Meet Our Staff

Kirsten keeps Southbridge running. As Director of Operations she handles day-to-day operations, enrollment, admissions, compliance, reporting, and the building itself, so teachers can focus on teaching and families always know who to call. She is usually the first person new families meet, and she loves that part. You will also find her in the gym, leading students in movement and games. Kirsten co-founded Southbridge out of a simple conviction: the families in her community deserved a school like this close to home.

Cathy leads the academic heart and vision of Southbridge. As Co-Founder and Director of Education, she designs our unique 3-day and 5-day school programs, curates our Christian Montessori curriculum, and mentors our teaching staff.

She is a licensed teacher holding a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning, and is a certified Montessori teacher. She brings 17 years of public school experience as a classroom teacher, science specialist, and magnet facilitator, alongside years as a Montessori lead teacher. With Southbridge, Cathy is building the school she has always dreamed of. She is creating a nurturing place in close partnership with families, where every child feels truly seen exactly as they are, and every teacher feels deeply supported.

Hello! My name is Hannah LaFollette. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Adam, and we have four beautiful girls, Avaline and Lucy, who are already blessed to attend Southbridge; Briella, who will join next year; and our littlest, Colette. We recently moved to Jordan and are enjoying a slower pace of life and a bit more space.

A little about me: I studied teaching and graduated in 2017 with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. After earning my degree, I chose to stay home and focus on raising my girls. Now, I feel incredibly blessed to step back into teaching at Southbridge. I have truly enjoyed immersing myself in Montessori methods and philosophy, and I'm excited to return to the classroom and meet each one of you.

It is a privilege to be part of your children's education, not only academically, but also in nurturing their love for others and, most importantly, for the Lord. As a mom, I often remind myself that while I want my children to love learning as much as I do, the ultimate goal is Heaven, not Harvard. It is such a joy to be part of a school that values shepherding a child's heart just as much as educating their mind.

A few fun things about me: I love music. There is always something playing in our home, and it will likely be a regular part of our classroom as well. I also enjoy cooking and baking, and you will often find me with an iced latte or a Diet Coke in hand.

I can't wait to meet you all!

From a young age, Yohanna has felt called to serve and support children. This passion led her to pursue education in college, where she discovered Christian Montessori and immediately recognized the beauty of a classroom where children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and grow in their relationship with Jesus. For Yohanna, the Montessori guide is more than a teacher: it is someone who embodies Christ’s love and creates a nurturing space where every child feels seen, respected, and inspired.

Yohanna’s professional path began in 2021 as a part-time assistant in a Montessori Casa classroom. She soon became the Art Specialist, bringing creativity and joy into the daily lives of students. Eager to deepen her understanding, Yohanna completed her Montessori training and gained hands-on experience as an assistant in an Elementary I classroom.

In May 2024, Yohanna graduated from BGU with an Associate’s degree in Intercultural Ministries, alongside her Montessori certification. Her training and experience have not only shaped her professional skills but have also transformed her personally. She shares that teaching in Montessori classrooms has led her closer to Jesus, and she continues to say “yes” to wherever God leads, especially when it comes to serving children through Montessori education.

Yohanna’s arrival is a gift to the Southbridge community. Her experience, creativity, and devotion to guiding children in both learning and faith make her a perfect addition to our team. We look forward to the many ways she will help our students flourish and help make Southbridge a place where children are known, loved, and equipped for the journey ahead.

Hi! My name is Jodi Schulz and I am honored to serve as the Assistant Teacher in the lower elementary room and as the Music Teacher for Southbridge Christian Montessori School.

Before coming to Southbridge I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from St Olaf College and my MBA from Bethel University. I worked for many years in youth programming for a large national nonprofit before taking some time off to start my family! I most recently have been the lead teacher at Cornerstone Family Enrichment and Bridgewood Church Co-op in the 5-6 year old classroom.

I live in Prior Lake with my husband, Brian and our children, Berit (16) and Anders (11).

God blessed me with a love of music and I can't wait to share that with all the students! I hope they come home singing and dancing with joy from our days spent together.

Hello! My name is Tara, and I am excited to be joining the team as a Teacher's Assistant. I am the proud mom of a wonderful six-year-old son, Wayne, who has given me a deep appreciation for the joy and wonder of childhood.

I enjoy starting my mornings with a good cup of coffee and watching the sunrise. Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors, taking walks, exploring parks with Wayne, and gardening. I also enjoy music and journaling.

I am grateful to be part of a Christian Montessori community where children are encouraged to learn, grow, and discover the unique gifts God has given them. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with the children and families and supporting each child as they learn and thrive.

I am excited to join the Southbridge Christian Montessori this year. I graduated from Bethany Global University and Crown College. I have a B.S. in Elementary Education with a kindergarten and preschool licensure. I have always worked in Christian education, and appreciate being able to incorporate faith into the curriculum. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, travel, and watching British mysteries.

Hello, my name is Vivie. I was born and raised in Guatemala City, where I developed a deep love for language and culture. My studies in Foreign Trade, Interpretation, Translation, and World Missions opened the door for me to teach ESL at a large Christian school and serve as an interpreter for U.S. missions groups. That work eventually introduced me to my husband, who is from Minnesota.

Together, we founded Up North English Academy in Guatemala, creating a place where students could learn English with encouragement and excellence. After moving to Minnesota in 2016, I continued my passion for education while homeschooling our two sons. In 2023, I launched Que Chilero Spanish! to share my native language and culture with students in the South Metro. I also work as a medical interpreter at Northfield Hospital and Clinics.

I bring warmth, experience, and a global perspective to every class I teach as a true Guatemalan at heart. I'll always stand by my belief that Guatemalan coffee is the best!