Our School
Our Mission
The Montessori Schoolhouse provides an accessible, high-quality Montessori education that nurtures each child’s innate potential and love of learning-fostering independence, curiosity, and compassion.
Grounded in authentic Montessori principles, our classrooms are carefully prepared to foster curiosity, independence, and meaningful work. Children are guided by Montessori educators who observe closely and respond thoughtfully, helping each child progress at their own pace through purposeful and appropriately challenging work.
Our intentionally small school community allows for deep relationships and personalized support. We believe that when children are treated with respect and given the tools to direct their own learning, they grow into confident, compassionate contributors to the world around them.
We are proudly recognized as a member of Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI), a global organization upholding the highest standards of Montessori integrity and excellence in education.
Discrimination Policy: The Montessori Schoolhouse believes in honoring the dignity of all human beings. In keeping with that belief, we do not discriminate in hiring or enrollment practices based on race, color, gender, religion, ethnic or national origin, political affiliation, socio-economic status or disability.
We Believe
- Education is not acquired simply by listening to words but through participating in experiences.
- Acquiring critical thinking skills is essential and is done through developing ideas and problem solving independently in a teacher managed environment.
- Children must know respect. Through example they will learn to respect others and to expect respect for themselves.
- Education is not ‘given’ by teachers, rather children must be active participants in building their education and monitoring their progress while being carefully guided by a teacher.
- Children need the opportunity to succeed and fail. Learning to manage success/failure in a controlled and safe environment is essential to becoming a productive adult.
- Teachers are to always strive to find ways to inspire children to not just do the minimum but their individual best.
- Learning should be a joyful experience.
History
The Montessori Schoolhouse was established in the fall of 1996. Our program began with a small group of preschool students and their very supportive families. Our vision was to create a classroom setting where children could build a foundation for their education and establish a love for learning. We were successful and our program has steadily progressed based on desire from our school family and community.
Our People
Our qualified teachers and staff are degreed/certified and most importantly are valued members of our school family who love what they do.
Amy Rolan
Founding Head of School | Primary Teacher
Amy founded the Montessori Schoolhouse 28 years ago after discovering the Montessori philosophy and knowing, without question, that she had found where she belonged. With advanced studies in psychology and child development, along with MEPI Primary certification, she brings both heart and depth to her work with children.
Her favorite moments are when the classroom environments hum with focus and each child is immersed in purposeful work. Beyond leading the school, Amy serves on the board of Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI), supporting Montessori educators and programs around the world.
Outside of school, Amy enjoys traveling, cooking, and gaining fresh perspective through new experiences. She’s the proud parent of three Montessori Schoolhouse graduates who have carried Montessori into their adult lives: two as Montessori parents and one as a Montessori teacher.
Lisa Whitt
Primary Teacher
For 20 years, Lisa has been a steady, caring presence at Montessori Schoolhouse. She first came across the Montessori approach while working with young children and was struck by the confidence, independence, and joy it nurtured. When she enrolled her own kids, she watched those same qualities bloom—and knew she wanted to be part of it.
Lisa has MEPI Primary certification and is passionate about helping children grow into curious, capable learners. She’s known for her attentiveness, warmth, and thoughtful approach to each day. A moment she still remembers fondly: a parent pausing at the door and saying, “You really love what you do, don’t you?”
Away from the classroom, Lisa enjoys writing, making art, and exploring music. She’s also the proud parent of two Montessori grads who grew up with the same love of learning she now helps inspire in others.
Lindsey Rolf
Support Teacher
Lindsey has been a beloved part of the Montessori Schoolhouse for nineteen years. She brings warmth, dedication, and a joyful presence to the classroom, supporting both students and teachers with care and enthusiasm.
Lindsey especially enjoys helping children, whether she’s offering a kind word, lending a hand, or joining in a lesson. Her steady presence and sincere connection with the students make her a cherished part of daily life at school.
Outside of school, Lindsey enjoys music, spending time with family, and cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs. Her love of children and commitment to the school community shine through in everything she does.
Kylie Harness
Primary Support Teacher
Kylie first encountered Montessori through her early education studies, and the philosophy instantly resonated. When her children were born, she worked to create a Montessori-inspired home environment. That connection deepened when they began attending the Montessori Schoolhouse.
Before joining the school family, Kylie spent several years as an at-home parent and also worked as a service coordinator supporting young children and families. With a background in early childhood education, she brings a calm, thoughtful presence and a deep appreciation for the Montessori approach. She’s excited to be in the classroom supporting children as they grow in independence, confidence, and curiosity.
Kylie is happiest when hiking, playing board games, or spending time with her family—especially her two children who are thriving in their Montessori education.
Ruth Ann Perrin
Upper Elementary & Adolescent
Teacher | Programs Coordinator
Ruth Ann has been part of the Montessori Schoolhouse for seventeen years, bringing structure, insight, and creative energy to her work with Upper Elementary and Adolescent students. Instrumental in founding and leading our Elementary program, she draws on her strong background in education and AMI Orientation Adolescent training to guide students as they deepen their thinking and grow into capable, curious learners.
She values the way the Montessori approach allows her to meet each student where they are—supporting their individual growth, nurturing their strengths, and helping them discover what they’re capable of. Ruth Ann especially enjoys those moments when the class comes together in a natural rhythm—like during morning meeting—sharing ideas, laughter, and connection.
