Annie O'Farrell

Ms. Annie has been a directress at MPCC since 1985 and brings her heritage and extensive Montessori experience into the classroom every day.  She is currently the Upper Elementary directress.  She was born and raised in Ireland.  After receiving her BA in Geography and Language from St. Patrick's College in Maynooth, Ireland, Ms. Annie obtained her Elementary Education Training and K-12 Teaching Certificate from St. Patrick's College in Dublin.  She received her Montessori training from St. Nicholas Montessori Society of London and her MBA from Bellevue University.  Her adult daughter attended MPCC as a toddler, junior, and elementary student.

Personal Statement:  "The Montessori Method integrates a deep respect for the child's innate desire to learn, the unhurried calm of the prepared environment, the beauty of the Montessori materials, and a holistic approach to the child's development.  My role is to work in concert with the child's own inner guide.  It is such a joy and a privilege to assist the children as they work to create their own personalities, develop their own abilities, and follow their own interests.  They are free to follow their own interests.  They are free to become strong, independent lifelong learners."

Teresa Gage

Ms. Teresa has been involved with Montessori education since 1977 and has been a directress at MPCC since 1987.  She is currently a junior room directress.  She received her AMS Montessori Training in both junior (3-6 years) and elementary (6-9 years) levels.  She obtained her Montessori Teaching Credential from the North American Montessori Center. She has received a certificate in Early Childhood Management and has served on the Board of Directors since 1995.  Ms. Teresa maintains membership in the North American Montessori Teachers Association and the Montessori Foundation.

Personal Statement: "Children are our most important resources. As an educator it is important to be an advocate for them. As they mature, Montessori students have opportunities to become their own advocates and exhibit great strengths. The growth and development of children in the Montessori environment are truly wondrous to behold.".

Annie Gray

Ms. Annie started at MPCC as a part-time assistant in 1998.  In 2001, Ms. Annie received her BS from UNO as well as her Nebraska Teaching Certificate.  Since 2001, Miss Annie has been a directress in the Lower Elementary Program.  Ms. Annie develops an inspiring curriculum that keeps her students, as well as herself, passionate in their studies.  She received her Montessori Training through the North American Montessori Center.

Personal Statement:  "Many of my personal teaching philosophies fall right in line with those of the Montessori philosophy.  I feel it is extremely important for a child to progress at his/her own pace, which is true in the Montessori classroom.  Never have I seen so many children passionate about their work and their ability to learn.  This is truly why my career as a Montessori educator is so rewarding".

Karen Arney

Ms. Karen has been the toddler room directress at MPCC since 1997.  Prior to moving to Omaha in 1996, Karen was a paraprofessional for 9 years in a public school setting in Missouri.  Ms. Karen primarily worked with multi-handicapped children 3-5 years of age in the early childhood special education classroom.  In August of 2008, Ms. Karen completed her Montessori certification for infants and toddlers from the North American Montessori Center.  At MPCC, Ms. Karen brings her skills and nurturing care to the toddler room every day, where she creates a loving environment of learning and care.

Personal Statement:  "Working with toddlers, while challenging at times, has also been the most rewarding experience of my career.  Children develop their language and social skills very quickly between the ages of 18 months and three years.  Toddlers are little sponges!  They absorb everything around them.  As a directress, I observe each child and then design the classroom to fit those needs.  Repetition is the best way for a toddler to enhance their concentration and coordination skills, learn the order in which things are done, and to become more independent."

Kim Reid Kuhn

MPCC is very proud of its Art Program directed by Kim Reid.