Our Montessori Life Team
Alyssa Milanese
Director
We are thrilled to announce Ms. Alyssa's appointment as Director at Montessori Life! With her background in business operations and child development, along with her strong leadership skills, Ms. Alyssa excels in fostering enduring, meaningful connections with both staff and families. Her professionalism, dedication, and vision make her an invaluable addition to our school community. We look forward to seeing her thrive alongside our families!
"Comparison is the thief of joy" -Theodore Roosevelt
Dontia Briggins
Lead Teacher
I graduated from Kent State University in 2024 with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences. I'm passionate about fostering an environment for children to explore and develop independence. My goal is to create a safe, loving classroom where curiosity thrives, and I can grow alongside my students. When I’m not creating inspirational environments, I enjoy spending time with my cat, Cinna! I look forward to a year of discovery, friendship, and joyful learning!
"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm Possible'.
- Audrey Hepburn
We're Hiring!
Lead Teacher
I’m delighted to introduce myself as your child’s teacher in the Montessori Life Preschool Class! My Montessori journey began in 1985, as a preschooler unrolling my mat and carefully arranging Color Tablets from lightest to darkest. Since then, I’ve studied Fine Arts, taught glassblowing and ceramics, and pursued my Early Childhood and Montessori training, completing internships and teaching at Firelands Montessori Academy.Motherhood has been my greatest teacher, and my three children have deepened my appreciation for independence, curiosity, and joy in learning. Now that they are school age, I’m thrilled to return to the classroom—ready to prepare an environment where your child can grow, explore, and thrive. I can’t wait to meet them and begin this exciting journey together.
Breah Weislak
Program Assistant
"Don't let the hard days win."
Hi! I have an associates in early childhood education and a bachelors in Interdisciplinary studies (child/youth ministry and special education).I’ve been working with kids since middle school when I volunteered in my church’s Children’s Ministry. Some of the things I love to do when I’m not in the classroom is read, workout, and hangout with my family and friends. I can’t wait for this year to start! I want to learn more about the Montessori way of teaching and how to provide the most for our students! I hope for this year’s class to be more adventurous when it comes to learning and always wanting to learn more. I hope for lots of smiles and fun this year!
Kristyn Marimon
Program Assistant
I live in Silver Lake with my dad, sister, and two cats. I enjoy reading, spending time with friends, and walking outdoors. Actively involved in my church, I participate in groups, Bible studies, and a Scrabble Club. I graduated from the University of Akron in 2015 with a degree in Family and Child Development and have eleven years of childcare experience as a Lead Toddler Teacher. My passion for Montessori grew while working at a Montessori school, and I'm eager to enhance my teaching skills and deepen my understanding of Montessori principles to positively impact children's lives.
Lydia Stephens
Owner
"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 12 years of experience in early childhood education. Lydia enjoys creating new ways to learn and loves to support the teachers, students and families on their learning journeys. Lydia is a mom of 4 and enjoys traveling with her family. Montessori Life is her passion and she loves having a front row seat to all of the growth!
