Donna Smith | Primary

During student teaching I realized that the public school classroom could not successfully serve all students.  My 1st grade class had a child who couldn’t hold a pencil, color or write his name and other child who was working at a 3rd grade level.  The rest fell in between.  I watched my supervising teacher struggle to give the children what they needed and knew there had to be a better way.  I was introduced to Maria Montessori in a “filler” class before graduation.  Upon moving back home to Indy, I saw an ad for a Montessori assistant and met Judy Edwards.  The answer to my concerns became so clear: Montessori is the answer!  And the rest is history!

Every day is a new day!  Every day a child in my class is introduced to something new, grasps a new idea, practices a work as long as they need to, or masters a concept.  The joy of learning is written all over their little faces.  It’s such a precious moment!

What I love about Northside…Northside is home.  From the beautiful old building with the big windows and high ceilings to the large outdoor spaces, Northside is a comfortable and happy place – just like home should be!

A multiple fun fact about me;
-The children love to say that I’m a teacher, a mom, and a grandma!
I’ve been at Northside since 1986!
I’ve got 2 sons (who attended Northside) and I have 5 grandchildren!

SUZANNE LOHRSTORFER | elementary

I discovered Montessori while pursuing my education degree at Millikin University in Illinois. Form there I went on to receive my Montessori training in Chicago. I was drawn to the hands-on materials which introduce concepts at a concrete level and then allow the students to make a leap to the abstract. It is exciting to see the children work independently and at their own pace. I love how the older students are role models for the younger students adn I am inspired by their willingness to hep each other. I have taught in a Montessori classroom setting for over 30 years. Teaching at Northside has been a very rewarding experience. It has a very welcoming atmosphere with passionate teachers and very supportive families.

I grew up in Illinois, but have lived in Indianapolis for the past 36 years. My husband and I live on the Northside. We have a daugher and son-in-law who live in Seattle and a son in Indianapolis. We also have 3 cats. My interests include reading, tennis, playing the piano and traveling.

Fun Fact: I love to hike and I have been to 20 national parks, the most recent Mt. Rainer National Park.

Tara franke | co-owner & primary

I remember the first time I laid eyes on a Montessori Classroom.  I could not believe the independence and respect that I was seeing.  The students were moving about the classroom with such purpose and control.  It was like nothing I had ever seen before.  After 20 years, I continue to be a part of Montessori because it works.  Having the opportunity to watch children grow, learn, and mature is the best reward anyone could ask for.  Montessori allows for each of those things to happen at each child's individual pace. 

The personal and deep relationship with each individual child is what fuels me daily.  With the three year cycle, I am able to really get to know each child.  We spend time observing and getting to know each child individually, learning their likes and dislikes in addition to their strengths and areas that might need gentle guidance.  Those moments when they grasp a concept for the first time, give a lesson to a friend or go and complete a job are priceless.  Their pride and joy can be seen through their smile!

The families and students at Northside are compassionate, loving and supportive.  The students have an insatiable appetite to always learn more and they in turn teach me so much throughout the day.  The Northside Families are what make us such a strong community.  I don't know if it is because our school is in a house or not, but there is definitely something about Northside that makes you feel a part of one big family!

Amy Wenck | Primary

I too, first learned about Montessori Education while reading a single chapter during a General Education Course in college. I immediately scheduled an observation. This is it, this is what it is all about! This is how I want to parent, this is how I want to teach, this is how I want to live, I thought. After moving to six different cities in five states, and becoming a Montessori parent, I finally became Montessori certified.

I am proud to be a Montessorian. I have been rewarded with classroom experiences full of joy, learning and wonder. Some of my Montessori magic days included a child as young as two and a half giving another child a lesson on how to return their work to the shelve exactly the way they found it and an older friend patiently assisting and listening to a beginning reader. Oh, the gentleness the children treat each other with fills my heart.

I have twenty-nine wonderful years of experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. I also support The Ronald McDonald House and School on Wheels. I enjoy practicing yoga, kayaking, hiking and family.

Fun Fact: I outrigged canoed and snorkeled with green sea turtles in Hawaii, not once but twice!

Janie Frazier | Elementary assistant

    I was a teacher for 43 years in Quincy, MI. I have 2 things that I love the most from my teaching career. The first thing I loved was teaching in a multiage classroom. I loved it when students could be a teacher and a learner. It always felt like we were one big family! I also loved teaching Reading. It was great helping kids figure out how letters and words worked and how they cold be made into a story. Reading is so fun!

I moved to Indianapolis 8 years ago to be close to my children and 3 granddaughters. I also love to read, walk, hike and travel. My favorite trip was a yoga retreat in Tuscany 3 years ago.

LIZ COLLEGE | PRIMARY

2025

Jeannie Brammeier | Permanent sub

Several years ago my daughter came home and said, "I think I am going to become a Montessori teacher."  And then shortly after graduation she said, "I want to own my own Montessori school!"  So I have had time to prepare for that day.  However, I never knew the pay off would be this great.  What a wonderful experience it is to see the children grow and accept so many challenges that are given to them with such enthusiasm.  It has truly been a blessing to experience the Montessori Philosophy.

The children desire to learn new things!  It is contagious to see them so happy to be going to school and having such a wonderful time with their friends.  

Elizabeth Murphy - middle school language arts & social studies

My first introduction to Montessori Education was many years ago working as an assistant in an elementary Montessori classroom. I went on to earn an M.S. in Secondary Education and taught for many years at a large public high school, but I knew when I had my own child that Montessori could be the right path for her.

Northside Montessori has been an incredible fit for both my daughter and for me! I love being part of a community that values each child for all that they are. As a middle school teacher, I get to be part of students’ lives as they transition to a new phase of life and discover who they will be. At Northside I have the flexibility to pivot when needed, follow students’ passions and curiosity, and learn alongside them. It’s a magical place!

My husband, daughter, and I live with our little dog in Broad Ripple. It is my daughter’s second year in the Oak Class at Northside and she is thriving! As a family, we love exploring local parks, biking to nearby restaurants, and traveling to new places.

Fun Fact:

My mother taught at the school I attended growing up, so we drove to school together every day for 14 years. Now my daughter and I get to carry on the tradition!