Meet the Board of Directors

Anna Aarre has been a Children’s House Teacher at Bluffview Montessori since 2012. She received her B.S. in Elementary with Pre-primary and Early Childhood Education from Winona State University. She received her Montessori Certification from MMTTC in Illinois. She received her masters from St. Catherine University in St. Paul. Anna serves on the Academic Practices Committee. She looks forward to bringing her experiences to the board and broadening her involvement as a Bluffview community member.

Kim Bell has taught special education at Bluffview Montessori School since 2016, serving as a parent volunteer and substitute previous to that. She received both her undergraduate degree (in elementary and special education) and her master’s degree (in special education) from Winona State University. Kim serves on the Academic Practices, Finance, and MnMTSS Leadership Committees. She looks forward to supporting students, staff, and the Bluffview community in a new capacity.

Meghan is an Erdkinder (7th and 8th grade) teacher and has served as a teacher member of the board since 2019. She has a Master’s degree in secondary education with multiple licensure areas. Meghan serves on the Academic Practices Committee, Building and Grounds Committee, MnMTSS Leadership Committee, and is the Erdkinder Coordinator. Before coming to Bluffview she taught in a variety of school settings, and has worked in public, charter, and private school settings including as an Admissions and Marketing Director. She looks forward to bringing her experience in education to Bluffview as a board member.

Kevin Mahoney is the community member on the board. Kevin has served on multiple non-profit boards in the Winona community, including the Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools, The Winona Community Foundation and Winona Volunteer Services. Kevin has worked in the financial services industry his entire career. He is a UW-La Crosse graduate and holds the professional designations of Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner.

Jessica serves on the board as a parent member, with three children at Bluffview (E1, E2, E2). She completed a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science at Iowa State University, medical school at Des Moines University, and psychiatry residency at the University of South Dakota. She currently works as a physician for Gundersen Health System. Jessica is excited to help continue and grow the strong educational legacy of Bluffview Montessori as a parent representative on the board.

Shelly Merchlewitz has been at Bluffview Montessori since 2010. She has taught special education and math intervention and graduated from Winona State University with an elementary degree and multiple licenses. She is currently a member of the Assessment and Data Committee, Finance Committee, and Human Resources Committee. She looks forward to learning a lot while being a part of the board and doing what she can to be a helpful member.

Stephanie serves as a parent member on the board and has children in both E1 and E2. She holds a pair of master’s degrees in education and communication, received her PhD from the University of Oklahoma, has 18 years of experience in education, and is an Associate Professor of Marketing at Winona State University. Stephanie appreciates the educational opportunities Bluffview provides and is excited to help continue and grow the strong educational legacy of Bluffview Montessori as a parent representative on the board.