Lizz Huddle – Lower Elementary Directress

Lizz’s journey began in preschool where she attended Fort Worth, Montessori in Texas. After completing the program and graduating from Kindergarten, her mother became a trained Montessori teacher, so she maintained connections to a Montessori school and grew up making materials and aiding in a Montessori classrooms on her days off. Upon graduating from high school, we crossed country to pursue her dream of becoming a Montessori teacher and attended Xavier University, receiving her B.S. in Montessori Education in 2009.  She worked as a Lower Elementary Directress at Cornerstone Montessori School in Northern Kentucky for 4 years before starting her family. While transitioning to a stay at home mom (she now has 2 children), she continued teaching at her parish religion program, eventually getting trained in CGS and building a level 1 and level 2 CGS program at her parish. She also taught music and piano lessons. Lizz is now a Directess in the Lower Elementary at Good Shepherd and couldn’t be more excited to fulfill her dream as a Catholic Montessori teacher!

Alison Zlatic – Lower Elementary Directress

Alison jointed the GSCM lower elementary team in 2024. Alison has been at GSCM since 2019 as a parent of five boys and serving as on the GSCM Board for six years. Alison has a BA and MA in education having taught at Dominican High School in Michigan and Chaminade Julienne High School in Dayton. She is also involved in St. Vincent de Paul, serving on the Board and representing Cincinnati as District Council President. Alison believes deeply in the cosmic nature of Montessori and is excited to help walk alongside children as they build their relationship with Christ and discover their giftedness and mission.

Eileen Alfieri – Lower Elementary Assistant Directress

At Xavier University, Eileen Alfieri earned her B.A in the Liberal Arts. After graduating, she spent several years managing a ceramic studio. This allowed her to run many programs for children and to create personalized pieces of art for her customers. Eileen and her husband enjoy spending time with their young daughter, tending their vegetable garden and traveling.

Mary Beth Burns – Lower Elementary Assistant Directress

Mary Burns has a B.A. in English from Morehead State University. She has taught Theology at the high school level as well as English at the middle school level. Mary has an extensive background in coaching including a state championship in girl’s soccer at Badin High School. This background has allowed Mary to continue to help athletes learn to find their playing edge while maintaining a positive mindset. Mary is also a published writer in poetry and nonfiction. Mary and her husband have four children. She is an avid sports fan with a passion for all sports especially hockey and soccer.

Lauren Vanagasem Kramer – Educational Aide

Lauren joined the GSCM staff in 2024. Lauren holds a BA in both Environmental Biology and Liberal Studies. She is passionate about nature and holds a Naturalist Certificate from the AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies. She is proficient in American Sign Language. Her professional experience includes time as a camp counselor, nature teacher, home health aide, and an educational aide in a variety of school situations, including 10 years at Children Meeting House Montessori.