Faculty

OakHaven Faculty and Staff

 

Judy Henrichs

Head of School 

Judy has a rich background in the business and education worlds. In her first career of 25 years with AT&T, she served as manager and leader for over 2,000 employees in customer service, sales, marketing, finance, real estate, and architecture. Her final position there as Director of Education offered her the background to establish OakHaven. Her second career took Judy throughout the United States for 14 years as a professional leadership speaker and executive coach for the FranklinCovey Company. Helping organizations and people realize their potential fueled her passion for education and for leaving a legacy. 

So, having retired twice, Judy has entered her final career as our Head of School. With her husband Fred and beloved daughter April, she is excited to be living out their family dream to create a peaceful and beautiful educational world for the children. 

Articles by Judy: 

Ask Better Questions 101; The Perfect Sandcastle; Red Cup, Yellow Cup, Green Cup; The Woes of Being a Montessori Parent

 

 

April Powell

Director of Education 

April has been involved in Montessori education since she was 2 ½ years old. She began as a Montessori child and loved it so much she became a Montessori teacher! April holds a B.S. in Social Sciences with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Webster University. She completed her Montessori teacher certification at the A.M.I. Montessori Training Center of St. Louis in 2004. Go to amiusa.org for more information on the Association Montessori Internationale. After teaching at a Montessori school for several years, April’s passion for Montessori and her supportive family led her to open OakHaven in 2008. 

Children and parents alike respond to April’s nurturing charisma as she leads OakHaven’s students to excellence. 

Articles by April: 

Summer at Last, The Little Things, Trash or Treasure , How Do We Do It?

 

Heather Brostron

Primary Directress 

Heather has been involved with Montessori education for the last 9 years. She first fell in love with it as a parent searching for the right place for her own children, and then quickly began her Montessori career. After her undergraduate work at Webster University, Heather received her A.M.I. teaching certification from the Montessori Training Center of Saint Louis. Before joining the OakHaven family, Heather served as a classroom assistant and Directress for 6 years at an A.M.I. recognized Montessori school. All children immediately respond to the genuine love and respect she brings into the classroom.
Heather has two beautiful children of her own, Danny and Andra, who have both thrived in the Montessori environment. 

Articles by Heather: 

Extend the Classroom to the World, Primary Classroom Observations

 

Sarah Ortmann

Primary Directress 

Sarah joined OakHaven in 2009 after graduating from the University of Colorado with a B.A. in anthropology and art history. After working with children in other settings for over six years, Sarah fell in love with Montessori education as soon as she joined the OMS family. This passion for Montessori compelled Sarah to take the A.M.I. training and Masters program from the Montessori Training Center of St. Louis and Loyola University. Everyone she meets greatly appreciates Sarah’s eternal optimism, warmth and cheer. The children all adore her sweet and bubbly nature.  

Articles by Sarah: 

The Role of Animals in the Prepared Environment, My Compass, Another Beautiful Day

 

Anna Schwind

Elementary Directress 

Anna holds a B.A. in English and a M.L.S. (Masters of Library Science) from Louisiana State University. She has extensive experience working in libraries as well as the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. It was Anna’s love of learning that brought her to Montessori education 6 years ago. After working as a Spanish teacher at a Montessori school for several years, she decided to pursue her career as a Montessori Elementary Directress (traveling all the way to Kansas City for her 3 summer long training!). Anna’s passion and dedication to the children and Montessori education is unparalleled and inspirational to all she touches.
Anna has one amazing daughter of her own, Sophia, who is overwhelmingly successful as an elementary student at our sister Montessori school in Kirkwood. 

Articles by Anna: 

Choosing Montessori Elementary: Three Factors to Consider, The Peace Vibe 

 

Tammy Swanson

Primary Assistant and Spanish Teacher

Tammy brings the perfect combination of love for the children, experience, professionalism and passion for Montessori to the entire OakHaven community. Her degree in Philosophy from the University of Arizona is enhanced by two years of studies in Montessori Early Childhood education from South Mountain College in Phoenix.  Before joining the OMS team, Tammy has served as a Montessori assistant in programs ranging from primary through middle school.  Most importantly, Tammy brings her passion and creative abilities “to help foster children’s inner greatness and innate desire to learn.” 

All of the children love Tammy’s calm and peaceful demeanor and appreciate the respect she gives to all. 

Articles by Tammy:

Lean in Closer, and I’ll Let You in on a Secret…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lauren Melchior

Primary Assistant 

In addition to graduating magna cum laude from UMSL with her degree in Elementary Education, Lauren is also a graduate of Pierre Laclede Honors College.  In her teaching career she has served as a substitute for nearly every grade level and in a wide variety of academic settings.  Combined with her energy and enthusiasm, she brings freshness and joy to the classroom.  And just for fun, Lauren is a softball pitching coach for girls 8-18 years old. 

Lauren’s passion for children coupled with her loving patience brings out the best in each child.  “I want to make an impact on the life of each child who steps through our doors.  I want to be the best teacher and person that I can possibly be.”  This kind of spirit is what we’re all about at OakHaven. 

 

Cass Aitken

Lunch & After-hours Coordinator 

Cass brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the OakHaven family, creating an amazing lunch and after school program here. Prior to joining OMS, Cass spent many years caring for children in their homes, teaching at other schools and working as a behavioral specialist for children with developmental or psychological problems. She received her B.S. in Psychology and Child and Family Development from Truman State University. All of the children absolutely adore Cass’s pleasant nature, nutritious lunches and fantastic after school activities.

Cass has three beautiful daughters of her own, Morgan, Kendra and Reese. 

Articles by Cass:

Goings Out – Not Just for Children Anymore
 

 

 

Dr. Fred Henrichs

Administrator 

Dr. Fred has served as a counseling psychologist in private practice in the St. Louis and St. Charles areas for the past 30 years. His studies of the effective development of human minds led him to his passion for Montessori. Fred’s firsthand experience in business is substantial, having started his own clinic and expanded it to four locations. His undergraduate degree in Business also serves him well as Administrator of OakHaven. But to the children who love him dearly, he is just their dear “Mr. Fred”. 

Articles by Fred: 

Nature vs. Nurture, Mr. Fred’s Annual Tip on Child Care Tax Credit