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 Montessori certification and my journey has led me through both public education and Montessori schools in Connecticut and Utah before bringing me to Maple Corner Montessori School. Here, I have the profound privilege to work alongside my mother and best friend, striving together to create the very best school we can.
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 14 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 fourth 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 guitar, 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 third 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
Nadine Boes
Lead Teacher
My name is Ms. Nadine and I am delighted to introduce myself as your brand new Primary 2 teacher for the 2024-25 school year!
After living and working in the Portland area for the last 12 years, it feels wonderful to be back in Roseburg, my hometown. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in General Studies, with a focus on linguistics and teaching English as a second language. From there, I worked in school-based, licensed childcare as a Site Director. I have over 7 years of experience as an early childhood educator, and I am eager to adapt my knowledge to the Montessori way of teaching.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, camping, and trying my hand at a variety of Pinterest crafts! I also love organization and entertaining my two cats, Lopey and Posey. I know we are going to have a lovely year together- see you soon!
Kindergarten
Ashley Mincher
Lead Teacher
Hello everyone! 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 6th 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 had my first child in January of 2023 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 son 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, first and third grade. This is my fourth year at Maple Corner Montessori where I have taught Kindergarten and Lower Elementary. I am Montessori certified and love this method of teaching.
I grew up in the Southwest, mainly in New Mexico. I have three children and when I’m not busy spending time with them, I enjoy sewing, baking, reading, hiking and kayaking. I love coffee, chocolate and being outside. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful and brilliant little ones with me. I look forward to spending time with each of them!
Nina Sosa
Co-teacher
Hello, my name is Enedina Sosa, but you can call me Ms. Nina. I am so excited to come back to Maple Corner Montessori this school year. It’s been such an amazing experience working with the staff and students here and I am very honored to be a part of this lovely community.
I moved to Oregon from the San Francisco Bay Area after getting married in 2020. Since I was a little girl, I always knew I wanted to work as an educator. I received my Associates degree in Child and Adolescent Development from Foothill College and have been working with children since 2017. Additionally, I am almost done with my Montessori Training! Aside from spending time with children, I enjoy walking, singing, playing ukulele, and my little family who are the biggest encouragement in my life.
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 first year here, and from working as a part of Lower El2 last year. 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 tenth 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 last year, assisting in the kindergarten room, and later in Lower Elementary 2, where I will be teaching 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! 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. This will be my sixth year teaching at Maple Corner. I have spent the summer preparing many new and fun activities and lessons to share this school year!
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.
Jaz Denney
Co-Teacher
Hi, my name is Ms. Jaz! I am so excited and grateful to be working with your child this year. This is my first year with Maple Corner, but my fourth year teaching. I love spending time with my family, gardening, coaching volleyball and of course, teaching!
I have a Bachelors of Science from Oregon Institute of Technology. My background includes medical sciences, physical sciences and technological sciences. I look forward to bringing my experiences to my classroom teaching. I believe we learn best through authentic experiences. Seeing where learning can be applied in the real-world gives value and purpose. This year we will aim to gain a deeper understanding of content through application and making sense of phenomena!
Middle School
Kailee Risi
Middle School Math and Science Teacher
I am so excited to be teaching in Maple Corner Middle School this year! This is my fifth year teaching at Maple Corner Montessori. I am Montessori trained , have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and have my Oregon teaching license. I am excited to return with my students from last year and meet all the amazing new students in middle school.
My family and I enjoy spending time together outdoors during the summer months. We love playing outdoor games, paddle boarding, and attending local events! I have three wonderful daughters, Rylee, Rowan, and Ryver, who all attend Maple Corner and look forward to the new school year!
Jennifer Higgins
Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
My name is Jennifer Higgins (Ms. Jenny) and I am your new 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 meet 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.
Specials
Heather Littlejohn
School Music teacher, Middle School Band Teacher
I can't believe this is my 20th 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!
Nina Sosa
Spanish Teacher, Lower Elementary Teacher
Hello, my name is Enedina Sosa, but you can call me Ms. Nina. I am so excited to come back to Maple Corner Montessori this school year. It’s been such an amazing experience working with the staff and students here and I am very honored to be a part of this lovely community.
I moved to Oregon from the San Francisco Bay Area after getting married in 2020. Since I was a little girl, I always knew I wanted to work as an educator. I received my Associates degree in Child and Adolescent Development from Foothill College and have been working with children since 2017. Additionally, I am almost done with my Montessori Training! Aside from spending time with children, I enjoy walking, singing, playing ukulele, and my little family who are the biggest encouragement in my life.
Kortney Wadsworth
Art Teacher
Hello! I'm thrilled to join the MCM Faculty as this year's art teacher! With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education focusing on early childhood and a Master's in Special Education, I've had the joy of teaching 2nd grade, 4th grade, Kindergarten, and spending years as a substitute teacher. Art has always been my passion, and I can't wait to bring that excitement to our classroom!
When I'm not teaching, I'm on adventures with my four amazing kids, baking delicious treats, paddleboarding, exploring new restaurants, and traveling to new places. I'm eagerly looking forward to meeting all the students at MCM and creating some fantastic, "fridge-worthy" art together!
