Meet our Teachers

Toddler

Anela Medeiros- Toddler Guide, 'Ohi'a Class

An alum of MOMI, Anela has had the privilege of working in each classroom environment from Toddler to Middle School over the past ten years. Anela has a Bachelor's degree at Chaminade University Honolulu in Early Childhood Education.

Anela received her Montessori Toddler credential from The Center for Guided Montessori Studies, a MACTE accredited training center based in Tampa, Florida in May 2020. She enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her family.  

Primary 

Alejandra Veronica Carta- Primary guide, Nara Class

Alejandra joined MOMI in 2007.  She has served in a number of different capacities, including Assistant in the Kamani Primary classroom, where she is now the Lead Teacher.  She completed her AMI Primary training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2007 and also holds an English Preschool teaching certificate in Uruguay, where she was born and raised.

Ale moved to the United States in 2003 and to Maui in 2006.  Ale shared that, “I am absolutely enthralled by Montessori observation and, as a Lead Guide, it is my responsibility to prepare an environment that fosters growth and provides each child with the possibility to reach his/her potential.”

Shana Driscoll - Primary guide, Monkeypod class

Shana joined MOMI in 1996.  Shana holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a master’s degree in Education, she is also certified as a personal trainer.  She completed her Primary Montessori training with the Montessori Foundation in Sarasota, Florida.

Shana embraces the fact that lessons on campus are “presented” rather than “taught,” allowing each student to explore and eventually master skills at his or her own developmentally-appropriate pace. She sees the mission of her teaching as “encouraging and guiding children to become global citizens.” In addition to nurturing the Monkeypod students, she has three children of her own who have attended Montessori School of Maui.

jennifer zainuddin- Primary guide, plumeria class

Jennifer joined MOMI in 2021. Jennifer holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Urban Education and Social Justice. She completed her Primary Montessori training in Melbourne, Australia and holds an Association Montessori International credential for Early Childhood Education and Care.

Jennifer has had a multitude of teaching and student experiences in Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the United States. She draws on these past opportunities to inform her practice, forever supporting children in their self-discovery and development. In addition to creating a safe and inviting environment for the Plumeria students, Jennifer has two children of her own that also attend Montessori School of Maui.

Megan Lacasse- Primary guide, Kukui class

Megan joined MOMI in 2013.  She  completed her primary credential at Montessori Institute of San Diego and worked previously for a Montessori school in California for three years at the primary level - one year as the movement and gardening teacher and two years as a primary classroom assistant. Megan obtained her bachelor's degree in Human Development from UC San Diego, and spent her junior year studying abroad in Ireland. She completed a master's degree in Child Development at UC Davis. 

Megan feels passionately about following the child and creating an environment that fosters the child's independence. "Dr. Montessori believed, as do I, that we must 'educate for peace', which begins with the child," shared Megan. " I feel so blessed to be a member of this amazing community!".  Megan loves to hike, knit, sew, and cook yummy food alongside husband Scott, daughter Mae and their dog Abby.

Lower Elementary    

Jasmine Herrick- lower elementary guide, jacaranda class

Jasmine joined MOMI in 2019.  She has a Master’s Degree in Education with a Montessori Emphasis at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington along with her Montessori Elementary I & II credential and Washington State Teaching License.

Jasmine affords her students a calm, consistent presence within the Montessori classroom. Concerning what she hopes to accomplish as a Montessori teacher and facilitator of children’s growth, she explains that, "It is my honor to observe, guide, and provide experiences for the children, so that they may mold themselves into compassionate and adept adults."

JEnnifer Dempsey- lower elementary guide, wiliwili class

Jen joined MOMI in 2004 as a student teacher. She also served as the naturalist, taught kindergarten in public school, and was an assistant teacher in our Toddler class from 2014-2018.  Jen earned a bachelor's degree in Anthropology and master's degree in Elementary Education with a focus in Mathematics, Science and Montessori education. She earned an AMS Elementary I credential and also holds a Hawaii State Teaching license for grades K-6. She has additional training in Orton-Gillingham at the Associate Level. 

Jen is passionate about the Montessori methodology and pedagogy. She loves being a part of our school as she feels that we consistently value the needs and best interests of our students. She enjoys traveling, seeing live music, sewing, hiking, and spending time with her son, a MOMI student himself. 

MElinda Lyle-Javier - lower elementary guide, BAnyan class

Melinda has worked at the Montessori School of Maui for 35 years. She received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Hawai'i Manoa. Her Montessori training began with her Elementary degree and also included a Montessori degree in adolescent education. While being the lead teacher in our Adolescent program, she completed her Educational Media Design and Technology Master’s Degree. 

Melinda is passionate about the Montessori methodology and pedagogy and has been with us since the early days. She enjoys spending time with her daughters Kanoe and Anela (our Toddler Program teacher) and her grandchildren. 

Upper Elementary   

tevia arlidge- upper elementary guide, 'Iliahi class

Tevia joined MOMI in 2020 as a Teacher’s Assistant and Student Teacher a lower elementary classroom. Tevia holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He completed his Elementary I & II training at Age of Montessori Teacher Education Center and holds both Lower and Upper Elementary Teacher credentials.

Tevia worked previously as a program director and skills instructor in San Diego, California with San Diego Jr. Gulls Ice Hockey Club but found his calling as a Montessori Guide when his son began at MOMI in 2019. He is a go-getter and insatiable practitioner of knowledge, forever looking to understand the science behind the Montessori method and child development to ensure the best and most-growth evoking educational experiences for his students and others.

olof ehrenstrom- UPPER ELEMENTARY guide, mamane class

Olof joined MOMI in 2021. Olof holds a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Nurturing our Human Nature. He completed his Montessori training at Houston Montessori Center and holds additional teacher certification in the sciences for elementary through high school.

Olof has brought a multitude of life and work experiences to MOMI. He believes that his childhood on the Ivory Coast, West Africa alongside his sister, French mother, and Swedish father instilled an enthusiasm for the world and whatever is possible, easily ensuring for him that a “dedicated work ethic and commitment to life-long learning” feeds his soul while remaining at the forefront of his mind. 

Middle School  

Jeffrey Friedman- Middle school guide, Koa Class

Jeffrey joined MOMI in 2008. After serving as a primary teacher for five years, he moved to Portland and then Uruguay to dabble in different areas of Montessori's global growth. Jeffrey then returned to MOMI in 2013.  A graduate of the AMI Orientation to Adolescent Studies, AMS and AMI primary Montessori trainings, a bachelor's degree in English, a master's degree in Education, Jeffrey is well-equipped in the classroom. 

Jeffrey believes Montessori philosophy, theory and application in a school environment are among the greatest forms of humanitarian service and it shows in his passion for the work. He says, "by guiding children to reach the fullest realization of their personality, we rebuke the mainstream attitude towards childhood - book knowledge trumps character development. In this increasingly connected global community, it's not the facts and figures that will define success and satisfaction. Rather, the ability to joyfully engage in myriad collaborations between a cross-pollination of individuals from all corners of the Earth, in all industries that exist now, and those still yet to come in the future."