Faculty/Staff Biographies

Carrie Barnabei, Mathematics Faculty
carriebarnabei (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Carrie is beginning her twenty-sixth year as an educator. Her career path has included teaching and coaching in both public and private schools in West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio. A native of Weirton, WV, Carrie earned her BS degree in Secondary Education from West Virginia University. She specialized in Mathematics and Physical Education. Carrie comes to us from Hawken School where she was chair of the Mathematics Department. Her free time finds her working in her flower gardens. She and her husband, Jay, are avid college sports fans (especially the Mountaineers). Carrie is excited to be a part of the Montessori High School community.


Leah Baxendale, Spanish Faculty
leahbaxendale (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Leah Baxendale grew up in North Royalton, Ohio. She attended Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania, where she earned degrees in Dance and World Languages and Cultures with a concentration in Spanish. Leah traveled extensively in Spain, completing the majority of her studies at Pablo de Olavide University and the University of Seville. During her time in Spain, she also received certification to teach English as a foreign language.  During her free time, Leah enjoys dancing, traveling, and cooking.  She is looking forward to another year at MHS.



Tina Booth, English Language Arts & Humanities Faculty
tinabooth (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
An interest in history and attraction to hands-on exploration (sown by her experience as a Montessori child) motivates Tina both professionally and personally.  She has studied and worked as a field archeologist and museum collections specialist in Central America, New England, the Rocky Mountains, Arizona and Texas.  Working as a site interpreter and educator at Elden Pueblo Archeology Project allowed her to teach hands-on history to a range of learners, from Elementary children to Elder Hostel adults.  For the past ten years, Tina has worked as a Humanities teacher in Montessori Adolescent programs in California and Massachusetts.  She holds a B.A. in Archaeological Studies (Boston University), an M.A. in Anthropology (Northern Arizona University), the AMI Elementary Diploma (Centro Internazionale Studi Montessoriani) and the NAMTA Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies.  Tina spends her free time traveling, hiking, reading and cooking with her daughter and husband. 

Ronald Dawson, Science Faculty
ronalddawson (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Ron grew in Brunswick, Ohio and attended St. Edward High School before earning a B.Ed. in secondary science from the University of Toledo. He also holds a masters degree from Marygrove College (Detroit, MI). He has taught many different sciences over the past eleven years, and helped implement a new physics curriculum. He has also coached wrestling and worked as a class advisor. During his free time Ron enjoys reading, playing board games, and spending time with his wife and two children. He is excited to begin his first year here at Montessori High School at University Circle.



Marilyn Doerr, International Baccalaureate Coordinator
Marilyn Doerr is a university professor and curriculum consultant; she holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She has co-authored several books and is sole author of Currere and the Environmental Autobiography: A Phenomenological Approach to the Teaching of Ecology. She has been working with David Kahn since 2004 on developing a unique curriculum for MHS.

Regina Feldman, Curriculum Dean, Humanities Faculty
reginafeldman (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Regina grew up in Öblarn in the Austrian Alps. She earned her M.A. in ethnology at the University of Vienna, Austria, and her Ph.D. in anthropology as a Fulbright scholar at Case Western Reserve University. Over the following ten years, she taught at CWRU, published a series of academic articles on German post-war history and identity, and worked as an editor.
While raising her daughter, Regina discovered her passion for educating children. She has volunteered extensively at Roxboro Elementary School in Cleveland Heights, tutoring in math and reading, and managing all aspects of a grant awarded to offer fresh fruit and vegetables to students every day of school. In 2007, she lived in China and currently continues her Mandarin studies. Regina brings a strong background in social science, extensive language skills, and a true love for educating young people to Montessori High School. She is an avid traveler, cook, yoga practitioner, and lover of the outdoors. Regina shares her life in Cleveland with her husband, daughter, and their dog Timber.

