Ms. Alie was born and raised in Mandeville, LA. She began her passion for early childhood education in 2020. During her first year in teaching at a type lll center, she received her CDA and ECAC (Ancillary certificate). Alie started her journey at Kinder Haus Montessori in February 2022 as a teacher in the Preschool room and in Toddler aftercare. She began the 2022-2023 school year as the Bridge room Lead Teacher and now joins the Nido School and Preschool aftercare. During the past year in Montessori, she fell in love with the teaching styles and the work materials presented to the children which prepare them for practical life activities. “By keeping things fun, I hope to instill in children a love of learning.”
During her free time, she loves to go on boat rides and fishing with friends. Growing up, she loved dancing and played soccer for 10 years.
Meet the Team - Nido Campus
"One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child." -Maria Montessori
Ms.Jojo's teaching philosophy is that children need to have fun in order to stay interested in learning so that they love coming to school. It is her goal to help the children learn life skills to reach their own personal goals as well as their developmental markers. Ms. Jojo graduated in June of 2020 with her associate degree in Early Childhood Education along with her CDA. She also completed her Montessori certification 0-3 in July of 2020. Ms. Jojo plans to return to college this spring to receive her Bachelor’s in teaching. Ms. Jojo has been a teacher and caretaker for children for the last 8 years. In her spare time she plays the piano and is active in her church.
Brianna was born and raised in Abita Springs and still resides there as she and her husband raise her 2 beautiful children , Rylan (5) and Brooks (1) in the same house she was raised in! They live a very country/outdoors life! They enjoy growing our own veggies and raising pigs. For fun we hunt and fish religiously with their father all year round. She graduated in 2017 when Rylan was born, with a BA in psychology from Southeastern.
Brianna was raised in a family owned in-home daycare and from a young age she knew that she wanted to work with kids. "Kids make my heart happy and relieves stress as im holding and loving on them! I love to put a smile on their little faces, as they put a smile on mine."
Tammie Baughman has years of experience being around babies. She was a nanny for three families before working with the babies at Nido. Mrs Tammie worked at Kinder Haus for three years as a chef and enjoyed the family and home like environment very much, when she heard of the infant center opening she couldn't stay away! "I love seeing the babies reach new milestones!"
Morgan started her journey in childcare and at Kinder Haus Montessori in May of 2021 as an Aftercare/Substitute Teacher. She was born in Mandeville, Louisiana and grew up in New Orleans where she graduated from Cabrini High School in 2019 as Magna Cum Laude. She is currently going into her third year of college studying Social Studies Education at Southeastern Louisiana University and has dreams to become a high school history teacher. On the side, she enjoys doing makeup, exploring new places and restaurants, and is an avid documentary watcher. She loves spending time with family and friends and hopes to travel to all 50 states one day!
Kinder Haus Montessori has brought out the best side of her, and she cannot wait to learn more about Montessori education as the school year continues. She has always had a passion for caring for people but did not expect to love working with young children so much! She’s beyond grateful for this opportunity and everyone that she has met working at Kinder Haus! She cannot wait to see where this journey leads her and is excited to be a part of the Kinder Haus Family!
Alexis is our aftercare teacher in the toddler classroom. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies and Master’s degree in Marriage and Family therapy at the University of Southern Mississippi, Kinder Haus found its way into her heart. After multiple years of working in childcare of all ages in multiple different settings and while working in community mental health, Alexis also worked as a “floater” and school opener at our school in 2018. Due to taking a job in New Orleans working for a large nonprofit organization as their mental health specialist, she had to leave us. Nearly, 4 years later Kinder Haus found its way back into her heart. She was St Tammany Health System’s Parenting Center’s Education Coordinator, but after having her first baby, Hadley, she knew she couldn’t go back full time. She currently works as a Per Diem Parent Educator at St. Tammany Health System’s Parenting Center, but when she heard Kinder Haus needed extra hands, she was glad to help out while her daughter learned.
The Montessori method has always been extremely interesting and astounding to her. She enjoys learning from all of the sweet educators every single day at Kinder Haus. She says, "Once Montessori works its way into your heart, it is impossible not to incorporate it into your daily life and make it a part of you. Kinder Haus is such a warm, family friendly atmosphere. Every single staff member is passionate about what they do, nurturing, and LOVE children! Coming back feels like a warm hug. I cannot wait to further my education and knowledge of the Montessori method alongside my daughter and these wonderful people!"
Julie Phelan grew up in Terry Town, Louisiana, and moved to Mandeville in 2016. She is finishing her last year of High school, then going to college to major in Elementary Education. She has been at Kinder Haus since May of 2022, and is now an after care lead. Julie has been babysitting for the past 5 years, and loves children. She has a passion for Montessori and loves watching the children learn, and grow their independence. She says, “I have always loved babysitting, ever since I was little. I love seeing them grow and learn on their own (and of course the snuggles). I fell in love with Kinder Haus, and the environment is so warm and welcoming. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to be a part of Kinder Haus, and I wouldn’t change it for the world!”
Colleen graduated from UL Lafayette in 2016 with a degree in behavioral sciences before working at Kinder Haus Main Campus for two years. She and her husband moved out of state until this past June. They relocated back to Louisiana with their two dogs and now a newborn son. Colleen is grateful to be back at Kinder Haus and be working at Nido!
Jackie Johnson was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. She graduated from De La Salle High School in 2017. In 2021, Jackie graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi. Jackie has a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Public Relations and Anthropology. She also graduated with a minor in Interior Design and became a mother to a sweet little girl in July of 2021.
"When I saw a job opening at Kinder Haus Montessori, I knew I had to try and take the opportunity. I have loved watching my baby grow in her first year of life, and I love watching her discover new things everyday. I knew I would love working with other children. I did not know much about Montessori prior to working here, but I can say that I appreciate and love the way it teaches children to become individuals. My daughter comes to work with me, and she loves being here. I am so glad that we both get to experience the Montessori method. I have started to use it at home! I was not sure what I wanted to do since graduating college, but I do know that I want to work with children. I am currently thinking about becoming a licensed teacher!"
In Jackie's free time she loves playing with her daughter and taking her on walks and also enjoys embroidery.
"The Kinder Haus family is like no other. Everyone here is kind, caring and compassionate. You can really tell the staff loves what they are doing. The staff really cares about every single person here. The minute you walk in the doors you are a part of the family."
