Upper Elementary Aide
Shannon Albright began working at MSW in January, 2021 after spending seven years working at Littlestown Area School District. Mrs. Albright spent many years as a volunteer at the elementary level and in youth sports organizations. Mrs. Albright enjoys spending time with her husband, two teenage children, and pets. She also enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, and gardening.
Middle School Teaching Assistant
Melissa Bain is originally from Pensacola, Florida and has lived in many places including overseas locations in Japan and Panama. She spent many years as a firefighter and paramedic and her work now includes being a strength coach. Mrs. Bain has been the MSW Girl Scout troop leader since 2015.
Mrs. Bain is married and has three children and a grandson; daughter Christina is an alumna of the Middle School program after attending MSW for many years.
Mrs. Bain enjoys strength training, backpacking, camping, section-hiking the Appalachian Trail, competing in strongman competitions, being outdoors, working on restoring her historic Pennsylvania farm, and spending time with her family.
Jennifer Carroll is a native of Westminster. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia in 2012. While attending St. Joe’s, she played on their lacrosse team.
Before starting her Montessori training at the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies in Silver Spring, Maryland, she worked at a local preschool for two years. Mrs. Carroll is active in local sports and is currently coaching basketball at Manchester Valley High School.
Outside of MSW, Mrs. Carroll enjoys spending time with her two children, Kaleb and Maya, and husband Marcus. Mrs. Carroll enjoys being outside, hiking, and fishing.
Sarah Conklin
Lower Elementary Aide |
After-School Care senior staff
After graduating from high school, Candice Davis went to Howard County Community College for Early Childhood Education and started her family. She was a stay-at-home mom for over 20 years. She worked for Littlestown Area School District for four years, and currently works for an after-school program at Collaborating for Youth. Mrs. Davis lives in Littlestown, Pennsylvania with her husband, Dean, and has four children and two grandchildren.
Sarah Delaney is committed to strengthening our MSW community through strategic planning, fundraising and partnerships to secure MSW’s future forward.
Sarah’s perspective is shaped not only by formal education at the Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University, but by lived experience. She spent six years living abroad in New Zealand with her husband, James (a NZ native), an experience that deepened her appreciation for global perspectives, environmental responsibility, and education models that honor independence, curiosity, and connection to a place.
Sarah & James own and operate Delaney Glen Farm, a regenerative – pasture raised livestock farm in Westminster. Life on the farm – shared with their three children, Thomas, Eleanor and Grace (all MSW students), two Norwegian Elkhounds, one cat and more than 300 chickens, pigs and sheep – reinforces her belief in purposeful work, hands on learning and building systems that nurture both people and the environment. Sarah is passionate about agricultural education and enjoys sharing her knowledge with learners of all ages!
UPPER ELEMENTARY GUIDE
Miss Denion graduated from McDaniel College with a bachelor’s degree in Communication. Throughout her time at college, she volunteered as an assistant teacher at the local preschool that she attended as a child. Her love of working with children is what led her to find the Montessori School of Westminster. When not working, Miss Denion enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and playing sports and games.
After-School Care Senior staff
Karaline Diehl was born in Latvia and came to America in 2010. She began her career at MSW in 2020 working with the After-School Care and Summer Camp programs.
Ms. Diel has earned certificates for Infant & Toddler Care, Early Childhood, and School-age Care. She continues to increase her knowledge through classes with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
During her spare time, Ms. Diehl enjoys the outdoors, camping, hiking, and all sports.
Beginnings Aide
Corinne Dorman is a graduate of Mercy High School and an alumna of both the Montessori School of Westminster and Greenspring Montessori. Having received a Montessori education through eighth grade, she is excited to return as a member of the MSW staff. She grew up in Carroll County and currently resides in Westminster with her daughter June. In her free time, Ms. Dorman enjoys spending time with her family, creating art, being in nature, trying new recipes, gardening, and traveling.
Linda Felker first came to Montessori as a parent and Primary aide at the Montessori School of Westminster. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Thomas Edison State College and went on to complete her Montessori training in Lower and Upper Elementary at the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies. She has worked in a Montessori setting since 1998.
Mrs. Felker enjoys gardening, needle crafts, cooking, and volunteer activities. She lives in Littlestown, Pennsylvania.
Jacob Fine is a graduate of McDaniel College with a Bachelor of Arts in music and a Master’s of Science in Teaching Instrumental Music. Mr. Fine is busy pursuing many aspects of his music career, as a private instructor in drums, gigging drummer with The Leister Quartet, Sunday Night Big Band, and Treblebeck; student intern at Runnymeade Elementary School; and, a salesperson at Coffey Music. In his free time, he enjoys journalism, hiking, running, learning new instruments, and spending time with his friends and family.
