Meet the Faculty

Emily Rodriguez

Head of School

Emily Rodriguez has been involved in Montessori since the age of 2.5. Her grandmother; Adeline, opened one of the first Montessori schools in Wisconsin back in the 1960s, and her father was head of school for over 23 years at a Montessori school.

Emily received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UW-Milwaukee, Montessori credentials in Elementary I and II from an American Montessori Society approved training program and Orton-Gillingham training for reading intervention. She is a certified Applied Behavior Analysis, trained in transgender education, responsive trauma, school safety protocols, and by Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Diabetes management as an effort to aid and serve students with Diabetes. She is currently working to complete her Master's degree in Educational Leadership through UW-Milwaukee. Emily has been an age 6-9 teacher for 5 years and enjoys helping her students unlock their full potential.

Due to Emily’s passion, love of her family, and desire to honor her grandmother's legacy, she decided it was time to open a school of her own. She believes that high-quality education should be accessible to all children and families regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Though Emily knows there is a long road ahead to bring social justice into education, she is dedicated to her mission and excited to take this first step by opening Adeline Montessori.

Contact Emily: erodriguez@adelinemontessori.com

Michelle Krauska

Admissions Director

Michelle Krauska has spent over 20 years promoting Montessori education and creating a welcoming Montessori community.  Her own two children attended a Montessori school and she has observed both the short-term and long-term benefits of Montessori education.

Michelle received her undergraduate degree from Butler University in Environmental Studies and Journalism, and her Master's degree in Public Health/Community Health Education. This education brought her to employers such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Family Health/La Clinica Migrant and Community Health Center, and Marshfield Medical Research Foundation.

Michelle is looking forward to bringing Montessori education to many new people in Waukesha County! When not volunteering in the community, Michelle will most often be found working on her latest knitting project. 

Contact Michelle:  mkrauska@adelinemontessori.com

Ashley Steurer

Program Director

Ashley Steurer is a graduate of Xavier University, where she found the Montessori Method for the first time. When Ashley stumbled upon the Montessori Method, she fell in love with the idea of educating the whole child, not just teaching to read and write but to prepare them to make a difference as adults and to learn to live in peace with all people.

While at Xavier, she received her Bachelor of Science in Montessori Education and obtained her MACTE-AMS Primary (Preschool/ Kindergarten) certification, as well as her State of Ohio teaching license (P-3, Reading P-3). She received her MACTE-AMS Elementary I (Grades 1-3) and MACTE-AMS Elementary II (Grades 4-6) Montessori Certification from Mid-America Montessori Teacher Training Institute in Nebraska. Ashley also has her Orton-Gillingham Licensure to aid children with dyslexia in learning to read. She is a co-director and teacher trainer at Oaks Montessori Teacher Education.

Contact Ashley: asteurer@adelinemontessori.com 

Jenny Bishop

Administrative Assistant

Jenny is thrilled to be a member of the Adeline Montessori staff. Her children began attending Adeline Montessori in the winter of 2022. Within a short period of time, she saw many positive changes with her children and was so impressed by the amazing staff that she wanted to be a part of the team.

As a graduate of Winona State University's BS of Nursing program, the bulk of Jenny's nursing career was in health care leadership and management. After being a stay-at-home mom for several years, Jenny is looking forward to dusting off her skills to help support the wonderful staff and families at Adeline.

Jenny lives in Oconomowoc with her husband, two kids, and two high-maintenance cats. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, playing the occasional round of pinball, watching favorite TV shows with her husband, and attending live theater.

Manda Ludwig

Administrative Assistant

Manda joined the Adeline family in 2021 as a parent and volunteer. After seeing the positive impact Adeline had on her 2 children and the inclusive environment they’ve created for all students, she decided to transition to the Adeline Administration Team.

Manda graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She has worked for 15 years in the Human Resources and Accounting department at a Waukesha company and has decided to use these skills to support Adeline in their vision for the future.

Manda grew up in Waukesha and now lives in Oconomowoc with her husband, 2 children (who attend Adeline), and 2 cats. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her family playing board games, reading, kayaking or finding fun things to do around town.

Samantha Heinitz

infant

Samantha graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Spanish language. As one of nine children in her family, she was graced with many nieces and nephews at a young age which gave her years of childcare experience and ignited her passion for youth. She is currently enrolled in Montessori certification training in the Infant/ Toddler program.

Outside of the classroom, Samantha enjoys quality time with family and friends, creative expression through music and art, and reading. She welcomes all book recommendations wholeheartedly.

