Faculty/Staff Biographies
Carrie Barnabei, Community Partnerships Coordinator, Mathematics Faculty
carriebarnabei (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Carrie is beginning her twenty-sixth year as an educator. Her career path has included teaching and coaching in both public and private schools in West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio. A native of Weirton, WV, Carrie earned her BS degree in Secondary Education from West Virginia University. She specialized in Mathematics and Physical Education. Carrie comes to us from Hawken School where she was chair of the Mathematics Department. Her free time finds her working in her flower gardens. She and her husband, Jay, are avid college sports fans (especially the Mountaineers). Carrie is excited to be a part of the Montessori High School community.
Victoria Broer, Acting Head of School
vikkibroer (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
*Biography Soon To Come *
Leah Baxendale, Spanish Faculty
leahbaxendale (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Leah Baxendale grew up in North Royalton, Ohio. She attended Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania, where she earned degrees in Dance and World Languages and Cultures with a concentration in Spanish. Leah traveled extensively in Spain, completing the majority of her studies at Pablo de Olavide University and the University of Seville. During her time in Spain, she also received certification to teach English as a foreign language. During her free time, Leah enjoys dancing, traveling, and cooking. She is looking forward to another year at MHS.
Tina Booth, English Language Arts & Humanities Faculty
tinabooth (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
An interest in history and attraction to hands-on exploration (sown by her experience as a Montessori child) motivates Tina both professionally and personally. She has studied and worked as a field archeologist and museum collections specialist in Central America, New England, the Rocky Mountains, Arizona and Texas. Working as a site interpreter and educator at Elden Pueblo Archeology Project allowed her to teach hands-on history to a range of learners, from Elementary children to Elder Hostel adults. For the past ten years, Tina has worked as a Humanities teacher in Montessori Adolescent programs in California and Massachusetts. She holds a B.A. in Archaeological Studies (Boston University), an M.A. in Anthropology (Northern Arizona University), the AMI Elementary Diploma (Centro Internazionale Studi Montessoriani) and the NAMTA Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies.
Tina spends her free time traveling, hiking, reading and cooking with her daughter and husband.
Jean Buchannan, Director of Institutional Advancement
jeanbuchannan (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Jean Buchannan is the Director of Institutional Advancement, a role that includes fund raising, the MHS Annual Fund, and special projects. In addition, she is the yearbook advisor and works with Tina Booth in the speech and debate program. Jean brings to MHS a broad background of marketing and public relations to our school. Before joining us in 2008, she traveled extensively with U.S. clients that had programs in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Guatemala. Jean holds a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Akron. Prior to joining the field of education Jean has been known as both a marketing and corporate executive.
Vicki Cassill, 
Academic Support Specialist
vickicassill (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Vicki Cassill has her degrees in Elementary Education grades 1-8 and Learning Disabilities/Behavior Disorders grades K-12. She has spent the past 15 years homeschooling her four children along with periodically teaching writing, literature and speech to 5th - 8th grade students. On her free time she enjoys spending much needed quality time with her family and friends. Vicki is currently working towards a master's degree at Ashland University in Educational Administration specializing in Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development.
Marsha Appling-Nuñez, 
English as a Second Language Support Specialist
Marsha Appling-Nuñez has received her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction-TESOL from Cleveland State University in 2011. Marsha became an Instructor for ELS Language Centers-Cleveland in 2010 and joined Montessori High School at University Circle in 2011, where she currently serves as the ESL Tutor. Her mission is to improve the experience of non-native speakers of English at MHS through curriculum development. Marsha’s research interests include culturally responsive instruction, particularly its relationship to education for peace and justice, and teacher training and development with e-tools. As the ESL Tutor, Marsha welcomes you to contact her with questions or concerns about learning and teaching English as a Second Language.
Marilyn Doerr, International Baccalaureate Coordinator
Marilyn Doerr is a university professor and curriculum consultant; she holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She has co-authored several books and is sole author of
Currere and the Environmental Autobiography: A Phenomenological Approach to the Teaching of Ecology. She has been working with David Kahn since 2004 on developing a unique curriculum for MHS.
