Barbara Gray Admissions Director

Admission Director Barbara Gray especially enjoys sharing The New School Montessori with prospective parents during individual visits and open houses. Getting to know each other, answering questions, touring the school and observing in classrooms, are all part of the parents’ initial visit to the school.

Barbara's additional responsibilities include coordinating the staff benefits program and serving as liaison with Ohio Assn. of Independent Schools Health Consortium.

Like many other TNSM staff members, Barbara first came to TNSM as a parent and was Assistant Director for 20 plus years. Her son, Alex, ('87 TNSM grad) a graduate of UC Law, lives in town and owns an advertising firm with his wife, Amy. Her daughter, Lydia, ('91 grad) received her Montessori training from Xavier and taught at TNSM in the Preprimary Program from 2000-2009. Barbara is now the happy grandparent of each of her children's children--Grace and Mae. They all enjoy an annual summer getaway to the shores of Lake Huron in Northern Michigan.

In addition to school and family, Barbara has a strong interest in writing. She interviews authors for the local NPR station, WVXU, and belongs to two writing groups, focusing mainly on poetry.

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Beth Barton Office Manager

In addition to being Office Manager and the telephone voice of TNSM, Beth coordinates key office functions such as tuition billing, maintaining student records, paying invoices and offering support services to the teaching staff and the administration. She provides money collection and bookkeeping support for TNSM fundraisers like the magazine sale and the auction as well.

TNSM students know Beth as the person most likely to patch up a skinned knee, take their temperature or give daily medication. Many of them also know her as the person with the fascinating collection of fossils that she occasionally brings in for a classroom presentation.

The historic North Avondale neighborhood has been home to Beth, and her family for over 25 years. Her daughter Amanda has taken over TNSM website design and maintenance, while her son, Adam, works as a chemical engineer.

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Ann Baumgartner Marketing/ Communications Director

Ann graduated with a BS in biology and a teaching certificate in secondary education. She began her career in molecular biology with Procter & Gamble and later developed an interest in marketing where she worked in P&G’s consumer research division. As Marketing and Communications Director, Ann prepares our monthly newsletters, reports, handbooks and other printed materials we produce. She serves as staff liaison to parent-led committees and prepares advertisements and articles for area newspapers.

Ann enjoys public speaking and has been giving speeches to Mothers of Pre-schoolers since 1996. She also enjoys freelance writing and is a member of a weekly writing group. Ann wrote a book recently and has had articles published in Christian Science Monitor. Ann and her husband have a daughter in college and enjoy camping, travel and reunions with family.

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Jan Goings Director of Advancement

Jan Goings joined TNSM in 2011 as Director of Advancement. She began her career as an advocate for those with disabilities. Her passion in this field led her toward various opportunities in education and research that furthered the acceptance of all individuals in everyday-community settings.  Jan launched and led innovative services in education, women’s health, disability services and diversity initiatives and has had a successful career in university teaching and consulting. Jan holds several degrees: a B.S. in Special Education, M.P.A. (Public Administration) and doctoral studies from Syracuse University in Policy and Disability.

As Director of Advancement, Jan will further development efforts with the Capital Campaign and other fundraising endeavors and will work to develop a plan to expand TNSM’s influence and relationships in the greater Cincinnati community.

Jan enjoys fitness, family fun with her daughter Temple, voice-over work and is looking forward to being a part of the TNSM community.

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Yance Pyle Facilities Manager

Originally from Pittsburgh, Yance now lives in Amelia with his wife Lisa, daughter Kaitlin and son Aaron. He and his family moved to the Cincinnati area after serving for 13 years in the U.S. Army. Before coming to The New School in 2011, Yance spent 15 years working for various construction and electrical contractors. He is very active in coaching youth sports. He coaches both girls and boys in basketball, baseball and football. Yance also serves as an Elder at the Amelia Church of Christ.

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Ryonen Ignatius Chef Assistant

Ryonen and TNSM’s chef Audrey Cobb have worked together for many years. They both attended Cincinnati’s premier art school SCPA in their youth and later worked together at Mullane’s Parkside Café. Ryonen and her husband Brent have 2 young sons. One is old enough to attend TNSM and is in our elementary program. In addition to Ryonen’s culinary skills as TNSM’s Kitchen Assistant, she is also a talented artist.

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Sunny Rhein Teacher

Sunny joined TNSM Preprimary staff in 1987 after teaching kindergarten in the public schools. She is a graduate of The Western College in Oxford, Ohio and earned her masters in Montessori education from Xavier.

