Our Staff
Brandy Franks
Founder / President
Brandy Franks is a graduate of Tallmadge High School and Mount Union College. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Preschool/Kindergarten Montessori Education diploma from North American Montessori Center. Brandy has worked with children in many settings including day care facilities, coaching athletics (softball, swimming and basketball), Montessori schools and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation treatment programs. Throughout Brandy's life she has had a passion for teaching and guiding children. Some of Brandy's fondest memories are of her own experiences attending Montessori school as a child. The impact this had on Brandy's life is the reason she has chosen the Montessori Method of education for her own school. Brandy continues to pursue her dream of helping children learn and grow through Absorbent Minds Montessori School.
Kelly Andamasaris
Administrator
Kelly Andamasaris, graduate of Stow-Munroe Falls High School, has always had a passion for running businesses. After years of college education and experience in the dental field, she was brought in to lead the start up of a new dental practice. After the successful launch of the practice, Kelly continued to manage day to day operations until 2002 when she decided to start her own business, because of the birth of her first child.
While running her own business, Kelly's greatest fear was not that she wouldn’t succeed in business, but that her success would be in something that didn't matter. Having the opportunity to get to know Brandy and seeing the impact that she and her staff are having on the next generation, drove Kelly to make the decision to join Absorbent Minds Montessori School. Kelly is excited to have that opportunity to serve the students and families of Absorbent Minds Montessori School.
Anna Cooper
Directress
Anna Cooper is a graduate of Regina High School of Cleveland. She attended the University of Toledo for two years acquiring a background in English Arts & Music. Anna has worked with children for over a decade in various academic settings such as preschool, elementary, daycare and Montessori schools. Anna earns her Montessori teaching credentials from North American Montessori Center. Anna is also certified as a Youth Fitness Instructor and is qualified to teach Fitness and Nutrition classes to young children. A mother of two, Anna is inspired by the Montessori Method of education. Her two daughters are both graduates of Absorbent Minds Montessori School. Anna believes the program encourages children to respect themselves and others while taking part of an environment that is sure to stimulate their natural curiosity and love of learning. Anna currently resides in Cuyahoga Falls with her husband and two daughters.
John Kotradi
Director
Mr. John Kotradi holds a B.A. in Human Ecology from The Ohio State University, and is a certified Montessori Director through the American Montessori Society. John’s experience with the Montessori Method of education began when his own children started school. Through watching them thrive in the environment, he was inspired to get involved, and become a teacher. John’s passion for influencing his students shows in all he does. John strongly believes the Montessori environment promotes independence, self-reliance and good statesmanship. John currently resides in Akron with his wife and three children.
Courtney Seckinger
Directress
Ms. Courtney Seckinger is a graduate of Stow-Munroe Falls High School and Northwood University in Florida. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Business and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Courtney has taught in Florida, Hawaii and Texas. Her first introduction to the Montessori Method of education was with her oldest daughter who attended Saint John's Catholic Montessori School in Mililani, Hawaii. Courtney found this experience to be very rewarding for her daughter. Courtney completed her Montessori certification in 2010. She believes strongly in the Montessori Method of teaching and hopes to create an engaging and meaningful learning environment for her students. Courtney currently resides in Munroe Falls with her three children.
Michele Hayden
Assistant Directress
Michele Hayden is a graduate of Stow-Munroe Falls High School and currently resides in Stow, Ohio. She attended the Art Institute of Cleveland and is currently attending Kent State University in pursuit of an Art Education degree. Michele has worked with children in preschools and daycares, and is excited to use her skills in the Montessori classroom setting. Michele has a passion for art, especially ceramics and jewelry. It is this passion has led her to pursue a career in teaching. Michele brings this love of creating to Absorbent Minds, where she is excited to help each student develop their own love and appreciation for art.
Lisa Adams
Music Teacher
Lisa Adams is a teacher, singer and co-arranger of music used in the Exploring Music curriculum. Lisa has a bachelors degree in music education and over 20 years of teaching experience. She has also sung professionally throughout the United States. For each of her weekly classes, Lisa selects songs and develops lessons to teach many areas of music in a way young children can both understand and enjoy. Lisa loves sharing her passion for music with children.
Kids Bop Dance Enrichment Program:
Elisabeth Ihde Cavallaro
Owner and Director - Ihde Rather Be Dancing
Elisabeth began her training at the Akron Dance Institute at the age of five under the direction of Gina Carol. While there, she was taught by many well known professional dancers who helped inspire Elisabeth’s own passion for teaching dance. During high school she was a member of the Repertory Dance Company where she danced many leading roles. She also danced on scholarship with both the Joffrey Ballet and the Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet.
Elisabeth’s professional career includes two seasons with the Ohio Dance Theater, The Nutcracker with the Pennsylvania Ballet, and a summer internship with the former Ohio Ballet, among others. She has been teaching for the past eleven years and thoroughly cherishes teaching children of all ages and abilities. She has had several years experience working with competition students where she enjoys helping them reach their goals.