Beth Guerin joined MSW in 2022 and has undertaken special training through the noted Shelton School in Dallas, Texas to provide services to students with special language/learning disorders such as dyslexia. The “SEE” program designates Ms. Guerin as a teacher-in-training learning methodology of “Sequential English Education.” SEE blends easily into Montessori methods. It also supports emerging learners and/or learners who are struggling to read, write, and spell.
Additionally, Ms. Guerin delivers fine art education to the students of MSW. She attended the Schuler School of Fine Arts and has been teaching fine art to children since 2008. View her amazing art at www.bethdeloiselle.com!
Ms. Guerin’s love of art extends back to her early childhood. She has always had a love for animals, and she has developed an art career focused on pet portraits.
In her free time, Ms. Guerin enjoys meditation, yoga, hiking, and spending time with her family. Her sons, Hans and Ollie, attend MSW. They love spending quality time together playing games, building with Legos, cooking, or enjoying a movie night.
choral director
Amy Heikkinen-Brooks is the Chorus Teacher at MSW. She is a licensed clinical social worker, with a specialty in children’s mental health and integrating the expressive arts with therapy. She has Bachelor and Masters’ degrees in Social Work from the University of Maryland system, as well as undergraduate training in creative education from The New School in New York City.
She is a lifelong musician, singer, and self-identified Music Nerd, bringing all types of music into the MSW classroom and exploring different musical concepts and skills in the most fun, meaningful ways she can conjure.
Mrs. Heikkinen-Brooks and her wife live in Westminster with their young sons. Favorite family activities include roasting marshmallows over their front-yard fire pit, rocking out to their favorite songs in the car, and eating pineapple pizza.
Kim Lettie graduated from South Carroll High School and attended Carroll Community College. Prior to joining MSW in 2000, Ms. Lettie worked at Carroll County General Hospital for 13 years. Ms. Lettie has worked in Lower Elementary, Middle School, Beginnings, and After School Care. Ms. Lettie enjoys spending time with her daughters, grandson Dylan, and her dog Chewie.
Ms. Lettie has earned certifications for CPR, AED, First Aid, and has achieved Senior Staff status from MSDE’s Office of Child Care. She also enjoys sewing and cooking.
Primary Guide
Joy Lin, whose official name is ChiaYin Liu, is from Taiwan. She is now working at the Montessori School of Westminster and has received her full credential as a Montessori guide (teacher). Her Montessori studies were undertaken at the Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies (IAMS) in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Mrs. Liu majored in Home Economics and, while in Taiwan, received an early childhood teaching certification. She went on to teach kindergarten for three years.
Mrs. Liu lives in Westminster with her husband and her son, a high school student. She enjoys cooking, going for hikes, and participating in Zumba dance/fitness programs.
Allie Lindsey is a graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She has also cultivated her interest in the sciences and has taken biology and chemistry courses at UMBC.
Ms. Lindsey completed the Montessori Secondary training program with the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. This is her fourth year at MSW. She resides in Westminster with her daughter Violet, a student in MSW’s Primary program.
In her free time, Ms. Lindsey enjoys reading, playing piano, and spending time with her family.
Upper Elementary Guide
Gretchen Malcolm began teaching Upper Elementary at MSW in 2001. She graduated in 1980 from Washington Adventist University with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, then married her college sweetheart, Stephen, in 1981.
She was introduced to the Montessori philosophy in 1985 and never looked back! She took the elementary (ages 6 to 12) training through the Association Montessori Internationale, then earned a Master’s degree in curriculum development from Cleveland State University.
She has two grown children: Levi, who lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a daughter, Mercedes, who lives in Boston, Massachusetts. Mrs. Malcolm loves working with the children and families of MSW!
Beginnings Aide
Annie Medairy is a classroom aide in the Beginnings program. She has been working in education since 2018 and brings fours years of experience as a classroom teacher in Montgomery and Carroll Counties to MSW. Mrs. Medairy holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Maryland.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Medairy is a proud mother of two daughters, Truly and Emily. She enjoys spending time with her family, going on walks with her golden retriever Dunkin, and baking (and eating) sourdough treats. She is excited to join the Montessori School of Westminster family.
