Administrative Staff

  Sarah Ludwig-Ross, Founder & Director

Sarah is a native of Dowagiac, Michigan but has lived in the Dominican Republic since 2001.  She has   her Masters Degree in Curriculum & Development from Michigan State University and is a certificated AMS Montessori teacher. Sarah has worked in the field of education for over 15 years in the U.S. and the D.R. and in 2009 took her experience and knowledge to open the doors of 3 Mariposas Montessori.

 

  Michelle Rahn, Development Coordinator

Michelle loves to read historical fiction, play in the water, create, and drink Dominican coffee with friends.  And when she’s not doing any of those things, you will most likely find her at a school. Either at 3MM where she is passionate about family involvement and local teacher development; at Cabarete Language Institute, Cabarete’s premier language school that she founded and directed for four years; or at the university campus in France where she is pursuing her Masters in Education Project Planning and Management.

 

  Allie Kolstad, Administrative Assistant

Allie, originally from Wisconsin, graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with a bachelor’s  degree in Spanish and Psychology. Before coming to the Dominican Republic, Allie worked with the underprivileged Latino population of children in Milwaukee diagnosed with mental health illnesses.  Allie enjoys playing rugby, speaking Spanish, and spending time with her dog, a rescued deaf Great Dane named “Cabo.”

Early Childhood Montessori Teachers

Lee Christenson, Lead Teacher

 Lee is from Michigan and was trained AMI (Association Montessori International) in London 2010.  She also has a degree in theology and music from Hope College in Michigan.  She enjoys working with 3-6 year olds and playing music.  Lee plans on starting her own Montessori school in Guatemala in the next few years.

Odalis Hernandez-Sanchez, Teacher in Training and Parent Liaison

Odalis has lived on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic for her entire life. She is a mother of two and is currently studying English and Montessori education. Odalis is very creative and makes many clothes and jewelry items that she is able to sell. She aspires to continue her Montessori education and become a Montessori teacher at 3 Mariposas Montessori.

Elizabeth, Classroom Assistant

Elizabeth was born and raised in Cabarete. She is currently completing her high school education and aspires to study Early Childhood Education once she enters college.  She is also attending English classes, as sponsored by 3MM.  When Elizabeth has free time, she enjoys reading, studying, and eating.

Infant/Toddler Teachers

Kenia Martinez, Teacher

Kenia has lived in Cabarete since she was born.  Kenia is eager to become a Montessori teacher at 3 Mariposas Montessori after she receives her certification.  One day, she would like to train others in the Montessori method.  Kenia enjoys dancing, singing, working with kids, and eating.

Bartola “Dori” Jimenez, Teacher

Dori was born in Gaspar Hernandez and has lived in Cabarete for 15 years.  She has 4 children and 2 grandchildren, She has two other jobs, one as nanny in Cabarete and another cleaning houses.  When she isn’t working, she enjoys going to church and reading the bible.

Nereida Hernandez, Teacher

Nereida was born in Gaspar Hernandez, just East of Cabarete.  She is married with one daughter named Gisela.  Like Doria, she also works as a nanny and a house keeper.  She enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, going out, and eating.

Jenny Martinez-Vera, Teacher

Jenny is just 22 years old and has lived in Cabarete her entire life.  She was born in Puerto Plata and recently just finished her high school education in La Cienega, where she lives now.  She enjoys watching television, listening to music, dancing, and eating.  One day, she hopes to become an elementary teacher.