Miniapple International Montessori

We the staff of Miniapple International Montessori follow the teachings of Maria Montessori by embracing the uniqueness and potential of each child. As the role of an adult we strive to create an environment which nurtures the development of the young minds through compassion, respect, creativity and trust. Our commitment is to guide the children in a safe, warm, secure and happy learning environment which requires us to be prepared, present, whole and accountable.

Udi Perera, Administrator
After completing A.M.I. teacher training in Sri Lanka over 30 years ago, I came to the U.S. on vacation; then to be hired as a teacher-director of a local Montessori school. Our intention was to go back home once my husband Mithula finished his business degree at the U of M. One thing led to another, and we bought the school and opened up two more! They are now called Miniapple. Mithula and I have 3 daughters and one son, all Miniapple alumni. Apart from cooking, gardening , scrap booking, and community service, I do what I love to do; giving children the best at home and school."The apple of my eye''.

Estelle Willems, Administrative Assistant
After obtaining a MN teaching license in early childhood education/parent education, I worked in local early childhood programs before joining the Miniapple family as Udi's assistant in 1996. Most of my free time is devoted to helping Shelties in need with MN Sheltie Rescue, and I enjoy spending time with my own Shelties. Consistent with Miniapple's global approach, I am from the Netherlands (though I'm now a U.S. citizen).

Minneapolis

	Lee Hibbard, Director My family came to Miniapple in 2004 when my oldest daughter started as a preschooler. We fell in love with Miniapple as a parent and now with two Miniapple alum, I feel right at home as an employee. I received a BA from the University of Minnesota in Counseling and Deaf Studies. Before becoming a Director, for over 20 years I was a staff supervisor of group home staff who provided care to disabled and mentally ill adults. When I am not at Miniapple, I enjoy spending time with my daughters Reyna and Lauren, my husband Calder and my dog Otis. I also love going to movies, concerts, camping, horseback riding and reading. I live in SE Minneapolis and love working in my neighborhood!
	Wangmo Brandli, Children's House I was born in India as a Tibetan refugee. I graduated from school in Dheradun, India and got a job in a Tibetan school and taught there for 4 years. In 1992, I moved to Nepal and on October 22, 1997, I flew from Nepal to Minnesota. I received my AMI certificate in 2002 and really enjoy working with children. I have been with Miniapple since 2002.
	Renee Wermter, Children's House I came to work for Miniapple in 1999 as an assistant in a Children’s House. It was soon clear that I had found my calling and so I attended Montessori training and have been the Directress in CH 2 since. My free time is spent with my husband Lyn and my son Ben, who is a student at Miniapple. I also enjoy boating, knitting, gardening, and swimming.
	Andrew McConnell, Children's House I was raised in California, but moved to New Mexico in the 90’s where I met my wife, Elaine. We moved to Minneapolis in 1996 with a dog and two cats. We spent some time living in London and a small island off the west coast of Scotland. We are now back in Minneapolis with 2 cats, and three children, all Miniapple graduates. I received my AMS Montessori teaching certificate from the St. Catherine University.
	Erica Mellum, Children's House I have been with Miniapple since 2006. I earned my B.A. in psychology, my Montessori Credential and my Master’s of Education in 2009. In my free time I enjoy gardening, traveling and spending time outdoors. I am excited to begin a new year working alongside the amazing Miniapple staff, children and families!
	Reshma Mansoor, Toddler House I was born in India and have a Master’s Degree in Home Economics with a major in Food and Nutrition. I have traveled to Moscow and Japan with my husband. I enjoy cooking and being with my two lovely sons and husband. I have been with Miniapple since 1997.