Regina Feldman, Curriculum Coordinator, Humanities Faculty
, Farm to Table Coordinator
reginafeldman (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Regina grew up in Öblarn in the Austrian Alps. She earned her M.A. in ethnology at the University of Vienna, Austria, and her Ph.D. in anthropology as a Fulbright scholar at Case Western Reserve University. She also completed NAMTA's Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies. Regina taught anthropology at CWRU, published a series of academic articles on German post-war history and identity, and worked as an editor. While raising her daughter, Regina discovered her passion for educating children. She has volunteered extensively at Roxboro Elementary School in Cleveland Heights, tutoring in math and reading, and managing all aspects of a grant awarded to offer fresh fruit and vegetables to students every day of school. In 2007, she lived in China and currently continues her Mandarin studies. Regina brings a strong background in the social sciences and history, extensive language skills, and a true love for educating young people to both teaching and curriculum development at Montessori High School. She is an avid traveler, cook, yoga practitioner, and lover of the outdoors. Regina shares her life in Cleveland with her husband, daughter, and their dog Timber.
Jennifer Fu, Science Faculty
jenniferfu (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Jen Fu is the new kid on the block; new to the Montessori High School, new to the International Baccalaureate Program, and new to Montessori education in general. She is very excited at the opportunity to work with such dedicated students and staff! Prior to MHS Jen taught Astronomy and Sophomore integrated science at Horizon Science Academy, and Physics with the Upward Bound program. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Case Western Reserve University, and has attended education training through the University of Southern California. This year her hope for her students and herself is to take Einstein's words to heart: "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
Bonnie Hair, Director of Admissions & Marketing
bonniehair (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Bonnie Hair comes all the way from the "Aloha State" Honolulu, Hawaii. She attended Mercyhurst College (Erie,PA) on a dance scholarship, where she earned a B.A. in Dance along with a concentration in teaching & choreography. Along with earning her degree she also held the position as head Ballet Instructor for 4 years with Erie Bayfront Dance. She worked with inner-city youth to help spread the arts into the community. Along with her extensive experience in the arts, Bonnie has many years of administrative experience. She has had the pleasure to work with various businesses and admissions departments in both academic and non-academic institutions. Bonnie enjoys working with youth and families alike and looks forward to her third year with Montessori High School at University Circle.
Rick
Hamilton, Drama Faculty
rickhamilton (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Rick has produced and directed a broad range of secondary-school
plays and has taught theatre, communications, composition and literature
classes. He has a BA in Speech & Theatre from Muskingum College,
earned an Ohio Communications teaching certificate from Cleveland State
University, and did graduate theatre work at both Case Western Reserve
University and Ohio University.
He is a member of the
docent program at The Cleveland Museum of Art, creates boxed assemblages
and collages and follows the ever-changing local gallery scene.
Longtime Cleveland residents, Rick and his wife Mary have two grown
sons, a daughter-in-law, and enjoy art, music, film, theatre, reading,
gardening and, most of all, visiting with their children.
Phillip Heard, Culinary Arts Curriculum Specialist
Phillip
has served as chef/cook in a diversity of settings, from small
restaurants, to educational facilities and even on a large cruise ship!
He ran his own catering and personal chef business while also working as
a computer instructor and apartment manager. Phillip has cooked at The
Seafood Place and The Fairmount, and has traveled the South Pacific on
Norwegian Cruise Lines of America as First Cook in Seafood Preparation!
From 2006 to 2008, Phillip was the Head Cook and Kitchen Manager for
Beachwood City Schools and received a National Healthy Food Award in
this capacity. He most recently was Sous-chef at Notre Dame College and
Cook at the Ritz Carlton’s Muse Restaurant.
Phillip has acquired ServSafe, HAACP, and FDA certificates, has lots of
experience in kitchen operations, planning and scheduling, nutritional
guidelines, menu planning, and working with other people. Most
important, Phillip has a real passion for food and the culinary arts and
loves to work with adolescents. Phillip shares his life with his wife
Belinda and his mini-dachshund Samson. In his free time, he enjoys
working with his hands. Phillip landscapes and creates ceramic
sculpture.
Elizabeth Henke, Humanities Faculty
elizabethhenke (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Elizabeth Henke is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin but has spent the last three and a half years living abroad. After graduating from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota with a triple major in Studio Art, Peace Studies, and Education, she moved on to student teach studio art at Kodaikanal International School in Tamil Nadu, India. Having benefited from a Montessori education from Children’s House through 8th grade, she was destined to seek Montessori certification. She obtained the AMI Elementary diploma at the Centro Internazionale di Studi Montessoriani in Bergamo, Italy and went on to pioneer the upper elementary program on the tiny South Pacific island of Saipan for two years. Elizabeth is an avid reader, musician, artist, and activist. She specializes in interpersonal communication, nonviolent action,and art as a vehicle for social change.
