Meet the Heartland Team!

Caitlin O'Connor

Head of School

Caitlin is the Head of School at Heartland Montessori School, which she proudly reopened in 2022. She has been a Montessorian for over 11 years and earned her Montessori certification and Master’s degree in Montessori Education from University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where she has also served as adjunct faculty in the Montessori Graduate Training program. As both a school leader and a Montessori parent of three children, she is passionate about creating nurturing, inclusive environments where children and teachers can thrive.

Emma Nelson

Assistant Director

Faye Sprague-Williams

Office Administrator

Bridget Andrastek

Bluebird Lead Guide 

Bridget is the Bluebird (infant) guide at Heartland Montessori. She has worked with children in multiple settings- 4K teacher, coaching soccer, nannying- but has found her place with infants. She received her degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from UW-River Falls and is currently working towards her 0-3 AMS credentials through Hope Montessori Educational Institute. She enjoys creating community in her classroom with the families she serves. She is married to her high school sweetheart and her son is in children’s house at Heartland. ​

Elizabeth Bowden

Bluebird Assistant

Elizabeth is an assistant teacher at the Nest and has been working in our infant (Bluebird) classroom since its beginning in 2025 and as a staff member in several capacities since 2023.Elizabeth has 19 years of experience working with her own children in Montessori education and as a caregiver for many others during early childhood. Elizabeth enjoys sharing wonder in experiences through exploration of the natural environment with children of all ages but really treasures the privilege of being present to the babies and their families. 
Outside of school, Elizabeth likes to read books, go on walks, try new foods and hang out with friends. Shopping locally and supporting area farmers and producers is important to her.

Mary Carol Troemner

Chickadee Lead Guide

Hello everyone! My name is Mary Carol Troemner, classroom lead in the Chickadee Classroom and mother of Faylene (22), Izzy (19), and Kai (17). I have been involved in Montessori education since 2018. I love Dr. Montessori's work in supporting a child's love of learning, building healthy independence, and nurturing family and community bonds. 

Christa Lamers

Nest Assistant

Thulisile Nhlapo

Sparrow Lead Guide 

Thulisile Nhlapo is an AMS certified infant-toddler guide with a BA in Psychology, deeply rooted in early childhood education. A passionate advocate for nurturing young minds, she has made a significant impact in the Montessori community. Alongside her professional pursuits, Thulisile embraces her roles as a mother, sister, and wife, finding balance between family life and her career. Her love for traveling and exploring diverse cuisines reflects her appreciation for various cultures, enriching her educational approach and fostering connections with families from all backgrounds. ​

Maddie Giles 

Nest Assistant

Zahida Leech 

Kinni Classroom Lead Guide 

Rhys Matz 

Children's House Assistant

Dustin Dolgner 

Children's House Assistant

McKenzie Wasmoen

Children's House Assistant

My name is McKenzie Wasmoen, and I am an assistant teacher and closer. I am currently a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls studying Elementary Education. Through my program, I have completed multiple observations and field experiences in a variety of classrooms. These experiences have helped me build skills in working with young learners and creating engaging, hands-on activities. I have also been a summer school teacher for the past few years, which has given me additional hands-on experience supporting students in the classroom.  I enjoy working with children because I get to support their growth and curiosity each day. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and being outdoors.

Maria Gerlach

My name is Maria, I have worked at the Nest now for almost 2 months. My role includes assisting in the classrooms as needed and keeping up on the daily upkeep such as laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc. 
Since starting at Heartland Montessori I've really enjoyed learning more about the Montessori way and starting to incorporate it into my own parenting of my 2.5 year old daughter Francesca. My hobbies include - my daughter of course! - reading, spending time outdoors as much as possible, and watching all the latest movies. 

Faylene Tromner