My name is Rene’ Steinkamp, and I became the Head of School at Central Montessori Academy (CMA) in July 2021. I have been a part of the CMA family for 30 years. I started this journey as a parent, a volunteer and for the last 18 years as a teacher in the Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms. I have a Masters of Biology and Bachelor of Science degrees from Miami University. I am AMS Montessori Certified I & II; I have taught in Montessori classrooms from preschool to Jr. High as well as many other certifications and experiences within the educational field. I have also participated on public and private school boards for 16 years.

Part of my life’s work has been dedicated to CMA by helping to expand our school from being a preschool of 24 students in the 90s (The Children’s Way) to the current Toddler – 6th grade program we have today. I always wanted those who lived outside the city limits to have a choice of quality and authentic Montessori education. The goal was to have a place where school felt safe, parents became part of the community within the ‘institution’ of learning, and where children’s differences and diversity would be celebrated and nurtured. A place where following the child and their needs was the norm, where quality Montessori education included helping the students become the best version of themselves and therefore, able to emerge to be productive members of society.

My name is Denise Ott and I am the Admissions Director at Central Montessori Academy. I joined the Administration team in 2019 and I am very excited to share this journey with everyone. I attended Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education where I received my Montessori teaching credential for preschool. For 7 years I was a Lead Teacher\Aide in a Montessori preschool classroom for deaf children. Most recently I ran my own Daycare at home where I taught my youngest child and 6 other children the Montessori Philosophy.

I have been married for 16 wonderful years and we have 3 beautiful children: McKenzie, Aiden and Parker. In my spare time, I love to craft, sew and spend time with family. I’m truly blessed to have this opportunity and I can’t wait to meet and greet all the wonderful CMA students and family!

My name is Rob Reed and I am the Business Manager at Central Montessori Academy. I joined the staff in 2016 but have been a part of the CMA family since 2011 when my son, Nathan, began attending school here. Not having been previously exposed to the Montessori approach, I quickly discovered that this philosophy, combined with the unique dedication of the CMA teachers, staff and parents, had created an environment where children thrive and truly enjoy their time at school each day. CMA kids are confident, independent and eager to learn and to take on new challenges. The joy and satisfaction I’ve experienced watching my son and his classmates grow and develop in their time at CMA is difficult to put into words.

I hold a B.A. in Business Administration and a minor in Psychology from Hanover College. Prior to joining CMA, I spent over 16 years in various roles in the banking and finance industry. I’m so lucky to get to spend my days with amazing people, both faculty and students, while using my financial skills and background to support an organization and cause I’ve grown to care about deeply. Central Montessori Academy is a special place filled with incredible people and I couldn’t be more blessed to be a part of it.

My name is Elizabeth Moran and I am so happy to be a part of the CMA community. From the moment I walked through CMA, I knew it was the right place for me. I noticed immediately that the school was a vibrant place where children were thriving. Everyone I met was radiant with joy.

I have 6 years of business management experience for non-profit organizations in educational and ecclesiastical settings. I love small business management; finding creative solutions to one-off challenges and bringing the unique components of an organization together for successful outcomes is beautiful. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Peace Studies from Xavier University, I am a registered yoga teacher, and I am currently pursuing MBA from Northern Kentucky University.

Outside the office, I am a mom of three, a bio-hobbyist, a magician in the kitchen, and a jack of all crafts. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with the faculty and students at CMA.