| My name is Kate Teehee, I grew up in Portland,Oregon. I married my husband 1987 and we traveled with the Air Force for 20 years. We have 2 young men that go to Clark College.. I have been blessed to have stayed at home with our boys while they were growing up. I have been helping in their class rooms and in Special Ed all these years. I love working with children of all ages. We as a family love to go hiking in the Gorge and enjoy just spending time outdoors anytime we get a chance. We still enjoy a walk in the Rain... |
| Kate Teehee Afternoon Assistant |
| I am often asked the question when working with this age group, "How do you do it?". For me, it isn't a job but God's wonderful plan for me that I am following and it totally fulfills my needs. You see, I have always wanted to become a teacher of some kind. Even at a young age my mother would often find me playing 'teacher' with my stuffed animals or dolls. While attending Fort Vancouver High School I did some student teaching at Martin Luther King School, then worked part time as a Spanish teacher with the preschoolers at Skinner Montessori School and later as an assistant. After getting married at the pristine age of 19 (whoa!), I worked in various other jobs until I had a son, Adam in 1980 and enrolled him in Vancouver Montessori when he was 3. Even though I loved working at home with my son, I missed the atmosphere of a classroom. Then I discovered that the Montessori Training Center was now located in Portland (previously it was only as close as California). Immediately I enrolled and graduated in 1983 from what is now called the Montessori Institute Northwest. My first job was at my old stomping grounds at Skinner Montessori in Vancouver. In 1984, I had a daughter, Danae who later attended Skinner when she was also 3. In 1988 I was offered the chance to start a Montessori School at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Camas (where my adorable mother-in-law attends). To sum it all up, I have been teaching for over 25 years and administrating for over 20 years. My husband and I celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary in 2007. My children have grown into wonderful adults of whom I am very proud. My favorite activities include competitive volleyball (I've been on a co-ed league for over 10 years), crossword puzzles, traveling and taking cruises, In my heart I know that someday I will have to retire and give up this enjoyable career, but until then I will continue to give all of myself, (the kid in me too) to the children by whom I am consistently intrigued. Although some of my former students are now in high school or even married(!), I love it when I run into them again to see how much their five-year-old personalities and bodies have changed! My students will always remain a wonderful memory. |
| My name is Barbara Williamson. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. After high school I worked at Meier & Frank's for 16 years starting as Inventory Help, then Sales, then Clerical work. After moving to Camas I heard of an opening at a local Montessori School and started working at Aquinas Montessori as the afternoon assistant from 2:30-5:30. Then an opening came up to work as Donna's classroom assistant and I welcomed the chance to be involved in an operating Montessori classroom. I have been here for 17 years. I have been married to Pat (who was literally, the "boy next door") for over 29 years. I have known him since I was 3 1/2 years old! I love working with children, working in my yard and going for walks. |
| Barbara Williamson Assistant Bumblebee Room |
| Donna Hargrave Administrator and Teacher Bumblebee Room |
| Nina Draper Teacher Butterfly Room |
| Arlene Nething Retired Assistant Butterfly Room |
| My name is Nina Draper. I was born in San Francisco, California. I became interested in Montessori when I visited a classroom during my Early Childhood Education training. I received my A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Development in 1987 from the College of the Redwoods in Eureka, California. I taught preschool for 3 years at Moore Avenue Children's Center in Eureka, California. I also worked for 1 year at Little People's Corner also located in Eureka. I left teaching in 1991 for a job at the local newspaper (Eureka). In 1996 my husband and I moved up to Vancouver, Washington. I found the Montessori Training Center in Oregon City (the Montessori Institute Northwest). I received my AMI Montessori Diploma in June of 1998 and then I gave birth to my one and only child 2 weeks later. I stayed home and was a nanny for 2 years and then started working at Aquinas Montessori in September 2000. My daughter, Mia, started here in 2001, she was in Tami's class for 4 years. Mia is currently enrolled at Cascadia Montessori. |
| My name is Arlene Nething. I moved to Camas, Washington in 1978 from San Diego, California. I operated a daycare service in my home for 10 years and taught Sunday School and Children's Church. In 1988 I heard that Donna Hargrave was opening a Montessori School and I applied and got the job as teachers assistant. I took several training classes. I have been happily working at Camas Montessori School for 20 years. Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with 5 teachers. I have 7 grandchildren and 2 of them are currently attending Camas Montessori. |
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| Jessica Huynh Assistant Butterfly Room |
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life. Every job I have had has been working with children. I am married and we plan tohave our
own kids soon. I enjoy hiking, bowling, swimming and music.
own kids soon. I enjoy hiking, bowling, swimming and music.
