Staff
Molly O’Shaughnessy, Director of Primary Training
Executive Director
Ms. O’Shaughnessy is a Montessori trainer, lecturer, consultant and national and international speaker. She earned the AMI primary diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in 1976. She holds an undergraduate degree from St. Scholastica and a Master’s degree in education from Loyola University in Maryland. She was a founding board member of the Minnesota Children’s Museum and serves on a number of other school and community boards.
Alison Awes, Director of Elementary Training
Alison Awes is Director of Elementary Training at the MTCM. She holds AMI diplomas for Primary and Elementary levels, a B.A. in Art History from Smith College, a M.A. in Latin American Studies from Tulane University, and a M.Ed. in Montessori Education from Loyola College in Maryland. She was a Montessori child and has in both six-to-nine and nine-to-twelve classrooms. She has served on the board of Montessori schools and other organizations, including the AMI Elementary Alumni Association. Ms. Awes has lectured on AMI training courses and delivered workshops on handwork and book making.
Nicole Olson, Administrator
Nicole earned her AMI Primary diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in 2006. She holds an B.A.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota- Duluth and a Master’s degree in Education from Loyola University in Maryland. Before coming to this position, she worked in both public and Montessori schools for five years. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and daughter.
Lisa Drevlow, Primary Course Assistant
Lisa earned the AMI Primary diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in 2002. She holds a B.A. degree from the University of WI Eau Claire and a Master’s degree in Education from Loyola University in Maryland. Prior to joining the staff at MTCM Lisa was a Primary Guide at a local AMI school. She is passionate about Montessori Education and child development. Lisa lives in Minneapolis with her husband and son.
Malinda Holte, Elementary Course Assistant
Malinda received a Bachelor’s Degree in French and Humanities from the University of Minnesota. She received the AMI Elementary Diploma in 1994. Ms. Holte has been an Elementary teacher for 12 years and served as course assistant on the previous courses.
Carol Gronfor, Director of Development
Carol earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She is an active member of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, Minnesota. She has been certified as a grant writer through the Grantsmanship Center. Carol has worked as a development professional for over seven years with several local organizations, focused primarily on social services and youth programs. Her background includes government and foundation grants and contract management, annual campaigns, large in-kind donation programs, and volunteer management. Carol and her family reside in St. Paul. Both of her children have attended Montessori schools since the age of three and currently attend a Montessori magnet school as part of the St. Paul Public Schools.
