IMA Team

“Whoever touches the life of the child touches the most sensitive point of a whole which has roots in the most distant past and climbs toward the infinite future.”

DR. MARIA MONTESSORI

We are a team of dedicated Montessorians!  We are honored to spend our days with children who experience tremendous growth and leadership while in our care.  All children have a natural love for learning, a motivation to master skills and a remarkable gift of kindness to those around them.  Read below and discover what enthralls us about a Montessori Education.

Cora Dustman

Administrator

BA Psychology of Human Development and Sociology

Ball State University

AMS Primary Certification

Seton Institute

“There are so many, many things I love about Montessori!  One of the main things that I love is that Montessori education encompasses the whole child.  Children in the Montessori environment learn and develop so many skills and attributes that are beyond that of academic education (which is extraordinary in and of itself!).  Montessori education fosters the child’s independence, self-esteem, and confidence.  This is all done in addition to learning how to communicate, problem solve, and develop grace and courtesies.  Maria Montessori even acknowledged the need for children to develop spiritually as well.  One of the joys in working in the Montessori environment comes from watching children show kindness, maturity, and the ability to think for themselves.  I love that the Montessori environment allows children to develop their full potential as a whole being.”

Allyson Ryan

Directress, Lilac Classroom

Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate Certification

AMI Primary Certification

Montessori Institute of North Texas (MINT)

“I love the Montessori learning environment! The child-centered environment allows children to grow and learn at their own pace and to work independently or with a friend. The teachers act as a guide, helping them along their learning journey without interrupting the process. They are always there to help when needed. I love seeing the children fully engaged in their work and seeing them help one another. They are all so willing to help each other succeed!"

Juliana Rentas Torres

Classroom Assistant, Lilac Classroom

AA Digital Photography

The Art Institute of Indianapolis

“I absolutely love the Montessori method!  I have known about the Montessori learning environment for several years now.  My favorite things about Montessori is that it fosters independence and focuses on the social emotional skills.  I love to see children grow and develop in the environment; it’s truly rewarding to witness.”

Jennifer Moore

Classroom Assistant, Azalea Classroom

“What I like about Montessori is every day is different. The kids can work on any subject in the room for as long as they wish, as well as decide if they would like to work alone or work with a friend. I also like that they can freely travel around the room or choose to observe a working friend.”

Lexy Odom

Directress, Toddler Community

AMI Assistance to Infancy Certification
Washington Montessori Institute

"From my first steps into a Montessori classroom, I knew it was my calling. I started as an assistant in a primary classroom and quickly fell in love with the Montessori method and approach to education. The freedom and knowledge the children have to do the work is something to be admired. The level of concentration that even the youngest children possess is astounding. I am amazed every day by all the children can do when given the right tools and environment. I am blessed to work with children from 0 to 3 years of age, witness them form their sense of independence, and prepare them for their journey to a primary room!" 

Priscilla Roberts

Classroom Assistant, Toddler Community

“What I love most about Montessori Education is the natural environment and the social skills being built! The space in which the children use their natural-curiosity and soak up the materials and discoveries around them. Children are encouraged to establish and communicate boundaries helping to understand the ones within the classroom alike. I love to see these types of development at such an early age.”

Krista Smith

Classroom Assistant, Toddler Community Aftercare

BS Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Indiana State University

“I love how the Montessori environment encourages each child to explore the possibilities and make decisions for themselves, helping the child to develop confidence and independence.”

Patti Spodeck

Classroom Assistant, Azalea Classroom

Computer Science

Indiana Vocational Technical Institute

"What I love about Montessori is hard to summarize in a few words. It's the witnessing of what I love to describe as the three L's. Montessori environments are filled with moments of love, laughter and learning. Everyday I am in awe of the children's love of learning a new lesson; laughter resonating throughout the classroom as the children work collectively together on a group activity and love affectionately displayed comforting or assisting their fellow classmates. Life lessons learned for a promising future generation."

Grace Moyer

Directress, Magnolia Classroom

BA Elementary and Special Education

Trine University

MA Early Childhood Montessori Education

Trine University

"There are many things I love about Montessori, especially how it truly educates the whole child. In its nature, Montessori is designed to meet every child exactly where they are and advance them holistically, not simply academically. It allows the child to grow as a person, including emotionally, physically, socially, and cognitively. Montessori values all of a young child’s potentials and capabilities, and gives the child the opportunity to act on them. However, my favorite part of Montessori is the feeling I get when I am observing the class. Being able to step back and watch the classroom function as its own community, where they all rely on one another and build each other up."

Isabelle Hanson

Classroom Assistant, Magnolia Classroom
 

BA Fine Arts
Indiana University, South Bend

"I love Montessori because it focuses on the whole child as they grow and provides them the opportunity to learn valuable skills that will benefit them the rest of their lives. Being a part of that is incredibly rewarding, and every day is a new opportunity for growth and development!"

Nancy Mancini

Classroom Assistant
 

Master of Business Administration
Indiana University

Bachelor of Science Supply Chain Management
Michigan State University

"I am new to Montessori and in my short time here I love witnessing a child's excitement when invited to be introduced to a new lesson. They instantly light up and become fully engaged and concentrated on the lesson. It is their time with the directress and they are captivated by the new material being presented.

I also appreciate the practical life skills taught at Montessori. Montessori teaches the children to care for themselves, their classroom, and their peers. The classroom basically equips the child for everyday life. It is truly amazing to watch."

Sarah Anderson

Classroom Assistant, Aftercare

BS Business Administration

University of Arizona

“I appreciate the observational approach of Montessori. Children and adults alike, learn so much from observing others and their environment.”

Rachel Webster

Classroom Assistant, Aftercare

BA Communication Studies

IUPUI

“Montessori is a special place for youth to learn the individuality, kindness and the importance of working together and helping one another. I love the gentleness of each classroom and observing how much the children can do on their own. It’s such a pleasure and blessing to be a part of IMA.”

Kris Spence

Directress, Azalea Classroom and Head of School

BBA, Human Resources Management
Eastern Michigan University

AMI Primary Certification
Montessori Institute of Milwaukee

“My love of Montessori comes from the moments we witness on a daily basis with the children.  There is a sense of peace and calmness that the children exhibit when they have mastered something on their own.  We witness intense levels of concentration for a child of 3-6.  We watch them transform from 3 year olds just establishing their first steps toward independence and yearning for more who later transform into 6 year olds that are confident, mature, well-mannered, helpful, and ready to learn even more than what they have already mastered.  We are so fortunate to witness this tremendous growth.  It is a love of this environment and the children who come here, for me, that grows deeper each year that I am with them!”