Cyprus Classical Montessori Staff

Michelle Wallick

Founder - Director - Elementary Lead Teacher - Music Teacher

Mrs. Wallick obtained a B.A. in English with a minor in Math/Computer Science from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. She has taught preschool and elementary aged children for over 25 years and in a Montessori environment for over 10 years. She earned her Montessori Diploma in 2001. Michelle believes strongly in the Montessori method and was educated in a Montessori environment when she was in preschool. Michelle had always dreamed of starting her own preschool where all aspects of a child's development are addressed in a positive, caring and intellectually stimulating environment. This became a reality when Michelle searched for a preschool for her youngest child and couldn't find the "perfect" environment, so she created it herself! Her highest priorities are a well-educated, creative, positive and charismatic staff, a low teacher to student ratio, and an environment and program that addresses and meets all needs of children.

Over the years, Michelle has noticed a lack of good options available to elementary students who have advanced academically or are gifted. She designed a unique elementary program specifically designed for such students. Cyprus offers Classical kindergarten through third grade to students of all abilities, with ability-based rather than age-based classes and a very in-depth and enriching curriculum. Cyprus will grow with our students, adding a grade each year!

While spending several years working with academically gifted children, it became apparent that often musical and artistic talent are present too. Michelle felt it was very important to address these talents with the same quality and excellence as Cyprus approaches academics. Although Cyprus has always been very rich in the arts, it now offers a full-scale school for music and the arts, open after school hours. Private instrument lessons, art classes, drama, martial arts, science and language classes are offered through Cyprus School of Music and the Arts.

Michelle is currently pursuing certification in Talent Development and Gifted Education through the U of M. Concurrenly, she is pursuing a PhD in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on gifted education. She and her husband, Mike, have three children ages 16, 14 and 6, and she is Founder, Director and Teacher at Cyprus.

Jennifer Watts

Lead Preschool Teacher: 2 - 4 year olds

Mrs. Watts graduated in 2006 from Winona State University with a BS in Elementary Education and Middle School Math, and a Minor in Coaching. She has spent the past several years teaching preschool and has loved every minute of it. Her favorite part of teaching is allowing students to explore and discover things on their own. In her free time Mrs. Watts likes to play and coach soccer, sew, and walk her two dogs.

Beyah Tchalim-esse

Teachers' Aide

Beyah is originally from Togo Africa, and moved with her son to the United States to join her husband. She has worked with children and families for several years. She speaks French fluently as well as several Afrcian languages. She is a great help to our teachers at Cyprus, and is wonderful with the children. She has a son who now attends Cyprus Classical Academy.