Ms. Jean
Co-Teacher
Thank you for the privilege of befriending your children at Little Sprouts Montessori. I am Jean Kassen from Shawnee and have retired from teaching some seven years ago with 40 years of experience in traditional and Montessori programs, hoping for opportunities to continue Montessori possibilities like this one with Ms. Natalie. I have spent 27 years in Montessori itself and another 13 in modified Montessori classrooms including kindergarten levels. My travels have taken me from KC, Kansas, to Saipan, CMI (in the Pacific), Topeka, Missouri, Florida, and Minnesota, where I have taught in and out of Montessori systems. I have been a teacher at Little Sprouts since 2014.
Ms. Myra
Co-Teacher
Teaching is my passion and calling. For over 20 years, I have taught private cello, piano, violin, and guitar lessons to students of all ages. I have also taught preschool Spanish and music. Most recently, I was a Montessori teaching assistant, substitute, and before-school preschool teacher.
I received a B.A. in Music and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Kansas and earned my AMI 6-12 Orientation Course certificate through the Montessori Institute of North Texas.
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Working with young souls lights me up inside. I love being a part of their discovery process and getting to witness their growth and development. It may sound corny, but I concur with these beautiful words sung by the great Whitney Houston:
“I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be.”
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I am married and have two teenage children, a dog, and 3 cats. My hobbies include running, gardening, making music, trying new foods, and cooking delicious meals. I love learning, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors.
Ms. Sharon
Assistant Teacher
My name is Sharon Brewer. While at the University of Kansas Health system and University of Physicians Inc. I was employed as a patient service representative in the Orthopedic office. When communicating with patients, I always tried to be sensitive and responsive to people’s needs and being fluent in the Spanish language helped on a daily basis. After many years with the hospital, and having raised two children of my own and having helped raise my four grandchildren, (my youngest grandson being 10 months old) I retired in 2020.
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When I learned about Little Sprouts Montessori, I was captivated by the teaching and how they strive to bring out the individuality of every child. Being retired does not slow me down and being connected to Little Sprouts Montessori provides me with a new purpose.
Connecting with my own granddaughters is important to me. So, when they began tap dance classes, I also signed up for tap classes at Roeland Park Community Center. It showed them that I wanted to connect with them through the shared experience of dance. I have a sincere desire to learn and grow with the children; to demonstrate rapport through kindness and respect.
On snow days you will find me crocheting with my Cockapoo dog, Prince Charming, at my feet. When I’m out walking Prince, it allows me to focus and meditate on the beauty and wonder that is found in nature.