Administration
Leanne Jorgensen
Head of School
I am so excited for this upcoming school year. Our campus is growing and we have spent considerable time preparing for a variety of learning experiences this year.
For those of you who don’t know me, I am a veteran teacher (of more years than I care to mention), owned and operated another Montessori school, have a master's degree in education and Montessori certifications, and even after all these years, am still growing and learning as an educator and administrator.
My five children are grown up except for Mia, who is ten . This year I will have four of my grandchildren in the school I founded. This makes every day even more sweet and special!
Kendall Hutchison
Administrator
Welcome to another year at Maple Corner!
Growing up in a Montessori environment, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I have a degree in elementary education and my Montessori Certification and my journey has led me through both public education and Montessori schools in Connecticut and Utah before bringing me to here to Maple Corner Montessori . Here, I have the profound privilege to work alongside my mother and best friend, striving to create the very best school we can together.
I have four children, three of which attend Maple Corner, and one that can be often found trying to escape the front office where I get to spend my days. I am so grateful to have this beautiful method of education and to work with educators who are dedicated to their craft but even more so, their students.
Primary 1
Rheanna Staninger
Lead Teacher
Hello Primary 1 families! My name is Rheanna and I’ll be your child’s teacher this year!
I began my teaching career 15 years ago in my home state of Connecticut at a tiny, family-owned daycare and preschool. After a few years working with the most adorable infants and toddlers, I packed up and moved across the country to California where my husband was stationed. Over the next few years, I made my way along the West Coast. I was a nanny for two years in California and taught at a Reggio Emilia based preschool near Seattle for three years before moving to Oregon in 2019. I spent my first year and a half in Oregon teaching at another emergent-based school before finding my perfect fit at Maple Corner. This will be my fifth year at MCM and I am Montessori Certified at the Primary Level. When I’m not at school, I’m most likely trying to play piano, reading, playing with my dog Dixon and cat Shashthi, or listening to Taylor Swift!
Doy Birdsell
Primary 1 Assistant Teacher
Welcome to another year at MCM! This will be my fourth year as one of the primary teacher assistants and the lead teacher of the aftercare program. I have over 20 years experience in preschool education. As a newer teacher to the Montessori way of learning, I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge as we move into this new school year. I am excited to get reacquainted with the returning children from last year and to meet the new ones that will be joining us for the first time. Some of my favorite things to do are spending time with my family and friends. I am a mother of two girls and I enjoy being the grandma to three beautiful grandchildren (Penelope, Jameson and Paisley). I also enjoy being a plant mom and spending time outdoors.
Primary 2
Abby Whipple
Lead Teacher
Welcome to Primary 2 at Maple Corner Montessori!
My educational background is in business and accounting, but I have recently discovered that my true passion lies in working with children. Being able to support young learners in the Montessori environment as they grow with confidence and curiosity brings me so much joy. Their natural wonder about the world and genuine love for learning never ceases to amaze me.
Outside of the classroom, I am passionate about volleyball and have spent the past five years coaching the sport. I love how volleyball fosters leadership, resilience, and accountability - qualities that I believe are invaluable lessons the children will carry with them into the world. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, soaking in the natural beauty around us.
Kindergarten
Ashley Mincher
Lead Teacher
Hello everyone! My name is Ashley Mincher, I graduated from UCC in 2015 with an Associates Degree in early childhood education and then I completed my Montessori Training in 2019! I have worked at a variety of schools and have fallen in love with the Montessori way of learning. This will be my 7th year at the school. I started out as the lead teacher for the primary class and was in that position for 3 years and am currently the lead teacher for our Kindergarten program! I have 2 boys aged 2.5 and 5 months and have loved every minute of being a mother. During my free time I enjoy fishing, camping, and hunting. My husband and I are excited to let our sons experience all of these things in the near future as well! I look forward to meeting all of you soon!
Lower Elementary 1
Laura Ventura
Lead Teacher
Hello, my name is Laura Ventura. I am so excited to continue my teaching career at Maple Corner Montessori! I started my education journey in Early Childhood Education working in preschools. After some time, I decided to experience other grades and earned my BS in Education at Northern Arizona University. I have taught kindergarten, and first through third grade. This is my fifth year at Maple Corner Montessori where I have taught Kindergarten and Lower Elementary. I am Montessori certified and I am currently working on my Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction.
I grew up in the Southwest, mainly in New Mexico where I was exposed to a lot of diverse culture, American Sign Language, and Native American arts. I love to incorporate this background into the activities we do throughout the year. While I miss where I grew up, I love living in Oregon. I have three wonderful children. Lillian is currently attending OSU, Jude will be entering Middle School at MCM, and I have the honor of having Violet join my classroom this year as a First Grader. When I am not busy spending time with them, I enjoy sewing, baking, reading, and traveling.
I love this method of teaching and I am so grateful for the wonderful community here at Maple Corner. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful and brilliant little ones with me. I look forward to spending time with each of them!
Summer Cerbone
Co-teacher
Hello! I’m thrilled to be entering my third year at Maple Corner in Lower El 1. I spent this summer finishing up my Montessori certification and continuing work toward my degree in Elementary Education.
