About Our School
野花学校坐落在适合步行的街道上光线充足的地方。它们增加了社区中儿童和家庭的存在，因为更狭窄的地理焦点支持步行上学和放学，并与当地游乐场、花园和其他公共空间合作，否则这些空间将在大型机构中使用。我们将“利益相关者”的定义扩展到我们直接服务的家庭之外，我们努力使我们周围的社区对儿童更强大、更健康。
Our Teacher Leaders
Josh Shanklin
Founding Teacher Leader and Elementary Guide
Josh is a 12 year veteran Montessori elementary teacher who has worked in both public and private Montessori schools. He has also worked for 8 years helping others become Montessori teachers at Xavier University and most recently with the American Montessori Society. Josh and his wife have three daughters, all of whom have grown up, “Montessori.” One of Josh’s first jobs was as a summer camp counselor. Throughout his teaching career he has often wondered how to have school feel more like summer camp. He is excited to pursue his love of nature and Montessori in this new endeavor.
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Jason Waters
Founding Teacher Leader and Elementary Guide
Jason is an avid outdoorsman and dedicated Montessori educator. He began his calling at Xavier Montessori where he also earned his certification in Elementary I and II. Jason was born and raised in Cincinnati and is now raising his two sons here as well. When not in the classroom, Jason enjoys hiking with his family and friends all around Ohio and beyond, collecting and reading books, and good coffee. Founding Azalea Montessori Elementary has meant combining his love of nature with his passion for Montessori education. Observing the way children and nature interact has been an inspiring experience.
Our Staff
Michelle Geter
LeadElementary Guide
Michelle has been a Montessori educator for the past 10 years. Her career has consisted of one year in a 3-6 classroom, six years in a 6-9 classroom, and three years in a 9-12 classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Education from Xavier University and received her certification for Montessori ages 6-9, and has completed courses for both the 3-6 and 9-12 certification programs. She is thrilled to be part of the Azalea community and to combine her love of nature with Montessori education. She will be with the elementary program in the morning and the primary program in the afternoon.
Claire Swick
Lead Elementary Guide
Claire Swick is celebrating a decade of being a Montessori educator as she joins us at Azalea. She is trained as an Upper and Lower Elementary guide, but has spent most of her career with children ages 6-9. Claire has her Masters in Montessori Education from Xavier University and has been teaching as an adjunct professor in their program this year. She loves the outdoors and dedicates a week every summer to hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail. You will also find her kayaking, climbing and trail running on the weekends. Claire’s passion for the outdoors and vocation as a Montessori educator has led her to our school.