Roseville

	Chris Edman, Director I come from a family of 10 children. My family lived in St. Paul and northern Minnesota when I was growing up. I'm married and have 3 children (Matt, Emily & Rachel), all graduates of the Miniapple program. My school background is in Child Psychology. I've been with Miniapple since 1994.
	Cindy Quincer, Assistant Director I was born and raised in Wadena, MN. I graduated from Moorhead State with a BS in Elementary Education. Since graduating in 1987 I have been working with children. I started working for Miniapple in 1999. I live in Shoreview and have 3 children; Miniapple graduates, Wesley and Kyleigh, and current Miniapple student, Cameron.
	Veronica Vital, Children's House I was born and grew up in Mexico. When I was older, I decided to go to the university to learn languages. After graduating, I worked with kindergartners as an English teacher. I decided to come to the USA, took the Montessori Training Course, and received an AMI training certificate. Now I'm doing what I really enjoy the most- working with children. I live in Brooklyn Park with my husband and our 3 boys, two of whom are Miniapple alumni and one is a current Miniapple student. I have been part of the Miniapple family since 1999. In addition to teaching in Children's House, I also teach the Spanish language program at Miniapple.
	Vanessa Killen, Children's House I grew up in Stillwater, MN. I still live there with my husband and our 2 dogs, Sophie and Oliver. I have been working with children for the past 11 years. I worked 8 years for the Stillwater School District and the last 3 years have been with Miniapple at the Oakdale location. I attended St. Paul College where I studied Early Childhood Development. I received my Montessori teacher training certificate from St. Catherine University. I have been with Miniapple since 2005.
	Jaci Hartung, Children's House I was born and raised in Coon Rapids, MN and attended a Montessori program myself from ages 2½-6. I enjoy working with children and completed my Montessori training at the St. Catherine University. I have been with Miniapple since 2008. Recently I moved to St. Paul with my cat and enjoy living in the city.
	Tricia Duke, Infant House I graduated from Metro State University with a degree in Social Work. I have worked for Miniapple since 2002. I love working with children and have three of my own (Marcel Jr., Dupre, who is a Miniapple alumnus, and Tristan, who is a current Miniapple student).
	Jane Mayer, Toddler House I was born and raised in Stacyville, Iowa. I attended college in Rochester and Anoka. I became teacher qualified in 1989 and started working for Miniapple on April 1, 1999.
	Lisa Szulga, Toddler House I was born in Fridley and grew up in Brooklyn Park. I now live in Forest Lake and I love it there. I have been teaching at Miniapple since April of 1994 and I still love it.

Oakdale

	Deb Sack, Director Deb is our director. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and has been with Miniapple since it first opened in Minneapolis in 1990. Deb and her husband, Keith, enjoy camping and biking with their son, Lucas, a Miniapple graduate.
	Margaret Kiehne, Children's House Margaret is originally from Texas and moved north in 1999. She began working at Miniapple in 2000. Margaret completed her Montessori training in 1996. She is another one of our scrapbookers and with her husband, Randy, she enjoys riding snowmobiles and motorcycles.
	Marie Nichols, Children's House Marie has been with Miniapple since 1993. Marie completed her Montessori training in 2000. She was born and raised in Quebec, Canada. Marie and her husband, Craig, have two daughters, both graduates of the Miniapple program. Their family enjoys traveling, skiing, hiking and canoeing. In addition to teaching in Children's House, Marie teaches our French language program at Miniapple.
	Monica Arcila, Children's House Monica was born in Colombia. She joined Miniapple in 2002 and then completed her Montessori training in 2004. Along with being a mother to two children (a Miniapple graduate and a current Miniapple student), she enjoys stamping. In addition to teaching in Children's House, Monica teaches our Spanish language program at Miniapple.
	Prarthana Nemani, Children's House Prarthana is originally from India. She completed her Montessori training in 2005 and joined Miniapple in 2006. She enjoys spending time with her family and bringing her son, Aryun, to Miniapple with her each day.
	Debbie Kipp, Toddler House Debbie graduated from St. Olaf College and worked as a classroom teacher in the public schools for 6 years, teaching primarily Middle School Language Arts. She has completed her Infant/Toddler Montessori training. In her free time she loves spending time with her husband, Adam, and their two children, McKenna and Mason, both Miniapple students. She also enjoys reading, photography, spending time with her extended family and traveling.
	Sara Stein, Toddler House Sara has worked at Miniapple since 1996. In addition to her great experience, Sara completed the Infant/Toddler Montessori Course in 2005. Sara enjoys scrapbooking with her co-workers and sewing. Her family likes to go fishing and biking together.
	Mary Schneider, Infant House Mary grew up in New Ulm and graduated from the University of MN – Mankato with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a specialty in Early Childhood. Mary enjoys spending time with her two boys (Miniapple graduates) and husband, going to the cabin and biking. She also enjoys sewing and scrapbooking. Mary has been at miniapple since 1995.