Cathy Rodrigue - Directress
We are excited to have Ms. Cathy directing Kinder Haus. Ms. Rodrigue leads with experience, enthusiasm and committment. Cathy has worked in various early childhood settings since 1978. Needless to say, Ms. Rodrigue loves children and has dedicated her life’s work to providing them with nuturing support. Ms. Cathy is a certified Montessori directress and has studied child care management as well.
Toddler Classroom
Acsa (Mrs. Carlos) Colmenares Toddler Team Leader
Enthusiasm is always welcome at Kinder Haus. Mrs. Acsa Colmenares came to us in 2005. She has been a teacher in the Toddler class and also works with the Preschoolclass after 3:00 p.m.
When asked what her motivation for teaching at Kinder Haus was, she said “I believe its crucial to help all children get a fair chance at a solid beginning in life. My mother has been a teacher for 25 years and she encouraged me to do the same. She said she saw an innate ability in me when it came to children. I took her advice and I believe she was right. I enjoy the children very much.” She is a certified Montessori Teacher receiving her certification from North American Progressive Montessori.
In her spare time Asca enjoys reading and scrap booking. She has a background in News Writing from Nicholls State University.
Chivon Haynes Toddler Team Member
She came to New Orleans from Canada. Chivon has previous work experience in day camps, child care and programming.
In her spare time she enjoys painting, drawing, singing, reading, meeting new people and travel.
Her goal is to help every child reach their growing needs in everyday skills, creativity and developmental components of their lives through multiple activies and fun challenges.
Ms. Chivon is in the Toddler class from 7:30-3:15. We are happy to have her smiling face and upbeat attitude on our Toddler team.
Preschool Team Leader - Tamarra (Mrs. Tony) James
Tamarra joined our Kinder Haus team in March, 2002. She is the proud mom of two wonderful sons.
Previously, she had worked in various child care settings and had worked with 3 and 4 year olds every summer as part of the Jefferson Parrish Man Power Program.
After graduating from Grace King High School she attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She majored in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Tamarra completed her Montessori Certification in January, 2006 through North American Progressive Montessori.
Organization, patience, flexibility, and joy are some of Tamara’s best qualities.
We appreciate all of her outstanding contributions and dedication to our children, their parents and co-workers . Thanks for sharing our vision.
Bonnie (Mrs. Byron) Toups - Preschool Team
Bonnie Toups brings her sparkling smile and nurturing spirit with her to Kinder Haus. She is crossed trained to work everywhere in our school. An extremely rare and valuable gift! Mrs. Bonnie obtained her Montessori Certification in August, 2005 through North American Progressive Monthessori.
Her skill is obvious and much attributed to natural talent, many years of child care experience and love of children. Thank you Bonnie for your professionalism, dedication, and positive attitude. Your many contributions are truly appreciated.
Sarah (Mrs. Mohammad) Khan - Preschool Team
Mrs. Sarah is an assistant teacher in our Preschool class. She enjoys helping children meet meet the challenges of life in their early years by providing them with a supportive environment.” Her nuturing spirit and special smile are truly a gift.
Pre K/Kindergarten
Crystal (Mrs. Anthony) Martinez Pre K/Kindergarten Team Leader
Mrs. Crystal joined our staff in the Spring of 2007. Her outstanding abilities were immediately obvious. After substituting in all classes we were delighted to have her become a Pre-K/Kindergarten team member. Mrs. Martinez is from Michagan and moved here in 2007. She is an Occupational Therapy Major with experience working in Early Childhood Settings.
Reading, writing poetry and short stories, painting and being with children are some of her favorite past times.
“My goal is to make a difference and a positive impact in the life of every child I come across!” - There is no doubt she will do that!
Misbah Kirmani - PreKK/Kindergarten Team
Misbah’s education and peaceful demeanor make her an exceptional addition in the Pre K/Kindergarten room. She holds three degrees from the University of Punjab, Pakistan; Bachelor’s of Art, Masters of Islamic Studies, and a Master’s in Philosophy. “I have the natural ability to understand and solve children’s psychological and emotional needs,” explains Misbah. Misbah is also certified in Planning & Early Childhood Environments, Nutrition and Parent Communication, to name a few. We are delighted to have such a loving, caring and hardworking individual. Misbah enjoys painting, gardening and reading in her free time. She is also the mother of Pareeshay who attends the Pre-K class.
Kim Callaghan - Pre K/Kindergarten Team Member
Kim joined our Kinder Haus staff in the Fall of ‘08. In the past Kim has worked in the medical field, the real estate mortgage area and in the child care settings. Her love of children and desire to teach brought her to us. She is now taking Montessori classes on-line.
Kim is also the mother of 12 year old Cassidy and Dylan who is in our Toddler Class. Kim enjoys spending time with her children, going to the park and movies.
Michele Lynne Trosclair - Pre K/Kindergarten
Michele joined our Kinder Haus staff full time in January,2010. She has previous experience working in traditional preschool programs. She is the mother of two children Brianna and Brian. Some of her interests in her free time are reading, writing, teaching someone something new, learning something new, being outdoors spending time with her children and their puppy. Michele loves meeting new people and making new friends.
