Montessori
American Indian Childcare Center
Feel free to contact us to learn more about our programs that serve children and American Indian families.
Discover Our Early Learning Programs
Guiding Children of American Indian Families
Are you searching for childcare programs focused on helping your child discover their cultural identity? Look no further than what we offer at Montessori American Indian Childcare Center in St. Paul, MN. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our curriculum for children of American Indian families. We will gladly explain our programs and answer any questions.
Our Board of Directors
John Bobolink
Georgette Christiansen
Our Staff
Executive Director – Janice LaFloe
Prior to her Montessori work, she served the American Indian community of St Paul for over a decade through her work at the American Indian Family Center and at St Paul Indian Education Program. Janice completed her Montessori training at the MN Montessori Training Center in St Paul in 2013 as a Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow.
jlafloe@gmail.com
Associate Director – Brook LaFloe
Brook LaFloe (30) is from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa & grew up in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Brook co-founded Niniijaanis One of Ones LLC, a social enterprise for Indigenous children. She is an educator and entrepreneur with passion for revitalizing culture and facilitating the growth of local Indigenous artists & economies. Her academic background includes a Tulane University Bachelor of
Parent & Early Learning Coordinator – Terri Strom
Terri Strom began her position at MAICC in September 2021. She is married and a Montessori Mom of 3 children (now all teenagers!). She has been working in social service and education for over 20 years with children birth through college age, in both community and school settings. For the last 5 years, Terri has supported MAICC and other Montessori early childhood programs with parent programing and children's social emotional development through a partnership with the Montessori Center of Minnesota.
Terri has a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and received her Master's of Social Work from the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Terri holds professional licensure in both Michigan and Minnesota and is a licensed school social worker.
terri@americanindianmontessori.net
Children's House Lead Guide/Teacher – Lacey Leith
Lacey Leith is from the Red Lake Nation – Red Lake, MN. She joined MAICC staff in July 2019 as Bus Aide. She moved into the Transportation Specialist position and then to Assistant Teacher in 2022. Lacey ensured children had a safe bus ride, to and from the Children’s House, regularly communicated with parents, and managed administrative duties. Her daughter and granddaughter are alumni children of MAICC.
Lacey has experience working as a call center representative, a certified nurses assistant, a casino cashier, and a blackjack dealer. She completed her Montessori Assistant Certificate in 2021 at the MN Montessori Training Center in St Paul and her Montessori Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Credential in 2022. Lacey finished her AMI Primary diploma in June 2024 & took over as our lead guide!
Children's House Assistant - Jasmine Coatie
Jasmine Coatie is a direct descendant of Grand Portage Chippewa and previously worked for the Grand Portage Early HeadStart. Prior to that she worked as an events coordinator for the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino. She is a mom of 2 daughters who are school aged. Jasmine also has previous experience working at a child development center in Washington state under the Navy Child and Youth Program. Jasmine is currently finishing her CDA & is excited to join the team and continue her work with indigenous youth. She will be We are thrilled to have Jasmine!
Food Service Manager – Sonia Christiansen
Sonia Christiansen joined MAICC staff in November 2019. Sonia is a resident of St Paul and lived most her life in South St Paul. She has worked in the Food Service industry for 30 years. She is experienced in running her own daycare center from home and has run a cleaning business. Sonia is a mother and a grandmother.
Sonia enjoys her job and always has a caring smile and laughter for everyone.
Family Coach – Rachel Smith
Rachel began working at MAICC January 2023. She is a lifelong resident of St Paul and an enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota Sioux Tribe - Rosebud, South Dakota. She has a culinary arts background and has experience working in the American Indian community in administration at the American Indian Family and Children's Services and as a kitchen manager at Women of Nation's.
Rachel is a mother of four and enjoys baking, reading and spending time with her family. She loves working with families to support their goals and dreams.
Outreach & Connections Worker - Kateri DeShaw
Kateri grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago. She moved to Duluth, where she spent her teenage and young adult years. Kateri moved back to Chicago, where she received her bachelor's degree from Colombia College. After college she moved back to MN where she served as an Americorps member, part of the youth programming track.
Kateri has experience in youth programming, resources, community connections, and data management. She has worked with non-profits, such as the YWCA of Duluth and YWCA of St Paul, and most recently working at Communities In Schools of St Paul. She is the mom of one very busy toddler who is also part of the MAICC learning community. In her free time Kateri loves to dance, take Pilates and Yoga classes and spend time in nature with her family. She is very excited to be joining the MAICC staff and community.
