Maya Verjovsky was the founding guide of Children’s House 2 at Cathedral Hill Montessori School (2013-2016), and is honored to serve the community once again as the Head of School (since July 2018). She is a native of Saint Paul, a graduate of Saint Paul Public Schools, holds a BA in Religious Studies, an AMI Primary diploma, a Masters in Education, and is the mother of two fantastic Montessori children!

Maya’s own research in undergraduate studies and her child’s early experience in Montessori education led her to complete her AMI training in 2012, and she soon after took on the task of gradually building a second Children’s House at CRMS over a period of three and a half years. Watching children develop independence, mastery, and peacemaking skills is an inspiration to Maya, and she hopes to continue to create cohesive partnerships with families in support of their children.

Maya is an active member of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), Minnesota Montessorians for Equity, and Montessori Administrators Association (MAA). She has served as an album reader and oral exam volunteer for teachers-in-training at the Montessori Center of Minnesota (MCM) and is an active participant in the AMI Minnesota Heads of School Group and the Minnesota Montessori Network (MN MN). Maya is passionate about continually doing the necessary inner work to examine biases and racist beliefs, and seeks to transform CRMS into an organization that is more welcoming, inclusive, accessible, equitable, and anti-racist.

Maddie attended a Montessori school herself from preschool through eighth grade and is the daughter of a Montessori guide! She has a bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota Morris, and completed her AMI primary training at the Montessori Center of Minnesota in 2015. After working as a guide in Duluth for five years Maddie moved back down to the Twin Cities and is so excited to be a part of the CRMS community!

When she’s not at school Maddie enjoys reading, singing in a local women’s choir, and spending time with Posy, her sweet little French Bulldog!

Breanna graduated from Augsburg University with a major in Psychology. After graduating she worked as a Youth Counselor at the Arlington House Shelter, providing direct care services to youth of the ages 11-17 who were in crisis. After having worked with children and young adults age 5-21 she realized that there was an age group that she had not gained experience with, 0-4. Breanna started at CRMS the summer of 2019 as the Toddler’s Community’s Afternoon Assistant and held that position for three years, and spent a year as the Morning Assistant before becoming the guide. Next summer she will be starting the AMI Montessori 0–3 Diploma course, sponsored by CRMS. Breanna is excited to help as many children find their voice and to advocate for themselves as possible. One of her favorite things about this job is encouraging toddlers to say “Help please!”. It may seem small, but it is a crucial skill that will be necessary throughout their lives and is something that many adults are still working on.

Kimbo was born and raised in Los Angeles and moved to Minnesota almost five years ago. They have worked in educational settings for almost three years now, including a Spanish immersion elementary school and an independent preschool in St. Paul. Kimbo got their bachelors degree from Macalester College in Educational Studies and Philosophy with a Studio Art minor. Subbing this summer at Common Roots was their first Montessori experience. Being in a Montessori environment has completely transformed what they understand about child development and early childhood education. Kimbo spent their summer mostly in Children’s House so they are really excited to get to be with the toddlers this year.

Outside of work, Kimbo loves to visit lakes, go on runs, or generally spend time outdoors.

Evian was born in Chicago, and moved to Minnesota at a young age. In high school, she participated in a mentor-mentee program where she helped guide younger students toward a positive and supportive path. That experience inspired her passion for continuing to work with children. In her spare time, Evian enjoys shopping and trying new things. She is excited to be with Common Roots and to continue getting to know everyone!

Clara was an assistant in various capacities at CRMS from 2011-2022 before dipping her toe into the exciting world of special education with Saint Paul Public Schools. After two years as an itinerant early childhood special education teacher, bouncing between multiple schools and countless classrooms, she looks forward to being back in an authentic Montessori environment where she can put down roots and build deep connections and partnerships within our classroom and school community.

Born and raised in Saint Paul, Clara graduated with a degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota and will complete my AMI Primary Diploma through the Montessori Training Center of MN in the summer of 2025. She believes in the power of giving children freedom within limits and using a strengths-based lens when thinking about challenging behaviors. She delights in watching children realize how capable they are, and strives to create a supportive and trusting learning community where all members feel comfortable and celebrated to be their authentic selves.

