Casa Dia Montessori of Crestwood Staff

Hello, my name is Ms. Angela. I joined the Casa Dia Montessori family in August 2001 as the assistant directress and became the directress in November 2006. I have my degree in early care and education, along with my certification in Montessori and 20-plus years’ experience working in child care.

I married my husband Bud in 2002, and we have two wonderful children, Austin and Alyssa. I have been blessed to have a job where my children could come to school with me and grow and learn. Working with children has always been my passion and I am grateful that, every day, I get to come to work and see so many smiling faces. Having been in the field for over 20 years, it is so fun to see my first students graduating from college and some are getting married. I am so proud of how they have grown and to hear of their success.

My name is Ken Buchholz. Everyone calls me Mr. Ken. I am the Assistant Director and I work in the office at the school.

I graduated from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, in 1972 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. I worked in different positions with the State of Missouri for 27 ½ years before retiring in June of 2001. I began working for Casa Dia Montessori in July of 2001, where I am still employed.

I am the person who can help you with anything dealing with your tuition payments, receipts etc. as well as any paperwork items that you need to complete. I am the person who sends you your year end statement for taxes and gets you receipts for your cafeteria plans for your reimbursement.

I am usually at the school when it opens and greet you when you arrive, wishing you to have a great day.

I have been employed with Casa Dia Montessori since October 2001. I started working part-time in the office and am now a full-time employee. I love children and thoroughly enjoy working at Casa Dia Montessori.

My husband and I were blessed with six beautiful children, three boys and three girls, with whom I stayed home with, until coming to Casa.

I can honestly say I love coming to work. The children always put a smile on my face. They are the future, and I consider it an honor to be a part of their precious beginnings.

Hello! My name is Jennifer Sapienza. I have been working in the childcare field industry for 30 years. I have worked at Casa Montessori school for 20 years. I am the Lead teacher for the infant/Toddler room, working with the age group of 9mths to 14mths.

A Little about myself: I am a single mother of one child. I have a daughter, who recently just graduated from highschool. And will be pursuing to college.

Love animals, as I have one cat that is a Calico breed. My favorite color is: Purple. Favorite season of the year is: Autumn. Just love the colors and all the festivities that come with it.

Love learning new cultures and traveling, which is one of my bucket list of things to do. (Fun fact: I am part of Asian culture: Japanese)

And lastly, my free time is usually spent surrounded by my loves and family.

I’m from Oakville, Mo. and have been caring for children for 23 years, 17 of those years here at Casa Dia Montessori. I have three beautiful daughters and a step-daughter who have blessed my awesome husband and I with 10 grandchildren. All three of my daughters have worked here at Casa Dia Montessori. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren. I love teaching toddlers. They keep me on my toes. They learn so much at this age, making my job rewarding.

My name is Ms. Brenda and I am the lead teacher in Room 1E (children 16-20 months of age). I have been in the daycare field since 1998 and have been here at Casa Dia Montessori since September 2001. I am certified in infant, toddler and twos Montessori.

My name is Ms. Jennifer. I have been in childcare for 10 years. I am the lead teacher in Room 2A. I grew up in Maine with six brothers and sisters, and I have a 14-year-old son. I love children and have wanted to work with them for as long as I can remember.

Ms. Jackie was born and raised in St. Louis. She has been educating young children for over 20 years and has been employed at Casa since January 2009. Ms. Jackie is not only Montessori certified but also has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Webster University. She has been happily married for 20 years, has two children, and truly believes teaching young children is a rewarding profession.

Ms. Andria is the lead Montessori teacher in Pre-k4. She is from St. Louis and has been working at Casa Dia Montessori since she graduated high school, for 9 years now. She has been a lead Montessori teacher for two years now. Andria is mother to her son Mekhi. In her free time, she spends a lot of time with family and loved ones. Andria’s favorite saying to live by is, “Good Things Come to Those Who Hustle.”

Hi. I am Ms. Beth and I work in Pre-K4. I have worked in this room for six years and have been at Casa Dia Montessori for seven years. I have worked with all age groups but prefer this age the best. In my down time, I like to do several crafts and take walks.