~ Mandeville Staff Bios ~

Pat Lacoste Lytle, Founder
In 1966, Pat Lacoste Lytle found her calling. She began her first work in early childhood programs in both the United States and Europe. She gained valuable experience in traditional preschools, Child Care centers, and eventually in Montessori environments. She obtained her Montessori diploma in 1976, at St. Nicholas in London.

The insight she gained by working in such diverse programs led her to fulfill her dream of creating a place where children are nurtured, stimulated, and respected. Thus, Kinder Haus Montessori School was built in 1984.

Our Metairie school is a model facility toured and used as a training site for hundreds of professional Montessori and traditional teachers over the years. A forerunner in its field, Kinder Haus was one of the first schools in the United States to provide full-time, year round care with in a Montessori “children’s house.” Again, ahead of its time, programs for children 12 months through 3 years were included as regular programs. We remain one of the few schools with Montessori programs that are designed to meet the needs of working parents.

Encouraged by parents transferring to the Northshore of Lake Pontchatrain, Pat opened a second campus in 1996. Kinder Haus Northshore has identical programs and is located at the foot of the Causeway Bridge in Mandeville.

She is a graduate of Saint Nicholas of London where she studied and earned her Preprimary Montessori diploma. Eager to share her knowledge with other educators, Pat became a state certified trainer for Unlimited Potential Incorporated. Touring throughout Louisiana, she took part in training hundreds of Child Care workers and directors from licensed centers.

Currently she is a licensed trainer for Associates in Human Development, a national company also specializing in educating early childhood professionals, directors, and owners.

Other honors include representing the United States as a member of the People to People Delegation sent to China in 1991. She also was invited to represent the Louisiana Child Care Owners Association at the White House. Pat accepted a nomination to sit on the East Jefferson Hospital Advisory Board for women and child services and currently holds the position of state Liaison for the National Association of Child Care Professionals.

She has been an active participant in many professional organizations including the State and National Association of Education of Young Children, the American Montessori Society, American Montessori International, La. Child Care Council, La.Professional Association for Child Care, and the La. Association for Children Under Six and National Assoc. of Child Care Professionals and is currently the Louisiana Liaison.

Her passion for improving the quality of care for children has been an inspiration for many teachers. Her endless commitment to excellence continues to touch the lives of children, parents, and teachers.

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The Directors

Ms. Peggy Turner
Ms. Peggy joined the Kinder Haus team in August of 1999. She started in the Toddler classroom and quickly became the Toddler Team Leader. Ms. Peggy loves Montessori and became Montessori Certified in 2000. Ms. Peggy is in charge of personnel, staff schedules, and staff development/ training. Prior to working for Kinder Haus, Ms. Peggy’s experience ranges from management in retail to teaching in a 4-year old traditional classroom. Ms. Peggy wears many hats and is always willing to help the children, parents and staff. She and Ms. Lisa work closely together on any concerns that parents or staff might have.

Ms. Lisa Erickson
Ms. Lisa joined Kinder Haus in February of 2000 as the Office Manager. Prior to joining Kinder Haus, Ms. Lisa worked at St. Andrews United Methodist Preschool in Baton Rouge and for a marketing company in Mandeville. She has been happily married since 1987 and has two children, Lauren and Ryan. To further her professional development, Ms. Lisa became Montessori Certified in January 2003. Ms. Lisa is in charge of financial matters, tuition payments, enrollment, marketing and administrative details. She and Ms. Peggy are always available to parents and to staff for any and all concerns.

Ms. Peggy and Ms. Lisa work closely together on many of the school details. We welcome all suggestions and any concerns that you might have. We have an open door policy and are always striving to provide the best environment for you and your child.

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PreK/Kindergarten

Ms. Sharon Roberg
Ms. Sharon started with Kinder Haus in August of 2003. Ms. Sharon brings many years of experience with her to Kinder Haus. She first became intrigued with Montessori education when her two oldest children attended a Montessori school. She fell so in love with the Montessori method of learning that she enrolled in the A.M.I. training program. She received her certification in 1981. Ms. Sharon taught for 22 years in a Montessori school outside of Chicago. We are blessed to have her as a part of our Kinder Haus family. Your children will greatly benefit with the knowledge and experience she brings to their Montessori day.

Ms. Jane Sanchez
We are thrilled to have Ms. Jane Sanchez as the lead directress in our PreK/Kindergarten class. Ms. Jane started with Kinder Haus in May of 2002. She substituted for Kinder Haus prior to joining our staff and in her words “has fallen in love with the children of the PreK/Kindergarten class”. In the past few years, Ms. Jane has been a volunteer tutor for St. Tammany Literacy. Ms. Jane completed her training and correspondence work with Montessori World Educational Institute and became Montessori Certified in the fall of 2003. Ms. Jane also worked as an actress at the Detroit Repertory Theatre performing at inner city schools as part of a federally funded Cultural Enrichment Program in the 1960’s. Ms. Jane works in the daytime with Ms. Sharon and with Ms. Lori.

Ms. Lori North

Ms. Lori joined Kinder Haus in August of 2008. She has her Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from Nicholls State University. Ms. Lori will be working in the mornings assisting Ms. Jane and Ms. Sharon. She loves working with children and has substituted in many schools. Ms. Lori has realized that teaching is where her heart is and looks forward to many years at Kinder Haus.

Ms. Cathy Wild
Afternoon PreK/K

Ms. Cathy began her career at Kinder Haus in August of 2008. She had previously worked at Ecole Classique in Metairie for 15 years. Ms. Cathy enjoys walking, taking boat rides, gardening and cooking. When asked about her motivation for teaching, she stated, “she loves working with children and watching their minds work, grow and helping guide them into responsible young adults.”

