Staff Directory

The staff of Spruce Tree Montessori School share a common vision. We believe that education should be an inspiring experience — a journey for both the child and the parent — during which a partnership between the school and family serves both through a love of learning.

All Spruce Tree Montessori School classroom teaching staff hold bachelor’s degrees or have equivalent experience and are CPR-First Aid certified. All Lead Teachers also hold Montessori credentials for the level at which they are assigned or are enrolled in an AMS-approved, Montessori teacher certification course. We hold the safety and security of the children of Spruce Tree as our top priority.

Here are a few of our favorite things. Staff Favorite Things Survey


Mrs. Sabrina Binkley
Head of School & Founder


B.S. Petroleum Engineering
AMS Credential: Administrator
AMS Board Member, Elected 2022

Sabrina moved to Alaska in 2001 after earning her B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, where she met her husband, Ryan Binkley. After a short time with Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (the company that owns/operates the Trans-Alaska Pipeline), she began work in the family business at the Riverboat Discovery. For 15 years she worked as Vice President of Retail Sales and as the Head Buyer for the company. She served as consultant to the retail management team for 3 years following that tenure. 

During this time, she developed a strong understanding of business operations, finance and marketing. Those skills combined with her passion for education and inspiring children toward a love of learning led her to become the Founder of Spruce Tree Montessori School (STMS) in March 2012. Spruce Tree is Fairbanks’ only independent Montessori school affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS) offering programming for toddlers through 6th grade.

Sabrina was elected to the American Montessori Society’s National Board of Directors April 2022 and currently serves as the Development Committee Chair. She serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the Alaska Montessori Association. Locally, she served on the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 9 years, as Chair of the Board in 2020, and as the Education Chair for four years. She was a Rotarian for 16 years and served on the United Way Board of Directors for 10 years. To begin her Montessori journey, she has fond memories of her time serving on the Fairbanks Montessori School Board for four years (2009 – 2013) where her oldest son attended preschool and kindergarten. 

Sabrina was named to the Alaska Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2017 for her work in education and business.  

Sabrina is married and has two boys, Simon (18), who completed the Spruce Tree Elementary Program and Clive (14), who completed the Spruce Tree Children’s House & Elementary Programs. She loves her English Springer Spaniel named Glady who often comes to school with her. At home she enjoys cooking and baking, entertaining friends and family, and playing board games.

Sabrina founded Spruce Tree in March 2012 and has been the Head of School ever since.


Mrs. Kristen Roper
Director of Education & Associate Head of School

B.A. Elementary Education
AMS Credential: Early Childhood (3-6)
AMS Credential: Administrator, expected completion 2025

Kristen is the Educational Director and Associate Head of School at Spruce Tree Montessori School. She attended a Montessori preschool when she was a child and has fond memories of working with the traditional Montessori materials. She went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Florida. She earned her Montessori credential for the early childhood level (EC 3 – 6) Summer 2013 from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies in Florida. Previously she served as the Children’s House Lead teacher and was instrumental in creating an inviting, fully authentic Montessori classroom environment and led our school’s first early childhood cohort along an inspiring educational journey. Kristen is married and has two children who also attend Spruce Tree. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and hiking with her family.

Mrs. Kristen joined our staff in August 2013.

Mrs. Annie Scott
Director of Administration & Admissions

Hello! My role at Spruce Tree Montessori School is Director of Administration & Admissions. I joined the Spruce Tree team in the fall of 2017 with an extensive background in finance and human relations. As a lifelong Alaskan, I am proud to be a leader in our school community, where quality care and education is provided to the children of Fairbanks.  My three children have completed every level of Spruce Tree’s programming and over the years, we have come to hold Spruce Tree and its community, close to our hearts. In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, exploring, baking, reading and gardening. As my journey continues at Spruce Tree, I look forward to meeting new friends along the way!

Ms. Annie joined our team in August 2017.


Mrs. Erica Nash
Director of Counseling & Student Support

M.A.Ed. Community Counseling
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification

Hello friends! My name is Erica Nash and I was born and raised in Palo Alto, California and took a leap of faith by attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) to play volleyball.

I earned a BA in Psychology before pursuing a Master of Education degree in Community Counseling. Before joining the team at STMS, I worked as a mental health counselor with teens and young adults, and I truly enjoy helping people on their journey toward a positive life. Outside of work, volleyball is a major passion of mine, and I curb this craving through coaching competitive club volleyball. This California girl loves exploring the natural beauty of Alaska through hiking and camping and I’m looking forward to new adventures at Spruce Tree Montessori School this school year.

