The Children’s House
The Montessori classroom is prepared to meet each child where they are developmentally, supportive of their individual intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs. This is accomplished when the Montessori teacher creates intentional spaces with hands-on educational materials to support a nurturing environment to thrive.
Approximate Ages: 24 months - 6 years
Venus, Lead 2-year-old Teacher
Venus joined VAKC in January of 2026. They earned their child care teacher qualifications through Department of Children and Families foundational trainings in Introduction to the Childcare Profession, Skills and Strategies for the Childcare Teacher, and Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care. With a background in being a children's dance teacher and after school drama teacher, it is important to Venus to nurture a creative environment starting early on. They are a certified Reiki Master and tend to bring some tools that cross over into cultivating social-emotional awareness and healthy expression into the learning environment. They like to make sure everyone feels seen and heard within their daily experience with the VA. Growing individuality while respecting others is very important to Venus' teaching style. When not teaching, Venus can be found doing yoga, Jiu-Jitsu with their teammates and going on nature adventures with their spirited Chihuahua-Pomeranian, Teddi.
Luisa, 2-year-old Assistant Teacher
Luisa joined VAKC in January of 2025. Luisa has earned her lead child care teacher qualifications through Department of Children and Families foundational trainings in Introduction to the Childcare Profession & Skills and Strategies for the Childcare Teacher. She previously worked in a bilingual preschool focusing on the spanish language. Luisa is from Venezuela and loves being able to work independently with each child to support their autonomy individually.
Ann, Lead 3 to 6-year-old Montessori Teacher
Ann joined VAKC in January of 2025. She earned her Montessori Children’s House Diploma from Association Montessori International as well as a Wisconsin DPI license in Early Childhood Education. Her mission as a Montessori teacher is to observe each child, and follow the cues they give in their intrinsic quest for self-development. Ann values the human connection with nature both as an educator and in her personal life. When Ann is not at VAKC she enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, their two dogs, and elderly cat. They enjoy visiting with friends and family, bird-watching, working in their garden, exploring the outdoors via walking or biking!
Erica, 3 to 6-year-old Assistant Teacher
Erica joined VAKC in May of 2025. She moved to Wisconsin 5 years ago with her husband, Charlie, from Northern Michigan. They have two beautiful girls, Hunter and Quinn. When she’s not working she likes to be outside enjoying nature, hiking. camping, or hanging by a good camp fire. She also loves being by the water swimming, fishing, and taking her girls to the zoo and parks to play.
“The hands help the development of the intellect. When a child is capable of using his hands, he can have a quantity of experiences in the environment through using them. In order to develop his consciousness, then his intellect, and then his will, he must have exercises and experiences.”
—Maria Montessori