Natural science is Sunny's special focus in the classroom and she enjoys sharing her interest in plants, animals and the environment with the children. She plays a large role in the development of the preprimary gardens and enjoys using the gardens as a teaching tool. She obtained a grant to establish a wild bird habitat where children can observe birds at the edge of the play area. An additional grant will enhance the space with new equipment and a variety of food sources. Sunny created a bat habitat which is also a point of interest in our outdoor classroom.

Outside of TNSM, Sunny pursues her interests in both peace education and the environment. After attending a class at The Center for Peace Education, she was trained as a workshop leader/presenter of "Creating a Peaceful Classroom for Young Children" and has presented that workshop throughout Ohio. She is also actively involved with the Environmental Educators Council of Ohio. Sunny and her husband Jim have three children, Megan, Nathan and Nick, a 1998 TNSM graduate.

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Angela David Teacher (South)

Angie has a bachelor's degree in Art History. Her first exposure to Montessori was as an art specialist at a Montessori school in Tucson; she was so impressed by the Montessori method that she immediately enrolled in a Montessori training program. Angie has her master's degree in Montessori education and has been teaching preprimary children since 2000. Angie joined our staff in 2006 and leads the physical science lessons with non-nappers. She has incorporated what she's learned at a "Children as Writers" course at Xavier into her work with the children. Angie loves gardening, motorcycling and live music shows and is looking to join a soccer team. She says, "I love TNSM’s commitment to community building, celebration of diversity and peace education."

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Margaret Kellar Head Teacher (South)

Since 1986 Margaret has been working with elementary and preprimary students at TNSM. She began her career as a 6 to 9 Teacher and later served as 6 to 9 Head Teacher. In the Preprimary Program she has served as 3 to 6 Teacher, 3-6 Head Teacher and 3-6 Spanish Teacher. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in elementary education from Xavier and is certified in Montessori education at both the 3 to 6 and 6 to 9 levels.

Margaret was born in the Philippines and lived overseas while growing up. Her extensive travel experience accounts for her special interest in people and cultures, as well as her fluency in Spanish. Before coming to TNSM, Margaret tutored and taught English as a second language to children and adults. She also worked as a model for Kodak while living in Japan.

Margaret and her husband Kevin have two children who have attended TNSM. Paul is a TNSM alumus while Francine remains a current student.

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Jennifer Frank Teacher (North)

Jennifer grew up as a Montessori student and later discovered her love for dance while studying at SCPA and UC’s Prep Department. After graduating from SCPA as a dance major she pursued her ambitions in New York at Alvin Ailey, the American Dance Center. After knee injuries and a change of direction, she embarked on a new path, design. She studied for 5 years at UC at DAAP, where she received her BS in 1993. While in school, Jennifer met Mr. Right, her husband David. Next, came 3 beautiful children and yet another change in direction, motherhood. After realizing that she needed more, the only real choice was to rediscover her roots, Montessori.

Jennifer now has a Montessori Certificate from the North American Montessori Center and the Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education. Jennifer began teaching at TNSM in 2005 as a part time assistant, and is now a full time teacher in the Preprimary Program. Jennifer loves TNSM's commitment to being true to the Montessori philosophy. "We must honor each and every child, follow her and provide her with everything she needs to develop into her full, wonderful self.” Jennifer and David have 3 children who have gone through the Montessori experience, with their youngest still a TNSM student. Jennifer continues to enjoy dance in her life; she is a Cincinnati Ballet instructor and performs with Contemporary Dance Theater. In addition to being a classroom teacher of 3- to 6-year-olds, she also teaches dance movement in TNSM’s kindergarten program.

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Stacy Armstrong Teacher

Stacy Armstrong has a Bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation from Ohio University and a masters in education from Xavier. Her passion for Montessori education began when she served as an intern at TNSM. She joined The New School Montessori's 6 to 9 staff in the fall of 2000 and says "TNSM is special to me because of its peaceful atmosphere."

Stacy and her husband Chresten keep busy with their young daughters Ryan and Stella. Stacy enjoys reading, running and spending time with her family.

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Rosie Warburg Teacher

Rosie received her BS in Montessori education from XU in the spring of 2006. She has worked in The New School Montessori's summer and vacation care programs since the summer of 2003 and interned with Stacy Armstrong in the 6 to 9 class during the fall of 2005.

Rosie married in the summer of 2010. She and husband, Tommy, live together in Sharonville with their two dogs. Rosie enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family, especially her young nieces and nephew.