Transportation & Office Specialist - Desiree Brewer
Desiree "Deze" Brewer comes from the Oglala Lakota Nation where she grew up part-time & also grew up in Caddo County, Oklahoma during her high school years when she attended the Riverside Indian School. She has been in the childcare field in different capacities, starting as a foster aunty when she was 16. She has her CNA with dreams to one day be in pediatric care. She began employment at MAICC this Fall of 2024 as the transportation & office specialist. She will be instrumental around the new office & space. Welcome Deze!
Desiree has 4 children, 3 boys & 1 girl ranging from ages 2-15 years old. In her free time Desiree, likes to enjoy outside time with her family swimming, camping, hiking & engaging in sports.
Operations Coordinator- Say Vang
Bus Aide – Tori Valtierra
Tori is the Bus Aide. She lives on the East Side of St Paul, has two nieces who attend the Children’s House, participates in family events, and in the Prenatal to Three program with her young child. Tori works another job as a Personal Care Attendant.
Tori loves nature and exploring new environments. She looks forward to expanding her experience by working with MAICC.
Xeng Vang - Transportation Specialist
Xeng Vang holds a B.A in Sociology with a strong focus in Cultural/Family Social Sciences. She is a licensed Minister and Chaplain in the state of MN. Xeng currently works full-time as a Patient Care Technician and teaches Youth and Young Adult Minsterial studies along with past involvement in the Children and Nursery ministries. She has over 15+ years working in the health care sector as a Program Manager engaged in hospice, palliative care, TBI, DD, EW waivered services. She has enjoyed working 10+ years as a Bilingual Interpreter/Advocate bridging the gap to many families and providers in hospitals, clinics, court systems and educational institutions primarily aimed at early childhood evaluations including, physical, psychological and mental well-being. Xeng has 3 children, Lillyian 18, Vivien 12, and Julio 11 years old, all who enjoy being around people and engaging in selfless community servitude. In Xeng’s spare time, she loves to sing, cook and simply be a great friend and ear to listen, to help comfort, support and guide when needed. She loves working with children and people of all ages!
Dual-Trainee Children's House Aid - Yesenia Rodriguez
Yesenia ”Yese” Rodriguez was born in Minnesota & primarily raised in Mexico. She graduated from Hiawatha Collegiate High School in 2024 & then began working at Lirio Montessori full-time right after high school. Yese came to Montessori American Indian Childcare Center through the Montessori Partners Serving All Children Partnership. She was hired as a dual trainee so she will get on-the-job training as well as complete her Primary (3-6) Montessori Training this school year to complete her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Primary diploma. In her free time, she loves to go shopping with her sister.
Children's House Aid - Megan Forcia
Megan Forcia is an enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Ojibwe and is a passionate advocate for all aspects of indigenous wellness. While pursuing a degree in American Indian Studies from the University of Minnesota, she served on the Board of Directors for the Native Youth Food Sovereignty Alliance (NYFSA). She is also a certified yoga instructor, massage therapist, and full spectrum indigenous doula. As a mom of two, Meg became connected to MAICC through our Family Nest program and is currently enrolled in the AMI Primary (3-6) Diploma course. As a beginning language learner, she is looking forward to sharing the Ojibwe language with our community as an aide in the Children’s House this year.
Dual-Trainee Children's House Aid – Mariana Chavez
Mariana Chavez is Mexica-Nahua, descending from Zacualpan de Amilpas Morelos, Mexico. She is a member of the Mexica-Aztec dance, drum, and philosophy group called Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli located on the East Side of Saint Paul. Her childcare experience ranges over 5 years of volunteering, nannying, Lead Toddler Teaching, and creating a Summer Program for children ages 2-8 called Semillitas. She is also a certified Ninde Doula, caring and nurturing both babies and mothers primarily experienced with families from her Kalpulli. Currently she is finishing her BA at Augsburg University in Latin American Studies and Spanish. Mariana was hired as a dual-trainee so she will get on-the-job training as well as complete her Primary (3-6) Montessori Training this school year. She enjoys spending her leisure time with her family and friends by enjoying nature and being connected to mother earth.
Children's House Aid -
Alex Medina
Alex is a first-generation guest, & his families are from Colombia. Born and raised in Miami Florida, now he's reorganizing in St Paul and has lived in Minnesota for 3 years. He spent the previous years on the Fond du Lac reservation where he worked 2.5 years at the Head Start and recently graduated from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College with an AAS degree in early childhood education. His passions are social justice, music, festivals, art, cultural and community events. He's a poet, drum carrier, and is Re-Indigenizing. He speaks English, Spanish, a little Ojibwemowin and learning other Indigenous languages with grace.
Montessori American Indian
Childcare Center
