About
Acacia Montessori will open in late 2022. We are working very hard to complete our space. Acacia is the product of a friendship that began in training to become Montessori guides. Saido and Melissa began training together in 2020 and as their friendship grew an idea began to take shape. Abdilahi soon joined the training. The three of us are excited to bring the beauty of Montessori education to the community of Apple Valley. Saido and Abdilahi are bringing the unique language and culture of our Somali neighbors and Melissa is our connection to the Midwest. We will blend our differences and highlight our similarities to create a community of independent, confident, life-long learners.
Wildflower schools sit in light-filled spaces on walkable streets. They increase the presence of children and families in the community, as more narrow geographic focus supports walking to and from school, and by partnering with local playgrounds, gardens and other civic spaces that would otherwise be on-site in larger institutions. We expand our definition of “stakeholders” beyond the families we serve directly, and we work to make our surrounding communities stronger and healthier for children.
Our Teacher Leaders
Saido Mohamed
Founding Teacher Leader
I grew up in MN and live in Minneapolis with my husband and our three children. I hold a diploma for CDA from MCC in Minneapolis MN. I attended the Montessori Center of MN to receive my AMI diploma in 2020. What I enjoy most about working with young children is their innocence and love for learning! I believe that early childhood education is so important because it is the time when the child is shaping his/her personality and has a natural drive to learn. I have worked with children for the last 10 yrs, but this is my second year working in a Montessori schools in Somaliland.
Melissa Franzen
Founding Teacher Leader
I fell in love with Montessori when my oldest son joined a Children's house over 20 years ago. Each of my five children have attended Montessori schools. In 2020 I took the Primary AMI training at the Montessori Center of Minnesota. I have a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illionis and in 2022 I finished a MEd in early childhood education. My classmate, Saido, introduced me to Wildflower and my instructors at MCM continue to support us through MPSAC. I am truly looking forward to sharing the joy of Montessori with the children of Acacia.
Abdilahi Botan
Founding Teacher Leader
I have Bachelor`s and master’s degrees in civil engineering and I never thought I will be changing my career path after working 15 years in the engineering field. But my 3 children and my wife who is a Montessori Teacher Leader have changed my mind. I want my children to contribute to their community, have a sense of responsibility, and become citizens of the world. After my graduation, I decided to start a Casa together with my wife Saido and Melissa. Next to starting a school I am also doing a graduate M.Ed. at St Kate.
Board Profiles
Munira Abdulla
Board Member
Kathy Holmquist-Burks
Board Member
Katelyn Shore
Board Member