I love the Montessori approach because it encourages kids to follow their curiosity and learn in ways that feel natural and exciting to them. Maple Corner has such a warm, supportive atmosphere, and it’s a joy to be part of a community that values hands-on learning and time spent outdoors.
Outside of the classroom, you’ll usually find me doing crafts, out exploring Southern Oregon with my friends and family, or listening to Taylor Swift on repeat. I’m looking forward to another fun and inspiring year with our amazing students!
Lower Elementary 2
Marlo O' Connor
Lead Teacher
Hello MCM families! Welcome to Lower Elementary 2. My name is Marlo O'Connor, and I am beyond excited to start a new journey here at Maple Corner Montessori! I have grown to love this school and the Montessori philosophy from experiencing it through two of my children, who just finished their second year here, and from working as a part of Lower El2 the last two years. Teaching has always been my passion! I love helping children thrive in a nurturing environment, and MCM does this in every way possible. I hold a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Oregon, where I completed a two year teacher preparation program, and a Master’s of Arts in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. I have taught grades Pre-K through third grade. This will be my eleventh year of teaching!
When I am not at school, you can find my family and I raising sheep, working cattle, and enjoying life on the ranch. I have four beautiful children, Emma, Gracie, Wade, and Lane. Three of them will be attending MCM next year. We enjoy sunset walks on our property, cooking together, fishing, and camping. I look forward to being a bigger part of their education, and helping your children experience the love of learning through the Montessori method.
Brittney Woods
Co-Teacher
Hello everyone! My name is Brittney Woods, and I am looking forward to another year at Maple Corner Montessori with you all. This school is a beautiful place to be a child, and I feel fortunate to be a part of an environment that fosters a love of learning in everyone, students and staff alike.
I began working at this school two years ago, assisting in the kindergarten room, and last year began as a co-teacher in Lower Elementary 2, where I will be teaching again this school year. I hold my Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Oregon State University, and am actively working towards my Montessori certification. I began my career in education working in preschools, and took a handful of years to spend at home with my two daughters, Harper and Remi, before making my way back to the classroom.
In my free time, I enjoy being with my family and friends. You may also find me spending some time outdoors, reading, or sewing. See you all soon for a wonderful year!
Upper Elementary 1
Samantha Williams
Lead Teacher
Hi! My name is Samantha Williams, also known as Sammy, and I was born and raised in Roseburg, Oregon! I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Education with a math endorsement from Western Oregon University and a Master’s Degree in Special Education.
After several years of teaching in North Dakota and at Cascade Junior High, my husband, Nathan, and I returned to Oregon. For the past five years, I have been teaching special education at Roseburg High School and have loved my time there. I also have been busy teaching driver's education and helping coach the Special Olympics unified basketball team.
I am passionate about creating a positive atmosphere for my students and providing engaging activities that ignite a love of learning.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. We love camping, boating, biking, swimming and all the local events Roseburg has to offer. I also enjoy watching my kids, Cora and Teddy, play sports and be active participants in the community.
Lisa Shaklee
Co-Teacher
Hello! I have been working in education for many years, first in alumni relations and fundraising at UC Berkeley, California College of the Arts and University of Portland– and, before co-teaching at Maple Corner, as a substitute teacher for Douglas ESD.
I was a PhD candidate in comparative literature at New York University, graduating with a master of arts degree. NYU is notable for its performing arts programs; I studied Shakespeare there and brought this interest to Maple Corner. I am also an alumna of University of Oregon.
I am passionate about literature, art and music. I always try to bring a love of reading and writing– and the joy of learning– to the classroom. My goal is to help students develop critical thinking skills and become strong writers; empathy for others and inclusion are themes that run through my teaching.
I grew up in Roseburg with ties to the timber industry. My husband, Josh and I moved back to Roseburg in 2016 with our three daughters. I also love history and researching my own roots, stretching back many generations in the U.S., my mother is a member of the Keweenaw Bay Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe; my father’s ancestors were English colonists in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
I look forward to this year with your wonderful fourth, fifth and sixth graders!
Upper Elementary 2
Lauren Allred
Lead Teacher
I am so excited to be back at school with you all and to get to know the new friends joining our class! This will be my seventh year teaching at Maple Corner. We have many new and exciting things planned for this year and have been working hard over the summer to prepare for you! I can’t wait to share all of the new experiences with you. You will soon come to find that our classroom is a beautiful place to be.
My family and I have been the good kind of busy this summer. We spent many afternoons swimming, playing baseball and visiting with friends. I have two boys, Sawyer and Fischer, who also attend MCM, and I feel very lucky to be able to spend my days with them.
Grace Morris
Co-Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Grace Morris, I was born and raised in Roseburg, Oregon, and I’ve always had a deep appreciation for both community and nature. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and am passionate about nurturing curiosity and independence in young learners. I’m excited to be part of the Montessori environment, where children are encouraged to grow at their own pace and explore the world around them.
Outside the classroom, you’ll often find me enjoying Oregon’s great outdoors, whether it’s hiking, camping, or just soaking in the fresh air. I’m also an avid reader and love getting lost in a good book. I’m truly looking forward to a joyful and inspiring school year ahead!
