STAFF | Faith

I'm Jodie, the founder of Faith Montessori. My commitment to fostering a love for learning, promoting independence, and instilling a sense of wonder in every child shapes the foundation of our schools. I am thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant learning community and look forward to embarking on this enriching journey together.

I am certified in Montessori education and have a degree in Marketing and Education from Ball State University. My family consists of 4 boys and a girl. My husband and I have been happily married for over 30 years and have lived in Noblesville since 1999.

FOUNDER OF FAITH MONTESSORI

Jodie Bolinger

HELLO!

MEET THE TEAM

Toddler Program

We will be offering a 2/3’s class that will also follow the Montessori methods. This will better prepare your child for preschool as well as provide a safe and loving learning environment for your child.

The 2/3 year olds will interact and explore in the young skills room where play is encouraged. Development of fine motor skills are constant through the senses and learning materials and the seeds of a Montessori education is planted. Designed for age 2 and 3, here is where practical life, sensorial, and the foundations for math and language are established. In practical life, the three main areas will be: Care of self, Grace and Courtesy, and Care of the environment. Practical Life methods are strong at any age in Montessori and are the single most important area for the 2/3 year olds.

Attention spans of a 2 and 3 year olds are very limited, so the prepared classroom environment provides a wide variety of materials. Our classroom will enable the child to be very active. Rest and inactivity are foreign to the toddler's nature; something that every parent of a toddler knows first hand. The prepared 2/3's environment is a place where the very young child is able to act upon his natural energies and curiosity. We all know a 2 and 3 year-olds are in constant motion and objects just seem to leap up into their hands. The 2/3's are encouraged to touch and handle and explore everything in their surroundings.

We also encourage independence and we all know that a 2 and 3 year old wants to do things for themselves. Unfortunately, in today's hurry-up pace, there is not always time or patience to allow the small child to complete the job at hand all by themselves. The 2/3's prepared classroom environment and program are designed to be convenient for the child. The prepared 2/3's environment is his/her place, a place to feel at ease and at home. It is our aim, as the aware adult, to remove the obstacles that frustrate the child by providing furnishings to their size and having materials at arm's reach and at eye level.

Jodie Bolinger /Founder of Faith Montessori and Director of Union St.

Jodie is the director of Union St. as we are in the hiring process. More information to come!

Mrs. Selky | Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Selky has a degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Selky has 2 children and a wonderful husband. She is an amazing teacher and has such a love for the Lord. She loves spending time with familiy.

Mrs. McGraw | Language and Math Teacher

Mrs. McGraw has taught at Faith for over 10 years. She grew up in Columbus, Indiana and earned her teaching degree from Ball State University. She is married to her college sweetheart, Mike, and taught for 8 years in Warren Township. She has 2 children of her own and loves spending time with the children of Faith Montessori.

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Mrs. Smith | Language and Math Teacher

Mrs. Smith has taught preschool for 15 years. She has a degree in Early Childhood, and is trained in Montessori teaching for children ages 3-6. Her and her husband have lived in Noblesville for the past 16 years with there two sons, Jacob and Andrew. When not teaching you will find her and her family working on wood working projects. She has a love for home decor which lead her to start her own business this year, FamilyDesign LLC. Mrs. Smith loves spending time with her family, traveling, shopping, and hanging out with there life group friends from church. Her and her family are actively involved with there boy's life groups and members of Northview Church.

Mrs. Milbank | Bible and Practica Teacher

I grew up in Cicero, married to Tayler Milbank and we have 3 children, Adilyn, Oliver, and Everett. Adilyn attended Faith 9 years ago and I was a sub, then enrolled my toddler this year, shortly after I received an email about an opening to teach and here we are!

I grew up dancing at my mom’s studio and now get to teach ages 3 and up. I also drive the school bus for Hamilton Heights before and after school. I enjoy lake days in the summer and decorating my Christmas tree way too early in the fall. I look forward to building a wonderful connection with all the kids this year.

Mrs. Meckstroth | Science Teacher

Hi Faith Families 😀 I’m Mrs. M (Meckstroth) . I am so happy to be returning as the Science 🔬teacher this upcoming year. Originally from West Virginia 💙💛 Let’s Go Mountaineers!! My husband Aaron and I moved to Indiana almost 8 years ago and we have absolutely loved growing our family here. We have three kids.., Aria, who will be going in to the 1st grade, Maverick, who will be starting Kindergarten at Faith with the wonderful Mrs. Selky, and Ford, who will be returning to the 2’s and 3’s class with sweet Mrs. Kris.

