Meet Our Faculty
Suzannah Walter has deep roots in the Illinois Valley area and is thrilled to bring Montessori education to Ottawa. She grew up on a 5 generation farm in Grand Ridge where her family continues to farm today. Suzannah received degrees in Creative Writing and Vocal Performance from Columbia College Chicago then, attended Washington Montessori Institute in Washington DC where she received an elementary teaching certificate through the Association Montessori Internationale. For 25+ years, she taught at Near North Montessori in Chicago and Joliet Montessori School. During that time she served as a school board staff representative, received certification as an Orton-Gillingham reading specialist, led elementary classes in original curriculum-based musical productions and worked as a Montessori school consultant. By 2020, Suzannah’s two boys had completed their education from Montessori school (through 8th grade) and she switched gears to work closer to home. In her spare time, she enjoys writing and is a regular contributor to NPR’s Poetically Yours. Suzannah lives in Ottawa with husband, Brad Gromm.
Ottawa native, Casey McGrath has spent her career in Early Childhood Education and is excited to be the Lead Guide for Trinity Rose Montessori’s inaugural classroom. She received
her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Illinois University with a concentration in Music. She also received an endorsement in early childhood special education from National Louis University. Casey has taught first grade in the Ottawa Elementary School District and had
a home daycare for 4 years while raising her own three children. She is now finishing her 8th year as a preschool teacher at the Early Childhood Center in Coal City School District #1. Currently, Casey is enrolled at the Montessori Center of Minnesota and this summer will receive her AMI
her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Illinois University with a concentration in Music. She also received an endorsement in early childhood special education from National Louis University. Casey has taught first grade in the Ottawa Elementary School District and had
a home daycare for 4 years while raising her own three children. She is now finishing her 8th year as a preschool teacher at the Early Childhood Center in Coal City School District #1. Currently, Casey is enrolled at the Montessori Center of Minnesota and this summer will receive her AMI
(Association Montessori Internationale) Primary (ages 3-6) Diploma.