Our Story

GSCM started with the dream of one man who inspired the support of many generous individuals. Over the years it was a labor of love to give birth to this community, one that could not have happened without God’s grace and the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary, Queen of Angels.

The Concept is Born (1996)

The concept of GSCM was born in 1996 with the initiative of Dan Teller, Montessori educator and Catholic School Principal. Dan traveled to Cleveland, Ohio to visit Betty Hissong, a pioneer in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in the USA, and learn about CGS. Dan then hosted a series of informational meetings in the local area describing Montessori Education and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Fr. Giles Pater, pastor of St. John Fisher, attended one of those meetings and offered the possibility of a “space.”  

The Beginning (1996-97)

Dan Teller continued to gather supporters and developed the first Board of Directors. Dan and his wife, Maureen, were washing dishes one night when the name of the school emerged–a name to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. Thus, Queen of Angels Montessori was born and the first Articles of Incorporation were dated March 25th 1997–the Feast of the Annunciation. 

A Community Begins (1997-98)

With the Articles of Incorporation secure Dan and the Board began to campaign for financial support of $100,000 to jump start the school. Faith Christian Fellowship (FCF) in Newtown offered a spacious 900 sq ft. space for classroom space. Dan began to create a classroom space with borrowed furniture and attic treasures as he offered Open Houses for potential families. In August of 1998, the doors of Queen of Angels Montessori opened with 28 preschool and kindergarten children.

Growth (1998-2002)

The years from 1998 to 2002 saw the growth of Queen of Angels with the addition of one grade level per year. New families discovered the uniqueness of the education offered and the community expanded, outgrowing the dedicated space at FCF. The search began for a more suitable space for the growing needs of the school.

A New Home (2002)

The 2002-2003 school year saw a new home for Queen of Angels Montessori in the school building on the campus of St. John Vianney Parish in Madison Place. The former Cure of Ars school now housed a new Catholic school, bringing newness to the parish.

A Full and Flourishing Program (2002-07)

In 2003 plans were initiated to add a Middle School Program, bringing to fruition the full concept of a Montessori school that continued from preschool to eighth grade. The middle school opened in 2005 and Queen of Angels Montessori graduated its first eighth grade class in 2007. The 2006-2007 school year saw a full enrollment of 200 children and classrooms serving children from 3 to 14 years of age.

A Permanent Home and a New Name (2010-11)

In 2010, Queen of Angels Montessori changed its name to The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori School (GSCM) to better reflect its unique mission and vision. In 2012, GSCM purchased the entire 13+ acre property of the former St. John Vianney Parish and secured its permanent home continuing a 60 year tradition of having a Catholic presence in Madison Place.

Developing the Property (2014-18)

In 2014, The former St. John Vianney church was transformed into the Queen of Angels Chapel and fine arts center. In 2015, the Natural Playscape was installed with the partnership of Columbia Township and the parent community. In 2016, the Bold Vision, Bright Future Campaign kicked off raising $800,000 to build a new space for the Upper Elementary and Middle School programs. The summer of 2018 brought the construction of both the Bushelman Building and the Holy Family House, as well as new windows on the northside of the school building. The GSCM campus was more beautiful and united than ever.

New Leadership to Shepherd the Future (2018-2025)

In 2015, the GSCM Board began to plan for the transition of leadership from its founder, Dan Teller. The Board hired Anne Marie Vega in 2017 as the new Principal. Dan remained on staff until his retirement in 2021.

In 2025 following a six-month formal search process informed by community input, the Board named Deacon Nathan Beiersdorfer as the school’s first Executive Director. A permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Deacon Beiersdorfer is the chief executive officer of the school, overseeing vision, strategy, engagement while collaborating with the principal to deliver the school’s mission: Always Catholic. Authentically Montessori. Helping children grow in wisdom, age and grace.