Bonnie Hair, Director of Admissions & Marketing
bonniehair (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Bonnie Hair comes all the way from the "Aloha State" Honolulu, Hawaii.  She attended Mercyhurst College (Erie,PA) on a dance scholarship, where she earned a B.A. in Dance along with a concentration in teaching & choreography.  She has been a dance director for the past 4 years working with inner-city youth to help spread the arts into the community.  Along with her extensive experience in the arts, Bonnie has many years of administrative experience with various businesses as well as experience in admissions at the Mercyhurst College dance department.  Bonnie enjoys working with youth and families alike and looks forward to her second year with Montessori High School at University Circle.

He is a member of the docent program at The Cleveland Museum of Art, creates boxed assemblages and collages and follows the ever-changing local gallery scene. Longtime Cleveland residents, Rick and his wife Mary have two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and enjoy art, music, film, theatre, reading, gardening and, most of all, visiting with their children.

Elizabeth Henke, Humanities Faculty
elizabethhenke (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Elizabeth Henke is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin but has spent the last three and a half years living abroad.  After graduating from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota with a triple major in Studio Art, Peace Studies, and Education, she moved on to student teach studio art at Kodaikanal International School in Tamil Nadu, India.  Having benefited from a Montessori education from Children’s House through 8th grade, she was destined to seek Montessori certification.  She obtained the AMI Elementary diploma at the Centro Internazionale di Studi Montessoriani in Bergamo, Italy and went on to pioneer the upper elementary program on the tiny South Pacific island of Saipan for two years.  Elizabeth is an avid reader, musician, artist, and activist.  She specializes in interpersonal communication, nonviolent action,and art as a vehicle for social change. 

Rachel Huffman, School Office Manager
rachelhuffman (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Rachel Huffman grew up in the small town of Woodsfield, located in southeast Ohio. After developing a passion for dance and the arts, Rachel moved north to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Dance at The University of Akron. After earning her degree, she developed a modern dance program at a local dance studio in Akron, OH. Her administrative experience ranges from that of small local businesses to collegiate administrative offices. Rachel loves working with students of all ages. In her spare time, she loves to instruct dance, choreograph, and spend time with her husband, Matt and their two dogs Jasper and Tango. She is looking forward to her first year with the faculty, staff, and students of Montessori High School at University Circle.

David Kahn, Executive Director
davidkahn (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
David Kahn is Executive Director of the North American Montessori Teachers' Association. He is a leading implementer of Montessori adolescent projects, including having been Founding Director of both the Ruffing Montessori School East and the Hershey Montessori School Farm adolescent programs. He is Director of Project 2012 Adolescent Research and Development, an eight-year grant-funded project on Montessori curriculum designs for adolescents ages 12-18. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with majors in Classics and Fine Arts and a specialization in filmmaking.  David loves University Circle for its rich cultural offerings and intellectual approaches, and feels that this school is the most exciting project in his career. He looks forward to the assembly of a faculty of devoted, well-rounded Montessori-trained colleagues who can bring the project to the height of Montessori design for adolescents.

Valerie Katz, Science Faculty
valeriekatz (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Valerie grew up in Cleveland and earned her B.S. degree in Nutritional Science from Cornell University. After completing a professional program at Cleveland State University, she practiced for several years as a pediatric physical therapist. An interest in nature, ecology and science education motivated her to enroll at Ursuline College where she obtained her Masters of Arts degree in AYA Life Sciences. Valerie taught biology and environmental science at Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights from 2005 to 2010. She has completed professional development coursework in evolutionary biology, oceanography, and ecosystems science. In the classroom, she is most enthusiastic about issues related to biodiversity and ecological preservation.

Karl Norton, Humanities & Physical Education Faculty
karlnorton (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Karl holds a BA (History and English) and BS (Education) from Miami University (the real Miami, in Oxford, Ohio), and an MA (Humanities) from John Carroll University. Karl has taught Social Studies and English in public school's for 16 years--everything from 7th grade English-Lang. Arts to 12th grade IB History. He has also taught and helped direct a foreign-studies program during the summers in Spain for 12 years as well as having his IB training in History and Theory of Knowledge. Aside from all of Karl's academic accomplishments he has also coached cross-country as well as track and field for 13 years.

