EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR and INSTRUCTOR

Debra is the Executive Director of the Adrian Montessori Teacher Education Institute. Debra is also the ADMTEI instructor for Everyday Living, Mathematics, Classroom Leadership & Observation, and the Practicum courses.

Debra was a lead Montessori primary teacher in three different Montessori programs for 42 years. She has been an instructor and faculty member at ADMTEI since its inception in 1991. In addition, Debra was an adjunct faculty member in Early Childhood Education at Siena Heights University for 20 years. She was an instructor for 25 years teaching Practical Life and Mathematics for the Montessori Teacher Academy in Mishawaka, Indiana. Debra is passionate about Montessori, her family, and lake living.

Debra received her Master’s degree in Elementary Education, her Bachelor’s degree in English, and her Michigan Elementary Certification (K-9) from Siena Heights University. She received her AMS Early Childhood Credential from the Northeast Montessori Teacher Education Center in Boston, Massachusetts. As part of her Master’s thesis, Debra created the Extended Day Kindergarten program at St. Joseph Academy Montessori Children’s House in 1985. Debra has had numerous articles published in Montessori Life magazine.

Debra is a speaker and presenter at national and regional workshops and conferences. She is a guest lecturer for both Montessori and traditional school parent and teacher meetings. Debra and her husband are owners of the Montessori4Life Materials Company, designing food preparation kits.

Debra is a member of the American Montessori Society, the Michigan Montessori Society, Cincinnati Montessori Society, the United Montessori Schools of Indiana and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

INSTRUCTOR

I hold a Master's degree in English Literature and a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Mumbai, India. Additionally, I earned the AMS Early Childhood Credential from ADMTEI in 2022. With approximately 12 years of experience in the field of education, encompassing both school and college-level instruction, I have spent nearly six years specializing as a Montessori educator. I am currently working as a Montessori lead at the Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor. My diverse teaching experiences have allowed me to explore various pedagogies, deepening my appreciation for the Montessori method. I am particularly drawn to Montessori education for its emphasis on the holistic development of the child. I firmly believe that the Montessori philosophy transcends the classroom, and is a way of life. Outside of my professional endeavors, I enjoy jogging, exploring new places, reading, and spending quality time with my son. I am delighted to return to ADMTEI as an instructor and look forward to further enriching my understanding of the Montessori method through our collaborative experiences.

Shruthi is the ADMTEI instructor for the Family Involvement and the Language curriculum courses.

INSTRUCTOR

Hannah Cousino received a BA in anthropology from the University of Notre Dame in 2002 and her AMS Early Childhood Credential from ADMTEI in 2011. She had learned about (and loved!) Montessori before being certified, and self-taught herself enough to homeschool her three young children using Montessori methods for four years. She was then officially trained at ADMTEI, and taught preschool at Daycroft Montessori School in Ann Arbor until her fourth child was born in 2014. She went back to homeschooling until her youngest was old enough to attend preschool at Daycroft and was then employed there as a Parent-Toddler teacher, with long-term substitute positions in both the Kindergarten classroom and as the Learning Resource Specialist. She has accepted the job of full-time Learning Resource Specialist for the 2018-2019 school year.

Hannah enjoys running and doing triathlons with her husband and children, and often gleans wisdom from books on parenting and teaching.

Hannah is currently the instructor for ADMTEI in Philosophy and Art.

INSTRUCTOR

Noel received her BA in Psychology from Kenyon College in 1988. She then went to earn her MAT in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1990. Noel is a 2019 graduate of ADMTEI and is also a member of AMS and the Michigan Montessori Society.

Noel taught for 8 years in the public school until she took time off to raise her children. During that time, she taught part time in the Education department of the Toledo Zoo and facilitated a summer camp collaboration between the Zoo and Bowling Green State University for gifted students.

Noel currently is the lead teacher of the Readiness program (PreK/K) at Lial Catholic School in Whitehouse, Ohio. She has been on the faculty since 2007.

Noel lives in Monclova, Ohio with her husband. She has 2 adult children. She enjoys daily walks with her dog, spending time with family and friends, reading, Bible study groups, being outside and traveling whenever possible. She also sings with the Perrysburg Chorale.

Noel is currently an instructor with ADMTEI for Child Development and Music & Movement.

INSTRUCTOR

Abeer Samaan holds a BA in Medical and Research Studies from the University of Maryland at Baltimore (UMAB). She earned her AMS Early Childhood Credential from ADMTEI in 2015 and completed an associate degree in Early Childhood Education in 2023. Since 2015, Abeer has served as the Director of the Basilica of Saint Mary Montessori Academy, where she leads a thriving Montessori community with a strong emphasis on child-centered learning and family engagement.