Katie Turley

infant

Katie Turley has worked in the childcare Industry for over 10 years. She's completed Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care, Sleep Baby Sleep, Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher, and Introductions to the Childcare Profession. Katie also has the experience of raising her 4 children who keep her on her toes!

Outside of school, Katie enjoys camping, swimming at the beach with her children, vacations, playing bingo, campfires, cozy blankets and iced coffee. She's very excited about the new school year! 

Angela Taylor

Toddler 1

Angela Taylor is the Infant and Toddler Level Lead at AMS. She has joyfully worked alongside children for the past 15 years, the last 7 being in a Montessori environment. She received her Associates in Early Childhood Education from Waukesha County Technical College, and she has completed her Paraprofessional Montessori training. Angela is currently enrolled in Oaks Montessori, where she is enthusiastically completing her training and practicum and will soon be receiving her certification as an AMS Infant and Toddler Guide.

She looks forward to each new partnership with families, as together, caregivers and families support and encourage children. She truly enjoys what she does and appreciates each unique personality that she meets in the Infant and Toddler community. The toddler years go by quickly, and she finds it a true pleasure to have the opportunity to support each child during this incredible time of growth.

In addition to serving in the classroom, she volunteers her time in the spring and fall to referee youth soccer through the Town of Mukwonago and can't get enough of her two dogs and two cats. When Angela is not in the classroom, she enjoys all the outdoors has to offer. She appreciates hunting and foraging, camping, running, kayaking, and visiting with friends. When not outside, you can find her baking, getting crafty, or enjoying a good show curled up with her fur babies.

Morgan Pakulski

Toddler 1

Morgan is an assistant teacher in the Toddler Classroom. Her dream has always been to make a difference in the lives of our future generations and feels blessed to be able to do that here at Adeline. She graduated from Martin Luther High School and attended UW-Waukesha for a year working towards her degree in early childhood education. After being introduced to Montessori teaching techniques, Morgan decided to work towards obtaining my certifications here and learning even more about the life and routine of the Montessori Toddler.

Some of her hobbies include hiking, crafting, and playing tennis! She is so very excited for this upcoming school year and can’t wait to meet you!

Natallie Lopez

toddler 2

Natallie is thrilled to be at the beginning of her Montessori journey. She has her Associates of Arts and Science and is working on her Bachelors of Art and Science in Social Work, with a minor in Sociology. Natallie has volunteered at the Salvation Army in Milwaukee, specifically with child care and tutoring. She is currently enrolled in Montessori certification training in the Infant/ Toddler program.

Outside of school, Natallie enjoys hikes with her beagle, gardening, paddle boarding, swimming, beach days, and traveling.

Trinity McDonough

Toddler 2

Trinity is the assistant teacher in the Toddler 2 room. She is new to Montessori but has always loved caring for children and has since she was 12! Trinity graduated from Waukesha South High School and went on to UW-Waukesha to pursue her nursing degree. She then later realized that wasn't the path for her when she was introduced to Adeline Montessori and found her love for working with children again. Trinity is excited about this school and is thrilled to be learning alongside the children.

Some of Trinity’s Hobbies include hiking, swimming, photography, reading, art, and embroidery.

Kari Langill

Primary 1

Kari grew up in Waukesha and attended a Montessori school for her primary years. She received her bachelor’s degree from Carroll College in 2010. In 2014 while at her Montessori school’s reunion party, she spoke to a primary guide, and after that conversation, she was inspired to go back to school to get Montessori training. Kari earned her primary Montessori diploma from the AMI Montessori Institute of Milwaukee in 2015. She loved her year of training at the institute and is very passionate about the Montessori way of education. She worked in a private Montessori school in Milwaukee before deciding to get her state teaching license.

In her free time, Kari enjoys traveling, games, and swimming.

Angelica Ortiz

PRIMARY 1

Angelica Ortiz has had a strong passion for teaching since she was in grade school. As soon as Angelica graduated High School, she immediately started working in child care and at a local after-school center with children of all ages. While working at the after-school program, she also pursued and completed her online schooling for early childhood education. Angelica homeschooled her own daughter and fell in love with the structure of Montessori teaching. She loves the idea of letting a child learn freely and setting up each child to be the best version of themselves while preparing them to be successful adults in the future. Angelica looks forward to helping each child thrive to their best potential while creating a safe, healthy, and loving learning space.

