Administration

	Mary macintosh, head of school Mary is a Virginian who came to Mishawaka via Oak Park, Illinois. As a young elementary teacher, Mary could not understand why kindergarten and first grade students were unsuccessful and did not like school. In her quest for answers she read The Absorbent Mind, by Maria Montessori, which greatly influenced her professional and personal life. In addition to her Early Childhood Montessori certification, Mary has a Masters in Special Education and post graduate work in Early Childhood and school administration. Her professional development spans courses and seminars in child development, Montessori education, and school leadership. Her Montessori experiences include teaching, school administration, and teacher education. She has served as Educational Director and Head of School in both Virginia and Illinois. Mary founded, directed and instructed in the Virginia Center for Montessori (AMS) Teacher Education program. She believes this experience grounded her comprehensive understanding of Montessori philosophy and practice which she brings to her work with professionals. Mary has served on the American Montessori Society's Board of Trustees and committees in the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education. She has been a member and team leader for teacher education program accreditation. She readily volunteers in her local community seeking opportunities to contribute to improving the conditions for children. Mary enjoys an eclectic mix of interests, especially travel, reading, exploring museums and local history societies. Mary continues to share in the lives of families whose children attended Montessori school with her daughter. She recently attended the wedding of two students who were in her Early Childhood class. (Bio updated Sep. 2007)
	kathleen kennedy, director of marketing and development This is Kathleen Kennedy's sixth year at The Academy, previously as Director of Admissions and Communications. In 2008 she assumed a new role as Director of Marketing. Her Montessori experience includes being the former Head of School at the Montessori School of Elkhart and Toddler Teacher. She received her Bachelor's degree from Purdue University in Anthropology and Masters degree in Education from Indiana University. Her master's thesis on the effectiveness of multicultural education was accepted into the Educational Resource Information Center. Post college experience includes marketing and business consulting. She has three sons−John, Evan, and Brendan−two of whom attend The Academy. Kathleen has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an identical twin. (Bio updated Apr. 2007)
	kim bosworth, executive assistant to the head of school Kim Bosworth has been with The Montessori Academy for a total of six years, currently holding the position of Executive Assistant to the Head of School. She graduated from International Business College in Fort Wayne, Indiana and has worked in education for 14 years initially at the post secondary level and now at TMA. She and her husband Ed have been in the South Bend area for 11 years and have two daughters who are enjoying their elementary and middle school years and staying busy with friends, music and performing arts. Kim enjoys the beaches of Lake Michigan and Notre Dame football season! Go Irish! (Bio updated June 2008)
	Katha Short, director of finance Katha was born and raised in Indiana, resided for six years in Bowling Green, Ohio, and returned to Indiana six years ago. She worked in accounting for a total of sixteen years, nine of those years in public CPA firms. Katha started her bachelor's degree in accounting at Heidelberg College in Maumee, Ohio, and transferred to Bethel College to finish it, graduating in 2004. She has had many jobs in her career―from staff accountant to controller of a mid size company―and is presently studying for her CPA exam. She has mostly worked in "for-profit" organizations. Katha states, “I am extremely excited about my new position with TMA. I have truly enjoyed the parents, staff and people I have met here. I have always believed that the education of youth is a great endeavor, and I am pleased to help support this school and all they set forth to accomplish.” Katha and her husband Felix live in Elkhart with their five children: Zachariah, David, Brandon, Brenden and Jaleana. (Bio updated Sep. 2007)