During this period of early adolescence, we create opportunities through a prepared environment that allows students to learn about themselves, their communities, and how their unique self contributes to those communities. It’s about finding yourself, and your place in the world. It’s about calibrating your inner compass.
"The adolescent must never be treated as a child, for that is a stage of life that he has surpassed. It is better to treat an adolescent as if he had greater value than he actually shows than as if he had less and let him feel that his merits and self-respect are disregarded.”
- Maria Montessori
Compass
Montessori Junior High
7th and 8th Years
Kristina Weidenfeller, Junior High Director & Adolescent Guide
B.A. Michigan State University, Special Education K-12
M.A. Michigan State University, Curriculum and Teaching
AMI Orientation to Adolescent Studies, Compass Montessori, Golden, CO (2019)
Whole School Leadership Institute, Montessori Leadership Certificate, WSLI and University of Loyola-Maryland (2022)
The Children’s House/Compass Junior High Experience (2009 - present):
Elementary Summer Support, Kitchen Director, Adolescent Guide, Junior High Director
Kristina started as a parent at TCH in 2006, and an employee in 2009. She has had many roles during her tenure; room parent, summer yoga instructor, coach, Kitchen Classroom Director, Earth to Table/Green School Advocate, Junior High Guide, Mentor, and Junior High Director. She enjoys time with her family, outdoor sports of all seasons, reading, and new adventures. She is thrilled to be part of the Compass community where she believes the Montessori philosophy provides the best opportunity for each learner to realize their potential and unique contribution to the world.
Brian Thelen, Adolescent Guide
B.S. Michigan State University, Applied Engineering Sciences
M.S. Southern Methodist University, Engineering Management
AMI Orientation to Adolescent Studies Diploma, Hershey Montessori School, Huntsburg, OH
IB MYP Certificate – Mathematics, Physical & Health Education, and Design Technology, Geneva, SWITZERLAND
PM2 Trainer Certificate, PM2 Alliance, European Commission, Brussels, BELGIUM
International Montessori School experience (2003 – 2018), Brussels, BELGIUM
The Children’s House experience (2018 – present), Traverse City, MI
Brian has been an educator in Montessori for nearly 25 years, serving in different capacities from infancy, toddler, primary, and elementary to two decades of adolescence in Brussels, Belgium, and Traverse City, Michigan. Prior to Montessori, he worked in engineering, supply chain, and project management roles for manufacturing and IT corporations.
Alongside Montessori, Brian is the outgoing Director of Land and Facilities at Grass River Natural Area, a Senior Education Expert in Circular Economy for Accirculate, an advising firm in Brussels, and serves as Board of Directors Treasurer for the Northern Blooms Montessori School. The Montessori approach falls in line with Brian’s interests as a land conservation steward, biological agriculturist, and accomplished Ironman triathlete.
Emily Anderson, Adolescent Guide
B.A. Michigan State University, Comparative Cultures and Politics
Michigan State University, Teacher Preparation Program (Social Studies)
The Children’s House experience (2026 – present), Traverse City, MI
Emily joined the TCH community after graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in Public Policy. While completing her teacher candidacy at MSU, she discovered the importance of hands-on, student-centered learning and the excitement it brings to students. That experience sparked her passion for Montessori education and led her to the Junior High program. Outside of school, she enjoys creative activities, reading, and spending time exploring Michigan's beautiful outdoors. She is grateful to be part of the TCH community and looks forward to learning and growing alongside her students every day.
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