About the Teachers
Rachel Blessing is a mother of two and has over 10 years of experience in education. She is committed to providing a safe and challenging learning environment both in the Montessori classroom and in the varied landscapes of Camp Anokijig. Rachel has a Bachelor’s in Art Education and a Master’s in Applied Leadership for Teaching and Learning. She has additional certifications in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education and Montessori Primary 3-6. She is a licensed K-12 Art Educator, a Wisconsin Master Naturalist and is CPR & First Aid trained by the American Red Cross. Rachel is excited to bring a preschool to her hometown that emphasizes an emergent curriculum with plenty of free play in nature to help build resilient, independent children.
Sarah Gent is an AMI Primary Montessori certified teacher and mother of two. She taught for 6 years as an assistant and 6 years as a lead teacher in the Milwaukee Montessori school system. She moved north to run a small Cooperative CSA farm with her husband and many others. She lives in Plymouth with her two children and is excited to share her love of Montessori and nature with students and families.
Emily Fritsch is a mother of three and has been a stay at home mom for almost two years, focusing on nurturing her children’s lives on their homestead. She has a love for nature and children, and is eager to open new doors through this opportunity.
Jessie Neitzel is a mom of 2 kids ages 15 and 17. When she's not working for the school, keeps busy with working 2 additional jobs as a self employed hair stylist, and also working at 3 assisted living buildings doing hair for the elderly. When she's not working you will find her and her daughter at barrel races with their horses or spending time fishing with her son. She also loves working in their yard on their hobby farm. They currently have 2 horses, 3 goats, 2 dogs and 5 cats. She truly believes in helping kids develop strong life skills through hard work, experiences, and lots of love.
She has been a special ed aide in Plymouth going on 6 years in fall. She's extremely excited for this new adventure and truly enjoys the outdoors. She's really looking forward to helping kids learn through experiences and life skills.
Stacey Bermke has worked as an education assistant in both elementary and middle school settings since 2015, supporting students with diverse learning and social-emotional needs. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment where every child has the opportunity to grow, build confidence, and succeed.
Her love for the outdoors complements her commitment to helping students discover their strengths and thrive in every season.
Jessica Zittel is a certified elementary teacher (grades 1–8) with a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay (UWGB). She has 10 years of elementary teaching experience, including nine years in first grade and one year in third grade.
She is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging learning environment where children are encouraged to explore, grow, and develop a lifelong love of learning. She values providing meaningful, hands-on experiences that foster curiosity, independence, and confidence.
Outside of the classroom, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and their two sons, ages seven and three. Together, they love exploring the outdoors and going on new adventures.