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Jennifer Shultz Teacher

The Elementary program includes Jennifer Shultz, who is both a Teaching Assistant and an Intern in the 6 to 9 program.  She has her Child Development Associate Degree and directed a preschool for 5 years before returning to Xavier for her certification in 6 to 9 Montessori.  She feels TNSM "is a wonderful environment for children as well as teachers." Jennifer especially appreciates the opportunity to work with all three 6 to 9 teachers and says "I feel I have three different role models."  In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, and son Colin.

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Ceara Thalinger Teacher

Ceara Thalinger has had a direct connection to The New School Montessori since her childhood. She was a Montessori student herself and her mother was a Preprimary teacher at TNSM. Ceara later volunteered in TNSM’s Preprimary Program and then worked in the Summer Program. She was also a Preprimary classroom assistant.

Ceara began teaching in the 9 to 12 Program in 1996 and has both an undergraduate degree from Xavier and a Montessori certification for ages 6 to 12 from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in New York.

Ceara loves the team teaching and collaboration at The New School Montessori and finds it both inspiring and supportive. She likes the way students collaborate with teachers in creating their own education. In the last few years, Ceara has worked with 9 to 12 students in the formation of a Student Board, an experience which she feels is "a wonderfully empowering process for every student, even those not on the Board."

Ceara feels that teaching children how to love learning in a Montessori environment "creates an enhanced appreciation for life." Her son, Kelen, started at TNSM when he was three and has grown up with this extended family.

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Jeff Groh Teacher

Jeff Groh joined the 9 -12 team in 2009. Prior to that he was a Montessori teacher for Cincinnati Public Schools for seven years. He has a Masters in education from Xavier and is Montessori certified (K-6). He has traveled to Seoul, Korea to educate Korean teachers on Montessori methods. Jeff has spent a year traveling the country performing and teaching poetry to students of all ages and backgrounds. He has also worked as the Education Director at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and is involved in theatre around town.

Jeff loves the community at The New School Montessori and is inspired every day by how dedicated and open the staff, parents, and students are. “It feels great to be in a place where the love of learning is celebrated.”

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Nancy Buchman Teacher

When Nancy began teaching at The New School Montessori in 2008, she instantly felt the great energy and dedication of all the teachers and staff. The academic excellence, the sense of community, and true friendships that she sees everyday is priceless. She has a deep appreciation for the beauty and wisdom of the “no exclusion” policy and loves watching students of all ages truly enjoying playing together at recess. Needless to say, the healthy and delectable cuisine provided by Audrey and Ryonen on our kitchen staff is an added bonus.

Nancy first became interested in teaching while working as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador. Her service there included remedial tutoring at the elementary school and working at the local health center. As a mother, Nancy watched her daughter thrive in the Montessori environment, which ultimately persuaded Nancy to pursue a career as a Montessori teacher. In 2003, she spent her summer completing her Montessori upper elementary certification. She received her master’s degree in education from Xavier University in May 2008.

Nancy’s daughter, Dina, attended both Clark Montessori and Walnut Hills High School. She is currently in the sunshine state studying at the University of Tampa.

While not teaching and planning lessons, Nancy spends many evenings and weekends hiking, biking and running. She loves to travel and has visited all 50 states. She has lived and traveled in Europe and South America. The summer of 2010 she accompanied nine 6th grade TNSM graduates on an incredible trip to Japan.

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Sunny Rhein Teacher

Sunny joined TNSM Preprimary staff in 1987 after teaching kindergarten in the public schools. She is a graduate of The Western College in Oxford, Ohio and earned her masters in Montessori education from Xavier.

Natural science is Sunny's special focus in the classroom and she enjoys sharing her interest in plants, animals and the environment with the children. She plays a large role in the development of the preprimary gardens and enjoys using the gardens as a teaching tool. She obtained a grant to establish a wild bird habitat where children can observe birds at the edge of the play area. An additional grant will enhance the space with new equipment and a variety of food sources. Sunny created a bat habitat which is also a point of interest in our outdoor classroom.

Outside of TNSM, Sunny pursues her interests in both peace education and the environment. After attending a class at The Center for Peace Education, she was trained as a workshop leader/presenter of "Creating a Peaceful Classroom for Young Children" and has presented that workshop throughout Ohio. She is also actively involved with the Environmental Educators Council of Ohio. Sunny and her husband Jim have three children, Megan, Nathan and Nick, a 1998 TNSM graduate.

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Yeon Gyeong (Kimmie) Kim Teacher

Kimmie has a degree in food nutrition from Hang-Yang University in Seoul, Korea and completed a M.Ed in Montessori education from Xavier in 2004. Before receiving her formal teacher training, she had worked with children at various schools, a Korean hospital, and a welfare center.

Kimmie loves art, swimming, mathematics and says, "I love to learn anything." She enjoys making classroom materials and likes to incorporate origami into classroom decoration. She also has enjoyed playing the piano for many years.

