Primary Guide This is Meghan’s 4th year at OakHaven, and we couldn’t be luckier to have her here. Seeing Meghan in the classroom leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind that she loves what she does and gives the children her 1,000% each and every day. Her joyful and positive nature light up the room and are contagious for everyone around her. Meghan holds a BS in Psychology, an MS in Human Resources Management, and an AMI Primary teaching diploma.

Primary Guide While she’s been involved in Montessori education for much longer, both as a parent and a teacher, Ms. Peggy has been an integral part of OakHaven since 2012. Anyone who knows Peggy can attest to the fact that she’s deeply committed to doing the right thing for all children, thoughtful and conscientious on so many levels, and a master of setting firm and loving boundaries with children. Peggy did her undergraduate work in Psychology and holds an AMI Primary teaching diploma.

Primary Assistant Ms. Jennifer is one of the most compassionate and nurturing people we know, and her peaceful, calm demeanor is a tremendous asset in the classroom. It’s no mystery why the children gravitate to Ms. Jennifer, and clearly feel safe and supported by her. Jennifer came to OakHaven last fall with extensive experience working with children. In addition to raising children of her own, Jennifer has spent many years working in early childhood education.

Primary Assistant When Lily came in for a tour last spring, we knew right away that she belonged on our team just as much as her daughter belonged in the classroom! Her peaceful presence, gentle patience, and natural ability to form trusting relationships with the children are the perfect ingredients for an adult in a Montessori classroom. Lily started as the aftercare teacher last year, then served as the camp counselor all summer. We are ecstatic about her new role as an assistant.

Elementary Guide Ms. Cass has been at OakHaven since 2009 and has always been very well-loved by children and parents alike. The OMS Elementary students are fortunate to have someone to guide them who cares so deeply for them, keeps class time productive and fun, and supports them no matter what. Cass holds a BS in Psychology, BS in Child and Family Development, and an AMI Elementary teaching diploma.

Elementary Assistant We are very excited to have Ms. Emma join our Elementary classroom this year! The students already love to be around her patient and calm presence. Emma just graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics, minor in Biomedical Sciences. Emma worked in the Francis Howell School District as a before and after school care facilitator for several years and has a passion for working with children.

Head of School/ Co-Founder April and her parents, Fred and Judy Henrichs, founded OakHaven in 2008. Their entire family fell in love with Montessori education when April started at a Montessori school when she was 2½ years old. After dreaming of being a teacher her whole life, April earned her B.A. in Social Science while concurrently completing the AMI Primary Teacher training diploma program. April opened and led the first Primary class at OakHaven.

Executive Director Shannon came to us in 2018 from the world of banking. After earning her B.A. in Business Administration, Shannon very quickly worked her way up and spent about 15 years in senior branch manager and vice president roles. We couldn’t be more fortunate that Shannon had a change of heart, and found OakHaven when she decided to change her career path. Shannon has a heart of gold, genuinely loves every child, and works to be able to give the gift of Montessori to many children.

Office Manager Ms. Elizabeth joined us last April, and we have been jumping for joy ever since! Elizabeth brings with her all of the qualities we’ve ever hoped for in an Office Manager. She has astounding attention to detail, will happily help anywhere and everywhere needed, is so very kind to the children, and helps keep everything running smoothly at all times. Elizabeth holds a B.A. Middle Childhood Education, and worked as a middle school teacher for 3 years before coming to OakHaven.

Learning Specialist Julie has extensive education and experience working with students of all ages and abilities, she is endlessly patient, and treats all children with the utmost respect. Julie holds a BA in Middle School Mathematics, an MS in Early Intervention in Autism and Sensory Impairments, certificates in Langage Arts and High School Math, she is a certified Positive Discipline educator, and has received training through the Dyslexia Training Institute.

Spanish Teacher Daniela is originally from Argentina, and we're very excited and grateful that she will share her lovely native language with both our primary and elementary students this year. She is married with three children, one in college, one in high school and one in elementary. Daniela holds a U.B. (Bachelors from Argentina) in Architecture and Urban Planning, as well as a Masters in Architecture.

Art Teacher We’re delighted to welcome Dawn to OakHaven this year. In addition to holding a B.S. in Criminology and Communications, Dawn is a published illustrator and has painted murals in various public locations. She absolutely loves everything art and is eager to spark creativity and inspire children through art. In addition to raising her own son, Dawn has spent many years serving as a mentor and leader for children at Strong Tower Ranch.

Lunch Coordinator Ms. Mindy has been preparing lunches for the primary students at OMS since 2018. Mindy takes care of everything food-related here at OakHaven - from menu planning to shopping and cooking. As a very involved mother of three, Mindy has extensive experience working with and preparing food for children. The primary children always light up as soon as they see Ms. Mindy arriving for the day.

Aftercare Teacher We are overjoyed to have Jo and her two youngest children join OakHaven this year. Jo was born and raised in England and lived in Romania for 8 years prior to moving to the US. She has a B.S. in Social Science, a Masters in Education, and worked as an elementary teacher for 12 years in the UK and an International School in Romania. One of the many things we love about Jo is her passion for education and creating learning environments that are accessible for all.

Aftercare Teacher River comes to us highly recommended with years of experience working with children, including his niece, Lila, who is in primary this year. Ever since his second day here this summer, you always know when he arrives on campus because you can hear the children bursting with excitement, "Mr. River is here!" River is pursuing a degree in education and enjoys art and music, which will come in handy as he creates fun activities for our aftercare children!

Substitute Ms. Kelsie first came to OakHaven as a parent and quickly became an invaluable member of our staff. In the last year, Kelsie has kindly volunteered to help any and everywhere needed and with anything the staff has needed an extra hand with. Her background as a Social Worker in the Rockwood School District has given Kelsie valuable experience and insight in working with children, as well as many useful administrative skills.

Substitute Becky is currently finishing her Associates at St. Charles Community College and will be attending UMSL to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Becky was previously a Site Director at the YMCA, working with children of all ages. She is so excited to learn more about Montessori and start building relationships with the students.