Our Montessori Life Team
Lydia Stephens
Owner/Director
"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord" - Luke 1:45
Lydia is the Owner and Director of Montessori Life. She earned her bachelor's of science degree in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University and has a collective 9 years of experience in early childhood education. Lydia enjoys creating new ways to learn and is excited to support the teachers and students on their learning journeys. Lydia is a mom of 4 and enjoys sightseeing with her family. Montessori Life is her passion and she is excited to lead the Montessori Life learning community toward greater impact.
Jenna King
Lead Teacher
Mrs. Jenna is the newest addition to our team. She is bubbly and full of positivity! Jenna holds a Master's degree in public health and safety and has used her knowledge to provide safe learning environments for children over the past 6 years. She developed a passion for Montessori during her professional journey. When Mrs. Jenna is not empowering students to be their best, she enjoys spending time with her husband and fur babies.
"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm Possible'.
- Audrey Hepburn
Paula Montoya
Classroom Assistant
Mrs. Paula is one of our classroom assistants. She is gentle in her engagement with students and loves to listen to their stories! Paula is originally from Colombia where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Education and taught English in a local elementary school. She loves to hike, travel and play with animals. Paula is most excited about helping our little learners to grow in their independence and gaining more knowledge as she pursues her master's degree in English as a Second Language at Kent State University.
"It is in your hands to make of our world a better one for all" -Nelson Mandela
Betsy Roland
Classroom Assistant
Betsy is a classroom assistant at Montessori Life. She has many years of experience in the Montessori environment and has studied the approach in the past. Betsy earned her bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and has a deep appreciation for Individualized learning. Betsy brings her warmth and keen sense of observation to the classroom and supports our lead guides by sharing tools that she's developed over the years. In her past time, Betsy loves spending time with her granddaughter and visiting family.
"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you." Deuteronomy 31:8
Tracy Volkert
Lead Teacher
Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn. - Benjamin Franklin
Tracy is a lead teacher for one of our 2 classrooms. She has decades of experience working with students in early childhood education and early elementary. She is licensed to teach Kindergarten - 3rd grade. Tracy was introduced to Montessori in her early college years and has never lost interest in the unique approach. She is fascinated by the mind of a child and loves to see them grow. Tracy is fond of all kinds of music and is dedicated to growing in her understanding and application of the Montessori Approach!
Robin Rzepka
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Robin is our intuitive Administrative Assistant. She has several years of experience supporting families and their students. She is warm, thoughtful and loves to comfort and encourage our little learners throughout the day. Robin has a bachelor's degree in Nursing and applies her experience as a critical thinker when it comes to compliance and order. She understands the unique environment that a Montessori school provides and works to maintain the peaceful nature of that environment.