About
Faculty & Staff Bio
- kotze@leelanaumontessori.org
- BA English (Creative Writing) and Environmental Studies - Kalamazoo College
- MS Community Sustainability - Michigan State University
- MA Elementary Education - Grand Valley State University
Emily is originally from Okemos, Michigan and grew up travelling to Northern Michigan with her family to explore the dunes, lakes, and drive-in movie theaters. She has worked in the field of youth development in many roles since graduating from Kalamazoo College in 2015, but became fully engaged with the work of experiential education after having the opportunity to serve in an Americorps position in Seattle, WA. She completed her master's of science degree in Community Sustainability from Michigan State University focusing on the topic of outdoor experiential education learning outcomes. She has a passion for helping youth grow into their authentic selves as they explore and take on challenges in the world around them. She enjoys bike-packing trips, reading, writing letters to friends near and far, and spending time with her cats, Moe and Blaze. She is excited to join the Leelanau Montessori community and can't wait to start learning alongside the upper elementary Hickory students!
