Our Teachers
Alison Evans
Head of School
Co-founder Alison Evans is an AMS-certified Montessori primary teacher through the Montessori Institute – New England (MI-NE). She received her B.A. in mathematics from Middlebury College and an M.Ed. with a Montessori Concentration from Gordon College. Alison has been a teacher trainer for MI-NE, creating and delivering a course on classroom management. She holds a Massachusetts teaching license in elementary mathematics as well as Director certification by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Alison is the co-author of three books through her partnership with Master Class Materials (MCM) which are available on Amazon.com: Spring Tea: A Celebration of Grace and Courtesy for Children 3 – 6, A Biography of Maria Montessori for and by Children, and We Love Slugs! She also holds certification as a Mental Health First Responder, Parent Educator (Redirecting Children's Behavior), and a NCMPS Montessori Coach.
Alison has two children, both of whom attended Montessori schools when they were young. They are now successful college students; Alison’s son is studying English Literature and Saxophone Performance and her daughter is studying Mathematics and Computer Science. In addition to Alison’s dedication to Montessori education, she is an enthusiastic, amateur photographer (check out our Instagram feed) and loves to get outside to observe plants and wildlife no matter the season!
Melanie Bohanan completed her Montessori teaching credential through the Northeast Montessori Institute (NMI). Melanie is Lead Teacher certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and is taking classes at Northern Essex Community College to complete her degree in Early Childhood Education. Melanie has also completed the Montessori Assistant training at Northeast Montessori Institute.
Melanie is married and has three middle- and high-school aged children who keep her busy and engaged in a variety of activities from theater to sports. Melanie grew up in rural Puerto Rico and speaks fluent Spanish. She enjoys introducing young students to her native language and culture through songs, activities, and daily conversation.
Melanie Bohanan
Lead Teacher
Catherine Bernard
Assistant Teacher
Catherine Bernard earned her B.A. in Communications at Simmons University, where she taught self-defense and empowerment classes to middle school girls through the program Girls' LEAP. She also teaches at a local theater camp every summer. After spending a year as an aftercare teacher and substitute, she joined Birch Tree full time as an assistant teacher. She attended Hill View Montessori as a child and loves being back in a Montessori classroom!
Catherine adores live music, spending time with her many siblings, and reading (both by herself and with children). She also likes to share her basic French skills with the students; they may not understand, but they do think the accent is fun.
Ashley Turner earned her Lead Teacher Certification by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) from Whittier Tech and recently earned an associate’s degree from North Shore Community College in early childhood education. She is continuing her education at Salem State University this fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Ashley has also completed the Montessori Assistant Teaching course at Wellan Montessori.
Beyond her dedication to education, Ashley adores animals, and owns two cats and a dog. In her free time, she enjoys reading, getting outdoors, and spending time with her family.