Mrs. King | 2 and 3 Class Teacher

Mrs. King has a passion for working with children and spending time with her family. She has been married to her husband for 21 years and they have 2 children. She enjoys traveling, hiking, and other outdoor activities. She previously worked at Westfield schools in the special education department. She went to IUPUI and is a licensed MA. Mrs. King grew up in Indianapolis and has lived in Noblesville for the past 20 years.

Mrs. Smith | 2 and 3 Assistant Teacher

I’m Daniela Smith. My own kids started at Faith a few years ago, and I was so happy to join the teachers in 2023. I assist in the 2s-3s at Union Street. I love working with the little ones - that age is never boring; they are spunky, sweet, lovey, and learning so much! I live in Westfield with my husband, three daughters, and two cats. I love to sing, be outside, and hang out with my family!

Mrs. Alvarez | Director of Lifepointe

Megan graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. She holds a teaching license in Early Childhood and Elementary Primary. She has 14+ years of experience teaching preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, 3rd grade and ESL. She lives in Westfield with her husband and her 3 kids- Evie, Mila and Beau. She loves to spend time outside, especially going to outdoor concerts as a family in the summertime. Megan loves Faith Montessori and is passionate that children learn best through play and exploration.

Mrs. Turner | Language and Math Teacher

Hi! My name is Kaley Turner :) I am so excited to start teaching Language and Math at Lifepointe this year. I grew up in Brownsburg and studied early childhood education & special education at USI and IUPUI. I have been married to my husband, Nathan, for 9 years. We have a 5 year old, Avery, who went to Lifepointe for 2 years. She will be starting Kindergarten this week and was devastated to leave Lifepointe (her “favorite place ever”). I have so many fun and exciting things planned for this school year and look forward to getting to know all of you!

Mrs. Walker | Bible and Practical Life Teacher

Mrs. Walker has been with Faith Montessori since 2020. She is so excited and blessed to be your child's Bible and Practical Life teacher. Her experience in the educational setting as teacher/Instructional Assistant and other various roles includes 18+years K-5. She is married to her husband Tom of 35 years and they have 4 grown children JaLyn (Brian) Chris (Sue) Jasmin (Randy) Jared (Ashley) and 4 grandchildren. She lived in Louisville, KY for over 30 years and relocated to Noblesville in 2017 and simply love it here.

Mrs. Mallon | Science Teacher

I graduated from Northeastern Illinois University. I have a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Psychology. I have also worked as an instructional assistant at Lifepointe, Union, and Carey Ridge Elementary school. I am originally from Chicago, and moved to Westfield 5 years ago with my family. I am loving it here and am very proud to call it my home. I absolutely love working with preschool age children, My goal is to create a classroom where creative minds will shine - preparing your children for kindergarten and beyond. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and nature.

Mrs. Ownbey | 2 and 3 Class Teacher

Ms. Kari started working at Faith Montessori in the Fall of 2021 as the lead 2/3’s teacher at the Lifepointe location. Before joining Faith, she taught 1's, 2's, and preschool age at a local daycare in Westfield. She also taught 3's, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 2nd grade in Nashville, TN. With several years working at an alternative high school, she has over fourteen years experience in education. She has been married to her husband, known to the students as "Mr. Nate", since 2012 and they have two daughters, Elzette and Andli who attend Sheridan Elementary. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and being in warm weather at the beach! It is a joy for her to see students learn and grow throughout each year!

Mrs. Etchison | 2 and 3 Class Teacher

Hello, I am Ms. Keli Etchison, the assistant teacher for the 2/3 class this year. After graduating from Ball State University I taught pre-K for four years before taking on the role of case manager for the Dept of Child Services for three years. After that I taught language and math at Faith for one year and substituted for two. This will be my 4th year with Faith Montessori. I took a five year break between DCS and Faith to raise my twin daughters, Annie and Penny. I enjoy doing ceramics, thrifting for vintage treasures, and spending time with my family.

Substitute Teacher

Description coming soon!

Mrs. Scott | 2 and 3 Teacher

Whitney is a 2/3’s teacher at Faith Open Door. She has been married for 28 years to her husband Dave. They have raised two fantastic kids - Jack, who is married to Emily, and Leanne. Whitney and Dave enjoy antiquing, mini vacations to new places, and spending time with family.

