Faculty & Staff
Dr. Michelle Gutsch
Head of School

Education: BS in Biology, Chemistry, and Women’s Studies from UWS; MS in Fisheries from University of Alaska- Fairbanks; and PhD in Integrated Biosciences from UMD
Coming Soon
“Park Point” Elementary Lead Guide
Coming Soon!
Sheena Rogers
“North Shore” Children’s House Lead Guide

Education: Master of Education in Montessori from St. Catherine University;
Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University.
AMI Primary Diploma: Montessori Center of Minnesota.
Sheena joined MSD and launched the South Shore Toddler Community in 2019. After her son was born in the Spring of 2020, Sheena transitioned to the role of Administrative Assistant. Prior to joining MSD, Sheena was an assistant and lead Children’s House Guide at Many Rivers Montessori for four years. She holds a strong commitment to the Montessori Method both at work and now at home with her son, Jack. You’ll see Jack around school as he gets to come to work with Sheena. Sheena loves Duluth for its natural beauty and the small town feel with the amenities of a large city. When not at school, you can typically find Sheena out and about with her husband, son, and mini-dachshund named Moose.
Catherine Bauer
“North Shore” Children’s House Support Guide

AMI Primary Certificate: Montessori Training Center of Minnesota
Catherine has been with the Montessori School of Duluth since 2000 after beginning her career as a Guide in the Twin Cities in 1987. She has enjoyed being a part of many children’s first experience of Montessori and brings years of experience to the classroom. Her patience and kindness instills immediate trust with the children. In her free time Catherine enjoys bowling and bocce ball.
Caleigh Cain
“South Shore” Toddler Lead Guide

Education: Bachelor of Arts from University of Minnesota-Duluth with degrees in Early Childhood Studies, Communication, and French Studies.
Before coming to MSD, Caleigh had several years of experience working in childcare in Duluth and in the Twin Cities. She loved learning about and implementing the Montessori method throughout her time here and watching the children gain independence and learn life-long skills at such an early age. She’s currently working on completing her Montessori training through the North American Montessori Center and will receive her infant/ toddler diploma this spring. Outside of work and school, she enjoys writing, hiking, snowboarding, attending local art and music shows, and exploring everything else that Duluth has to offer.
Shelley Caya
“South Shore” Toddler Assistant

Education: AA in Early Childhood from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
Shelley really enjoys working with children and has been doing it in various degrees for over 20 years. Before coming to MSD, Shelley had several years of diverse experience working in childcare and school settings. She has worked in Duluth, MN, Superior, WI, and Poplar, WI. Shelley enjoys helping teach reading, science, and arts and crafts. She and her husband, Dave, have four children: Devan, Ethan, Kaitlyn, and Savannah. They have one dog (Shimmer), two bunnies (Marshmallow Fluff and Dutchess), and three goldfish (Incognito, Half n Half, and Puddles). For fun, she enjoys spending time outside with her family and friends. She likes to hike, downhill ski, and go camping.
Ashley Etter
Administrative Assistant

Education: BA in Philosophy and English, The College of St. Scholastica.
Ashley, who has several years’ experience working as an administrative assistant, is very excited to be a part of Montessori School of Duluth, as education is her number one passion. In her free time, she enjoys painting, crocheting, and reading.
Board of Trustees
Montessori School of Duluth is led by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. The Board is comprised of up to 12 members, including independent professionals, parents, parents of former students, and alum. The Head of School is an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees.