Faculty

Hi everyone! My name is Alishka Gusky. Education has been my passion for as long as I can remember. From babysitting and nannying, working as a camp counselor for several years to graduating from the University of Montana with a bachelors in Elementary Education, I have had a lot of experience working with children and families. I am very passionate about Maria Montessori's philosophy and life work. I have seen the beauty and growth of the children at our school for the last 5 years and look forward to continuing my own education this year through a Montessori Certification program. I'm so excited to meet you and your precious children!

Angelica Tsuber is the Assistant Director as well as the lead teacher in the Taupe Room. Angelica has always enjoyed being around children and grew up constantly babysitting, helping with camps and teaching teens classes. She became intrigued with the Montessori Method of Education and started to work at MVM 4 years ago. She enjoys the Montessori curriculum and the independence it fosters in children. Watching children grow in self expression and creativity has been a highlight for Angelica. She loves the community and friendships that MVM has brought into her life. "Being an Early Educator has been an honor to have a part in supporting their growth and building a foundation for their future."

Angelica's parents immigrated from Belarus but she and her 6 siblings were all born in Missoula. The Belarus culture is still very much a part of her life. Angelica enjoys Jesus, the ocean, coffee and has an unhealthy obsession with chocolate!

Hello everybody! I am Vanessa Babak and I am the assistant teacher in the Taupe Room. I have been extremely involved with kids throughout my life. I love babysitting my 12 nieces and nephews, as well as others' children, and I used to help out in my church's Sunday school classes. Having worked at Missoula Valley Montessori for over a year now, I'm excited to see what my second school year with MVM will bring! Outside of work I love hiking and spending time outdoors with my wonderful husband, Jesus, reading the Bible, drinking coffee and hosting my friends and family at my house! I can't wait to meet all of your wonderful children and watch them grow in the 2024-2025 school year!

Hello, My name is Markle Quinn. I am the lead teacher in the Green room. I graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelors in Social Work. For my practicum I worked as a counselor with the Flagship program. This is an after school and summer program with kids Kindergarten through Eighth grade. It was a wonderful program bringing the community to the kids and helping them find fun educational and outdoor activities to enjoy. We did classroom work as well as, rafting, biking, a trip to the National Bison Range, and a running program. After College I worked as a lead teacher at the Children's Center Preschool here in Missoula for one year. I love working with kids because they bring so much joy into people's lives. It is a wonderful experience watching and helping them develop socially and mentally. I was an assistant teacher in the Blue room last year. I got to meet lots of wonderful families and kids that help make MVM such a fantastic place. I am looking forward to being a lead teacher and will be taking a Montessori certification program throughout the year. My main concern in the classroom is the children's safety, as well as creating a positive environment that they feel comfortable and happy in. I look forward to meeting more wonderful parents and kids this year and if you have any questions or concerns (or just want to chat) feel free to set up a meeting
with me, text or call!!

Wasan Al Bujasim is the lead teacher in the Early Learners classroom. Wasan has worked with the Early Learners for 5 years! She moved to Missoula in 2016 from her home country of Iraq. She has 2 young boys that keep her busy. Wasan has a BA in geography. She loves how the Montessori methods of education fosters such independence in young children. She is currently working on getting her teaching certificate from the University of Montana. Wasan likes to spend her time with her family outside work hours, besides that Wasan likes to cook and create recipes. Wasan is appreciative of her work and the community in Missoula.

Bridgette is currently studying psychology at the University of Montana with the hopes to eventually become a school counselor. She was born and raised in eastern Montana, where she grew up fishing, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. She attended a Montessori as a child and is excited to be a part of one now as an adult! When Bridgette isn't at the school, she is studying, fishing, hunting, and spending time with her family