Teachers and Staff
At Children’s House we believe it is important for each child to interact with a number of teachers, helpers, parents and other adults in the classroom on a regular basis. On this page, we have listed the primary teachers for each classroom, but don’t be surprised if your child knows them all, as our staff and students are encouraged to interact and help as needed with less emphasis on physical boundaries and more emphasis on community.
Over the years, hundreds of kids have taken their Children’s House lessons to playgrounds, parks, family gatherings, doctor’s offices, soccer fields, music rooms, high school and even college classrooms. That foundation of courtesy, responsibility, respect, and understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, will continue to benefit them throughout their lives.
Director
Janell Jewett
Former owner, administrator and teacher, Janell founded Children’s House in 1990. She received her Montessori certification in London and has worked in a Montessori environment for 24 years. She brings a full list of official degrees and ongoing certifications to the classroom’s ellipse shaped red line – Bachelors Degrees in Early Childhood, Elementary Education and Montessori Education, a Masters Degree in Reading and Literacy, and continuing Montessori training – but it is her genuine warmth, caring and love of learning that is perhaps the most valuable gift she has to share. In her semi-retirement from Children’s House, Janell will be spending time with her husband of 38 years, George and her daughters Jenny and Emily and their husbands. In her spare time she loves to read, cook and garden. With extra time on her hands she will redirect some of her passion and extra time to the newest addition to the Jewett clan and their first grandchild, William Walter Poff.
8:15 Primary
Andreana Nylander
Christina Barsch
8:30 Primary
Cindy Pappel
This is Cindy’s 9th year at Children’s House… at least recently. All of Cindy’s kids (16 year old Alex and college freshmen, twin brothers Brogan and Josh) went through the ranks at CH. As a past parent and certified Montessori teacher, Cindy brings a unique perspective to the classroom and knows how important it is to have a sense of humor. Having to look at everything through the eyes of a three year old takes practice for those of us over 4’ tall, but it is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud every single day. Cindy and husband Rod spend a lot of time on the golf course with their boys “I tag along to keep them honest” she says. Cindy also enjoys reading and walking and the all important family time.
Pandi Bollock
Elementary
Staci Pokorski
This will be Staci’s 2nd year at Children’s House. She loves to teach and has embraced the Montessori philosophy. Staci and her husband enjoying the big city life here in Rapid. She enjoys reading, crocheting and learning new things.
Extras!
Barb Wenk
Volunteer Superstar
A familiar face at Children’s House for 19 years, Barb holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Development and has been Montessori certified for 20 years. It’s sometimes hard to say if Barb is coming or going – she lives in Rapid City and her husband has been detailed to Washington DC for three years, so she also lives there – but one thing is certain, Children’s House is home for her whether it’s a year, a semester, a week or just for the day. All three of Barb’s children were Montessori grads and now that they are grown and out of the nest, “Children’s House kids and staff are a very important part of my life” she says. That of course, goes both ways, as dozens of CH kids and their siblings and parents will attest to. With a heart as big as this great universe, Barb’s volunteer time at Children’s House is invaluable to the children, the staff and the parents. Don’t be surprised to see Barb as you’re passing through Lusk, Wyoming – or as we prefer, greeting kids at door and sharing her unique brand of sunshine (and big hair) with each and every one of us.