Our Teachers

"The secret of good teaching is to regard the child's intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination." - Maria Montessori

"It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it." - Maria Montessori

The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist." - Maria Montessori

Carmen Nieves

Carmen is the lead teacher in the North Classroom. She is certified by the American Montessori Society and has spent the last nine years teaching 3-6 year olds the Montessori philosophy. This is her third year as a lead teacher at A Children's Habitat. Carmen grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from North Central High School. After high school, she spent a year traveling with Up With People before moving to Florida, where she studied elementary education at the University of North Florida. While an undergraduate, Carmen began working at a local Montessori preschool; immediately following her graduation, she spent the summer attending the Orlando Montessori Teacher Education Institute to achieve certification from the American Montessori Society. She then spent three years teaching at a public Montessori school in Jacksonville before moving to Indianapolis with her husband Melvyn and her two Jack Russels. Carmen summarizes her teaching philosophy in this way,"Dr. Maria Montessori was an amazing intellectual. I am just fascinated by the Montessori philosophy. Children are capable of becoming the unique individuals that they are and are respected in their environment. With a balance of liberty and self-discipline, the child is able to listen to her inner self and make work choices to further her development. When the child is working for her own enjoyment she is able to gain a love of learning."

Angela Polk

Angela is the lead teacher in the South Classroom and in the kindergarten program. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from the Herron School of Art and Design. She received her Montessori training at the Columbus Montessori Teacher Education Program in Ohio. Angela is certified by the American Montessori Society and this is her fifth year as a Montessori-certified teacher. Angela lives with her husband Ryan and her two children, Patrick and Mitchell, who are both A Children's Habitat graduates. Angela came to understand and appreciate the Montessori approach to early childhood education while her sons attended Habitat. During those years she was actively involved with the school as a volunteer and substitute teacher. Then and now she has enjoyed watching preschool children develop a love of learning.

Nadia Sadaoui

Nadia is the lead teacher of our Toddler Program. A native of France, Nadia most recently taught in the French immersion preschool program at the International School of Indianapolis. Nadia lives in Indianapolis with her husband Todd and her son Mateo.

Nicole Bozell

This is Nicole's second year as the associate teacher in the North Classroom. Nicole graduated from Purdue University where she majored in Spanish. As an undergraduate, Nicole studied Spanish in Madrid, Spain. Nicole met her husband Michael while attending Purdue and they were married a year after Nicole returned from Spain. Their daughter Lucy attends Habitat. Nicole completed her Montessori assistant paraprofessional training in 2008.

Barb Clouse

Barb Clouse is the assistant teacher in the Toddler Program. She is trained as a Montessori assistant paraprofessional. Barb graduated from Butler University in 1988 with a degree in liberal arts. She loves that the Montessori method is slow and methodical, and that each step has meaning. Her Montessori training has taught her to slow down and allow each child to direct her own learning so each can experience the glory of achievement. Barb lives in Indianapolis with her husband Bill and her three daughters, who have all attended Habitat.

Melissa Briede

Melissa is the associate teacher in the South Classroom. She is a 2004 graduate of Indiana State University, were she majored in Child Development. Before graduation, she completed an internship at Methodist Hospital as a Child Life Specialist, where she provided play therapy to ill and terminally ill children. Melissa spent three years as the head teacher in a toddler classroom at a local child development center which used a Montessori-inspired approach. Her passion for working with special needs children then led her to the Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation, where she focused on highly autistic children. Melissa completed her Montessori assistant paraprofessional training in 2009.

Melissa lives in Carmel with her husband Matt and their miniature poodle Noah. Melissa loves working with preschoolers because they offer incredible insight and make her smile nonstop.

Where do children attend school after Habitat?

A Children's Habitat Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten
801 W. 73rd Street
Attn: A Children's Habitat
Indianapolis , IN 46260-4150
Phone: 317-726-5584
E-Mail: info@childrens-habitat.org
Map
Indy's Best Montessori Toddler Program, Preschool & Kindergarten