Our Staff
American Montessori
A Wonderful Team of Experienced Personnel
American Montessori's success is due to the inspiring teachers who work in our Burnsville and Apple Valley schools, they have dedicated their lives to educating and caring for our students.
American Montessori started with one student back in 1997. Currently, we have two locations and we have over 70 children and 11 staff members, including our specialty staff. At American Montessori, our teachers work with the students to ensure they have the love of learning that Maria Montessori wanted all children to have.
“The first thing required of a teacher is that she be rightly disposed for her task… it is not sufficient to have a merely theoretical knowledge of education.”
–Maria Montessori
Miss Sandy
Owner/Directress
Miss Sandy is the founder/owner and directress of American Montessori schools. She is an AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) certified Montessori teacher. Her experience consists of working with children in seven different schools around the world and here in the US in California and Minnesota. She has over 30 years of Montessori experience as a teacher, directress, and owner. She is married to Jim Bunnell and they have three children and a German shepherd. She loves to travel and experience the tastes and cultures of places around the world. In her spare time, she enjoys reading all genres of books. She loves growing roses, orchids and exotic plants. She also enjoys biking and hiking with her friends and family.
Mr. Andrew
Program Coordinator 3-6
Montessori House of Children
Mr. Andrew is Miss Sandy’s eldest son and an AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) certified Montessori teacher. He recently graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota’s College of Biological Sciences Honors Program with a degree in Neuroscience, along with a minors in Developmental Child Psychology and Business. His dedication to both academics and service earned him recognition on the Dean’s List for multiple semesters and the prestigious President’s Student Leadership and Service Award.
At American Montessori, Mr. Andrew organizes and promotes science, chess, math curriculum by bringing complex ideas to life through hands-on, child-centered learning. He also coordinates our piano and music program, practicing with students and helping organize performances that showcase their growth and creativity. With a calm, encouraging presence, Mr. Andrew serves as a daily example of kindness, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning, qualities he hopes to inspire in every child. Outside the classroom, he enjoys solving Rubik’s cubes, learning magic tricks, and building LEGO sets, always staying curious and imaginative in everything he does.
Miss Alexis
Program Coordinator 0-3
Montessori House of Children
Miss Alexis is Miss Sandy’s daughter. She is one of our AMI (Association Montessori International) certified Montessori teachers. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences graduating with summa cum laude honors in Neuroscience. She also minored in developmental child psychology and business. As such she has a strong interdisciplinary foundation in early childhood development and education. She was also selected as Minnesota Women of Today's Outstanding Young Adult.
At American Montessori She oversees and promotes infant and toddler development using the Montessori method to encourage strong emotional intelligence, communication, and fine/gross motor skills. Miss Alexis is also our social media manager. Her strong academic background and experience working with children further enhances her ability to support the unique developmental needs of every child and our American Montessori family. She believes in nurturing strong relationships with families as a foundation for supporting the child and enriching the greater community. Miss Alexis loves cooking, volunteering, and baking in her free time.
Miss Z.
Montessori Kindergarten Teacher
Miss Z. is our certified Kindergarten Montessori teacher. She is AMS (American Montessori Society) certified. She has over 25 years of experience, and she also holds an associate degree in child development. She has been with us for the past 20 years. She is married and has three children. Her hobbies are music, art, and reading.
Mr. Mariza
3-6 Teacher
Miss Mariza is one of our preschool teachers and is in charge of art and Spanish for the whole school. She is married, has two daughters, and speaks fluent Spanish. Her artistic abilities can be seen in the art projects she does with the children. She has been with us for the last 14+ years.
Miss Lea
3-6 Teacher
Miss Lea is one of our 3-6 year old teachers. She has 20 years of experience in childcare and is doing a wonderful job. She has been with us for the last five years.
Miss Sarah
0-3 Teacher
Miss Sarah is one of our 0-3 teachers. She directly works under Miss Alexis. She has five years of experience in child care. She has been with us for 2 years and is doing a wonderful job. She is married and a mom of five amazing children. As one of our bilingual teachers, she infuses Spanish into her daily teaching lessons and related activities.
Miss Melissa
0-3 Teacher
Miss Melissa is one of our 0-3 teachers. She is a certified teacher with 10 years of childcare experience. She is married and a mom of 4 beautiful children. As one of our bilingual teachers, she infuses French into her daily teaching lessons and related activities.
Miss Tista
0-3 Teacher
Miss Tista is one of our 0-3 teachers. She directly works under Miss Alexis. She has a BA in educational studies and 3 years of experience in child care. She is married and excited to start a family of her own very soon. As one of our bilingual and sign language teachers, she infuses Spanish/signing into her daily teaching lessons and related activities.
Mr. Cade
3-6 Teacher / Sports Teacher
Mr. Cade is Miss Sandy’s youngest son. He is currently attending the University of Minnesota in his 3rd year pursuing his Bachelor's of Neuroscience Degree. At BHS he maintained a high GPA with advanced placement and college-level classes as a senior at Burnsville High School. He advanced to the International Science Fair and is a U of MN College Book Award recipient. He is also president of the Student Council, volunteer coordinator of the National Honors Society, president of Youth Service, and a leader in Link Crew and Burnsville Strong. Mr. Cade fosters an enthusiasm for sports, service, and extracurricular involvement with our students. He coordinates our sports program, teaching the children soccer, football, basketball, and cricket fundamentals as well as individual and teamwork skills. Many of our students aspire to be like Mr. Cade: A leader, a volunteer, and an athlete! In his free time, Cade loves watching and playing football on the Varsity Tackle Football Team at his high school.
Mr. Jim
Administrative
Mr. Jim is Miss Sandy’s husband. Mr. Jim is a Senior Systems Engineer at a global software company. Mr. Jim assists Miss Sandy with administrative responsibilities like enrollment paperwork, accounting, and website management. He also coordinates field trips and real-world learning experiences like visiting the apple orchard, pumpkin patch, fire station, science and art museums, etc. Additionally, Mr. Jim organizes our introduction to programming and typing curriculum for our 3-6 program.
Learn More About American Montessori
Located at 13973 West Preserve Blvd, Burnsville, MN. American Montessori specializes in Montessori-Style Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten Child Care. AMI/AMS Teachers. In Business 25 Years. Locally and Family Owned. Call to Schedule a Tour.
