Faculty & Staff

Karissa Leahy

Head of School

Karissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and an AMS Montessori Early Childhood Education Diploma. With over 25 years of experience in Montessori education, she brings a wealth of knowledge, warmth, and leadership to her role as Head of School. Her extensive background as a Toddler and Children’s House Guide reflects her deep commitment to fostering environments where young learners can thrive with independence, curiosity, and confidence.

As Head of School, Karissa is passionate about cultivating a nurturing and inclusive school culture where children, families, and educators feel seen, supported, and inspired every day.

Ali Bernstein

Nido Guide

Ali holds a special education degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is a highly dedicated and compassionate educator with extensive experience addressing students' social-emotional needs. She demonstrates success in collaborating with teachers, families, and support staff to improve student well-being. Ali is committed to creating a safe and inclusive, culturally responsive learning environment that supports the holistic development of all students.

Jodi Burns

Nido Assistant

Jodi has her Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with a teaching degree for birth to 3rd grade. She has a strong passion working with children and has over 20 years of experience. In her free time, Jodi enjoys sports and activities with her two kids, and spending time with her family.

Ava Kampf

Nido Assistant

Hi, my name is Ava. I just graduated with my BS in psychology with a minor in child development and family studies. Throughout college I worked with children in classroom, clinical and educational research settings. I am passionate about supporting children with developmental and behavioral needs through evidence-based interventions while fostering independence and self-paced growth. In my free time, I enjoy taking yoga classes and running on the Three River Park District trails!

Alyssa Rodriguez

Willow Room Guide

Alyssa has been working in early childhood education since 2012, both as a nanny and in center-based settings. While the bulk of her experience is with infants and toddlers, she has been part of the learning journey for children of all ages. She studied education at Hennepin Technical College and Bethel University, and she is currently pursuing AMI Montessori training, with plans to graduate in 2026.

On a personal note, Alyssa is a mother of four and an aunt to two—children truly fill every moment of her life. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, geocaching, singing, and playing guitar. She is a classically trained soprano and occasionally performs, something she deeply enjoys.

Meredith Teigland

Willow Room Assistant

Meredith Teigland discovered her passion for Montessori philosophy through her journey as a parent to her daughter. Inspired by Montessori’s emphasis on independence, respect, and child-led learning, she has embraced its principles both at home and in her professional path. Meredith has completed two years of American Sign Language (ASL) studies and brings a thoughtful, inclusive approach to communication and connection with children.

Hlubtshaj Yang

Juniper Room Guide

Hlubtshaj has her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a Montessori A to I Diploma. She has a strong passion working with children and years of experience. In her free time, she enjoys singing, creating art, and spending time with her family.

Sadhana Khangarot

Juniper Room Assistant

I am a toddler teacher at CW and I have great passion for working with young children. I believe in a playful approach, strive to incorporate fun, and hands-on activities into our daily routine and teaching. These are the most powerful tools for learning and nurturing young minds. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, and trying new recipes while cooking.

Karissa Leahy

Birch Room Lead Guide

Karissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and an AMS Montessori Early Childhood Education Diploma. With over 25 years of experience in Montessori education, she brings a wealth of knowledge, warmth, and leadership to her role as Head of School. Her extensive background as a Toddler and Children’s House Guide reflects her deep commitment to fostering environments where young learners can thrive with independence, curiosity, and confidence.

As Head of School, Karissa is passionate about cultivating a nurturing and inclusive school culture where children, families, and educators feel seen, supported, and inspired every day.

Whitney Nobles

Birch Room Assistant

Whitney has been a valued member of the CW team since 2022, bringing with her years of experience as both a professional nanny and a dance instructor. Through movement and the arts, Whitney encourages self-expression and body awareness—key aspects of whole-child development in a Montessori environment. Her natural ability to connect with children helps create a calm, nurturing space where they feel safe, respected, and inspired to grow.

Kylah Klein

Birch Room Assistant

My name is Kylah. I was born and raised in Hawaii and have been passionate about working with young children since 2018. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University in Arizona. I spent three rewarding years teaching kindergarten, where glitter, giggles, and growth were daily essentials. After trading palm trees for snowflakes two years ago, I’ve continued to nurture my love for early learning and helping children grow. Outside of the classroom, you can find me spending time with my husband, Logan, cozied up with a book, going on adventures, crafting, or making frequent Target runs.

Jane Hwang

River Room Lead Guide

It has been my privilege to be at Children’s Workshop since 2017 after completing the AMI primary training at the Montessori Center of MN in 2015. I am excited to work with children this summer and to watch them grow in independence, develop a love for learning, and build lifelong skills at an early age. In my free time, I enjoy gardening and playing the piano.

Brenna O’Gara

River Room Assistant

Brenna loves that children are given freedom to explore in Montessori school. She comes to us with an amazing attitude, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Reading Instruction and previously worked at Wayzata schools with children from Pre-K to 5th grade. Her favorite Montessori quote is, "The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence."

Michael Sala

River Room Assistant

Michael obtained his masters degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin and for more than 20 years has been pursuing the helping and healing professions. As a licensed social worker, he has worked in mentoring, foster care, Special Education, and hospice. He is also a yoga teacher, Thai bodywork therapist, energy medicine practitioner, spiritual mentor, and death midwife. Having such a broad repertoire of interests and skills, Michael ultimately thrives working as part of a cohesive team in a small community that has great integrity—that is what draws him to Children’s Workshop. He lives in Eden Prairie with his husband, an educator in public schools. He enjoys movies, bicycling, poetry, playing tennis, cooking, knitting, sewing, and reading.