Faculty & Staff
Sam Miller, Lead Teacher, Red Door Toddler Classroom
Sam came to CHMS as a full-time substitute in the Toddler classroom in the spring of 2021, and her love of children has led her to become certified as an Infant/Toddler Montessori Teacher through the American Montessori Society. 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 loves to travel and has biked the Camino in Spain!
Elise Young, Lead Teacher, Yellow Door Infant & Toddler Classroom
Elise is delighted to have found her way to Children’s House. Montessori has been a meaningful part of her life for as long as she can remember; she attended a Montessori school from ages 3 to 15. When Elise walked into a Montessori classroom during a college internship, it immediately felt like home, and she knew she had found her path. Elise earned her bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy and completed her 3–6 Montessori credential in 2014. After discovering her love for working with toddlers, she went on to earn 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 (5), Wiley (3), and Winter (11 months). She has found so much joy in being a parent and it has deepened her appreciation for how essential a supportive community can be.
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 came to Maine from Puerto Rico, where she spent 25 wonderful years as a lead Montessori Primary teacher. 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. She also teaches Spanish to all children in our program- we are so lucky!
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 spent time volunteering in elementary schools, and she got her start with Montessori as a substitute for Children’s House in 2021. She lives in Searsmont and spends her free time hiking with family, reading, painting, and baking.
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 her work has been recognized by the Essex National Heritage Commission and NPS. She was presented the MA Secretary's Award for Excellence in Energy & Environmental Education and has presented at AMS conferences. Germaine also has a great love of peace education and has served as the Montessori coordinator for the Global Art Project. She also has experience as a Montessori teacher trainer. Germaine has two daughters and enjoys fiber arts, singing and kayaking.
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. She has a Masters in Elementary Education from Lesley University, and her path of teaching has included work in public and private schools, land stewardship education, integrated arts projects with children, and yoga and mindfulness instruction. 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.