The Children's House

Kristina Weidenfeller, Junior High 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

The Children's House experience (summer 2009- present):
Elementary summer yoga and nutrition class
Kitchen Classroom
Junior High Guide

Kristina@traversechildrenshouse.org 

Kristina has been a parent at TCH since 2006, and an employee since 2009. She has had many roles during her tenure; room parent, summer yoga instructor, coach, Kitchen Classroom, Earth to Table, and Junior High Guide. She enjoys time with her family, outdoor sports of all seasons, reading, and new adventures. Kristina appreciates that TCH community provides so many opportunities for not only students to explore and share their interests, but adults are encouraged to as well.

Treenen Sturman, Junior High Guide

B.A. College of the Atlantic, Maine, Human Ecology
M.S. University of Delaware, Public Horticulture
AMI Montessori 12-18 Diploma

The Children’s House experience (2014-present)
Elementary Classroom Support
Junior High Classroom Support
Junior High Guide

Treenen@traversechildrenshouse.org 

Tree started his career in environmental education and conservation, working for non-profit organizations in his native New York City, then Chicago, central Vermont, and, finally, Northern Michigan. The son and grandson of teachers and principals, Tree has had a passion for education going back to his first internship on the lower Hudson River. Shortly after moving to Traverse City, Tree was invited to join in the development of the Children's House Jr. High program. Co-founding and collaborating on Compass Montessori's innovative curriculum has been the culmination of a lifelong dream, which continues to inspire him each and every day. When he is not teaching, Tree enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, rock hounding, hiking, cooking, and sampling as many kinds of cheese as his travels (and the US Postal Service) can provide!

Tori Craig, Junior High Associate Guide

B.A. Psychology, Portland State University
C1 French Language Diploma, Université Lumière Lyon 2
AMI Montessori 6-12 Diploma, Centro Internazionale Studi Montessoriani

The Children’s House experience (2021-present)
Primary Classroom Support
Junior High Associate Guide

tori.craig@tchlearners.org

After a decade working with nonprofits and farms for food justice, Tori realized being with young people was the common feature of her favorite jobs and decided to pursue teaching. She is energized by the potential for creativity and change she finds in the classroom. The Montessori method felt like home right away. Her favorite of Maria Montessori's books is Education for Peace. Tori grew up in Cincinnati, OH and Portland, OR where she learned to love the northwoods. She lives in Maple City at the end of a dirt road.