For diversion, Karl reads a lot (especially hard sci-fi and history), writes a little bit of fiction, plays ultimate frisbee, runs half-marathons, and cooks! Karl and his family love to travel and camp, especially in the North American West, as well as attend music festivals such as Telluride Bluegrass. Karl currently resides in Cleveland Heights now with his family, and comes to us having spent much of his life in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Virginia and Maryland.

Julie Reyers, English Language Arts Faculty
juliereyers (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Julie has worked with adolescents in the Grand Rapids Montessori Schools for the past 13 years. She has experience as a lead teacher, testing supervisor, mentor, class advisor, newspaper advisor, and swim coach. She earned a B.A. in English from Oakland University (Rochester, MI), a secondary education certificate from Aquinas College (Grand Rapids), and an M.A. in English from Western Michigan University. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Dan, and their two daughters.

Françoise Sansoni, Director of Residential Life, French Faculty
francoisesansoni (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Françoise was raised bilingually and biculturally in London (GB). After graduating from high school at the French Lycée in London with the highest possible honors at the baccalaureat, she earned her MBA from Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris, one of the top three business schools in the country. She also holds a degree in ESL and has taught in the French public school system at middle school level. She has lived in Europe, Asia and the United States, and has taught French and English to students of all ages and backgrounds. She holds an AMI Primary diploma and currently guides a Children's House community at Austin Montessori School. She is moving to Cleveland with her two bilingual teenagers, Betty and Eliott Roethlisberger, who will be attending MHS in 9th and 10th Grades respectively. Françoise enjoys daily meditation, playing and listening to music, and learning just about anything new.

David Waski, Visual Arts Faculty, Building & Grounds Manager
davidwaski (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
David grew up in Bedford, Ohio, where he spent much of his time exploring the vast Bedford Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. After completing his foundation years at The Cleveland Institute of Art, David attained his B.A. in Art Education from Cleveland State University. He completed NAMTA’s Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies, where he met his wife, Kathryn. David taught art, music, drama, journalism, and served as basketball coach at The Grove School, a public Montessori charter high school in Redlands, California. David enjoys exploration via Frisbee, composing music, and contributing to the local arts community. He is interested in unifying the arts and is excited about helping adolescents reach their full potential.

Elizabeth Waski, House Parent
lizwaski (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
Elizabeth was raised in Bedford, Ohio. She graduated from Kent State University with a BA in Early Childhood Education. After college, she worked in educational retail, managing stores like Zany Brainy, and Borders. Elizabeth developed several community outreach programs within the stores and created childrens' summer reading and craft classes. When she's not busy being a House Parent, she enjoys travelling and crafts. Elizabeth is eagerly awaiting to begin her second year here at Montessori High School at University Circle.


Mike Waski, Program Dean, Mathematics Faculty
michaelwaski (at) montessorihighschool (dot) org
A native of Ohio, Mike attended Trinity High School in Garfield Heights, Ohio, before completing his B.S. in Elementary Education with concentrations in Music and Mathematics at Kent State University. He also holds an M.A. in Educational Administration and is working towards an M.A. in Mathematics from Cal State San Bernardino. He has completed NAMTA’s Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies, where he is currently a faculty member. He is currently attending the 47th Advanced (Elementary) Montessori Training Course at the International Centre for Montessori Studies Foundation in Bergamo, Italy.  Mike has been teaching for twelve years, having taught math to students ranging from second grade to high school calculus. In addition to his years teaching, he has also served as basketball coach, assistant head of school, and head of school at The Grove School, a Montessori charter high school in Redlands, California. He has also been an instructor for geometry and algebra institutes for teacher trainees through Cal State and UC Riverside.  In his free time, Mike enjoys playing trumpet and studying number theory and theoretical physics.