Hermosa Montessori's Support Staff
Normie Rodriguez - Speech Language Pathologist
Normie Rodriguez received her B.S. in Communication Disorders with a minor in Spanish, and an M.S. in Communication Disorders, bilingual program from Texas Christian University. She is licensed in Arizona as a Speech Language Pathologist and has over 12 years experience in private practice. She has also enjoyed serving in public schools and clinical settings. Normie is experienced in sensory integration, augmentative-alternative communication systems, sign language, and speaks Spanish fluently. She is a positive, professional leader and collaborator who enjoys helping children succeed. Her daughter is a student at Hermosa.
Raji Rajagopalan - School Psychologist
Raji received a B.A. Economics, Psychology and Politics, and a M.A. School Psychology and Special Education from the U of A. Raji worked with TROT (Therapeautic Riding of Tucson) during her M.A. program internship. She is Hermosa's school psychologist and special education teacher who specializes in math instruction. She also teaches social skills training. Her two grown sons are both former Hermosa students
Margie Kersey-Director of Music Education and Performing Arts
Ms. Kersey is the Founder and Director Emeritus of the Tucson Girls Chorus. Ms. Kersey received her music degree from the University of Arizona and is a certified choral adjudicator. She is a composer, arranger, workshop presenter, and has been a music educator since 1965. Ms Kersey toured throughout the world with her choirs. In addition to being Director of Music Education at Hermosa, Ms. Kersey conducts Hermosa choirs, and two community choirs – one for youth and one for women, as well as conducting various church choirs. She is known for her passion for music, love for her students. She sees her educator role as an opportunity to be a role model for youth.
Carol Thaler - Director of Visual Arts
BA Wheaton College, Mass. Carol studied art at the National Academy of Art, Pratt Institute, and Art Student's League in NY and the Institute of Fine Art in Cerquex Sous Passavant, France. Prior to art, Carol was a dancer-choreographer working in NY, San Francisco and Seattle with various companies including Martha Graham. Carol taught art in numerous programs, and exhibited in numerous galleries in NY prior to joining Hermosa.
Kristin Bidwell - School Health Professional
Kristin Bidwell received her medical assistant certification in 1991 and is certified as a hearing screener by the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is also certified as a vision screener by the Arizona Regional Resource Center and is certified by the American Heart Association in CPR and First Aid. Prior to joining Hermosa Kristin worked as a medical assistant at Associated Dermatologists Kristin is always available to provide both psychological and physical TLC for the bumps and bruises of childhood.
Mary Rudy - Music Educator
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Mary Rudy, Hermosa’s music teacher, is a certified Montessori teacher who has 20 years experience teaching music to children 0-12 years of age. With a BA from McGill University, Montreal, Canada, Mary was a Montessori teacher and parent for many years, along with teaching music in Montessori preschool and elementary schools. She studied both Montessori and music education for 3-6 yr olds with Dr. Elizabeth Caspari, one of the last living disciples of Maria Montessori. Mary is also certified in Level 2 Orff- a creative approach to teaching elementary school music. She has trained extensively in Kindermusik, which integrates music, creativity, and movement for children 0-7 years of age. Mary has attained the designation of “Kindermusik Maestro”, as one of the top 5% instructors world-wide, and serves on the faculty of Kindermusik International. Mary combines her passion for Montessori education, children and music in her preschool and elementary classes at Hermosa.