Elizabeth was recently awarded a scholarship for graduate studies at the prestigious University for Peace in Costa Rica by Montessori Development Partnerships. She is currently on a leave of absence and will return for the 2012-2013 school year to establish the Institute for the Science of Peace at the High School in cooperation with the Inamori Center for Ethics and Excellence at Case Western University.
Rachel Huffman Yunker, School Office Manager
rachelhuffman (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Rachel grew up in the small town of Woodsfield, located in southeast Ohio. After developing a passion for dance and the arts, Rachel moved north to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Dance at The University of Akron. After earning her degree, she developed a modern dance program at Martell School of Dance in Akron, OH. Her administrative experience ranges from that of small local businesses to collegiate administrative offices. Rachel enjoys working with students of all ages. In her spare time, she loves to instruct dance, choreograph, and spend time with her husband, Matt, and daughter, Daphne. Rachel truly enjoys working with the Staff and Students of MHS and is delighted to be a part of University Circle!
David Kahn, Executive Director
davidkahn (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
David Kahn is Executive Director of the North American Montessori Teachers' Association. He is a leading implementer of Montessori adolescent projects, including having been Founding Director of both the Ruffing Montessori School East and the Hershey Montessori School Farm adolescent programs. He is Director of Project 2012 Adolescent Research and Development, an eight-year grant-funded project on Montessori curriculum designs for adolescents ages 12-18. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with majors in Classics and Fine Arts and a specialization in filmmaking. David loves University Circle for its rich cultural offerings and intellectual approaches, and feels that this school is the most exciting project in his career. He looks forward to the assembly of a faculty of devoted, well-rounded Montessori-trained colleagues who can bring the project to the height of Montessori design for adolescents.
Valerie Katz, Science Faculty
valeriekatz (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Valerie grew up in Cleveland and earned her B.S. degree in Nutritional Science from Cornell University. After completing a professional program at Cleveland State University, she practiced for several years as a pediatric physical therapist. An interest in nature, ecology and science education motivated her to enroll at Ursuline College where she obtained her Masters of Arts degree in AYA Life Sciences. Valerie taught biology and environmental science at Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights from 2005 to 2010. She has completed professional development coursework in evolutionary biology, oceanography, and ecosystems science. In the classroom, she is most enthusiastic about issues related to biodiversity and ecological preservation.
Michael Larsen, English Language Arts Faculty
michaellarsen (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Michael graduated from Ohio University in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in American Literature. He completed the Teacher Certification Program at Cleveland State University in 2009 with a concentration in Adolescent/Young Adult English and Language Arts. Michael spent two years as an assistant age group coach with the Shaker Shark Swim Club as well an assistant on both the Shaker Heights High School and Shaker Heights Middle School Swim Team staffs. Michael lives in Lakewood with his roommate and his dog Toby. In his spare time Michael enjoys swimming, The Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Cavaliers, seeing live music, reading, and teaching himself to play the ukulele. Michael is very excited about this school year and sharing his passion for writing and literature with young people.
Whitney Lloyd, Director of College Guidance
whitneylloyd (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Whitney has been the Director of College Guidance at MHS since 2008. Whitney has been immersed in the college application process for over 35 years, as Director of College Guidance at University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio from 1988 to 2007, responsible for approximately 100 boys annually, while teaching American History and coaching JV tennis, earlier at St. Louis Country Day in the same capacity. Whitney has always appreciated students with a Montessori background, independent thinkers and learners, and integrated curricula with the global perspective, having previously taught British History in Scotland. American History is a passion; he is currently teaching history and literature in the CASE Continuing Education program. He has two degrees in American History, a B.A. from Harvard and an M.A. from New York University.
Joe Magill, Residential Guide
joemagill (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
P. Joseph (Joe) Magill was hired as a full time house parent in early November and currently resides in the Carriage House on MHS Campus. Magill, 50, brings with him a varied resume, but the one constant in his professional life is that he always has worked with young people. Born and raised in Dayton, he first came to the Cleveland area in 1982 and worked for 10 years as an award-winning sportswriter for The News-Herald, covering mostly high school sports. He then switched careers and spent 13 years teaching English and coaching a variety of sports at Hawken School, highlighted by winning two state championships in girls track and field and placing either first or second in the state for seven consecutive years. The next step was coaching on the collegiate level, as he spent one year as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Bowling Green State University, and then four years as head coach at Notre Dame College in South Euclid. Magill has two sons, Cole (4) and Drew (1). Cole will begin his Montessori education at The Montessori School at Holy Rosary.
Katy Myers, Residential Guide
katymyers (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Katy Myers recently retired from the position of Head of School at Compass Montessori School which is a Pre-K through 12th grade Montessori charter school. Katy was one of the original founding parents of Compass Montessori campus in 1998. She was hired as Assistant Head of School in 2001 and became Head of School in 2005. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech with a second major in Economics from Northwestern University, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Arizona State University, and her Montessori training for adolescent education through the North American Montessori Teacher's Association. She is currently obtaining Montessori elementary training through Association Montessori Internationale. Katy is married to Charley Myers and they have three children; Dilyn is attending NYU, Connor is a freshman at MHS and Brennan is in lower elementary.
Charley Myers, Residential Guide
charleymyers (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Charley Myers has spent the last nine years working for Compass Montessori School in Golden, CO. In 2002 he was hired as a primary assistant. He worked as an assistant for two years then transitioned into the upper elementary where he has worked for the past seven years. He is currently obtaining his Montessori elementary training through Association Montessori Internationale. Charley has a Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a minor in Elementary Education. After receiving his initial teacher’s license through Colorado Christian University he completed his induction program and currently holds his professional teaching license in the state of Colorado. He also received his AMS (American Montessori Society) certification for upper elementary. In addition, Charley loves the great outdoors; biking, camping, fishing, hiking, and plays numerous sports. He adores his three children who have been in Montessori all of their lives.
Julie Reyers, English Language Arts Faculty
juliereyers (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Julie has worked with adolescents in the Grand Rapids Montessori Schools for the past 13 years. She has experience as a lead teacher, testing supervisor, mentor, class advisor, newspaper advisor, and swim coach. She earned a B.A. in English from Oakland University (Rochester, MI), a secondary education certificate from Aquinas College (Grand Rapids), and an M.A. in English from Western Michigan University. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Dan, and their two daughters.
Françoise Sansoni, Residential Guide, French Faculty
francoisesansoni (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Françoise was raised bilingually and biculturally in London (GB). After graduating from high school at the French Lycée in London with the highest possible honors at the baccalaureat, she earned her MBA from Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris, one of the top three business schools in the country. She also holds a degree in ESL and has taught in the French public school system at middle school level. She has lived in Europe, Asia and the United States, and has taught French and English to students of all ages and backgrounds. She holds an AMI Primary diploma and currently guides a Children's House community at Austin Montessori School. She is moving to Cleveland with her two bilingual teenagers, Betty and Eliott Roethlisberger, who will be attending MHS in 9th and 10th Grades respectively. Françoise enjoys daily meditation, playing and listening to music, and learning just about anything new.
Christina Spackey, Music Faculty
christinaspackey (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Christina grew up in Cleveland Heights and holds a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Case Western Reserve University. She spent the past summer working at the Interlochen Arts Camp in northern Michigan. Christina teaches viola in the Preparatory Department at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and is the secretary for the Ohio Viola Society. In her spare time, Christina enjoys running and practicing yoga. She is looking forward to a great year with the MHS community.
David Waski, Visual Arts Faculty
davidwaski (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
David grew up in Bedford, Ohio, where he spent much of his time exploring the vast Bedford Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. After completing his foundation years at The Cleveland Institute of Art, David attained his B.A. in Art Education from Cleveland State University. David has also completed NAMTA’s Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies. David taught art, music, drama, journalism, and served as the basketball coach at The Grove School, a public Montessori charter high school in Redlands, California. David enjoys exploration via Frisbee, composing music, and contributing to the local arts community. He is interested in unifying the arts and is excited about helping adolescents reach their full potential.
Mike Waski, Program Coordinator, Mathematics Faculty
michaelwaski (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
A native of Ohio, Mike attended Trinity High School in Garfield Heights, Ohio, before completing his B.S. in Elementary Education with concentrations in Music and Mathematics at Kent State University. He also holds an M.A. in Educational Administration and is working towards an M.A. in Mathematics from Cal State San Bernardino. He has completed NAMTA’s
Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies, where he is currently a faculty member. He is currently attending the 47th Advanced (Elementary) Montessori Training Course at the International Centre for Montessori Studies Foundation in Bergamo, Italy. Mike has been teaching for twelve years, having taught math to students ranging from second grade to high school calculus. In addition to his years teaching, he has also served as basketball coach, assistant head of school, and head of school at The Grove School, a Montessori charter high school in Redlands, California. He has also been an instructor for geometry and algebra institutes for teacher trainees through Cal State and UC Riverside. In his free time, Mike enjoys playing trumpet and studying number theory and theoretical physics.
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