Debbi Betts, Teacher [AMI Primary Certification]

Debbi [a.k.a. Miss Debbi, Mrs. Deb, Debra, Deb] received her nursing assistant certificate and AMI Montessori training at St. Could State University, 916 Vo-Tech Institute, and her B.A. in Education from Metropolitan State University. After working at a medical clinic for 12 years while also serving as 'official' babysitter for a local family, Debbi came to Oak Hill. As of February 2005, she has been with OHM for 25 years!

Debbi is the proud mom of two 'adult' children, both of whom attended OHM during their preschool years. Her favorite hobbies include gardening, miscellaneous crafts, traveling, pet-sitting, enjoying nature, and of course, anything to do with children—"they help keep you young! I feel blessed to 'work' at a 'job' that I'm truly passionate about."

Heather Anderson, Assistant

Sandee Szmiot, Aide

Erika Schmidt, Teacher [AMI Primary Certification]

Erika has been at Oak Hill Montessori for five years now. She started her career at Oak Hill in Casa 3 restructuring the after-school program into a Montessori program. She worked there for two years then moved into Casa 2 as the guide. Erika graduated from Metropolitan State University with a psychology degree in Montessori Primary Education.

Erika enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, climbing, cross country skiing, running, kayaking and so much more. Working with children is one of the best things to do. She finds herself one of the rare people who love their job. She believes she is truly blessed to come to work and laugh every day.

Katie Sala, Assistant

Elisabeth (Beth) Clark, Aide

Valerie Olson, Teacher [AMI Primary Certification]

Valerie is a 1989 graduate of Mankato State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She holds an AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. Valerie has been a Children's House Teacher at Oak Hill for 13 years. She founded the All Day Montessori Program 12 years ago.

Valerie is the lucky mom of two great children. Her daughter, Maddie, attended Oak Hill from Children's House to Junior High. Her son, Sam, is in his third year of Children's House.

Bridget Hultman, Assistant

Nancy Lee, Aide

Emily Flod, Teacher

Emily Flod is the coordinator of the Children's House Afterschool program. She graduated from the College of St. Catherine with a degree in Theology and Women's Studies. During college she was a Nanny for a family with three young children. To prepare herself for her role at OHM, this summer Emily took the Teacher Assistant's Training Course at the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota.

She is the proud mom of a son, Logan, who is in the Toddler community. She enjoys reading, outside activities, art projects, knitting and playing with Logan.