~ Metairie Staff Bios ~

Pat Lacoste Lytle, Founder and Director

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 Liason.

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 everyday.

Toddler Classroom

Chivon Haynes Toddler Team Member

She came to New Orleans from Canada. Chivon has previous work experience in day camps, child care and event 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 activities and fun challenges.

Ms. Chivon will be scheduled in the Pre K/Kindergarten class from noon until 3:15. We are very happy to have her smiling face and upbeat attitude join our team. Chivon will also work in Preschool from 11:00 until 12:00. You will also see her in othr classes substituting as needed!

Preschool Team LeaderTamarra (Mrs. Tony) James 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 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.

Acsa Colmenares
Preschool Team Member

Enthusiasm is always welcome at Kinder Haus. Mrs. Acsa Colmenares came to us after Hurricane Katrina. She has been co-teacher in the Toddler class.

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 plans to be certified as a Montessori Teacher soon.

“Eventually, I would like to do a Kinder Haus Montessori Newsletter. I believe there are parents out there who don’t know how remarkable this method really is.” Acsa is the wife of Carlos and a step-mother to Carlitos Jr.

In her spare time Asca enjoys reading and scrap booking. She has a background in News Writing from Nicholls State University.

Pre K/Kindergarten

Crystal Martinez Team Leader

We welcomed Mrs. Crystal 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 one year ago with her husband. 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!

Missy Mayeaux - PRE K/Kindergarten Team Member

Missy Mayeaux began her work with young children in 1984, here at Kinder Haus. In 1992 she did her Montessori training with Montessori World Educational Institute. Missy earned her associates degree in Early Childhood at Delgado. We are delighted to have her back at Kinder Haus!

When not working Missy enjoys fishing with hubby, Jacque. Gardening, cooking and music are other hobbies. Missy says , “I love to watch children learn and grow as little people. My professional goal is to build a better world by building better people.

It is great to have team members who realize the importance of these early years. Thanks for sharing our vision.

Cathy Rodrigue - Pre K/Kindergarten

We are excited to have Ms. Cathy on our team! Ms. Rodrigue brings LOTS of experience, enthusiasm and committment. Cathy has worked in various early childhood settings for over 30 years. She enjoys all areas of the class and brings her delight in teaching music, drama, virtue and values, science and social studies. Needless to say Ms. Rodrigue loves children and has dedicated her life’s work to providing them with nuturing support. Now our Kinder Haus family welcomes her with great joy.

 

Patti 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.

Gail Lopez
Administrative Assistant

Sweet and full of smiles, Gail Lopez joined our Kinder Haus family in March of 2002.

She joined us as administrative assistant and brings with her several years of office experience and customer service skills. She was also a certified substitute for Jefferson Parish School system for 10 years. She is in charge of many important tasks and always remains calm even under the immense pressure of the abundant office workload. If needed Gail also assists the teachers in the classrooms and Ms. Sarah in the kitchen.

Gail has a gentle and kind personality and welcomes our families with a genuine smile each morning. Her patience and positive attitude are adored by all.

We appreciate your dedication and commitment. Keep smiling Gail!

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.

Support Staff

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. Now 11, 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.

Carolyn Parker - Kitchen

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.

 

 

Susan 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 has been helping in the office. 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.

Sharon Duron

Sharon Duron joins us every evening bringing with her over 11 years of classroom experience. “My goals are to help children reach their full potential to share joy on a daily basis.”

She enjoys writing fiction and poetry, biking, swimming, golfing and reading.

She aspires to complete her Montessori training and her certification.

Sharon assists every evening in the Pre K/Kindergarten class and is a permanent substitute. Join us in welcoming her to our team!