While out of the classroom, Angelica enjoys family time the most with her husband and their daughter. Angelica also enjoys cooking, baking, barbecuing with the family, bonfires, bike rides, and going to local festivals.

Yesmi Dresser

Primary 2

Ms. Tara

Primary 2

Bio to come. 

Liz Nelson

Lower Elementary 1

Liz attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater with a Bachelor's Degree in both Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She completed her student teaching at Adeline Montessori and was hired on as an assistant for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year. During this time, she has been completing her training in order to receive her Montessori license. Liz was introduced to Montessori when she attended Racine Montessori school from Primary until the end of Lower Elementary. She has dreamed of becoming a teacher since before she can remember. Liz was re-introduced to the Montessori philosophy briefly in college, and it hasn’t left her mind since! She welcomes all children into an environment where they can express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas freely and safely. She believes that the Montessori environment is the perfect place for children to learn and grow. Liz is eager to learn and grow alongside her students during the upcoming school year!

In Liz’s free time, she enjoys listening to podcasts, eating sweets, and rewatching her favorite T.V. shows. She loves spending time with Zach, her fiance and Donut, her puppy.

Laura Mamerow

Lower Elementary 1

Laura is eagerly beginning her Montessori professional journey. She has been learning about and incorporating early childhood Montessori ways with her toddler at home and has come to love the methods, values, and culture that Montessori provides. She feels her career is best spent passing along respect, love, independence, compassion, and creativity to children to ensure their success in the future.

Laura earned her Bachelors of Biology and a Bachelors in Dietetics at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and did her Registered Dietitian internship through the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay before moving to the lake country area. She worked as a Food Service Director and loved doing taste testing and visiting with the students during their meal time. Wanting more meaningful connections she then started working at Rogers Memorial Hospital with the eating disorder adolescent population which was challenging and rewarding. Due to the birth of her second son, she took on the job of stay-at-home mom for several years. When discovering Adeline Montessori School for her son she knew she wanted to be a part of it and work with children again in a Montessori environment.

She is excited to continue to learn and grow with more Montessori education, her students, and their parents. Laura enjoys traveling to her family’s cabins in northern WI, her monthly book club with friends, spending time exploring outside with her two boys and dog, cooking, and having movie nights with her husband.

Mindi Eineichner

Upper Elementary 1

Life is good, every day, for Mindi Eineichner, who is in her sixth year teaching Upper Elementary after realizing her long-time dream of being a Montessori teacher. Mindi is also a trainer of adult learners with Oaks Montessori Teacher Education. Mindi was born and grew up in northern Wisconsin. She attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and the University of Alabama at Birmingham to gain both a B.S. and an M.S in Biomedical Engineering, respectively. Before finding her passion in a Montessori classroom, Mindi worked for 17 years at a medical device company helping educate physicians, nurses, and co-workers on implantable device technology, including pacemakers and defibrillators.

Mindi lives in Waukesha with her wife, daughter, two dogs, and four cats. Mindi’s hobbies are cooking/baking, gardening, walking her dogs, being surrounded by trees, bonfires, puzzles, and traveling.

Lauren Ferch

Upper Elementary 1

Lauren Ferch holds a lifetime teaching license for the state of Wisconsin in grades 1-9. She grew up in Waukesha and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Carroll College in 2004. Shortly after graduation, Lauren was introduced to the Montessori philosophy and has spent the years post-graduation working in academic administration and teaching at a Montessori school.

She is committed to teaching children where they are academically, socially, and emotionally to help them become who they want to be and feels the child-centered approach to Montessori education has the potential to be successful for all learners.

Outside of the classroom, Lauren enjoys spending time with her three children – all of whom are Montessori students at Adeline. The family rabbit, Eddie, joins her in the classroom.

Kylie Garity

Secondary

Kylie Garity is excited to join Adeline Montessori. She graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Comparative Cultures and Politics and Education for 5th-12th grade. She is also certified in Alternative Education through Concordia University and taught at-risk youth for 10 years in both Milwaukee and Janesville.

Kylie grew up in East Lansing, Michigan and Waukesha, Wisconsin. She lives with her husband, her 2 daughters, and 4 pets. She enjoys spending her time with her family, playing video games, crocheting, and baking.

Haley Fritsche

special education

From a young age, Haley desired to be a teacher. During her years at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, she was introduced to the Montessori Method. She never pictured herself having the opportunity to do work in a Montessori school while still following her dreams of working as a special education teacher. At AMS, she will be living the best of both worlds–teaching special education for children birth through 3rd grade in a Montessori setting.