Mrs. Cooper | 2 and 3 Teacher

Hi! My name is Britney Cooper, aka Miss Cooper. I have been blessed to have many years of experience teaching preschool! I have taught infants (0-1 yr), toddlers (1 yr-2 yr), and Pre-K. I am originally from Evansville, IN, and moved to Hamilton County 12 years ago. In between, I also lived in Spokane, WA for 6 months with her better half, Josh, while he was stationed there in the Air Force. Josh and I have been together for almost 10 years and have welcomed two amazing children into the world. In 2017, we welcomed Hadleigh, who is in 1st grade, then in 2021, we welcomed Joshua Jr (JJ), who is in class at Faith. I absolutely love teaching little people and helping them learn and grow!

Mrs. McGhee | Language and Math Teacher

Ms. McGhee was born and raised in Noblesville and earned her degree in Education from IUPUI. She taught second grade in Pike Township and enjoyed being a camp counselor during the summers in Noblesville, Fishers and Hawaii with the YMCA. Ms. McGhee grew up in gymnastics beginning at age 3 and then became passionate about Taekwondo. She has been instructing Taekwondo for 20 years and opened Harbour Town Martial Arts in 2010 which promote focus, courtesy, self-control, self-confidence and fitness. Ms. Mcghee has been at Faith since we opened in 2010.

Mrs. Smith | Language and Math Teacher

Mrs. Smith earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana University Kokomo, and her master’s in art from University of Indianapolis. Before coming to Faith Montessori in 2022, she taught art at the middle and high school levels as well as community art classes. Outside of the classroom you can find Mrs. Smith creating art in her home studio, gardening, reading, and spending quality time with her husband, their two cats, and their two daughters who also attend Faith Montessori.

Mrs. Nail | Sciencce Teacher

Mrs. Nail is married and has 4 children and 2 fabulous grandchildren. She has over 20 years of experience teaching preshool and assisting in kindergarten classrooms. She loves children and knows it is a blessing from God to have the opportunity to work with them each day. In her free tiem she enjoys gardening, cooking, crocheting, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Orr | Bible Teacher

Mrs. Orr is the Bible teacher at the Open Door location. She has been teaching at Faith Montessori since it opened in 2010. She has an elementary education degree from IUPUI and loves teaching children about Jesus. Mrs. Orr has been married for 31 years and has raised two wonderful children, Kaley & Jake. She and her husband enjoy playing tennis, going to church, and hanging out at Morse Reservoir.

Mrs. Steininger | Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Steininger taught second grade at Heritage Christian School and was an Instructional Assistant at Stony Creek Elementary for three years. When she's not teaching, she is busy with her five boys and grandson. Mrs. Steininger enjoys biking, hiking and attending sporting events with her boys. Her family is very active in their church and cherishes the "family" they have there.

Mrs. Gammon | Kindergarten and 1st Grade Teacher

Amy has spent the last 5 years as the children’s director and office administrator for Open Door Church where her husband, Jeff, has been the lead pastor for the past 15 years. Before “officially” coming on staff at Open Door, Amy taught 1st grade at Legacy Christian School for 9 years. She received her elementary ed degree from Greenville University in 1990, and except for taking a few years off while her kids were young, has taught elementary students in both public and private schools ever since. They have a daughter, Bethany who is married to Mason, and a son, Matthew. They live in a pet-friendly home and have a dog, Pebbles, and cat, John. Amy also gives piano lessons to 13 students .

Mrs. Bishop | 3rd and 4th Grade Teacher

I “asked Jesus into my heart” when I was very young, and try know Him better everyday. I always wanted to be a teacher “when I grew up”, and have many fond memories of playing school with my brothers and sister. I am the 3rd and 4th grade teacher at the Open Door Location. I received my teaching degree from Taylor University in 2002, and married my high school sweetheart the week after graduation. I worked as a toddler teacher for a few years before becoming a Mom to Kate and Claire and then started teaching with Faith Montessori as a preschool teacher in 2015. I like tea, spending time with my family and being in nature.

Mrs. Bolinger | 1st and 2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Sydney Bolinger is the 1st/2nd grade teacher at the Noblesville location. She has a bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Western Governors University. She and her husband Zeke Bolinger of the Anderson Police Department reside in Noblesville with their golden retriever Maverick! She is a coach of the 8th grade volleyball team at Noblesville West Middle school as well as a club volleyball coach for Miller Juniors. In her free time she spends time with friends, family, and enjoying nearly anything outdoors!

Mrs. Stotts | Assistant

My name is Elizabeth. I am from Chile. I am married to Brett and we have a 10 year old daughter named Emily. We moved here to Indiana where my husband is from. I am very grateful to be apart of Faith Montessori.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR
THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR!

HELLO!

MEET THE TEAM

Toddler Program

Get in Touch

CONTACT