Faculty & Staff
Rebecca Brown
Head of School
Education: Master of Education in Montessori Studies from Loyola University, BA from Southern Oregon University
Montessori Training: Approved Expert Trainer from Develop, AMI Elementary & Primary Diplomas from Montessori Center of Minnesota
Rebecca has over 10 years of teaching experience as a Lead Guide in the classroom, and has held leadership roles in four different Montessori schools. Before beginning her Montessori journey, Rebecca spent her summers as a wilderness canoe guide in the BWCAW while at Southern Oregon University. She was introduced to Montessori when looking for quality early childhood education for her son. Since then, she has worked to advance peace through Montessori education as a certified Guide in both primary and elementary environments. Before coming to MSD, she served as a consultant, Education Director, and Montessori Trainer for a MACTE-accredited program here in Minnesota.
Megan Lizakowski
“Park Point” Elementary Lead Guide
Education: Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with degrees in Environment, Sustainability, & Geography, and a minor in Anthropology.
Montessori Training: Lower Elementary Montessori training in 2023 from North American Montessori Center; pursuing Upper Elementary Montessori training
Megan was a teaching assistant in Children’s House before becoming the Elementary Lead in the summer of 2022. She is passionate about teaching and strives to boost children’s confidence as learners and individuals. She strongly believes in the Montessori philosophy of “meeting every child where they are” because no two children are the same, and everyone has a different learning style. Megan adores Duluth and spends her time outside of MSD exploring the city, ballet dancing, taking walks along the Lakewalk, surfing, and participating in local trivia nights.
Catherine Bauer
“North Shore” Children’s House Lead Guide
Montessori Training: AMI Primary Certificate from 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.
Montessori Training: Infant/Toddler Montessori training in 2021 from North American Montessori Center.
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. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, hiking, snowboarding, attending local art and music shows, and exploring everything else that Duluth has to offer.
Michelle Barry
Administrative Assistant
Education: Human Resources Certificate from Duluth Business University
Michelle has lived in Duluth for about 30 years, where she raised 5 children. She now has 3 grandchildren, with one more coming in September! Most of her career has been in Human Resources, but she says the most rewarding job had was when she did home daycare for six years. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. They love going on adventures and doing experiments.
Board of Trustees
Montessori School of Duluth is led by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. The Board is comprised of up to 9 members, including independent professionals, parents, parents of former students, and alum. Terms are 3 years, and quorum is 2/3 of the Board’s members. Ex-officio members have full voting rights. Current members include:
- Spring Aubol
- Rebecca Brown (ex-officio)
- Claudia Gisonda
- Katie Hendrickson
- Chris McCord
- Michelle Nephew
- Nicole Olson
- Jakky Sangster (ex-officio)
- Mia Thibodeau (ex-officio)
- Emily Thomas