Michael Flohr, Junior North Classroom

Education:

• M.Ed., Loyola College in Maryland, Association Montessori International Elementary (6-12 Montessori)
• Washington Montessori Institute, AMI Elementary Montessori Diploma
• B.A., Case Western Reserve University, Theater arts with Departmental Honors
• Additional studies in Dalcroze Eurhythmics with Nadia Tarnawsky and David Brown (Cleveland Institute of Music), as well as Dr. Anabelle Joseph and Dr. Marta Sanchez (Carnegie Mellon University)

Accomplishments:

• Musical Director and Orchestrator for World Premier of Becoming George in Washington, D.C.
• Served as a Teacher Associate for the BotaniCool Field Study Pilot Program: What's Alive? Who's a Plant for the Cleveland Botanical Gardens
• Ohio Arts Council Artist Project Grant Recipient for Dance-Theater Production of Shadows of Our Forgotten Ancestors
• Presenter in Dalcroze Eurhythmics at the Suzuki Workshop held at Cleveland State University
• Developed theater curriculum for high school students in a "college for kids" program at the University of South Dakota

I was introduced to Montessori while working as a Dalcroze Eurhythmics Specialist in Cleveland. When the school grew large enough to start a second lower elementary classroom I was asked if I would like to be trained in the Montessori Method and begin a startup elementary classroom at the school. After five years of observing the growth of these particular children and this very lovely school as a part of the support staff I jumped at the opportunity.

Previous Work Experience:

Montessori Teacher - 6 years

• Children's Meeting House (Substitute Teacher)
• Queen of Angels Montessori School (Substitute Teacher)
• The Montessori School at Holy Rosary, Cleveland, OH
• Music Faculty and Theater Faculty at the Fairmount Center for the Creative and Performing Arts
• Dean of Fine Arts/Instructor for the South Dakota Governors Camp for the Gifted and the South Dakota Ambassador's of Excellence Summer Program at the University of South Dakota

What I Love about CMH:

I really enjoyed my year as a substitute teacher at Children's Meeting House. I spent time in each classroom and subbed for each of the teachers from pre-primary through seniors! What a phenomenal opportunity to observe this lovely school, its staff, and its children. I knew that this was a place that I wanted to be a part of after my move to Cincinnati. The grounds of the school are a particular draw--what a wonderful environment in which to offer the Montessori curriculum.

Karen Whitlock, Junior North Classroom

Education:

B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Wright State,  Montessori certification from Xavier University, working to complete Masters in Montessori Education from Xavier University.

Work History:

Long term sub positions at Franklin Montessori (part of Dayton Public Schools) and Mercy Montessori 2nd year at CMH.

Accomplishments:

I am proud of the work I have done over the last decade teaching children and adults to swim and be safe around water.  I am also proud of the more recent work I have been doing to train lifeguards and teach them the skills needed to save lives.

What I Love about CMH:

I fell in love with the CMH grounds long before working here. I went on a retreat to Grailville just as I was beginning my Montessori training.  I remember sitting on the front porch of the house I was staying in, looking at the school grounds, and telling a friend of mine, “I want to work there.”  Since I have begun working here, I have come to enjoy my coworkers as both knowledgeable professionals, and as wonderful people.