Outside of school, Ruth Ann enjoys being artistic and spending time with her family. She has been a member of the Teacher Advisory Board at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and is the parent of two Montessori graduates. She brings warmth, wit, and a deep respect for children to her work each day.
Amanda Fisher
Lower Elementary Teacher | Program Coordinator
Amanda first discovered Montessori during a high school child development class, when a visit to the Montessori Schoolhouse left a lasting impression. Inspired by what she saw, she began working at the school while in college, later returned as a parent, and has now been a classroom teacher for eight years.
With a strong background in child and family development, Amanda brings warmth, creativity, and a love of learning to the classroom. She believes in nurturing curiosity, compassion, and ownership of learning—and especially enjoys the quiet connection that happens during read-alouds, when stories spark big conversations.
Outside the classroom, Amanda spends time in nature, relaxes at the lake, and enjoys being with her family. She’s the proud parent of two Montessori Schoolhouse students who are growing up with Montessori values at the heart of their days.
Abby Fiene
Elementary Support Teacher & Spanish Instructor
Abby brings a joyful presence and a strong connection to Montessori education, having attended the Montessori Schoolhouse herself from ages 3–13. She joined the teaching staff shortly after high school and continues to grow professionally through her ongoing studies in child development and family life.
With a calm, supportive style, Abby nurtures creativity, empathy, and resilience in the classroom. She believes in encouraging children to step outside their comfort zones while celebrating their unique learning paths. She especially treasures the way children light up when they see her—even if she’s only been gone a few minutes.
When she’s not teaching, Abby enjoys time at the lake, being with friends, and making memories with her nieces. She’s proud to contribute to the same learning community that helped shape her own love of learning.
Susie Wegener
Elementary Support Teacher
Susie was introduced to Montessori when a friend encouraged her to visit the Montessori Schoolhouse—and it immediately clicked. After a fulfilling career in public education, she found that Montessori’s focus on independence and self-direction beautifully aligned with her own teaching values.
Now retired from her public school career, Susie brings warmth, experience, and a genuine love of children to her support role. She enjoys greeting students each morning and helping them start their day with confidence. Her favorite moments are when a child’s personality shines through with a funny comment or a thoughtful question.
When she’s not at school, Susie enjoys traveling and spending time with her adult daughter. She values the fresh perspective Montessori has offered and the chance to keep learning in this new chapter of her career.
Jeanna Roepe
Sustainability & Ecology Instructor
Jeanna’s connection to Montessori began during her early work in education, and it immediately felt like home. With a strong background in child and family development, she has worked in a variety of educational settings and returned to the Montessori Schoolhouse seven years ago in a consistent and creative role.
As Sustainability and Ecology Instructor, Jeanna supports student engagement with the natural world through hands-on learning and school-wide stewardship projects. She brings curiosity, humor, and heart to each day, and especially values the quiet, authentic moments—whether she’s guiding a project or being affectionately called “weird” by a student.
Jeanna is the proud parent of three and finds her greatest peace in the garden, surrounded by birdsong, family, and a good audiobook.
Adam Wyatt
Music Instructor
Adam brings his deep passion for music to life in every lesson, sparking curiosity and creativity through rhythm, melody, and sound. With over 25 years of experience as a professional musician, Adam has performed across the country and founded Wyatt Music Center, where he teaches music theory, performance, and production.
Since joining Montessori Schoolhouse three years ago, Adam has been inspired by the students’ enthusiasm and ideas. Whether they’re asking for silly chicken sounds on the guitar or experimenting with their own rhythms, he sees each class as a unique collaboration.
When he’s not teaching, Adam enjoys time in Florida with his family, riding dirt bikes with his kids, or playing gigs on the weekend. He considers it a privilege to make music such a central part of his life and loves helping students discover the joy of making something entirely their own.
Gina Thaller
Yoga & Mindfulness Instructor
Gina brings calm, confidence, and joy to students each week through yoga and mindfulness. With over eight years of experience working with children at the Montessori Schoolhouse, she was drawn to the method’s deep respect for each child and its embrace of whole-person learning—values that beautifully align with her work on the mat.
Certified through Yoga Alliance and trained in ABA therapy, Gina leads sessions that help students regulate their nervous systems, build strength, and feel empowered in their bodies. Her time with them is often a highlight of their week—especially when it’s time for a peaceful savasana. They affectionately call her “Yoga,” and the feeling is mutual.
Outside of school, Gina enjoys hiking, time with family, and sharing her love of mindfulness with others. She’s the proud parent of three—two Montessori grads and one still happily immersed in the experience.
Sherry Edwards
Elementary Reading Support Instructor
Sherry joined the Montessori Schoolhouse nine years ago, bringing with her a long and dedicated career in education. With advanced studies in education and a strong focus on reading and literacy, she brings both experience and a deep love of learning to her work.
Sherry was drawn to Montessori for its hands-on, individualized approach and especially values the one-on-one time she shares with students. Sherry loves watching each child find their own rhythm and enjoys their thoughtful—and often funny—observations as they explore language and stories.
When she’s not at school, Sherry enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her grandson, her favorite companion for little adventures and big laughs.