Environmental Educator | events coordinator
Stefanie Misner received her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, a master’s in Environmental Education also from UNCW, and is a certified North Carolina Environmental Educator. With over 15 years of experience in aquariums and a local nature pre-school, she has worked with children of all ages, prefers to teach outside, and is passionate about molding the next generation of environmental stewards. Additionally, Mrs. Misner has received certification from MSDE’s Office of Child Care.
Both her daughters, Penelope and Cordelia, are MSW students. In her rare free time, Mrs. Misner loves to scuba dive and travel.
Isabella Moore is a high school student at Winter’s Mill High School in Westminster, Maryland who loves to read and color. At Winter’s Mill, she participates in the Educators Rising club. Ms. Moore plans on pursuing a teaching career after graduating from high school.
Bailey Moser brings a wealth of training in early childhood education to the Montessori School of Westminster. She attended West Chester University in Pennsylvania where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Her education continued at Pennsylvania State University where she earned a Master’s degree in Special Education. She is currently undertaking training to complete her transition to certified Montessori guide at the Primary program level.
Mrs. Moser’s work experiences provide great benefit to MSW. In school settings, she has worked as therapeutic support staff member, an early intervention Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist, and a special education teacher serving pre-kindergarten children demonstrating autism.
Mrs. Moser enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, an MSW student, while they take hikes, ride their bikes, go kayaking, and simply spending time outdoors.
I.T. Coordinator
Maryna Tkachuk (Neiko) has been part of the Montessori School of Westminster community since 2015. After eleven years as an educator, she now serves as the school’s IT Coordinator, supporting staff and students with their technology needs.
Ms. Neiko is passionate about creating an environment where technology works seamlessly in the background, allowing teachers to focus on what they do best.
When she is not troubleshooting tech, you can find her creating intricate macrame pieces or happily bringing order and beauty to the spaces around her.
Spanish Language Instruction
Perla Price has joined MSW as its Spanish language instructor. She has worked with children of varying ages as a substitute teacher for three years. Ms. Price finds it rewarding to help children of different ages learn and grow.
“I am originally from Mexico, and English is my second language. I came to the United Sates as an exchange student, where I learned English and experienced firsthand what it is like to learn a new language and adapt to a new culture. That experience has give me a special appreciation for language learning and the challenges and excitement that come with it.
In addition to my teaching experience, I have a certification as a Travel Industry and Tourism Specialist from Penn Foster College and specialize in destination weddings. My career in travel has allowed me to meet people from various cultures and learn about amazing destinations around the world.”
Outside of the workday, Ms. Price loves spending time with her family. She especially enjoys coaching soccer and doing outdoor activities with her six-year-old daughter. They love staying active and making memories together. Ms. Price also enjoys watching documentaries, spending time with her puppy, and enjoying family time.
Ms. Price is very excited about the new chapter as a Spanish teacher and looks forward to getting to know her students, sharing my language and culture, and helping students discover how fun and valuable learning Spanish can be!
Tres Quinn graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Secondary Math Education. She completed Lower Elementary training at the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies. Ms. Quinn has worked at MSW since 2002.
Ms. Quinn’s children, Elizabeth and Nathan, are both proud MSW alum.
Ms. Quinn likes listening to books she downloads from the public library and going to Pittsburg to visit her family.
Suzanne Radcliffe is an “alum mom” whose first year as an MSW parent was 1993. A Carroll County native, she served on the Board of Trustees as secretary and member-at-large during the construction of the campus.
Mrs. Radcliffe paints in oils and watercolor. She loves writing about Montessori method and studying the teachings of her personal superhero–Maria Montessori. She finds great joy in gardening, adding new flower and hosta varieties to her many gardens. She recently added arrowhead hunting to her hobbies while she enjoys farm life with her horse and goats.
Mrs. Radcliffe obtained a summa cum laude Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from UMBC in 1995 and a juris doctor degree from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1997.
Her son attended MSW for ten years, completing Middle School in 2003. Mrs. Radcliffe is excited to see her grandchild join the MSW two-year-old program this year!
Jen Seletzky comes to MSW with years of valuable experience as she takes on the role of Business Officer for the school. Mrs. Seletzky achieved cum laude status upon graduation from Newbury College in Massachusetts and later entered the world of education at the Cold Spring School in New Haven, Connecticut. Before joining the staff at MSW, she spent more than a decade at the Green Mount School in Baltimore.
Mrs. Seletzky shares duties with her husband on Richfield Farm in nearby Manchester. She loves sewing and has created everything from Covid masks to one-of-a-kind wedding dresses.
