Academics

Kelsey O’Keefe, J.D. – Administrator

B.A. History;
J.D. Law

Cassie Felicella – Upper Elementary Guide

B.A. English;
M.A. Screenwriting;
Current Candidate Masters of Education with Montessori Specialization;
AMS Certified in Upper Elementary

Cassie Felicella has traveled extensively to Mexico, Guatemala, Spain, Ireland, England, France, Greece, Israel, Poland and others. After finishing her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from University of North Texas in 2010 Cassie was a full-time substitute teacher for primary and secondary students at Rosslyn Academy in Nairobi, Kenya. After Kenya, Cassie took a job working with an international non-profit during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. While in London, she received her Graduate degree from Royal Holloway, University of London and graduated in honors with her Master of Arts in Screenwriting for Film and Television.  After returning to the States, Cassie worked in advertising and journalism and after a few short years in the corporate world, she felt the call of education once again. Combining her love of learning and discovering, she attended an intensive Montessori program at the Houston Montessori Center. In 2017, she received her certification to teach Upper Elementary from the American Montessori Society. She is currently pursuing her Master of Education with Montessori Specialization from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Cassie Felicella lives in Oak Cliff with her wife, Erica.

Katrina Gamber – Middle School Guide

B.A. Psychology & Education;
TX State Teaching Certification EC-6;
Master’s in Counseling with emphasis in Art Therapy & School Counseling;
TX State Certified School Counselor;
Current Candidate Masters of Education with Montessori Specialization;
AMS Trained in Middle School

Katrina Gamber is the middle school guide at ArborCreek Montessori Academy. She has been teaching professionally since 2012 working with students from early childhood all the way through high school. She received her degree in psychology and education from Southern Methodist University where she gained her Texas State Teaching certification for EC-6. She went on to pursue her Master’s in counseling with an emphasis in art therapy and school counseling from Southern Methodist University. She is a certified school counselor in the state of Texas and was able to hone her skills while facilitating support groups and individual counseling for homeless youth and teen parents at Promise House in Dallas. After the birth of her son, Katrina developed a strong love of Montessori education and the balance between peace, mental health, service, and learning provided by the Montessori approach. She completed her training through the Houston Montessori Center to become an AMS certified guide for middle school and secondary. She is a member of the American Montessori Society and the American Psychological Association. Katrina Gamber lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Alan, and son, Royal. 

Jennifer Wester – Art Instructor

B.A. Computing and the Arts;
Current Master of Fine Arts Candidate