Karen Kissell, Director

Education:

• B.F.A. Art education: University of Dayton, Ohio and Oxford University, England
• Graduate Montessori Studies: Clemson University, South Carolina, 3-12 Montessori Trained
• Post Graduate Studies: Clemson University, South Carolina and
  University of Cincinnati, Ohio

Previous work experience:

Montessori Teacher- 15 years

• Grand Rapids, Michigan
• London, England
• Anderson, South Carolina
• Loveland, Ohio: 3-6 teacher Children's Meeting House

Accomplishments:

• Member of School Accreditation team for AMS (American Montessori Society)
• Member of United Nations Peace Council
• Montessori School Consultant, MEPI (Montessori Education Program International)
• Board Member, MEPI
• Teacher Trainer, AMS and MEPI

I was introduced to Montessori while attending Oxford University in London. I was placed at a Montessori school outside of London to complete my practicum and have never looked backed. I was lucky enough to actually attend the 100 year celebration of Casa de Bambini in Rome, Italy amongst hundreds of Montessorians from around the world. What a wonderful and very humbling experience to visit and "do work" at the school. I even left a little bit of Children's Meeting House there: a picture from our grand opening celebration here in Ohio!

My favorite thing about CMH:

Everything! From the three year olds to the twelve year olds and everything in between and older. It is a great, happy school with wonderful staff members and families. My favorite thing about being principal is getting to spend time with all the children. I love walking into the classrooms and choosing purposeful and sometimes not so purposeful work with anyone!

I am amazed everyday by all the wonderful happenings at this school. The administration and staff work together to create a school environment that embodies Maria Montessori's educational method and philosophy.

Lisa Wachenfeld, Assistant Director

About my position:

I share administrative duties with the Director, focusing more on the operational side of the school.

Education:

B.S. in Food Science and Technology from Ohio State University

Previous work experience:

• 15 years in Quality and Manufacturing Management
• Safeway Stores (dairy plants) in Seattle and Oakland
• Edy's Ice Cream in Fort Wayne
• Tastemaker (food flavoring plant) in Cincinnati
• past PACT president at CMH
• CMH volunteer and supporter for past 7 years

What I Love About CMH:

I don't think there is a better method and/or environment to educate young children. Each child is respected and nurtured wherever they are in their development. The staff is excellent; the facility is beautiful and peaceful. It is a joy to come to work every day!