Patti (Mrs. Damien) Millan - Substitute
Educated, experienced, dedicated and nurturing. Ms. Patti Millan is a much valued member of our Kinder Haus Family. Her experience working with children began while she attended the University of New Orleans. She earned her degree in English. Patti took several classes and completed 24 hours post graduate work in elementary education as well. After discovering the Montessori method she completed the hands on training and correspondence course through the M.W.E.I. Her experience working with children is varied and diverse. Patti taught Freshman English at Mt. Carmel, the 3 year old class at Children’s community co-op Preschool. She substituted at Children’s House Montessori School and spent 100 hours as a teacher aid in an elementary program. She currently teaches religion at St. Catherine’s 2 year old class on Sundays.
As a volunteer, her work with children continued. She gave puppet shows for the New Orleans Opera outreach program. At Longue View Gardens, she gave tours and taught gardening. She became a docent at New Orleans Museum of Art and took part in Hermann – Grima House explaining cooking methods of the 1830’s to school groups.
Patti is married Damien and has two beautiful children and a wonderful grandbaby too. Her knowledge and shinning spirit is a gift to us all. We are honored to have her support our program as a substitute.
Naheed Tabasum - Substitute
Naheed has 10 years experience in a Montessori environment and brings warmth and knowledge to our team. She enjoys cooking, music and dancing with her 5 year old daughter.
Susan (Mrs. Paul) Hasney Office Support - Substitute
You know that old saying, “It is an ill wind that blows no good! Well, after Katrina Sue’s sister-in-law, Marie took me into her home, as mine was flooded! She kept saying, “You need to meet my sister-in-law, she is perfect with kids!” AND BOY IS SHE! Ms. Sue came to us in December, 2005, and Marie was right; she is a perfect match to our program. She is soft spoken, respectful and loving toward the children a natural Montessorian. In addition to subbing in the classrooms, she works in the office on Tuesday and Thursday. Her 30 years experience in public accounting is a great help. When she is not sharing her talents with us, she enjoys working out, cooking and reading. Traveling with her husband, Paul, who is a motivational trainer is also something she enjoys. Beach trips are one of her favorite! Their son Christian is an ENT resident at Tulane University Hospital. When asked what motivates her to work with children her reply was “To set the best example I can. Help develop children to their full potential. Learn as much as I can.” Well Ms. Sue give yourself a pat on the back you are a success in meeting those goals! I might add that the love and enjoyment you share with the children is a wonderful gift to every child. With you, they know they are valued, special and they feel the love! Thank you for being a part of our team.
Michelle Silva - Office support
“Enthusiastic” and “Getting the job done!” are two expressions we like to use when speaking of our new office support, Michelle. Originally from Detriot, Michigan, Michelle earned her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2000. Experienced in sales, marketing and most notably, the Publicist with Excalibur Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, we value her creative thinking skills and organization. In her free time she enjoys reading, gardening and going to dance class. Michelle is also the mother of Gracie who attends the Pre-K class.
Carolyn Parker - Food Service Provider
Good, nutritious lunches and snacks are an important part of our program. Ms. Carolyn
has 34 years of experience as a food handler and has also worked for Jefferson Parish School providing child care in their after school program. What a great fit for her work at Kinder Haus. The children and staff are already enjoying her cheerful interactions. You will too.
Kenneth Putfark
Maintience and Groundskeeper
Born and raised in New Orleans, Mr. Kenneth Putfark is one of our most popular staff members. Multi-talented,”Mr.Kenny” makes necessary repairs and improvements to our Metairie campus.
He focuses on safety and is dedicated to maintaining a beautiful environment for our children. He also plays the piano for them and substitutes in the Pre Kindergarten class if the need arises.
The children adore Mr. Kenny and many of his projects become spontaneous and valuable lessons. A Montessorian at heart, he patiently introduces names of tools and occasionally invites students to help him complete meaningful tasks. All of the children absorb so much from him. Relaxed and intriguing learning takes place according to the interests of the children.
“An aid to life…” as Dr. Montessori said,” is the role of the adult in the Children’s House.”
Mr. Kenny, without even knowing, follows her vision with his many contributions to our programs. We are delighted to have him as an important member of our Kinder Haus family.
Michelle O’Brien
Michelle O’Brien joined Kinder Haus in 1984. Working part time while attending Loyola University, she fell in love with Montessori and became a full time teacher in 1987. Over the years she has worn many hats. She has been a classroom team leader, assistant director, outreach coordinator, founder and director of our Mandeville campus, and workshop leader for both parents and teachers.In 1992 she earned her diploma from the Montessori World Educational Institute. Her administrative and leadership training was obtained from the Montessori Foundation in Washington D.C, and from the Wilson Corporation based here in New Orleans.
Michelle has been an active trainer for teachers, directors, and parents since 1991. She was invited as a parent trainer to present mini-workshops for Home Depot, East Jefferson Hospital, and Eye to Eye. Special acknowledgements include; training over 300 teachers for the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 200 administrators for the American Montessori Society’s national convention in New York, and was recruited as keynote speaker and trainer to over 400 teachers (infants through sixth grade) from Region IX Public Schools in New Mexico.
Michelle is a certified trainer for Associates in Human Development, a national company educating Child Care directors and owners. She is the founder of “Mindlighters,” a teacher training and parent guidance company.
Memberships in the following organizations have also allowed her to share her expertise with many early childhood professionals throughout the country. Memberships included; the International Montessori Council’s Peace Academy, NAEYC, LAEYC, NSLAEYC, NACCP, LAPACC, AMS, and AMI.
Her favorite job (and most prestigious accomplishment) has been raising her son Tyler. He is a Duke University Scholar. He scored in the top 99 % of all students tested in the United States. Michelle says, “His kind heart and contagious laugh are his greatest gifts. He is my hero, my role model, my sunshine.