North Campus Teachers & Paraprofessionals
Preschool (2’s)
Tanya Brodit
Preschool Program Assistant Director
Mrs. Tanya Brodit has been with Acorn Montessori School for over 11 years and has dedicated herself to the Early Childhood Program as a supervising lead teacher. She’s a strong believer in fun, play-based learning! She creates amazing, engaging learning environments that all kids love! She has her Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education and is currently working toward her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves spoiling her dog, spending time with her husband, and having game nights with her friends and family
Tasha Bridgeman
Mrs. Tasha Bridgeman has taught here at Acorn Montessori School for 13 years! This will be her 6th year teaching in preschool as the supervising lead teacher. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Human Behavior from Northern Arizona University as well as many additional early childhood trainings. She’s dedicated to nurturing the youngest students in our program with incredible play-based activities and considerable patience and love. The students most definitely reciprocate that love for Ms. Tasha! When she’s not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, exercising and playing sports, and doing artsy activities.
Johanna Van Dyck
Van Dyck will be joining our preschool this year. Johanna received a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Cal State Northridge. She has a passion for Montessori methods and working with children. With experience as a volunteer with family resource centers, as well as assisting in previous Montessori schools, Johanna is excited to share her knowledge with her students. In her free time, she is passionate about art, culture, film, and education!
Lacey Grantham
Pre-K (3-4)
Nick Schultz
Not only is Mr. Nick Schultz a preschool teacher here at Acorn Montessori School, he is also a former student! He’s worked here for 11 years, and he is our lead teacher for our 3 year old class. Mr. Nick has continued to train and learn about Early Childhood development and best practices because he loves helping children grow and learn. He also enjoys working with technology as well as dancing and choreographing dance routines.
Karrissa Archer
Ms. Karrissa Archer is joining the three year old room in our Preschool program. Mrs. Karrissa has a natural connection with our littlest students and can’t wait to start with them again this year. She loves getting to know each individual and watching them grow as they make new friends, come out of their shells, and have fun while in school. In her free time, she likes to decorate her house, play with her dogs, and craft at home.
Pre-K (3-5)
Tristin Archer
Mr. Tristin Archer is in our Pre-K classroom. He has been with Acorn for 6 years as a teacher but also attended as a student! Throughout his time as an educator, Mr. Tristen has completed too many trainings to list! When not working with students Mr. Tristen loves to go camping and fishing.
Caren McCarty
Mrs. Caren McCarty has been working with early childhood students at Acorn for the last 6 years. Ms. Caren loves being able to help in all of the different classrooms and getting to know each student’s personality. She can see the bright futures students have in front of them and finds it inspiring. In her free time, Ms. Caren loves to care for her four children, run, and do CrossFit.
Pre-K (4-5)
Tanya Brodit
Mrs. Tanya Brodit has been with Acorn Montessori School for over 11 years and has dedicated herself to the Early Childhood Program as a supervising lead teacher. She’s a strong believer in fun, play-based learning! She creates amazing, engaging learning environments that all kids love! She has her Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education and is currently working toward her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves spoiling her dog, spending time with her husband, and having game nights with her friends and family
Emily Peterson
Emily Peterson has joined the Acorn team full time. She is continuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education at NAU. Her favorite part of working with children is realizing what a huge impact she can make in each student’s life. When not in the classroom, she enjoys baking, being outdoors, and spending time with her boyfriend and family.