Ms. Ali Boudreaux
PreK/K Afternoon

Ms. Ali joined Kinder Haus in August 2008. Ms. Ali’s energetic happiness is a wonderful addition to the PreK/K afternoon. She enjoys reading, drawing, outdoor activities and bike riding. Ms. Ali’s future goals are to attend college and get her degree in Early Childhood Education. She stated, “I have always wanted to be a teacher because I naturally get along with children”. Kinder Haus is looking forward to Ms. Ali working with the PreK/K children.

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The Preschool Team

Ms. Kim Crosby
Preschool Team Lead

Ms. Kim joined Kinder Haus Montessori in August of 2008. Ms. Kim has taught at various age levels during the past 25 years. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Child Development from Southeast Missouri State University. Kinder Haus is very blessed to have such a warm, compassionate person to lead our Preschool classroom. Her hobbies include singing, watching the Cardinals baseball games, board games and long walks but her favorite hobby is spending time with her husband and two children. When asked what motivates her to teach, she said “it was her desire to enhance a child’s life by teaching with respect and kindness.”

Ms. Daniela Alack
Ms. Daniela started with Kinder Haus in August of 2007. She has proven to be a wonderful addition to our Kinder Haus family. Ms. Daniela has”floated” in every classroom during the 2007/2008 school year. In addition she was our Loving Louisiana summer camp PreK/K lead. With a desire to learn more about child development, Ms. Daniela opted to teach in our Preschool class. She is currently enrolled at Montessori World Educational Institute to become Montessori certified. Ms. Daniela is dependable, flexible, and very nurturing to the children. She loves gardening, reading and spending time with her family.

 

Ms. Andrea’ Frosch
In October of 2007 Kinder Haus welcomed Ms. Andrea’ to our staff. Ms. Andrea’ first heard about the position from her neighbor, Ms. Lori. Thank you! Ms. Lori, for recruiting such a wonderful new teacher! Her natural love and patience for the children makes her a strong and consistent teacher. Ms. Andrea’ has three beautiful daughters, two which attend Kinder Haus. Her hobbies include singing and painting. We are fortunate to have her and her beautiful girls at Kinder Haus!

Ms. Shannon Donegan
Afternoon Preschool Lead

Ms. Shannon joined Kinder Haus in August of 2008 as Preschool afternoon team lead. She received her Bachelors in Social Work from the University of Alabama. After graduation, Ms. Shannon has primarily worked with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We are excited about her knowledge in child development and her enthusiasm to learn and implement Montessori in the afternoon. Her favorite hobbies include spending time with friends and family, watching University of Alabama football and shopping. Ms. Shannon stated “she wanted to make learning fun for children by creating an upbeat/energetic environment”. Her motivation was always there because of her love for working with children. This was reinforced by her younger cousins which strengthened her desire to make teaching a career.

Ms. Rachel Sanchez

Ms. Rachel joined the Kinder Haus family in August of 2008. She is a great help and support to Ms. Shannon in the afternoons. Her hobbies include music, reading and outdoor activities. Ms. Rachel’s natural love for the children is evident to all. When asked about her motivation for teaching, she stated, “my motivation is fueled by how eager children are to learn and wanting them to grow as individuals.” We welcome her eagerness to help the children enjoy their afternoons in the Preschool classroom.

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Toddler Classrooms

Ms. Ali Sitton
Team Leader

Ms. Ali first joined Kinder Haus in August 2001 where she was Afternoon Team Leader in the PreK/Kindergarten classroom and then she was promoted to PreK/Kindergarten Team Leader the following year. With the birth of her first child, Cameron, Ms. Ali stayed home and relished in her new job as “Mom.” Ms. Ali rejoined the Kinder Haus family in June of 2004 as the Preschool Team Leader. Ms. Ali received her degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in deaf education. She enhances our curriculum by teaching sign language and sharing her Montessori knowledge gained in the PreK/Kindergarten classroom.
Ms. Celess Camaille Krause
We welcomed Ms. Celess to Kinder Haus in August of 2005 as afternoon team leader. She and Ms. Ali will work closely together to provide a warm and loving environment for the toddlers to flourish in. Ms. Celess graduated from Delta College in Massage Therapy. She has a calm and reassuring manner that the toddlers naturally respond to. Ms. Celess is excited to learn as much as she can about Montessori and to share that with the toddlers.

Ms. Lori Berning

Ms. Lori joined Kinder Haus in November 2006. Ms. Lori has a Bachelor of Arts in Education—Special Ed. K—12 from The University of Florida. Upon graduation she worked as a Special Education teacher in Florida and then 33 years as a Delta Airlines airline attendant and supervisor. She retired from Delta Airlines and is now happily pursuing her career at Kinder Haus Montessori. We are excited to have her in the toddler classroom where she has fallen in love with the toddlers!

Ms. Karen Arthur

Ms. Karen joined Kinder Haus in 2008. She is a natural addition to the Toddler classroom as she is warm, loving and nurturing. Her smile brightens the PreK/K children for a short time each day during lunch and assisting with nap. Ms. Karen’s soft tones and consistent expectations are welcomed by each child at Kinder Haus. We are blessed to have her as a part of our Kinder Haus family.

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School Maintenance and Grounds

Mr. Mike and Ms. Irene Adams
We have a special “handy” couple in Mr. Mike and Ms. Irene. Together they care for our “Children’s House” on the weekends. They do many different projects ranging from refinishing our beautiful wood floors, remodeling rooms, making tables, building cabinets for our sinks, to maintaining the beauty of our yards, etc… the list could go on and on! Mr. Mike is a BS Mar Eng. Ex Navy Left Textron Marine who formed his own Maintenance and Repair Company. Ms. Irene is a Nuclear Medical Technician. We are so happy to have them as part of our Kinder Haus family!