Beginnings Guide
Shaz Smothers believes that the early years are filled with wonder, curiosity, and meaningful moments of discovery. As a Guide Intern in the MSW Beginnings program, she is beginning her career as an early childhood educator while working toward her Montessori teaching credential through the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies. She earn a Bachelor of Science at a college in Pennsylvania and is passionate about creating a classroom where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn with confidence and joy.
Living in Westminster with her family, Mrs. Smothers believes some of the best learning happens through movement, music, nature, and everyday experiences. Whether it’s singing a song, exploring outdoors, or celebrating a child’s newest accomplishment, she loves helping children build independence while discovering the joy of learning.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Smothers enjoys cooking, listening to music, and spending as much time outdoors as possible–especially if the sun decides to make an appearance. She is also a devoted Ravens and Orioles fan and loves cheering them on with her family.
Shaz Smothers is grateful to be part of each child’s early learning journey and looks forward to partnering with families to help children grow in confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Primary Aide
Ashley Stedding is a Primary classroom aide at MSW. She joined the MSW team in 2025, Her efforts support a joyful classroom for children ages three through the kindergarten level.
Ms. Stedding has an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, with an emphasis on Special Education, from Carroll Community College in Westminster, Maryland. Additionally, she is certified to administer CPR and First Aid.
Ms. Stedding has a background helping adults with disabilities as a one-on-one. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting. Ms. Stedding’s children attend MSW. With her family, hiking, fishing, and traveling are favorite activities.
Primary Aide
Mr. Stern earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Studio Art from New York University in 2001, and his Interdisciplinary Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2011. From 2000 to 2018, he held curatorial and administrative positions in the commercial and non-profit art scenes of New York, Denver, Omaha, Reno, and Baltimore, where he worked as Exhibitions and Program Manager for Creative Alliance at the Patterson. Most recently, he has been working part-time with the Painted Screen Society of Baltimore and the Maryland Center for History and Culture on their future Painted Screen projects. After transitioning to at-home care in 2018 for his children, Mr. Stern began substituting at MSW in 2023 and is excited to support the community further as an aide. He lives just down the road from MSW in Westminster with his wife, Kira, their twins (students at MSW) and cat. When not working, Mr. Stern enjoys playing with his family, and tinkering away with his mandolin on their porch swing.
Kristin Thomas joined the MSW team in 2019 and most recently has undertaken training to become a guide in the school’s Lower Elementary program for grades one, two, and three. She is a native of the Westminster area who graduated from Westminster High School where she played lacrosse. Her career path to full faculty membership at MSW includes the attainment of a Bachelor’s degree in Montessori Education from Sarasota University and teacher training via CGMS, the Center for Guided Montessori Studies.
Ms. Thomas has a “90-hour” training certificate approved by the Office of Childcare of MSDE as well as CPR and AED emergency training.
Ms. Thomas loves nature and spends time hiking with her dog and fishing from a favorite boat.
Physical Education
Karen Uhlig studied Food & Nutrition at Framingham State University in Massachusetts before moving to Maryland. She has worked as a Special Education Assistant at the middle school and high school levels in nearby public schools. At MSW, Mrs. Uhlig teaches Physical Education to students in grades one and above.
Mrs. Uhlig enjoys being outdoors, camping, and kayaking. She is also interested in bible study, pickleball, and genealogy. Her large family includes seven children. Mrs. Uhlig and her husband, Steve, are still waiting for their first grandchild to arrive!
Environmental Education Intern
Ella Voos is a graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland with Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Studies and Spanish with a focus on environmental education. She has worked with children of all ages, most recently as a Naturalist Intern in the Calvert County government, and is excited to spend the year at MSW engaging children with the natural world around them.
Ms. Voos is interning in MSW’s singular Environmental Education program, now in its 11th year.
In her free time, Ms. Voos loves reading, baking, and being anywhere outside.
BeforE-School Care Aide
Lauren Welsh-Baer graduated from St. Catherine University with a Master’s degree in Education and from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Education. She earned her Montessori certification from the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Mrs. Welsh-Baer was a student at MSW from Primary to third grade. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and pets.
Lower Elementary Aide
Jackie Zollman has her associate’s degree in Elementary Special Education. She gained experience at Winter’s Mill High School as a one-to-one in their Autism & Life Skills program. Mrs. Zollman has experience working with children of all ages, teaching karate, gymnastics, and in the daycare setting. She previously worked at The Arc as a job coach. In her free time, Mrs. Zollman enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and kayaking!
