Born and raised in Ingham County and the tenth of thirteen children, Theresa is the proud parent of four grown children, Patrick, Stephen, Elizabeth and Emily. Theresa has six (and soon to be seven) grandchildren. Family time is central to Theresa’s time away from school. She enjoys visiting her family and spending very special time with her grandchildren.

Prior to beginning her pursuit of a teaching certificate, Theresa worked as an operating room technician, as a childcare provider in her home, and as lead teacher in a private Montessori school. In 2001, Theresa earned her Montessori certification from the Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute (ADMTEI). In 2009 she earned her Bachelor’s degree along with an early childhood minor from Madonna University. The following school year, Theresa began teaching in Okemos as Pre-Primary/ Kindergarten teacher at Okemos Public Montessori. In 2012 Theresa earned her Master’s degree in Montessori education from St. Catherine University.

Theresa discovered Montessori education when a college classmate encouraged her to go visit a Montessori school to observe peaceful classrooms. Through her study of Montessori education, current educational research and best practices, Theresa hopes to provide excellence in education for all of her students. “I deeply appreciate the honor of being selected for the Excellence in Education award and look forward to continuing to be a member of our Okemos School community for years to come”.