Paula Doughman, Junior South Classroom

Accomplishments:

I suppose I would say that my accomplishments are quite varied. The one thing that I am most proud of is my fantastic family. I am married to a wonderful man, Doug. We have three amazing children, Chris, Jessica, and Stephanie. Over the past six years, we have moved from Ohio to Brazil, to California, and back to Ohio where we will stay!

I am also proud of having run two full marathons. I have always enjoyed running in local 5K and 10K races as well, and after this last marathon I think I'll return to those shorter distances!

Education:

As a young child, I attended Gloria Dei Montessori school in Dayton, Ohio. Through middle school and high school, I attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts, majoring in music. After high school, I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.A. in Psychology. I completed all of the Graduate Montessori Curriculum courses at Xavier University and earned my Montessori Elementary Certification from the North American Montessori Center.

Work History:

After I graduated from college, I worked for the Hamilton County Department of Human Services as a social worker in the Childcare Division as well as the Children's Services Division. I also worked in the Student Psychological Services Offices at the University of Cincinnati, administering academic, vocational, and psychological tests. After working for a few year at UC, it was time for me to take a few years away from the "professional world" and join the world of the "stay-home moms". I thoroughly loved my time at home with my children, but now they are older and all in school, and I have found my true calling as a Montessori Teacher. I taught in a Montessori school for two years in California, before moving back "home" to Loveland and Children's Meeting House.

What I Love about CMH:

There are many things I love about CMH, but at the top of my list is observing the children here and knowing, just from watching them, how much they love being here. I enjoy seeing the children's love of their school from morning carpool until they get one last hug from their teacher at the end of the day!

This is also a great school because the teachers really believe in CMH and that shows not only in the way that they teach, but in the ways that we support each other. The teachers at CMH are always willing and eager to help each other out and that translates into a great work environment.

The families are also a wonderful part of our school. It is terrific to have parents so interested and supportive of their children's education.

My favorite things to do when I am not at work:

My favorite thing to do when I'm not at work is to just hang around the house with my family and do "nothing". With our lives so full of sports, school, and other activities, I really cherish the times when we can all be together. Whether we are having a nice meal together, playing a long game of Monopoly, or just doing some yard work, just being with my family is what I love most.

Diane M. Gersten, Junior South Classroom

Accomplishments:

• Married to my best friend and husband, Dan for 34+ years
• Raised two wonderful (Montessori) children, Zachary and Chloe
• Have taught at CMH for 10 years in the Junior class
• Served on the CMH Board as a parent, PACT and teacher representative (6 yrs.)
• Founding member of PACT, 1995

Education:

• B.S., Education and Human Development, Syracuse University
• M.Ed., Montessori Education, Xavier University
• American Montessori Society (AMS) Certification, 6-9
• Ohio State Teachers Certification

Work History:

• 1998 - Present: Teacher in the 6-9 class at CMH
• 1991 - 1998: Stay-at-home mom & parent volunteer at CMH
• 1981 - 1991: Computer Graphics/Media Manager, Procter & Gamble Co.
• 1979 - 1981: Training Specialist, General Electric Co.
• 1977 - 1979: Teacher, grades 6-8, Syracuse, NY

What I love about CMH:

I first fell in love with Children's Meeting House, while looking at schools for my children in 1990. Being a traditionally trained teacher, I was not familiar with the Montessori philosophy, but was instantly drawn to the school's environment, teachers and personnel. It was obvious to me, as I observed the children happily engaged in various activities, that this school was different. It didn't feel like a school, but more like a home, where children were respected and encouraged to choose "works" that were meaningful to them. Needless to say, my family joined the CMH community, and I soon found myself at Xavier University, preparing to be a Montessori teacher.

I am blessed to still be part of this wonderful CMH community today. As a school, we have grown, built a new facility, welcomed new teachers and families, but we have not changed. We still value the peacefulness of our surroundings and the gift of nature. We cherish each child as we work to provide them a rich and safe environment for learning and self-discovery. We are a caring, dedicated community of Montessorians that work together with wonderful parents for the benefit of our children, the future of our world.

My favorite things to do when I am not at work:

I love to watch my daughter play soccer and "catch up" with my son at college. I also enjoy reading, traveling, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing at home.