Staff Directory

The staff of Spruce Tree Montessori School share a common vision. We believe that education should be an inspiring experience — a journey for both the child and the parent — during which a partnership between the school and family serves both through a love of learning.

All Spruce Tree Montessori School classroom teaching staff hold bachelor’s degrees or have equivalent experience and are CPR-First Aid certified. All Lead Teachers also hold Montessori credentials for the level at which they are assigned or are enrolled in an AMS-approved, Montessori teacher certification course. We hold the safety and security of the children of Spruce Tree as our top priority.

Get to know our team through this list of our favorite things. Our Favorite Things

Mrs. Sabrina Binkley
Head of School & Founder

B.S. Petroleum Engineering
AMS Credential: Administrator
AMS Board Director, Elected 2022-present

Sabrina is our Head of School & Founder. She moved to Alaska in 2001 after earning her B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, where she met her husband, Ryan Binkley. After a short time with Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (the company that owns/operates the Trans-Alaska Pipeline), she began work in the family business at the Riverboat Discovery. For 15 years she worked as Vice President of Retail Sales and as the Head Buyer for the company. She served as consultant to the retail management team for 3 years following that tenure. 

During this time, she developed a strong understanding of business operations, finance and marketing. Those skills combined with her passion for education and inspiring children toward a love of learning led her to become the Founder of Spruce Tree Montessori School (STMS) in March 2012. Spruce Tree is Fairbanks’ only independent Montessori school affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS) offering programming for toddlers through 6th grade.

Sabrina was elected to the American Montessori Society’s National Board of Directors April 2022 and currently serves as the Development Committee Co-Chair and is a member of the Finance Committee. She serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the Alaska Montessori Association. Locally, she is a member of the University of Alaska (UAF) Museum of the North Advisory Council and she served on the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 9 years, as Chair of the Board in 2020, and as the Education Chair for four years. She was a Rotarian for 16 years and served on the United Way Board of Directors for 10 years. To begin her Montessori journey, she has fond memories of her time serving on the Fairbanks Montessori School Board for four years (2009 – 2013) where her oldest son attended preschool and kindergarten. 

Sabrina was named to the Alaska Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2017 for her work in education and business.  

Sabrina is married and has two boys, Simon (20), who completed the Spruce Tree Elementary Program and Clive (16), who completed the Spruce Tree Children’s House & Elementary Programs. She loves her English Springer Spaniel named Glady (pictured above) who often comes to school with her. At home she enjoys cooking and baking, entertaining friends and family, reading, and playing board and card games.

Sabrina founded Spruce Tree in March 2012 and has been the Head of School ever since.

Mrs. Karen Boehm
Administrative Manager

B.S. Criminal Justice
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification

Ms. Karen is the Administrative Manager and serves as our Club Coordinator. She and her family moved to Alaska in 2022. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in Criminal Justice and has worked various roles empowering youth to build up their community. Karen first joined Spruce Tree Montessori School as a parent, then as a Teacher Assistant for the Children’s House in Boreal in Fall 2024. She is excited to join Mrs. Malaika and guide children through a valuable time of growth and development by encouraging grace, kindness, and community. In her spare time enjoys reading, hiking, running, exploring Alaska, and watching movies.

Karen joined our team in November 2024.

Mrs. Jamie Foland
Director of Education

B.A. Hispanic Studies/Spanish
AMS Credential: Early Childhood (3-6)

Jamie is the Lead Teacher in the Taiga Community, bringing a passion for education and a love of learning to the classroom. Originally from Southern California, Jamie moved to Alaska to attend the University of Alaska, where she played volleyball for the Nanooks. She earned a B.A. in Foreign Language with a minor in Linguistics before pursuing her Montessori Early Childhood (EC 3–6) credential, which she completed in Summer 2017 through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies in Florida.

She brings over 15 years of experience in education, including more than five years of coaching at the university level. She is deeply committed to fostering a nurturing and inspiring environment for all Spruce Tree students. Outside the classroom, Jamie is a certified yoga teacher and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, her two children who both attended Spruce Tree, and their two dogs. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, playing volleyball, and walking.

Ms. Jamie joined our team Fall 2015.

