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 Kelsey Rabinau .

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 (0-3) training through the Montessori Training Center of St.Louis, MO.

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 also holds her Master of Education. Valrie is assisted by Lily Ferris.

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 completed her A.M.I. Primary (3-6) credential with the Training Center of New England. Her Master of Education is with University of Hartford.

CANDY VOIGT found the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori early in her schooling and was inspired by her expansive vision of education and the wisdom of her principles and teachings. She believes Montessori offers the child guideposts to their character - dignity, deep thinking, joy, curiosity, stewardship, kindness, compassion, resilience, and a moral compass grounded in love. Candy holds precious her time with family and friends and loves being out in the beauty of nature, especially on or near our Great Lakes waters. She loves music, art, reading, and travel with interests in neuroscience, mindful awareness, and social-emotional health. Candy is assisted by Lynette McClure.

Candy has a BA and teaching credential 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 holds the Primary (3-6) Montessori credentials in both AMI and AMS. Additional certifications include the Primary level Catechesis of the Good Shepard, extended language processing in the LINDA MOODBELL method, and a teaching credential from Breathe for Change as a certified Yoga teacher and social-emotional learning facilitator. In July 2014 she was one of five teachers in the U.S. chosen to participate in a field study surveying the work of UNICEF in Tanzania.

Vani holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition, Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, and Master of Arts in Yoga for Human Excellence. She received her Primary (3-6) credential from the I.M.T.C. in Bangalore, India.

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 (6-12) 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, Compassionate Leadership Through Service Learning with Jane Goodall and Roots and Shoots, Yoga instruction and social-emotional facilitation through Breathe for Change, and as a Forest Therapy Guide.

MINDY BANKS was working as a Naturalist at Woldumar Nature Center developing environmental education programs when she began to realize that she wanted a deeper connection with children. During that time she worked with a group of 3rd graders from MCH and she was intrigued by their curiosity and eagerness to learn. She heard about an open position as an assistant in an elementary classroom and took that position. After completing her Montessori training, Mindy accepted a position as one of our lower elementary classroom guides. Mindy's pasttimes include reading, gardening, golfing, and hanging out with her family and their dogs. Mindy is assisted by Laura Aten.

Mindy has a BS in Parks and Recreation, Environmental Interpretation from Michigan State University. She is certified through the Michigan Montessori Teacher Education Center at the Primary (3-6) level and through the Center for Contemporary Montessori Programs at the Elementary (6-12) 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 and 200 Hour Yoga, and Social-Emotional Learning certification through Breathe for Change.

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 Palak Beri.

Jav holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Grand Valley State University and received his Montessori training credential at the Elementary (6-12) level from Seacoast Center for Education.

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science/Psychology from Grand Valley State University. She received her adolescent training through the International Montessori Training Institute and holds the A.M.I. 12 - 18 Diploma.

RENEE DVORAK joined the Montessori family as a parent in 1994 and came on staff the following year. Her son and two daughters all attended MCH through the 6th grade. After 13 years with the lower-elementary program she joined the administrative team in 2007. In 2020, she accepted the Head of School position. Renee worked with both MCH administrators before her, Sue Hushband and Mo Newton, and knows the school from the inside out. In her free time she can be found enjoying her family, reading a good book, delving into some artsy creative process, or basking in the splendor of her native Michigan home.

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. Renee is also A.M.I trained through the International Montessori Training Institute at the Adolescent (12-18) level.

ADIA BOONE has a deep connection to MCH, having attended the school herself from the age of three. She returned in 2019 as a staff member and transitioned to the administrative team in 2020. Before joining MCH, Adia gained valuable experience as a Special Education teacher in Lansing and as a Special Education administrator in Detroit. Adia is passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for all children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, getting lost in a good book, and chasing around her loveable pup.

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. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Social-Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, and Yoga and is enrolled in the A.M.I. Elementary (6-12) training through the Montessori Institute of North Texas.

Erin holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Michigan State University. She also holds an A.M.S. Primary (3-6) credential from A.D.M.T.E.I.She has been a coach for Michigan alternative teacher certification and a mentor/trainer for other Montessori guides with A.D.M.T.E.I. and has served on the Michigan Montessori Board.

Kristi received her degree in Marketing and Management from Western Michigan University. Before coming to MCH she enjoyed a career in finance and investing.