Debbi Betts, Sr. 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 was born and raised in Minnesota. She is currently finishing up her 4-year degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Psychology. She received her AMI Montessori training at the Montessori Training Center to work with the three to six year old age group. Currently, she is working in Casa 3 with the After School program.

Last year was Erika's first year at OHM, and she plans on being around for quite awhile. She feels lucky to be one of the rare people who truly loves her job.

Aida Sarr, Assistant

Bridget Mazzocco, 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 McDonald, Assistant

Nancy Lee, Aide

Katie Sala, Teacher [AMI Primary Certification]

Katie Sala will be working as the after school coordinator at the Children's House level. She has recently graduated from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota (MTCM), receiving her AMI primary certifcation. Prior to her Montessori training she attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where she obtained her teaching license for Wisconsin and Minnesota, allowing her to teach children ages birth through 11 years. Katie is truly excited to be at Oak Hill and can't wait to see where her work may take her.