Mrs. Malaika West
Lead Children’s House Teacher, Boreal Community

B.A. Early Childhood Education
AMS Credential: Early Childhood (3-6)
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification

Mrs. Malaika West is the Lead Teacher in the Boreal Community. She was born in Kenya and raised in Wisconsin. She moved to Alaska in the fall of 2010. She earned her BA in Child Development & Family Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and then her Montessori credential for the Early Childhood level from Seton Montessori Institute in Chicago. During her free time she enjoys going on walks and spending time with family and friends.

From Malaika: “I knew at an early age that I wanted to be an educator. I’m passionate about providing an environment for students that fosters a love for learning. I’m overjoyed to be part of the team at Spruce Tree Montessori!”

Ms. West joined our team in January 2022.

Mrs. Jona Bishop
Children’s House Teacher Assistant, Boreal Community
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification

Hello, my name is Jona Bishop. I was born in the Philippines and worked as a nanny for 10 years for three children. I traveled and lived in many different countries during my time as a nanny. I experienced many different cultures. I moved to America in December 2023 and began work in logistics at Alaska Fire Service for two fire seasons. I then worked as a job coach for people with autism, nurturing my love for caring for others. I’m looking forward to my new role as a teacher assistant at Spruce Tree where I know I’ll learn and experience new things.

Ms. Jona joined our team January 2026.

Ms. Diana Silveira
Senior Lead Children’s House Teacher, Taiga Community

B.S., Psychology, Loyola University
AMS Credential: Early Childhood (3-6)
NAMC Lower Elementary Teacher’s Diploma

Ms. Diana is the Lead Children’s House Teacher in the Taiga classroom, replacing Ms. Jamie Foland who was promoted to the role of Director of Education. 

With 16 years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Diana brings a depth of knowledge, leadership, and passion for Montessori education that will be an incredible asset to our community. Throughout her career, she has enjoyed being a student of the children more than a guide for them — celebrating each milestone, discovery, and moment of growth with genuine excitement and care.

Ms. Diana’s educational philosophy is deeply rooted in respect for children, meaningful relationships, and the belief that clear boundaries and consistent expectations help children feel secure, capable, and connected. She approaches her work with curiosity, joy, and a strong sense of wonder, and shared that being a Montessori teacher is truly her “heart song.” She enjoys her work immensely and described herself as collaborative and kind. 

As a new journey unfolds, Ms. Diana is happy to join Spruce Tree where her love for Montessori and her dedication to children will continue to be shared. She is looking forward to living in Alaska, a place that has been magical and inspiring to her since childhood. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, nature, rescuing cats/dogs, cooking, music and simple, peaceful living.

Ms. Diana joined our team July 2026. 

Mrs. Sarah Cloward
Children’s House Teacher Assistant, Taiga Community 

Montessori Paraprofessional Certification
AMS Credential, Associate Early Childhood

Sarah Cloward is the Teacher Assistant in the Taiga Community. She was born in Washington state, where she spent her elementary years, and moved to Alaska in middle school. She attended Monroe Catholic High school, until COVID-19 happened. She then completed her senior year through Raven Homeschool while working full time. Upon graduating, she joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves, where she can serve her community from home, as an airplane mechanic.

From Sarah: My education has come from my experiences, at least for the time being! The U.S. Air Force instilled honor, respect, and an avid need for kindness. I’ve experienced shock from my fellow service members when I would say, “Could you please pass me a wrench?” That experience has grounded my desire to be kind, even when laughed at, in an otherwise abrasive world. I’ve subbed at a family owned and operated daycare for 4 years, and was ready to take a leap into the education field. The Montessori value of Compassion instilled my choice in joining the Spruce Tree Montessori Family.

Sarah joined our team in November 2024.

Ms. Shayle “Cucuaq” Allen
Lead Elementary Teacher, Tongass Community
B.S. Elementary Education & Early Childhood Development
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification
shayle@sprucetreemontessori.com
Ms. Shayle (Shay-ley) is our Lead Elementary Teacher in the Tongass classroom.Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, she graduated from Utah State University with a Dual Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development in 2021. That fall, she embarked on her Alaskan adventure and moved to Nunapitchuk, Alaska, where she began her teaching career in the Lower Kuskokwim School District in Bethel. For the last five school years, she’s taught 1st – 3rd grades and holds her K-8 Alaska State Professional Teacher Certificate as well as a K-3 Reading Endorsement from UAA. In one of her interviews, she smiled and said, “I fell in love with Alaska and have learned so much from this community.” Her educational philosophy centers around fostering confidence, curiosity, and a strong growth mindset in each child. She is a curious and creative educator who considers herself a “wonderer”… always responding with excitement and joy to questions and discoveries from her students. She enjoys spending her free time exploring and doing various subsistence activities such as hunting, fishing, and berry picking. You can also find her cuddled up with a good book or trying a new hobby.Ms. Shayle began work with us in July 2026, including Montessori training and orientation pertinent to her role.  

Ms. Madisen Petrosky
Spanish Teacher & Elementary Teacher Assistant, Tongass Community
madisen@sprucetreemontessori.com
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification

Madisen is our new Spanish Teacher & Elementary Teacher Assistant. She grew up in the Midwest and moved away from home at 15 to live in Spain, where she learned fluent Spanish. She attended the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Justice and a Spanish minor.

As an aspiring educator, she believes children are naturally curious and capable learners who flourish when they’re given the freedom to make meaningful choices. The Montessori philosophy beautifully supports this belief by honoring each child’s unique learning journey and fostering independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

In her free time, she enjoys yoga, hiking with her dog, and being social. She said, “I am so excited to learn and grow alongside the children this school year and share my own love of learning with them through the Spanish language and cultural experiences I have enjoyed.”

Ms. Madisen began work with us in July 2026, including Montessori training and orientation pertinent to her role.  

Mrs. Erica Hojohn
Lead Teacher, Sprout Community

Montessori Paraprofessional Certification, Infant-Toddler Focus

Erica is our  Lead Teacher in our Toddler Program. She first came to Alaska in 2016 on a travel adventure and fell in love with the wonderful community of Fairbanks and the state. She is happy to be a part of this wonderful school that has helped nurture her children who have shown extraordinary growth during their time at Spruce Tree. With an Associate’s Degree in Science from Utah State University where she also pursued a Bachelor’s in Technical Writing and Linguistics and minored in Spanish, she is excited to move into the field of Montessori teaching. She is particularly interested in guiding young children who are developing language and social skills. She has worked in a variety of fields and loves to meet new people. She is married to Jim, our School Chef, and has two children enrolled in our Children’s House program. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, reading, singing, swimming and playing games.

Mrs. Erica Hojohn joined our team August 2025.

Ms. Liberty Dickey
Creative Arts Teacher  

B.S. Anthropology / Photography
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification
Greetings all, I’m Liberty. I moved back to Alaska in May of 2023 after graduating from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and Photography. Throughout middle and high school I worked with various children’s care facilities. Music is a major passion of mine and I am a classically trained singer and have spent all my life in the musical arts. I am very excited to be a part of the Spruce Tree family and to help bring out the inner rockstars of our Spruce Tree students.
Ms. Liberty joined our team Fall 2023.
Mr. Jim Hojohn
Physical & Outdoor Education Teacher  

A.A.S in Fisheries and Aquaculture

B.S. Natural Resources

Chef Jim is the school chef and outdoor education teacher at Spruce Tree Montessori. His goal as chef is to provide a variety of nutritious meals for all ages. He uses fresh, local, seasonal ingredients as often as he can. As the outdoor education teacher he’ll be offering various age appropriate nature/outdoor based lessons, including outdoor games, walks, and exploration, foraging/harvesting principles, plant and animal identifications, and introductory lessons in familiar sports. Students will learn practical outdoor skills while enjoying physical exercise.
From Jim: “I grew up in the Adirondack mountains in upstate New York. I enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, exploring, travel, antique collecting and spending time with my family. I went to SUNY Cobleskill and have an A.A.S in Fisheries and Aquaculture and also a B.S. in Natural Resources from Utah State University. I’ve worked for the Utah Department of Natural Resources as a fisheries technician in the Uintah Mountains, the Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association as a culturist, and the National Ecological Observation Network as a field instrumentation technician.
Jim joined our team Spring 2025.

Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) — formed in 2016.

  • The specific purpose for which the STMS Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) was formed is to serve as an advisory body for strategic planning, measured growth, program and policy development, and a coordinating body for parent communication and parental involvement according to the school’s mission and vision and under the auspices of its Founder, Sabrina Binkley.
  • PAC Members 2024-25
    • Alli LeBon, PAC Chair – to contact Alli directly, please call 907-479-8733 to get phone/email information.
    • Ashley Ellis
    • Lynsie Olson
    • Josh Evans
    • Dennis Achman
    • Ben Callahan
    • Ryan Binkley, business partner