Our Primary
Program
Introducing the Three-Year Cycle.
With half- and full-day options, the Primary Program at A Children’s Habitat embodies the foundation of the Montessori Method. Multi-age environments offer concrete sensorial experiences and open-minded exploration through beautiful, thoughtful hands-on materials, which seed basic mathematical and scientific concepts, refine concentration, and foster social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Our 3- to 6-year-old students also learn practical, daily life skills as well as grace and courtesy, naturally caring for and teaching themselves and others as they respect the classroom activities and learn to clean up after themselves. The Primary Program also introduces the Montessori three-year cycle from explorers learning to develop concentration and make sense of the space, to experts in their third year as they become peer-mentors to young students and solidify their own sense of confidence.
For Primary students, every school day includes active outside play either on our playground or in our half-acre outdoor classroom. Our full-time option also includes music and Spanish.
TOUR Our Primary
CLASSROOM VIRTUALLY
A Day In The Life.
Montessori primary classes are a delight to watch. The busy, yet surprisingly quiet hum of students as they go about their work is masterful, intentional, and awe-inspiring. Children in the Habitat primary program arrive and prepare themselves for the day by hanging their backpack and personal items and changing into indoor shoes. They are calmly and warmly greeted by teachers as they enter the classroom. The day officially begins with morning circle time where the classroom community comes together to sing and enjoy short group lessons based on the unit of study. As the circle dismisses, students begin their work cycle in either the indoor or outdoor classroom, progressing through the curriculum at their own pace, guided by their observant teachers. Grace and courtesy are a part of every action in the classroom, from sharing works and materials to enjoying lunch and recess together. Our primary students also enjoy rotating through music, Spanish, yoga, and library throughout the week.
Meet the Teachers
Melissa Briede
NORTH PRIMARY LEAD
Melissa has always had a passion for young children, finding tremendous excitement in sharing when it all comes together for them in that ‘ah ha’ moment. She has spent her career working with children—helping to build connections and develop independence is just a part of her make up. Melissa earned a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Life from Indiana State University in 2004, and later received her Montessori 3-6 teaching certification from the United Montessori Association. Prior to becoming lead teacher, Melissa served as an assistant teacher for five years. During that time she completed her Montessori paraprofessional training at MECA-Seton, now Seton Montessori Institute, in 2009.
Before joining Habitat in 2009, Melissa completed an internship at Methodist Hospital as a Child Life Specialist where she worked with hospitalized children and their families, conducting therapeutic play sessions that provided opportunities for expressive therapy. From there, she served as the head teacher in a Montessori-inspired toddler classroom that emphasized observation to assess the developmental abilities of individual children. Melissa went on to spend two years working with Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation, focused on developing and implementing individual education plans for students with special education needs.
When not at school, Melissa enjoys spending time at home with her husband, children, and miniature poodle.
Miriam Monroy
NORTH PRIMARY ASSISTANT
REST TIME SUPERVISOR
Miriam Monroy is a dedicated educator with a rich background in childhood development and a passion for fostering young minds. Born in Guatemala City, Miriam embarked on her teaching journey in her home country before venturing to the United States. She pursued extensive childhood development education at Los Angeles City College, honing her skills and expertise in the field.
Her professional journey led her to a beautiful play-based early learning school where she not only taught but also conducted engaging “mommy and me” classes, fostering connections between parents and their little ones. Her commitment to education and nurturing young learners continued as she followed her daughter and grandchildren to Indiana in 2021.
Miriam is thrilled to contribute her knowledge and enthusiasm as a permanent substitute teacher at her grandson’s school. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating an engaging and supportive environment where children can thrive.
Beyond her passion for education, Miriam finds joy in various interests. She cherishes moments with her family, finding delight in foreign films, indulging in culinary adventures, and exploring the outdoors through hiking—a cherished activity she shares with her loved ones.
Miriam Monroy’s dedication to teaching, coupled with her multicultural background and love for family, makes her a valuable addition to the school community. Her diverse experiences and commitment to childhood development promise a nurturing and inspiring educational environment for her students.
Cholpon Meimanilieva
TODDLER LEAD
NORTH PRIMARY ASSISTANT
Cholpon is the Lead in our Toddler classroom. She trained with Seton Montessori Institute as a Primary and Infant & Toddler guide, spending her practice year with A Children’s Habitat (ACH) in 2011 and remaining a part of the school since that time.
Cholpon first learned about the Montessori education philosophy in 2007, when she and her family moved to the Boston area from Kyrgyzstan. Inspired by the development of her 3-year-old nephew, she decided to learn more about Montessori and quickly became very passionate about it, eventually pursuing a study and career as a Montessori guide. Her four daughters are proud ACH alumni.
Cholpon brings a diverse international background to the school. With BA and Master’s degrees in Political Science and a major in Chinese studies from the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan), she studied in Kyrgyzstan, China, and Australia, and is fluent in Kyrgyz, Russian, Mandarin, and Turkish in addition to English.
Joyce Simmons
SOUTH PRIMARY LEAD
Joyce began her teaching career after earning a BS in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida and taught third grade for nine years. She has been part of the Habitat family since 2009 when she enrolled her oldest daughter at A Children’s Habitat. She was enamored with the Montessori method and attended the Columbus Montessori Teacher Education Program in Ohio to obtain her AMS teaching certificate.
Minda Hohl
SOUTH PRIMARY ASSISTANT
Minda Hohl is proud to be teaching in the South classroom at A Children’s Habitat. She has been a part of Habitat since 2008— teaching in the South class since 2011. Minda can also be found at Habitat during the summer months for camp! During the school year, you will most likely see her first thing in the morning at our drop off line—she loves having the wonderful opportunity to greet and welcome our students as they begin each day. Minda also loves being outdoors (especially in warm weather), wearing flip-flops, reading a good book, and cooking a great meal.
When not at Habitat, she can be found spending time with her husband and furry four-legged children.