Our Staff

hANNAH McCulloch
LEAD GUIDE, dRAGONFLY ROOM

Emily steele
ASSISTANT GUIDE, DRAGONFLY ROOM

Hailing from Maryland, Emily has always embodied a poetic curiosity for life and a penchant for learning. Since joining Little Oak in 2024, Emily has completed her AMI Primary Orientation and brings a deep appreciation for Montessori’s focus on self-directed learning and community. Her interdisciplinary background spans African Studies, biochemistry, naturopathic medicine, and process-oriented facilitation, reflecting her lifelong curiosity and commitment to understanding how life organizes itself. Emily is passionate about supporting children’s journeys of self-discovery, nurturing confidence, curiosity, and connection to the world around them.

Brittany BernarD
LEAD Guide, HUMMINGBIRD room

Raised north of Chicago, Brittany’s love of nature and outdoor adventure shaped her passion for guiding children in curiosity, wonder, and connection to the natural world. She holds an AMI Primary Diploma from Montessori Northwest and has extensive experience as an outdoor educator, science instructor, and community volunteer. Now in her sixth year at Little Oak, Brittany is dedicated to nurturing students’ independence, collaboration, and joy in learning, while fostering respect for themselves, each other, and the environment. When she’s not guiding children in the classroom, Brittany can be found in the garden, hiking the trails, and spending time with her loved ones.

scout ogden
ASSISTANT GUIDE, HUMMINGBIRD ROOM

Originally from Durango, Colorado, Scout brings over ten years of experience in diverse childcare settings, from Head Start classrooms to after-school program leadership. Drawn to Montessori’s respect for individuality and self-directed learning, Scout is passionate about supporting each child’s curiosity, growth, and sense of belonging. Having completed their AMI Primary Orientation, they are committed to meeting children where they are and fostering a community where every child feels seen and valued. Outside the classroom, Scout enjoys hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and crafting.

TARYN TKACH
LEAD GUIDE, BUMBLEBEE ROOM

A Gorge native, Taryn first joined Little Oak working in aftercare and as an assistant in the Elementary classrooms, where she discovered her passion for Montessori education. She holds an AMI Primary Diploma from Montessori Northwest and is excited to bring her experience and love of self-directed learning back to the community she cherishes. Taryn’s early years exploring rivers, hiking, and skiing fostered a deep connection to the natural world, which she weaves into her classroom practice. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her dog on local trails, gardening, thrifting, playing music, dancing, and exploring new culinary experiences.

bekah baker
assistant GUIDE, BUMBLEBEE ROOM

Bekah has recently completed her AMI Primary Orientation through Montessori Northwest and brings a decade of experience supporting children and families in a variety of roles—from nannying and after-school coordination to volunteer outreach and leading social justice programs. Her expertise in social-emotional learning, combined with a genuine enthusiasm for Montessori’s holistic approach, allows her to nurture independence, confidence, and curiosity in her students. Outside the classroom, Bekah enjoys reading, baking, and exploring the outdoors.

hannah pardee
lead GUIDE, elementary

Hannah holds an AMI Elementary Diploma from the Montessori Institute in Denver and brings five years of experience guiding children in both Children’s House and Elementary environments. Raised in Mount Shasta, California, Hannah studied Anthropology at Colorado College, where she developed a deep love for inquiry and independent learning. Passionate about integrating all aspects of the Elementary Montessori curriculum—from academics and going-outs to handwork, theater, and outdoor exploration—she nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence in her students. Outside the classroom, Hannah enjoys pottery, weaving, hiking, and backcountry camping.

molly delallo
ASSISTANT GUIDE, ELEMENTARY

Returning to Little Oak after supporting students as the Reading Enrichment Teacher, Molly has now completed her AMI Elementary Orientation and brings over a decade of experience teaching middle school Social Studies and Spanish, as well as coordinating inclusive outdoor education programs. With enthusiasm and an adventurous spirit, she combines academic and experiential learning to nurture curiosity, creativity, and community in the Elementary environment. Outside the classroom, Molly enjoys trail running, kayaking, and perfecting her banana bread recipe.

Carmen Brown
Office Coordinator

Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Carmen has always had an innate love of nature and adventure. Before joining Little Oak, she spent 15 years in property and salon management in the Portland and Seattle metro areas. In 2020, she and her family moved to the Columbia Gorge so her son could attend Little Oak, and she quickly became immersed in the school community. Carmen is proud to support the Little Oak mission, connecting with children and families alike, and helping provide a strong foundation for the next generation of learners. In her spare time, Carmen enjoys soaking up the beauty of the Gorge from a stand-up paddle board, reading a juicy book, and spending time with her son.

LULU Henschel
Admissions & development Coordinator

A former desert-dweller from Arizona, Lulu moved to the Gorge with her family in 2019 and soon after enrolled her oldest child at Little Oak. Today, all three of her children are Little Oak students, and her family is deeply involved and closely connected to the community. Lulu joined the Little Oak team in 2023 as Admissions & Development Coordinator. With a diverse background in small business management, event planning, fashion design, and community engagement, Lulu brings creativity and a talent for connection to her work. As a devoted Montessori parent herself, she delights in sharing the gift of Montessori more widely across the Gorge and supporting families in finding their place at Little Oak. Outside the office, her happy place is in a garden, in a swimming hole, or playing around with her kids.

Lara sarris
Head of school

Originally from North Carolina, Lara is an AMI-trained Montessorian with over twenty years of experience in the private, public, and non-profit education sectors, both in the United States and internationally. Inspired by Maria Montessori’s belief that world peace begins with children, Lara is committed to fostering curiosity, collaboration, and social-emotional growth in meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning environments. She values approachable, reflective leadership and strong family engagement, and brings a passion for guiding students, supporting staff, and strengthening community. Outside of school, Lara enjoys trail running, hiking, road trips with her miniature dachshunds, reading, exploring new places, and nurturing her extensive collection of houseplants and cacti.

Board of Directors

The Little Oak Board of Directors is composed of Little Oak parents, community members, and dedicated professionals who share a passion for education. Board positions are volunteer roles with a preferred term of 3 years. The Board strives for a balance of representatives, considering professional and personal interests that would be an asset to the Board. The purpose of the Board is to support the needs of the school and staff by working in coordination with the Head of School. The Board is responsible for high-level governance, strategic planning, and budget oversight, ensuring the sustainable growth and success of Little Oak Montessori School.

Current Members:

Anna Henschel: Board Chair, Rebecca Armistead: Secretary, Katie Thetford: Treasurer Members: Alex Head, Phoebe Kruchoski and Lara Sarris