I have taught general music and private music lessons at CMA since 2024. I hold a B.A. in English and theatre performance from Ohio Northern University and a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati.

I still marvel at the circuitous route I took to becoming a teacher. From litigator to stay-at-home mom to music educator? Sure, why not! Hanging up my suits and focusing on music was like coming home.

Being in a profession where I get to draw out imagination, mine for self-confidence, and build students’ skills makes for fulfilling, interesting days. My lessons are constantly evolving, as each year brings new group dynamics and new areas of interest for the students. I rely heavily on the Orff-Schulwerk method of teaching and attend continuing education seminars in that area.

I have performed in plays, musicals, swing choirs, concert choirs, concert bands, wind ensembles and orchestras in the past and have sung with the May Festival Chorus. I have written, recorded and performed original music and more recently have explored writing prose poetry and creating film shorts. I find that a little bit of all those musical experiences finds its way into my work with your children.

Working with staff and faculty who dedicate themselves to maximizing every child’s educational and personal growth is something I truly appreciate about CMA. Having taught in other schools, I can say that we have a uniquely engaged and supportive
parent community.

My name is Rita Gross. I have been in education since 2009. My time has been split between working with students one on one as a Paraprofessional, an Intervention Specialist and an Art educator.
Prior to obtaining my education license, I worked in the accounting field. I enjoyed working with and training my co-workers. After many years of office work, I couldn’t forget my childhood dream of becoming an art teacher. So at the age of forty, I went to Miami University to get my license in Art Education. Later I went on to get my Intervention license from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Before joining the Central Montessori Academy team, I worked for the Warren County Learning Center, teaching students with emotional and behavioral needs. There,I was able to grow as a teacher and learned to build lasting relationships with the students.

I am a lifelong learner and hope to bring that enthusiasm to my classroom as I introduce new artists, materials and techniques to the students. I believe that art is a personal expression and each student should feel free to express themselves without judgment. I enjoy watching as students learn and develop their skills and then create something that makes themselves smile.

Hello, I am Shari Rouse. I began working at CMA in 2012. I work with Kindergarten through 6th grade students who are on a Tier 2 or Tier 3 level. These students receive reading intervention in areas of reading and writing. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a reading endorsement from Miami University in 2007. In 2017, I graduated from Miami University with my Master’s in Language and Literacy with a Third Grade Guarantee. Since college I have worked in several educational environments and none compares to Central Montessori Academy. The most exciting aspect is the close, caring community that encompasses CMA. This community provides support to older children who are role models, to younger children who gain confidence, and to the teachers who provided freedom within limits to allow those active seekers appropriate time to pursue their knowledge and independence. CMA is not only special because of the children who provide us with laughter, joy, and the realization of why we became teachers; however it is also because of the community, families, and parents that provide support, time, and help when needed.

Hello, I am Lindsay Fossitt. I am thrilled to be a part of Central Montessori Academy representing Speech Language Pathology. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences from Ohio University in 2002. I obtained my Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Cincinnati in 2004. For 19 years, I worked at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in a variety of settings throughout multiple locations including outpatient developmental pediatrics to inpatient adolescent psychiatry. Every child is unique and it is my passion to be a part of helping each child thrive.