When not at work, Clara enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. When she’s not busy watching our two cats being ridiculously cute, you might find her fossil hunting by the river, curled up with a good book on the couch, or planning her next road trip.

Laura was born and raised in Minnesota. She graduated from SCSU with a Bachelors of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Laura moved to Minneapolis in 2011 and began substitute teaching at a Montessori school, working in rooms from Nido (infant) to Children’s House. She found her people with toddlers and has stayed with them ever since. Laura previously worked at CRMS for 10 years before taking a brief hiatus to help open a Toddler Community in Northeast Minneapolis. She is making her triumphant return! Laura likes reading at home with her cat Pepper perched on the couch behind her head.

Teddy was born and raised in Minnesota. He has a masters from Saint Mary’s university in Human development with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Teddy was first introduced to Montessori through his wife. He has been part of the Common Roots community for over 5 years. Teddy is drawn to the Montessori method of learning and wishes he had experienced Montessori when he was young. He is looking forward to working in the classroom!
Teddy enjoys spending time outside with his chickens and three dogs. He also enjoys woodworking and bird watching. Every summer you can expect him to be pickling vegetables he grew in the garden.

Born and raised in Saint Paul, Molly attended a Montessori school from ages three to six. Later she went to a performing arts high school where her emphasis was in Theatre. She is a certified postpartum doula. Molly discovered the joy of working with children at a young age, and has been doing so ever since. She started at CRMS in 2016. Recently, she completed the AMI Montessori Primary Course, earning her diploma as a Montessori-trained Guide.

In her free time she enjoys long bike rides and taking advantage of everything the Twin Cities has to offer. She also enjoys cooking unique recipes from all over the world. Molly loves being a part of the CRMS community!

Growing up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2025, Rose has returned home to Minnesota. After graduation, Rose worked with Edina Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher before coming to CRMS. As a former Montessori child with experience teaching summers at a Montessori in Wisconsin, Rose is excited to be back in the Montessori environment! Rose is most passionate about building connections with children and watching their independence grow.

After work, you can find Rose reading a good historical fiction book, going for runs, or booking her next flight!

Raised in the states of New York, Florida, and Wisconsin by a family full of therapists and social workers, Corey grew up learning the importance of caring for others.

After graduating with a Communication – Media Studies degree from the University of Wisconsin – Steven’s Point, Corey moved the cities and found a job at the Minnesota Children’s Museum. During the three years he worked there he found a passion for working with children that he brought to another local preschool and now to CRMS.

On his off hours Corey loves movies, video games, and going to Minnesota Frost games. He is incredibly excited to be a new addition to the CRMS community!

Paige grew up in Minneapolis. During high school, she began working at a Montessori school as an afternoon aid. She continued to work as an assistant with Toddlers and in the Children’s House while going to school for jewelry design.

Paige completed her AMI primary training at the Montessori Center of Minnesota in 2012. She previously worked at CRMS as the fully trained CH2 morning assistant from 2014-2016. Since then, Paige has held positions as a lead guide, co-guide, and fully trained assistant in other metro area Montessori schools. With over 20 years of experience in Montessori environments, she is happy to be back at CRMS as the ESA.

In her time away from school, Paige is an avid runner, enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and son, and is kept busy with their many pets and quail farm.

Ruby was born and raised in Minnesota. She lived in Fargo for a few years while attending Minnesota State University Moorhead before moving back to the cities in 2022. Ruby has worked with all ages and finds great value in alternative education. In her free time Ruby enjoys yoga, reading and curling up with her cat Stassi. Ruby is very excited to be joining CRMS!

Emma grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended a Montessori school through first grade. She first discovered her interest in childcare and education through nannying, where she was constantly inspired by the children’s curiosity and capacity for learning.

She took a hiatus from nannying during her studies at the University of Minnesota, and she is expected to graduate in May (2026) with a B.A. in Art History. Since moving to the Twin Cities, Emma has become an active member in the local arts scene, whether making art, volunteering at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, or participating in the folk dance community.