Administration
Kate Garfin
Head of School
Kate is so excited to be on this adventure with LMSS. Prior to moving to the Head of School position, she worked as the Adolescent Program Social Studies teacher for four years. Working in administration was always a dream of hers, but getting to do it here at LMSS is even better than she could imagine 🙂
Before joining LMSS Kate received her history education degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse after moving to Wisconsin from Iowa in 2016. In Iowa, she earned her psychology degree from Iowa State University in 2011. Studying and learning about how humans grow, learn, and develop the world around us has always been engaging for her. She loves being able to put that knowledge to work as a teacher and an administrator.
Outside of school, Kate spends a lot of time cooking and baking and being outside. She and her parents started going to the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota when she was 3 years old. Since then, she has continued to explore camping and hiking areas in the Midwest (Beaver Creek is a favorite right now). Living near the Mississippi is also great for her love of water. She canoes and paddle boards and hopes to improve on her kayak skills over the summer. Please let her know if you know of any hidden gems for camping, hiking, or canoeing!
When she speaks about our school to other educators and families they can’t believe we get to provide such an authentic Montessori experience in this cute little town on the Mississippi River. She feels truly blessed to be here and creating a better community with you 🙂 Thank you!
TAMMY STREMCHA
Director of Operations
Tammy began working at LMSS in 2012 as the Director of Financial Operations. Her position has morphed into what it is today, and she officially accepted the position of Director of Operations in 2017. She enjoys helping to ensure the success of the students and school through her work in the office.
Tammy was born and raised in the area, graduating from ISD300 many years ago. High school was a favorite time in her life, until, of course, she met her husband, Jason. They married in 2006 and have one son together. His name is Hunter, and he attends La Crescent Montessori & STEM School.
In her spare time, she enjoy reading and watching movies. In addition, she is an avid supporter of community involvement and volunteerism. Currently, her volunteer passion is focused on Applefest here in La Crescent. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the La Crescent Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. Tammy loves that LMSS encourages the students to look beyond themselves to positively impact the world around them through kindness, education and volunteerism.