In 2025, Abeer joined the ADMTEI staff as an instructor in Culture and Social Studies. She brings a unique perspective that combines her science background with a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and social responsibility—core values in Montessori education. Abeer is also sharing her experience as director of a Montessori program with GSRP classes as the ADMTEI Administration instructor.

Abeer is a proud mother of four. She enjoys spending time outdoors, going on morning walks, and caring for her garden. Her passion for education, leadership, and nurturing meaningful connections continues to inspire those she teaches and works alongside.

INSTRUCTOR

Teneka is entering her 25th year as a Montessorian. In 2015, she began Adrian Montessori Teacher Education Institute’s Primary teacher training, completing her student internship at Doughty Montessori School in Ann Arbor. Teneka currently serves as Assistant Director of Early Education and Montessori for the Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Teneka received Anti Bias/Anti Racist certification through the American Montessori Society. She is currently pursuing the Montessori Administration credential with Seton Montessori Institute.

In addition to teaching young children, Teneka has worked as a Nurturing Parenting Educator for Spanish speaking parents, teenage parents, formerly incarcerated parents, and parents with limited resources. She has also coordinated/ facilitated educational support programs to educate families about mental health and support resources available in our community.

She is the proud mother of 1 daughter and 2 sons, and her favorite things to do include reading, hiking, and yoga.

Teneka is currently an instructor for ADMTEI in Peace Education.

INSTRUCTOR

Megan received her Bachelor of Arts from Marymount Manhattan College, studying Dance: Body, Science, and Motion and minoring in Biology. She earned her AMS Montessori certification in 2019 from the Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute. She began her journey in 2017 at The Montessori School and completed her internship during the 2018-19 school year. She currently serves as a Lead Guide in a Primary classroom and as the Head of School. She is an active member of AMS, the Michigan Montessori Society, and the Association of Independent Michigan Schools (AIMS). Prior to her work in Montessori, Megan worked at the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) as a paraprofessional supporting individuals with autism and collaborated with WMU personnel on behavioral studies. She continually participates in training on behavior intervention strategies, trauma support, and mentorship in Montessori settings. Megan has also maintained her passion for dance by bringing creative movement and dance into the classroom. In her free time, Megan enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling the world, camping, and dancing.

Megan is currently the Sensorial curriculum instructor for ADMTEI.

INSTRUCTOR

Rachel Higgins is a dedicated Primary Teacher at Daycroft School in Ann Arbor, MI with a passion for fostering curiosity and a love of learning in her students. Rachel holds a Master of Arts in Montessori Education & Leadership from St. Catherine’s University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Adrian College. An Alumni of ADMTEI, she is certified in Early Childhood Montessori and Early Childhood Reading through the American Montessori Society.  Rachel holds an Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist Certificate through the American Montessori Society, and remains committed to inclusive and equitable education. She prioritizes creating a gender expansive environment for her students; and developed a curriculum that affirms gender diverse experiences.  

Beyond her professional role, Rachel has three adult children and is adjusting to a newly empty nest.  She is an avid reader, traveler,  gardener, and a yoga enthusiast—always seeking balance and joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Rachel is currently an instructor for ADMTEI in Science Education.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Olivia is the Administrative Assistant at Adrian Montessori Teacher Education Institute, where she combines her love of education and organization.  If it involves a spreadsheet, she’s probably having a great time.

Montessori has been woven into her life since childhood. She was a Montessori kid herself, grew up with a mother who taught both Montessori children and Montessori teachers, and spent countless hours attending teacher training courses. As a child, she enthusiastically "helped" with teacher training - especially Every Day Living—long before she understood that she was getting a behind-the-scenes education in Montessori philosophy.  She is unknowingly featured in many Every Day Living and Math albums of teachers across the country.

Despite denying for years that she would ever become a teacher, Olivia is now entering her eleventh year teaching Young Fives. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education  with endorsements in Social Studies, Language Arts, and Early Childhood General and Special Education, and later completed a master's degree in K–6 Mathematics Education.

When she's not teaching or supporting future Montessori educators, Olivia can be found reading, paddleboarding, baking sourdough, spoiling her dogs Hank and Hazel, or embracing her favorite title: "Faunty" (fun aunty) to her niece and nephew. She firmly believes that life is better with a good playlist, a fresh loaf of bread, and a little bit of laughter.