About Us

Margaret Shreves, Director

I have a B.A. in Business Administration, an M.B.A., a Master’s in Education, and the AMI Montessori Primary Diploma. My goal at Mayflower Early Childhood Center is to provide your children with beautiful learning environments and well-trained teachers during these important developmental years. Prior to working in school administration, I enjoyed a business career and several years as a stay-at-home parent. I’m married with 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren.

Nanci Olesen, Assistant Director / Teacher - Children's House 4 (3-day Montessori)/ Parent Resource Center coordinator

I have a B.A. in Theater from Gustavus Adolphus College, the AMI Montessori Primary Diploma, and an M.Ed from Loyola University. At Mayflower I look forward to guiding the three-day Montessori classroom. As the Assistant Director, I will start the Parent Resource Center, providing resources both for deepening parents’ understanding of Montessori and for providing day-to-day support for the challenging work of parenting young children. I’m married with three children (one in college, two in high school). Before I began my work in Montessori education I worked in public radio, primarily reporting on issues related to parenthood. I've lived in the Kingfield neighborhood for 30 years.

Rachel Morris, Teacher - Children's House 3 (5-day Montessori)

I graduated from Macalaster College with a B.A. in Studio Art. I have a Master's in Education, and the AMI Montessori Primary Diploma for ages 3-6 years. I have worked at the Montessori Training Center for five years, and look forward to returning to the classroom to open the new full-day, year-round Montessori classroom at Mayflower Early Childhood Center in September, 2010. I have taught violin, worked at Concordia Language Villages, St. Croix Montessori School, Minnesota Valley School of Music, and Resources for Child Caring. I live in Minneapolis with my husband and two children.

Erin Haapala, Teacher - Children's House 2 (5-day Montessori)

I have a B.A. degree in Anthropology and Archaeology from the University of Minnesota, the AMI Montessori Primary Diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota, and a Master's in Education, I look forward to being the lead guide in CH2 in September, 2011, Mayflower’s second five-day Montessori classroom. In the past, I volunteered at the Crisis Nursery and with ESL students, worked as a docent and counselor at a children's museum, and coached figure skating.

Dagmar Hoebertz, Teacher - Children's House 1 (3-day Montessori / traditional program)

I grew up in the Western part of Germany and earned my Master’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of Cologne. In 2003 our family moved to Minnesota. I taught children and adults at the Germanic American Institute, and earned the AMI Montessori Primary Diploma for children ages 3-6 years at the Montessori Training Center of MN... For the past three years I have worked as the lead guide at Cornerstone Montessori School in St. Paul. I live in Lino Lakes with my husband and three sons. I am excited to get to know and work with the children and families of the Mayflower community.

Krista Lucas, Assistant Teacher - Children's House 3 / Community Outreach Coordinator

I graduated from St. Olaf College with a B.A. in Philosophy. After college, I worked with the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, as a camp counselor and for ECFE. I graduated from the Montessori Primary Training in May, 2010. This fall, I will work as an assistant in the new full day Montessori program, and also work part time in community outreach work geared toward integrating the young children of Creekside Commons and their families into the community of Mayflower Early Childhood Center.

Katy Hunt, Assistant Teacher - Children's House 4 / Nap Room / Aftercare Facilitator

I started out going to school in my mom's Montessori classroom in Forest Lake. I grew up in Scandia and eventually left MN after two years at the University. I continued my education in various places along the west coast, finishing my undergrad with a B.S. In Herbal Sciences in Seattle, WA. I received the Montessori Primary Diploma in May 2010 and have coordinated several programs for this age group as well as substituted in local schools. Children have always been a highlight of my life; from helping out in my mom's school to being a nanny or simply caring for children in their home. I am thrilled to be at Mayflower this year assisting in CH4, in the nap room, and continuing my day with the children in aftercare.

Emma Jo Lackie, Assistant Teacher - Children's House 1 / Nap Room

I have been a member of Mayflower Church for 30 years and involved with the various children's programs at the church for over 25 years. This has bin both as a lead instructor and classroom assistant. In June of 2011 I completed the A.M.I. Children's House Assistances Course. I enjoy helping and watching children grow by exploring their environment. My husband and I live in Richfield with our over demanding cat.

Tymber Anderson, Assistant Teacher - Children's House 2

I graduated from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in May 2011. Pervious to starting my Montessori training I worked as a nursery school and English teacher in Munich, Germany. I love to travel and learn about other cultures. I am passionate about the outdoors and I love to go hiking. I look forward to getting to know the families of the Mayflower community.

Zara Idris, Aide

I am from Ethiopia but I have lived in the United States for 22 years. In Seattle I worked for 9 years as a homecare aide and as a daycare provider. I was a nanny for 7 years. I have lived in Minneapolis for 4 years. I have 3 boys, ages 27, 20, and 17. In my family of origin, I am one of 11 children, so I am very comfortable with children and families. I love children and I love working with them! I am the bathroom aide to all classrooms at Mayflower, and I also clean the classrooms and do all the dishes.