UMS Staff

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

BROOKE WANAMAKER

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Brooke is a dedicated, lifetime educator who has helped to run operations and administrative functions at public schools in New Orleans since 2009. Prior to, she taught both matehematics and science at the middle school level. As a Montessori and RIE parent, Brooke is honored to be a part of the UMS community, where following the child is paramount.

14 years in school administration in New Orleans charter schools

Master of Arts: Professional and Technical Writing, University of New Orleans

Winner Seraphia Leyda Award 2016

TEDDI LOCKE
UMS MONTESSORI DIRECTOR AND ORFF MUSIC GUIDE IN THE PRIMARY CLASS

Certified Montessori Teacher (AMI) since 1973
50 years experience as Lead Montessori Guide
45 years at UMS as Director and Lead Montessori Guide
Bachelor of Sciences, Loyola University New Orleans
Orff Level I certification
Nature School Training

Teddi has been at University Montessori School since it opened in 1978. She believes in the potential in every child and does everything to promote it. She feels that the children are her friends and enjoys being with them. She has a good time with the children. She is a true Montessorian with a deep understanding of how children and all humans learn. She is completely devoted to UMS.

ERIN BOHLKE
LITTLE CLASS LEAD GUIDE, OFFICE MANAGER AND STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Attended MWEI Montessori Training
27 years teaching experience
Over 34 years at UMS (started working at UMS in high school)
Attended University of New Orleans

As an educator, Erin encourages young children to learn and grow their independence. She brings to her classroom a passionate sense of confidence in the learner. Routines in Erin's classroom are consistent to the point that every child she guides can trust their environment and focus on the changes they are seeing in their own development (even very young children can absolutely sense their own progress, Erin will tell you!). She is a lifelong New Orleanian, at home in Uptown near the school. Her adult daughter, Hannah, was a student here years ago. Erin is a critical component of UMS.

LITTLE CLASS

ERIN BOHLKE
LITTLE CLASS LEAD GUIDE

ALANNA JAMES

LITTLE CLASS ASSISTANT GUIDE

PRIMARY CLASS

BELLE BERRY

PRIMARY CLASS CO-LEAD GUIDE

REBECCA BASILE

PRIMARY CLASS CO-LEAD GUIDE

Rebecca Basile began her 3-6 Montessori career in 2006, after the birth of her first child. She studied in Dallas, TX and worked at the Montessori School for Shreveport before embarking on a little adventure out West. She taught in a Montessori program in Crested Butte, CO and then settled in Sacramento, CA to learn more about early childhood education studying Waldorf and Reggio Emilia all the while staying true to her Montessori roots. After marrying and the birth of four more children, Rebecca and her husband decided to settle closer to family in New Orleans, Louisiana. Always learning, Rebecca is receiving her certification in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Levels 1&2, and most recently has enrolled in an AMI training center for Montessori Elementary ages 6-12. Nothing resonates in her heart more than Maria Montessori's vision of peace through the education of the child.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT STAFF

GAIL KLAUDER-VAZ
SPANISH TEACHER

Bachelor of Arts Degree, Chestnut Hill College
Masters Degree, Tulane University

Gail is a lovely person who is kind and loving with the children. She plays fun games and sings songs with them, all in Spanish. Gail has taught Spanish in elementary schools, high school and at Tulane University.

CAROLYN DURONSLET
PART-TIME PRIMARY CLASS GUIDE

Certified Montessori Guide (St. Nicholas) – 1973
19 years experience as lead teacher
26 years teaching experience
16 years at UMS
Attended University of New Orleans
Tennis pro and tennis teacher at City Park Tennis

Carolyn is a skilled Montessorian whose decades of experience continue to enrich our children in special Science, Sports, and Art programs she leads with great fidelity.

TEDDI LOCKE
UMS MONTESSORI DIRECTOR AND ORFF MUSIC GUIDE IN THE PRIMARY CLASS