Haley has had experience educating children in many settings including work as Day Camp Director, a reading interventionist, and a case manager for three- and four-year-olds. She continues to seek out opportunities that allow her to help students not only learn their 123s and ABCs but become compassionate individuals through play, exploration, and reflection.

Haley is from Northern Wisconsin so in her free time she likes to head north to spend time with her family. She also enjoys reading, relaxing in the sun, and snuggling up with her dog, Polly.

Kristina Staut

special education

This is Kristina Staut's first year at Adeline Montessori. Kristina received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at UW-Milwaukee and her Masters in Teaching at Carroll University. Certified in Cross Categorical Education, Kristina uses her expertise to provide individualized instruction to students with disabilities. She is excited to implement Special Education Services for children 4th grade – 9th grade in a Montessori setting and is looking forward to a wonderful school year!

In her free time, Kristina enjoys spending time with her spouse, toddler and three cats. Some of her hobbies are gardening, playing piano, and Yoga.

Kim Haller

Art

Bio to come. 

Emilie Williams

Music

Emilie Williams is excited to join the teaching staff at Adeline Montessori! She holds a BA in Music from Westminster Choir College, a master’s in Music Education from the City University of New York, studied Choral Conducting at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and trained as a Music Together teacher at the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, NJ. Emilie has over a decade of experience teaching elementary general music, band, chorus, recorders, and guitar (mostly in New York City) and loves seeing kids learn and grow through making music.

Outside of school she enjoys knitting and hiking and sings with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and Milwaukee Chamber Choir. Originally from Vermont, Emilie lives in Nashotah with her husband and their two sons.

Mike Richter

Physical Education – PARAPROFESSIONAL

A student of life, with a passion for learning and teaching every single day, Mike Richter has spent 14 joyful years as an educator in a Montessori environment. During the years of his teaching experience, Mike has been a physical education specialist & afterschool coordinator, director of enrichment, summer program coordinator, and art teacher.  Mike earned an Associate of Arts degree and Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.  Mike also holds a paraprofessional training certificate, is trained in Transgender Education, responsive trauma, and by Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Diabetes management. Mike’s philosophy in the classroom is a three-pronged approach – help the child realize their potential, help the child stay safe, and most importantly – have fun!

Mike is an avid aquarist and maintains many fish tanks at his home.  A jack of all trades, he enjoys woodworking, crafting, painting, making and playing music, jigsaw puzzles, fishing, playing competitive slow-pitch softball, golfing, laughing with friends, and watching every Wisconsin-based sports team.  Mike is excited for his next chapter of teaching, and working with the team at Adeline Montessori School.   

Heather Weber

Strings – Paraprofessional

Heather Weber began her Montessori journey as a Music Specialist at a Montessori school, teaching both Strings and General Music. As she witnessed the profound impact of her youngest son’s Montessori education, she decided to obtain her credentials as a Montessori Guide. She is in the completion stages of her practicum & degree in the University of Wisconsin- River Falls Master of Montessori Education program and plans to obtain Upper Elementary credentials or a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Montessori studies. Heather brings with her six years of experience in Strings instruction with Greater Milwaukee El Sistema and many more with her private students and family. She was trained in Suzuki Violin Method at the Aber Suzuki Institute at UW-Stevens Point and has attended Every Child Can and Early Childhood Overview at the American Suzuki Institute. She has also studied with Dr. Sanford and Judy Jones, innovators in Montessori Movement and Music.

Heather is an advocate for kinesthetic learning, which reinforces the Montessori concept of “the hand teaches the brain”. She believes that children need to be allowed freedom of movement within the constraint of the prepared environment and a trained Montessori Guide. Heather is excited to bring sensorial awareness and acuity to the youngest of our learners and to integrate Music into the Math, History, Art, Science, Practical Life, and Geometry curricula. Ms. Heather’s enthusiastic yet practical approach to Music and Strings has encouraged her students to continue their pursuit of instrumental and academic Music far beyond their required in-class time. She plays Violin, Viola, and Cello almost daily, as well as the occasional Guitar, String Bass, Woodwind, and enough Piano to get by in a pinch!

Heather proudly served in the United States Air Force and studied for three years at the Defense Language Institute. She is fluent in the German and Russian languages post-Cold War and studied Arabic languages during Operation Desert Storm. She also holds a BA in Criminology and Law with a minor in Biology from Marquette University. In her “spare time”, she enjoys growing things, documentaries, science, audiobooks, and cooking, but mainly, spending time with her children.