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Tommie Hebert, Administrative Director

Tommie Jean Hebert co-founded Bay Area Montessori House in 1988, and has been the Administrative Director since its inception. She is delighted to also be currently serving as the Atrium Teacher. Mrs. Hebert holds a B.S. in Art from Lamar University, a certificate from the International Center for Learning, and extensive training in the observation of teaching activities in the classroom. Mrs. Hebert has experience teaching and leading workshops for all levels, pre-school through adult.

Mrs. Hebert has served on the Board of Directors for the Commercial Art Department, at Salinas Tech in Kansas. She also founded the Hebert School for the Young Years in Omaha, Nebraska. Mrs. Hebert is an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church and has been a Girl Scout leader for all levels. Tommie is married to T.A. Hebert, and they have four children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Melinda Nielsen, Elementary Directress

Melinda Nielsen has been teaching in the Montessori environment for nearly 29 years. Twenty five years ago she founded Bay Area Montessori House with Tommie Hebert and currently serves as the Curriculum Administrator. Melinda is a diploma holder at both the Primary (Washington Montessori Institute 1984) and Elementary (Montessori Institute of Milwaukee 1997) levels. She is very active in the Montessori community working on several AMI/USA committees, on- site coordinator for AMI Refresher courses and visiting schools as an AMI Consultant. As a practitioner, Melinda strongly believes in Dr. Montessori’s plan for the elementary child of Cosmic Education. She has fostered an extensive “Going Out” program along with integrating all subjects, including the arts into the classroom. In addition, Melinda served on the AMI/USA board of directors for six years. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas A&M University. In her spare time Melinda enjoys all kinds of fiber arts, reading, visiting art museums, ringing hand bells, archeology and exploring new environments.

Alyssa Nielsen, Middle School Directress

Alyssa Nielsen has been working at BAMH since 2009. She holds a bachelor of fine arts degree with a concentration in photography and cinematography from Stephen F. Austin State University. Before working at BAMH, she was a swim coach during the summer on the neighborhood team. In her spare time, Alyssa enjoys working on various art projects, knitting, running and spending time with her five year old son who is in the primary classroom.

Alyssa will be taking additional Montessori training in Summer 2013 to enable her to lead the BAMH Middle School program which will begin Fall 2013.

Ingrid Arrowood, Primary Classroom Aide

Ingrid Arrowood has been a Primary Classroom Aide at BAMH for seven years. Before joining the BAMH family, Mrs. Arrowood worked with two other Montessori schools, first as an assistant teacher, and then as a lead pre-primary teacher. Mrs. Arrowood has a B.A. in nursing from the Philippines, and her first place of employment in the United States was with the Texas School for the Deaf.

Mrs. Arrowood has a son in college and a husband whose passion is working with fighter airplanes. She loves traveling, new adventures, and trying new foods. Mrs. Arrowood’s favorite hobbies include decorating and reading materials on psychology and astrology.

T.A. Hebert

T. A. Hebert has been a part of the BAMH family since 1988, teaching physical education and taking care of the building’s maintenance since 2003. He is a graduate of Lamar University, with a B.S. in physical education, and minors in biology and speech. Mr. Hebert also has a certificate from Certified Medical Institute in Roanoke, VA.

Mr. Hebert played semi-pro baseball for several years before joining the United States Marine Corp, serving during the Korea Conflict. For a while, Mr. Hebert taught mathematics and coached football, basketball and baseball for the Taft School System. Following a career change, Mr. Hebert then worked in the medical field for over 40 years, first as a Medical Service representative, then selling medical books, and finally as an Independent Drug Sales Contractor.

T.A. and Tommie Hebert have four children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mr. Hebert is an Ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and has worked with the boy scouts for most of his life. Currently, Mr. Hebert’s favorite hobby is hunting quail and pheasant.

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