Staff

Teaching was something that Megan always knew she wanted to do. Helping to create a safe, fun, environment where children can get excited to learn was and is a goal of hers. While attending college Megan spent her summers working at an overnight camp. Working there only confirmed her want to work with children.

In 2002 Megan first discovered Montessori when she became an assistant at a Montessori school. It was there that she discovered her love for the Montessori method. After spending many years in the primary classroom as an assistant, she decided to pursue her primary AMI Montessori Diploma which she received in 2017. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Western Oregon University.

Megan grew up in Salem/Keizer and has always enjoyed the area. After living in Bend for the past 5 years Megan has decided to return to the Willamette Valley. One of her passions is playing handbells. She has been playing the handbells for more than 20 years. Megan also enjoys working backstage at various community theaters. During the summer she enjoys camping with her family in Idaho.

Megan is excited to continue her love of working with children as well as being a part of the Montessori community at Community Roots School.

Michelle is originally from Florida but her roots have always been in the Northwest. After graduation from high school, she attended the University of Idaho, earning a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources. After working at a nursery growing trees, she felt as though there was something missing. So, she decided to start working at a childcare center, which she eventually became the preschool teacher at. It was there that Michelle decided she needed a change!

After moving to Oregon in 2015, Michelle found Community Roots School. It is here where Michelle really fell in love with the Montessori Method. She was the Hummingbird assistant for two years, as well as an assistant in the Upper Elementary room for one year. During her time as an assistant in both Lower and Upper Elementary rooms, she knew she needed to become a certified teacher. Michelle found that with George Fox, graduating in April of 2019. She is currently attending the Center for Guided Montessori Studies for her Montessori credentials.

Michelle believes her purpose is to create a safe place for children to be themselves and to learn freely. She enjoys anything having to do with her cats, as well as hiking, camping, crafting, and eating!

Jess grew up in the Santiam Canyon and recently moved back after spending the last 15 years in Portland. She attended Portland State University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Science with a Minor in Education. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Montessori Education. Jess has always had a passion for education with a focus on the natural world. She started working at CRS last year as an assistant in the LRC and fell in love with the teachings of Maria Montessori and is currently working in a float position while she finishes her degree.

Her goal is to create a child centered learning environment that fosters creativity, knowing that children are inherently curious, intelligent, playful and capable of self-directed study. She is passionate at guiding children to discover their own capabilities and realize their full potential. Some of Jess’s hobbies include hiking, camping, kayaking, swimming, gardening, cooking, jewelry making, and she has recently been teaching herself how to sew.

Alyssa Burge will be co-teaching in the 4-6th grade Puffins classroom for the ‘24-‘25 school year! She is currently completing her Montessori Diploma and Masters in Education through Whitworth University.

Alyssa created and taught in the Outdoor Classroom program at Community Roots for 7 years. The Outdoor Classroom includes a large schoolyard vegetable and herb garden, a native plant and pollinator garden, a greenhouse, chickens, ducks, woodworking and art stations, and an emphasis on hands-on community building. Students are involved in every step of growing food, cooking, using tools, and caring for the people, animals, and land around them. Students study ecology, soil biology, nutrition, biodiversity, life cycles, food webs, cooking, building, and so much more!

After getting a BA in English in 2008, Alyssa became interested in organic farming, which led her to Silverton to work as a market gardener, and eventually as a Farm Manager and Educational Coordinator with GeerCrest Farm. Her love of working with young people led her to Community Roots in 2014, where she worked as an assistant teacher for two years before starting the Outdoor Classroom.

CRS has been my home for the past five years, and one of the things I’ve noticed and appreciated is the overwhelming sense of family, love and acceptance; this is something I have rarely found in a work environment. I really fell in love with the teaching styles of Montessori, as there are always new opportunities to learn, whether you are in the classroom or outside in the garden working with plants and fellow classmates. It’s something I am really grateful to be part of.

Being part of a community of teachers and staff who show up every day on behalf of the amazing kids at Community Roots brings real fulfillment to me. It’s a place where I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and give.
When he's not at work you can find him pursuing some of his personal interests. Listening to music, especially from the 60’s and 70’s (no disco!), drawing - mostly with pencil and pen; He is a big sports fan, especially when it comes to basketball. He loves to play, watch, and keep up with what’s going on with the NBA teams and players.

Ginnie obtained her bachelor’s degree in art/Photography from the University of Oregon in 2010 and finished her primary AMS Montessori training in 2011. Her experience includes working in a Children’s House for three years; two years as a guide. A desire to work with elementary children led Ginnie to begin her AMI Elementary training, in conjunction with a Masters in Montessori Education.

She served as the lead elementary guide for three years at an independent school in Corvallis. After accepting the position at Community Roots she moved to NE Salem with her husband. She enjoys photography, hiking, camping, gardening, cooking and several styles of partner dancing. When given the opportunity she also enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures.