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.
Mrs. Sabrina Binkley
Head of School & Founder
B.S. in Petroleum Engineering
AMS Credential: School Administration
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 and 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 a consultant to the retail management team for three 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 sixth grade.
Sabrina was elected to the American Montessori Society’s National Board of Directors in April 2022 and currently serves as the Development Committee Co-Chair and as 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 Fairbanks Museum of the North Advisory Council. She also served on the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for nine years, as Chair of the Board in 2020, and as 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 serving on the Fairbanks Montessori School Board for four years (2009–2013), when 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 to Ryan and has two boys, Simon (20), a member of the inaugural 1st grade class 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, Glady, 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. in Criminal Justice
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification
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 in 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, she enjoys reading, hiking, running, exploring Alaska, and watching movies.
Karen joined our team in November 2024.
Mrs. Jamie Foland
Director of Education
B.A. in Hispanic Studies/Spanish
AMS Credential: Early Childhood (3–6)
Jamie serves as the Director of Education and as a member of the leadership team at Spruce Tree. This role comes after she spent 12 years as a Lead Children’s House Teacher in the Taiga classroom community. During her time in the classroom, Jamie was known for her steady presence, care, and commitment to child development. Her strong relationships within our school and her thoughtful leadership reflect the values at the heart of Spruce Tree. She brings deep Montessori experience to our entire community, supporting all programs, students, and educators.
In addition to her time at Spruce Tree, Jamie has more than 15 years of experience in education and coaching. Originally from Southern California, she moved to Alaska to attend the University of Alaska, where she played volleyball and earned a B.A. in Foreign Language with a minor in Linguistics. In 2017, she earned her Montessori credential for the Early Childhood level (EC 3–6) from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies.
Outside of school, Jamie is a certified yoga teacher. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, their two children (both Spruce Tree alumni), and their two dogs. Her hobbies include yoga, reading, playing volleyball, traveling, skiing, and walking.
Jamie joined our team in fall 2015.
Mrs. Malaika West
Lead Children’s House Teacher, Boreal Community
B.A. in Early Childhood Education
AMS Credential: Early Childhood (3–6)
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification
Malaika 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 B.A. 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!”
Malaika 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 and 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.
Jona joined our team in January 2026.
Ms. Diana Silveira
Senior Lead Children’s House Teacher, Taiga Community
B.S. in Psychology, Loyola University
AMS Credential: Early Childhood (3–6)
NAMC Lower Elementary Teacher’s Diploma
Diana is the Lead Children’s House Teacher in the Taiga classroom, replacing Jamie Foland, who was promoted to the role of Director of Education.
With 16 years of experience in early childhood education, 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.
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, 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 and dogs, cooking, music, and simple, peaceful living.
Diana joined our team in July 2026.
Mrs. Sarah Cloward
Children’s House Teacher Assistant, Taiga Community
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification
AMS Credential: Associate Early Childhood
Sarah 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 four years and was ready to take a leap into the education field. The Montessori value of compassion inspired my choice to join the Spruce Tree Montessori family.
Sarah joined our team in November 2024.
Ms. Shayle “Cucuaq” Allen
Lead Elementary Teacher, Tongass Community
B.S. in Elementary Education & Early Childhood Development
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification
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 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 has taught first through third 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 participating in 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.
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
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 minor in Spanish.
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.”
Madisen began work with us in July 2026, including Montessori training and orientation pertinent to her role.
Mrs. Erica Hojohn
Lead Toddler Teacher, Sprout Community
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification, Infant-Toddler Focus
Erica is the 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 part of this wonderful school, which has helped nurture her children and supported their extraordinary growth during their time at Spruce Tree. With an associate degree in Science from Utah State University, where she also pursued a bachelor’s degree 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.
Erica joined our team in August 2025.
Ms. Angel Burton
Toddler Teacher Assistant, Sprout Community
Angel is the Teacher Assistant in our Sprout classroom. She is a lifelong Alaskan and a proud mom of four wonderful adult children. Her three adorable grandsons light up her life. Angel loves to explore Alaska’s beauty, spend time in nature with her family, go paddleboarding and hiking, and collect rocks. She enjoys long walks with her dogs, cooking, doing puzzles, and playing card and board games. She shared her excitement for her new role: “I am excited to join the Spruce Tree family and begin this new journey as a teacher’s assistant, helping each child grow in confidence, develop independence, and discover a love of learning.”
Angel joined our team in July 2026.
Ms. Liberty Dickey
Creative Arts Teacher
B.S. in Anthropology / Photography
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification
Greetings, all. I’m Liberty. I moved back to Alaska in May 2023 after graduating from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Photography. Throughout middle and high school, I worked with various children’s care facilities. Music is a major passion of mine. I am a classically trained singer and have spent my entire life in the musical arts. I am very excited to be part of the Spruce Tree family and to help bring out the inner rock stars of our Spruce Tree students.
Liberty joined our team in fall 2023.
Mr. Jim Hojohn
Physical & Outdoor Education Teacher
A.A.S. in Fisheries and Aquaculture
B.S. in 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 offers various age-appropriate nature- and outdoor-based lessons, including outdoor games, walks and exploration, foraging and harvesting principles, plant and animal identification, and introductory lessons in familiar sports. Students 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 earned an A.A.S. in Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as 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 Uinta Mountains, the Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association as a culturist, and the National Ecological Observation Network as a field instrumentation technician.”
Jim joined our team in spring 2025.
Mrs. Jessica Hood
Student Support Specialist
Jessica Hood is our Student Support Specialist. Originally from Washington State, she and her family recently made Fairbanks their permanent home. She and her husband have three teenage children plus two little fur babies. Ms. Jessica loves to travel, go on camping adventures, and enjoys serving the community. She said, “I have had the privilege of working with children for the past 20 years and feel so blessed to be part of this school. I’m very excited to get to know all of you!”
Jessica joined our team July 2026.
Ms. Anika Ziegler — bio & photo coming soon!
School Chef & Educational Assistant
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 as 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, 2025–26
- Dennis Achman, PAC Chair — to contact Dennis directly, please call 907-479-8733 for phone or email information.
- Ashley Ellis
- Tim Fitzgibbon
- Ben Callahan
- Jon & Ashley Bradish
- Luke & Amanda Langhorst
- Ryan Binkley, business partner