Middle School
Grace Johnson
Middle School Math Teacher
Originally from Corvallis, I've lived in Roseburg for 9 years now. I studied Child Development at Humboldt State for my undergrad and later received my Masters of Education and Teaching from University of Phoenix. I'm happily married with two children, Gabriel, who is 13, and Henry, who is 6. My husband, Devon, is a Roseburg native and has been employed with Roseburg Forest Products for almost 12 years. We love our home with a big backyard, cranky old border collie, and our own little flock of ducks (it's actually just 4). I love to read and don't watch much TV, except for sports. I'm a big supporter of OSU Beaver Baseball especially! I enjoy being creative, especially crafting, making music, and dancing when I can.
Jennifer Higgins
Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
My name is Jennifer Higgins (Ms. Jenny) and I am your Language Arts and Social Studies teacher for grades 7 and 8.
I can’t wait to meet ALL the students and families of Maple Corner, but I’m especially excited to spend my second year with the seventh and eighth grade students. We are going to have so much fun learning new things and preparing for high school.
Here is a bit about me. I am the daughter of missionary parents. I was born in India, and spent my childhood growing up in India and Australia. If you like strange stories about weird animals or fascinating cultural events, get me talking about my experiences growing up.
I have taught middle school people for many years in many places: Boston, Massachusetts; Kamehameha School in Honolulu, Hawaii; and here in Roseburg at Joseph Lane Middle School. Middle school people are the best! I believe in respect, cooperation, and focused attention. I love turning learning into playing. I also love bringing in art, music, and choices to my lessons as often as I am able.
I hold a Masters degree in U.S. History and Bachelors of Science degrees in History and English with minors in Education and Art.
There are so many exciting things planned for students this year. I plan on being the biggest cheerleader for each student in my classroom.
Danielle Williams
Middle School Science Teacher and School Office Manager
I’m thrilled to begin my first year as the Middle School Science Teacher at Maple Corner Montessori! After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, I spent several years homeschooling my three children and quickly discovered a deep love for children and teaching. Since then, I’ve taught in a variety of educational settings, including three years in Roseburg Public Schools, five years leading homeschool science programs, and two years as a university physics lab teaching assistant.
For the past five years, I’ve been part of the wonderful Maple Corner community, where my appreciation for Montessori education and hands-on learning has only deepened. I’m passionate about nurturing the innate curiosity in every student and look forward to guiding the Middle School class in their scientific exploration this year.
Specials
Heather Littlejohn
School Music teacher, Middle School Band Teacher
I can't believe this is my 21st year of teaching! I am a licensed teacher with the state of Oregon and hold an MA in Music Education. The first 17 years of my career were spent in Sutherlin, where I taught MS/HS band and elementary music. Teaching at the same schools my children attended was a dream come true! I love the creative and kind community at Maple Corner Montessori, and I am especially thankful to once again be at the same school as my kids.
My family and I love to travel and keep busy with sports, hula, and piano. Recently, we hosted an exchange student, which was a wonderful experience. My love of teaching and music inspire me to encourage children to find what they love through exploration of instruments, singing, and movement, with cultural and theoretical components slipped in there too!
Ben Anderson
Physical Education Teacher
I am the Kinetic Specialist here at Maple Corner. I love sharing my passion for exploring ways to navigate the brain-body connection, as well as testing and expanding our individual physical limits in safe and fun ways. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy reading, playing music, and exploring the PNW with my two sons. Please say hello if you see me around the campus!
Deborah Lander
Spanish Teacher
¡Hola! I’m thrilled to be teaching Spanish this year at Maple Corner Montessori. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Family Science from Brigham Young University and a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. I have a deep passion for the Spanish language and for travel.
I lived in the Dominican Republic for 18 months, where I immersed myself in the culture and language. Since then, I’ve taught at an immersion training center, spent four years teaching Spanish at Roseburg High School, and continue to serve as a translator for a local congregation.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband (who also speaks fluent Spanish) and our four children. Our daughter, Ashlynn, is married and studying nursing at BYU; our oldest son, Taylor, is also at BYU; Joshua is preparing to serve in Brazil for two years before joining his siblings at BYU; and our youngest is just starting high school at RHS. We have a bonus daughter from Mexico living with us.
As a family, we love to travel, hike, scuba dive, and spend time on the water. I look forward to sharing my love of Spanish and culture with your children this year!
Tracey Leder
Art Teacher & School Nurse
Ms. Tracey is a mother of five, wife, and a registered nurse with 15 years of experience in both the emergency room and home health. She has a deep love for the arts and is regularly involved in community theatre, whether performing onstage or supporting her children’s roles. She enjoys singing and finds creative expression through doodling with a ballpoint pen, her favorite medium. In her “spare” time, Tracey loves being outdoors, baking artisan bread, and embracing a homesteading lifestyle—at least in spirit— with her lively menagerie that includes two dogs, five cats, three goldfish, two parakeets, six geese, three goats, bearded dragon, and too many chickens. Above all, time spent with her family and participating in service through her church is the most fulfilling!
English