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Colleen Blumer Teacher/Coordinator

Colleen Blumer is proud and happy to regard TNSM as her family's favorite neighborhood since 1981. A founder and former head teacher of the Annex 9 to 12 program, Colleen's current contributions include Preprimary Teacher and Extended-Day Coordinator, 3 to 12 substitute teacher, and Intervention Specialist. She also leads a summer-long program in the Rockies for a Montessori school and organic farm.

Extensive, ongoing studies follow Colleen's undergraduate degree in English and psychology (OSU) and master's degree in communication media (XU). As well as certification in Montessori education 3 to 6, 6 to 9, and 9 to 12, Colleen holds multi-state educator licenses in English, library/media, education of the handicapped, administration, and elementary education. During her teaching career so far, she has enjoyed teaching most subjects to learners from preschoolers to adults, in a rich variety of settings.

Colleen's current pursuits include issues of poverty and peace, fiber arts, and the "Donate Life" organization. For fun, it's mysteries, movies, literary classics, waterskiing, and beachcombing.

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Brendan Blumer Assistant

Brendan attended The New School Montessori as a child. His mother Colleen Blumer was a teacher at TNSM and their family enjoyed the wonderful sense of community. Brendan graduated and went on to attend the Summit Country Day School where he enjoyed many years of soccer and playing percussion in several bands. Brendan studied English at the Ohio State University for 2 years before taking a break to travel, study and teach. He spent two and a half years in Mexico, Central America, and a bit of South America teaching English, studying Spanish, and playing music. He is happy to be back home, although he has developed a real love for travel and adventure. Brendan is considering schools in Peru and Argentina where he plans to resume his studies in 2011.

Being back at TNSM after so many years away Brendan said, “I have a profound respect for all those who have made The New School Montessori such an inspiring place for young minds and I am honored to be a part of such a thoughtful and peace-oriented institution.”

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Jeanne Speier Dance

Jeanne has an MA degree in Dance Therapy and a BA in Communication Through Movement. Her dance expertise includes The Katherine Dunham Technique and Classical Balinese Dance. Jeanne teaches Hatha Yoga classes and yoga for Kayakers. Most recently Jeanne has resumed her dance therapy work and is teaching the waltz to autistic children. Botany and the piano are two of Jeanne’s main interests.

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Andrea Rosenthal Music

Andrea has been teaching music and creative drama at TNSM since 2004. With a background in musical theater as well as instrumental and vocal music, Andrea has enjoyed sharing a wide variety of projects and lessons with the TNSM children.

Andrea has performed with the May Festival Chorus and this summer she was thrilled to watch her older daughter perform with the Cincinnati Opera.

As a singer-songwriter, Andrea has opened shows for national acts and she performs around the city with a guitarist and bassist. She will have a new EP out this year; her fourth CD.

Andrea is married Troy Warnken and they are avid mountain bikers. Andrea enjoys spending time with her two daughters, reading, gardening, running and cooking. She graduated from UC's College of Law and is licensed in Ohio and New York. She also has a BA in theater and English from Ohio Northern University.

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Johnnyé is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a background in education and psychology. She joined the TNSM staff in 1992 as a Classroom Assistant and Program Coordinator for the Preprimary Extended Day program. Today she leads Appreciating Differences and Civil Rights and Civics courses for 3rd and 6th graders using a curriculum she developed with (9-12) Head Teacher Laura Slanker.

Johnnyé observes that the children and parents of TNSM community make the school special for her. She remembers one kindergarten parent who wanted to uphold The New School value of "giving back to the community." At Preprimary graduation that year, that parent "gave back" about 20 pounds of New School sandbox sand, collected from his child's shoes and clothing over the course of three years.

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Veronica is our 6-9 Spanish teacher and has been with TNSM since 2010. She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and has been living in the US since 2008.
She holds a BA in Environmental Design and is certified as an Early Childhood Education Teacher. She feels honored to be part of the learning process young people and is proud to share her culture and language with others.

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Maria is our 9-12 Spanish teacher and has been with TNSM since 2009. She was born in Columbia and has lived in the Unites States since 1998 years. She is a DDS and holds a Masters degree in Health Education and Communication. She likes teaching Spanish because, it gives her the opportunity to share and enjoy her language and culture with others.

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Karen has been with The New School Montessori since 2006 as a learning specialist. She has been in education for over15 years and was a reading tutor in Cincinnati Public Schools for many years. She is Orton Gillingham trained in both upper and lower levels. Karen in an avid gardener and dog lover and is happy to be part of The New School family.

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