Meet Our Staff

Carey holds a Masters in Montessori Leadership and is proud to support the efforts of the great teachers and staff that make GFMA what it is today. She began her Montessori journey nearly 19 years ago, following the birth of her first child. While raising her own five children, she continued with formal Montessori training and guidance from AMS-certified teachers; and received her Montessori Teaching Diplomas for children ages 0-3, 3-6, and 6-9 years. In addition to several published articles, she was selected to present a workshop at the Montessori Foundation’s 19th Annual International Montessori Conference. She is also a proud Rotarian dedicated to service, and has been a featured speaker at Rotary International Clubs in the United States, discussing Montessori methodology in early childhood education.

     Miss Carey has remained committed to the values and mission of the school for the past 15 years, since her own children began at the school in 2007. With a team of amazing and talented, dedicated teachers, Carey provides the support, training, encouragement, and most importantly, the autonomy, for them to be able to do what they do best — guiding the child and partnering with parents like you to foster a bright future.

Miss Shelly has been a part of the GFMA/Little Scholar Ship Family for nearly 30 years. It is an understatement to say she has had a profound impact on the children in our community — teaching, guiding and helping them to be their best and having a positive impact on their futures.

     Shelly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor in Visual Arts, with additional coursework in Elementary Education from UND. She acquired her Montessori Teaching Diploma in 2001 after having been mentored and assisted AMS Montessori teachers for nearly 10 years at Little Scholar Ship. Miss Shelly remains involved with Montessori and early childhood development continuing education, and helped with the initial certification of GFMA's Nature Explore Certified Outdoor Classroom, the first in North Dakota. Shelly is one of the most resourceful, creative, effective and dedicated teachers, who actively pursues continuous education within the Childcare, Montessori, and Outdoor Education spheres. An avid volunteer, she has developed numerous skills volunteering with the Boy Scouts, and continues active volunteer work with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

Miss Trisha, a Nationally Credentialed Childcare Director, has been a part of the GFMA Family since 2016, keeping everyone informed, organized and happy. A graduate of UND, Miss Trisha had extensive coursework in Elementary Education before realizing that the public sector in education was not the direction she wanted to go. As a people person who enjoys connecting and learning in non-traditional ways, Miss Trisha found herself drawn to the hospitality industry and worked for many years overseeing staffing, daily management, and customer relations. Her many years’ experience as a manager of the Hilton Garden Inn and the CanadInn provided Miss Trisha with valuable experience working not only with guests and staff, but also safety and health regulations that foster healthy environments for people of all ages.

     Trisha feels at home in the education field where she can apply the level of professionalism only gained through experience, as well as work with both children and adults as they grow in supportive learning environments. She continues her professional development in the field of Early Childhood Education and Administration in a Montessori setting.

Since 2017, Miss Mare has brought us a unique skill set. With degrees in Elementary Education, Music Education, and a background in Spanish language education, Miss Mare has taught at preschool, elementary, and high school levels in both the private and public school sectors. She loves the theatre and has directed student productions for 20 years. Miss Mare is also a fantastic seamstress, lending her skills to the classroom and special activities. Professional, diplomatic, and well-liked by all, Ms. Mare knows how to balance and enjoy life; sharing her enthusiasm for learning with all.

https://www.grandforks-montessori.com/careers