Maria Carlson is the Elementary Guide. 

Maria earned a BA in English from Kalamazoo College, where she participated in a study abroad in Munster, Germany. 

She took graduate coursework at Hamline University (St. Paul, MN) for Teaching English as a Second Language and Indiana University South Bend for Special Education. She has taught adult education English as a Second Language classes as well as community education courses. Maria has taught special education for the Elkhart and South Bend community schools and worked for Penn Harris Madison schools.

Maria came to Montessori when she enrolled her child in a Montessori school, later deciding to teach. She is interested in how we learn most effectively through our lifetime, metacognition and growth mindset, specifically how these are applied to math education, as well as exceptional and differentiated education. 

She has received an elementary Montessori certification from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. 

Howdy! My name is Brookelyn Tidd, and I am a primary lead teacher here at CCM! I am 23 years old and have an associate's degree in general studies from Southwestern Michigan College as well as my Montessori early childhood education diploma from NAMC. I am a lover of all things green, plants, Hello Kitty, and creepy crawlies! Outside of school, I enjoy all forms of arts and crafts, doing my nails, and skateboarding. 

I have worked at CCM since April 2021, and I have absolutely adored my job here. This school is a very special place filled to the brim with love, acceptance, and genuine care for each person who enters. I grew up the "weird" kid who blossomed into the "weird" adult, so I strive to show my students that there is beauty in being authentically yourself by being authentically myself! My goals as a teacher absolutely include guiding students along their educational path and being a resource for them as they learn about and experience the world around them, but above all else, I want my students to enter my class each day knowing that they are loved beyond measure and also knowing how to love others well. My passion is deeply rooted in education and kindness, and I am so grateful to work in a place that facilitates both!

I have been a part of the CCM team for over 2.5 years, starting as an assistant in the Primary classroom. In 2025, I was thrilled to take on a lead role in the Toddler program. I love seeing the delight on the younger ones' faces as they learn their colors, shapes, and numbers—it’s truly rewarding to be part of their growth. I’m also excited to share that I recently got engaged to my fiancé, Austin, and we’re planning a summer wedding!

Hi, my name is Hollie Legac, and I’ve been a part of the school for 2.5 years, starting as a Montessori toddler assistant and recently stepping into the role of lead teacher in the toddler classroom. I’m married to Jacob, and we have a baby girl, Reese, who keeps us on our toes! I love bringing a sense of humor and a passion for all things silly into the classroom, creating a joyful and engaging environment for the kids. My heart is in Montessori education, and I’m committed to helping young children grow and thrive each day.

Hi! My name is Aliyah and I‘m one of the lead toddler teachers. I have been working at CCM for almost 8 years. I am interested in cooking and traveling. Prior to being a lead toddler teacher, I worked with Infants and Tots! My favorite part about this job is creating bonds with all the kiddos and watching them grow in to their own little person and seeing their faces brighten up when they achieve something.

In 2023 I had a beautiful baby girl! Xalea is my pride and joy and I feel so blessed to be her mom and work near her every single day.