Faculty & Staff
Sam Miller, Co-Lead Teacher, Red Door Infant & Toddler Classroom
Sam came to CHMS as a full-time substitute in the Toddler classroom in the spring of 2021. Her love of children led her to become certified as an Infant/Toddler Montessori Teacher through the American Montessori Society in 2024. She has a Bachelor's Degree with a minor in Education Studies. Sam grew up in Camden, and she loves to hike, garden, swim, and craft. She also loves to travel and has biked the Camino in Spain!
Emma McDuffie, Co-Lead Teacher, Red Door Infant & Toddler Classroom
Emma loves supporting children as they grow, explore, and follow their curiosity. She grew up in Cumberland, ME and studied early childhood education in Rhode Island. Emma traveled across the country before eventually finding her way back to Maine. She earned her Infant/Toddler Montessori Credential from Harborlight Montessori in 2024 and served as a lead Montessori toddler teacher in Falmouth for three years. She and her husband moved to the midcoast with their two dogs in 2026; they live on a small farm with chickens, ducks, and lots of vegetables! In her free time, Emma loves camping, exploring with family and friends, and going to the beach.
Elise Young, Lead Teacher, Yellow Door Toddler Classroom
Montessori has been a meaningful part of Elise's life for as long as she can remember; she attended a Montessori school from ages 3 to 15. Elise earned her bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy and completed her 3–6 Montessori credential in 2014 and her 0–3 Montessori credential in 2016. Since then, she's had the joy of teaching toddlers in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Maine. Elise is also a parent to three wonderful children, Willa, Wiley, and Winter. Being a parent has deepened her appreciation for how essential a supportive community can be.
Kayla Dzakic, Assistant Teacher, Yellow Door Toddler Classroom
Kayla came to CHMS as a lead camp counselor in the Toddler group in 2026. She is thrilled to continue her journey with CHMS as the assistant in the Yellow Door Toddler classroom. Kayla is originally from Boise, Idaho where she worked in childcare for 15 years. Her favorite part about teaching is the trust and bond she builds with her students. She relocated to Maine with her husband, Alen, out of love for the state and all it has to offer. Kayla enjoys traveling, reading, thrifting, cooking and spending time with Allen in her free time.
Elizabeth Barnum, Co-Lead Teacher, Orange Door Primary Classroom
Elizabeth has been on staff at Children’s House since 2018 when she moved to Maine. She has many years of teaching experience in various settings, from early childhood through older adults. She holds a B.A. from the University of New Hampshire and a Master of Divinity from Harvard. She earned her Montessori Early Childhood credential through the Northeast Montessori Institute in 2025. In her free time, Elizabeth loves taking long walks and hikes, reading, writing, and spending time with friends and family.
Sarah Sevier, Co-Lead Teacher, Orange Door Primary Classroom & Art Teacher
Sarah was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She has a BFA in Art Education from Georgia State University, a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Loyola University, and her AMI Primary Montessori certificate from the Montessori Institute of Atlanta. Sarah spent eight years as a primary lead teacher at schools in New Jersey, NYC, and Atlanta. More recently, she has taught elementary art in Atlanta. Sarah, her husband and two children relocated to Maine in 2024.
Lourdes Martinez, Lead Teacher, Blue Door Primary Classroom & Spanish Teacher
Lourdes spent 25 wonderful years as a lead Montessori Primary teacher in Puerto Rico before moving to Maine in 2020. She holds her Certificate in Early Childhood from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and brings a wealth of experience and joy with her to Children's House. Lourdes is passionate about education, and she loves working with children and contributing to their development. Lourdes teaches Spanish to all children in our program every week.
Colleen Henry, Assistant Teacher, Blue Door Primary Classroom
Colleen attended the University of Maine at Presque Isle and also volunteered in the Americorps. She has volunteered in elementary schools, and she got her start with Montessori as a substitute for Children’s House in 2021. Colleen loves art projects, and she is a gifted guide leading children with kindness and care. She lives in Searsmont and spends her free time hiking with family, reading, painting, and baking.
Julia Still, Lead Teacher, Jade Door Kindergarten & Elementary Classroom
Julia moved to Maine in the summer of 2026 from Austin, TX, where she spent five years working in Montessori education. She earned her Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary Montessori Credential in 2026, and she is thrilled to guide the curious learners in the Jade Door classroom. A naturalist at heart, Julia also leads our Forest Friday and Summer Camp programs at Merryspring Nature Center. She is the proud mother of two young adults who she homeschooled. Julia and her partner enjoy hiking, kayaking, reading, and dancing.
Ingrid Mangiardi, Classroom Assistant & Aftercare Coordinator
Originally from Peru, Ingrid studied advertising in Lima, where she developed a love for art, creativity, and design. She brings five years of experience working with children in Montessori and Waldorf-inspired environments. Through this work, she discovered how much she enjoys supporting children’s learning and growth. Ingrid loves sharing art and hands-on activities with children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and finding new ways to be creative.
Germaine Koomen, Montessori Consultant
Germaine has over 35 years of teaching experience in public and independent schools in MA and ME. She is Montessori-certified at the Primary, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary levels and holds Master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Reading, as well as a graduate certificate in Montessori STEM education. Germaine is an environmental educator at heart, and she also has a great love of peace education; she has served as the Montessori coordinator for the Global Art Project. Germaine has two daughters and enjoys fiber arts, singing and kayaking.
Ali Brislin, Office & Classroom Assistant
Ali comes to CHMS as a former parent. She fell in love with the school and the Montessori pedagogy and is thrilled to join the team, flexing her organizational and creative skills, as well as her nurturing, caregiving abilities. She has masters degrees in both Art History and Library Science, and has lived all over the US including bustling Los Angeles, rural New Mexico, and the humid South. Now a resident of Rockland, she loves interior design, the thrill of antique hunting, swimming, and going on adventures with her son!
Jody Curtis, Office Manager
Jody has been the administrative assistant in the CHMS office since 2013. Prior to coming to Children's House, she worked for a local non-profit, connecting adolescent students to their communities through a variety of service programs. Jody also worked as a middle school art teacher for many years in Belfast while raising her two children. Now, a grandmother and advocate of Montessori education, she has loved watching her own grandchildren grow and thrive as a result of their own early Montessori education.
Rachel Nixon, Head of School
Rachel is delighted to serve as Head of School for CHMS. An educator at heart, she loves sharing in the joy of Children's House Montessori. She has a Masters in Elementary Education from Lesley University, and she has taught in both public and private schools. Rachel has 20 years of experience working in non-profits including serving as the Executive Director of the Georges River Land Trust and working for Homeworthy. In her free time, Rachel loves to garden, go on walks with her dog Juko, and sail and ski with her family.