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Accreditation
The Montessori School of San Antonio is accredited by the Independent School Association of the Southwest. ISAS is an organization of 89 schools spread across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Louisiana. ISAS is recognized by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission. Other local schools accredited by ISAS include San Antonio Academy, St. Luke’s, Saint Mary’s Hall, Keystone School, and TMI.
ISAS accreditation requires adherence to a set of rigorous standards of best practices of independent schools. Following a thorough self-study, an accreditation team composed of experts from other ISAS schools conducts a three-day visit every 10 years, scrutinizing every aspect of the school’s programs and operations. Documented responses to the recommendations of the visiting team are required at interim intervals.
MSSA Faculty
Administration
Dan Ahlstrom, Ed.D. Head of School
Theresa Powers, Program Director
Brandon Petrosky, Business Manager
Maru Galarza, Director of Admission
Chris Noel, Director of Communications
Jon Ollis, Director of Facilities
Leticia Obregon, Director of After School Programs &Athletics
Ben Hackett, Director of Parent Engagement
Cynthia Mullett, Information Technology
Kimberly Gomez, LVN, Health Services Coordinator
Jule Metoyer, Exec Asst to Administration
Elizabeth Holland, Bookkeeper
Annette Ortiz-Wilson, Receptionist
Jessica Harrison, Counselor
Teachers & Assistants
PRIMARY
Cheri Sebring, Teacher
Judy Korge, Classroom Assistant
Janet Moro, Teacher
Kristina Richards, Classroom Assistant/Admission Assistant
Angie Jones, Teacher
Kathleen Kapp, Classroom Assistant
Libby Brocard, Teacher
Angela Updike, Classroom Assistant
Gmelyn Link, Teacher
Jimena Hastings, Classroom Assistant/Material Maker
LOWER ELEMENTARY
Maria Flores, Teacher
Lynn Ortiz, Classroom Assistant
Teresa Treat, Teacher
Peter Sebring, Classroom Assistant
Pranita Patel, Teacher
Lauren Talley, Classroom Assistant
Sumi Chaudhuri, Teacher
Donna Hengst, Classroom Assistant
UPPER ELEMENTARY
John Pettit, Teacher
Kara Ralston, Classroom Assistant
Anne Shadle, Teacher
Judi Abbott, Classroom Assistant
Cassandra Treviño, Teacher
Shannon Pettit, Classroom Assistant
Reem Rashid, Classroom Assistant (sub)
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Shauna Cardenas, English Teacher
Josh Duelm, History Teacher
Julie Hartung, Science Teacher
Christine Noel, Math Teacher
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Lisa Christal, Librarian
Becca Morgan, Music Teacher
Michelle Taylor, Music Teacher
Leticia Obregon, PE Teacher
Brenda Estrada, PE Teacher
Louis Alvarado, PE Teacher
Margo McCarthy, Art Teacher
Anabell Rosales, Spanish Teacher
Maria del Pilar Camelo, Spanish Teacher
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS/CHILDCARE
Leticia Obregon, Director of After School Programs
Brenda Estrada, Coordinator of Athletics & Activities
Patty Escobedo, Childcare Coordinator
Sylvia Flores, Childcare Instructor
Sandra Alvarado, Childcare Instructor
Nancy Alvarado, Childcare Instructor
Jonathan Moya, Childcare Instructor
MSSA Board of Trustees
With 13 members from a variety of professional backgrounds, but all with a common passion for MSSA and Montessori education, MSSA Board of Trustees meets regularly with Head of School Dan Ahlstrom and MSSA Business Manager, Ralph Huber. The primary work of the Board of Trustees is to ensure and protect the long-term welfare and interest of the school and its mission. Each Trustee holds office for one or two three-year terms, not to exceed six years. Specific committees outlined in the Board By-Laws allow members to focus on specific objectives. These committees include: Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Institutional Advancement Committee, Committee on Trustees and other committees created as needed (Security, Policy Review, Building, etc.). Board members include eight current parents—with 14 current students and five alumni parents—with 12 MSSA graduates.
To ensure the institution remains financially strong for our children’s children and to preserve and actively support the school in the realization of its mission.
2021 - 2022 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bryan Mendenhall
Board Chair
Tim Biela
Board Vice Chair
Institutional Advancement Chair
Lisa Vargas
Committee on Trustees Chair
Alex Nava
Treasurer/Finance Chair
Sarah Shakil
Secretary
Board Members
Annette Evanson
Monica Hall
Ben Newman
Simone Norris
Sana Yassin