Erica joined us the summer of 2016.


Mrs. Jamie Foland
Lead Children’s House Teacher & Marketing Coordinator

B.A. Hispanic Studies/Spanish
AMS Credential: Early Childhood (3-6)

Mrs. Jamie Foland is the Lead Teacher in the Taiga Community. She was raised in Southern California and came to Alaska to attend the University of Alaska and play volleyball for the Nanooks. She earned her B.A. in Foreign Language and a minor in Linguistics. Jamie earned her Montessori Early Childhood (EC 3 – 6) credential Summer 2017 from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies in Florida. She is entering her 10th year in the classroom as a Children’s House guide at STMS. She is married and has two children, both of whom attend(ed) Spruce Tree. She is a certified yoga teacher (RYT-500) and when she’s not on her yoga mat or in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family outdoors, reading, traveling, playing volleyball, and walking.

Ms. Jamie joined our team Fall 2015.


Mrs. Francely Mobley
Lead Children’s House Teacher & Spanish Teacher

M.A.Ed. Elementary Education
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification

Hola! My name is Francely Mobley and I’m the Lead Teacher in the Boreal Community. I was born in Mexico, and raised in the Bronx, New York. I attended a small private college in Kentucky where I earned my degree in Elementary Education. I recently completed my Masters in Education and enjoy sharing my love of learning with my students. After becoming a mom nearly four years ago, I discovered Montessori teachings and have enjoyed implementing them at home. When I first joined the team at Spruce Tree, I worked as a Children’s House Teacher Assistant. I then moved into the Elementary classroom for one year eventually accepting the promotion to Lead Teacher in Boreal last January.

Ms. Francely joined our team Fall 2021.


Mrs. Malaika West
Children’s House Teacher Assistant


B.A. Early Childhood Education
AMS Credential: Early Childhood (3-6)
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification

Hello! My name is Malaika and I was born in Kenya and raised in Wisconsin. I moved to Alaska fall of 2010. I earned my BA in Child Development & Family Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and currently the Teacher Assistant in the Boreal Community. During my free time I enjoy going on walks and spending time with family and friends.

I knew at an early age that I wanted to be an educator. I’m passionate about providing an environment for students that fosters a love for learning. I’m overjoyed to be part of the team at Spruce Tree Montessori!

Ms. West joined our team in January 2022.


Ms. Estie Dawson
Children’s House Teacher Assistant

B.S. Health Sciences

Hi! My name is Estie, and I will serve as Teacher Assistant in Taiga this year! I’m from Juneau, and attended the University of Alaska Anchorage where I earned my B.S. in Health Sciences. I worked with various Boys & Girls Clubs in Southcentral Alaska, as well as with Assisted Living, helping clients in their Supported Employment. Through all of that, I was told I have the right temperament to teach. I relocated to Fairbanks recently and am exploring that, and am grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn and help others learn, as well. I enjoy climbing, listening to live music, and a good adventure!

Estie joined our team Fall 2023.


Mr. Joseph Chernich
Upper Elementary Teacher & PE Teacher 

B.S. Chemistry
M.Ed. Secondary Science
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification

Joseph is from St. Louis, Missouri and has lived in the rainforest of Costa Rica, on the Black Sea of Ukraine, and the fjords of Norway doing environmental research and teaching. He has a degree in Chemistry but also has a passion for trivia, mathematics, foreign languages, gardening, and outdoor education.
Joseph has four children who have all participated in Montessori schooling in Fairbanks. He coaches baseball locally and officiates basketball throughout Alaska.
Mr. Joseph joined our team February 2024.

Ms. Hannah Johnson
Elementary Teacher Assistant 

B.A. Communication Development and Disorders
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification

Howdy! I’m Hannah and I am excited to join the Spruce Tree team this year! I am from the local area but recently moved back from Germany, where I had many fantastic opportunities to travel. I graduated from the University of Alaska in 2023 and studied Communication Development and Early Childhood Education. I’m striving toward a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology.

My other passions include painting, writing, reading, and hiking. I have a love for learning and am eager to help facilitate the encouraging and joyful environment at Spruce Tree Montessori!

Ms. Hannah joined our team Fall 2024.


Mrs. Priscilla Paye
Toddler Co-Teacher

B.S. Physical Education
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification

Hello, my name is Priscila, I was born in Brazil. I moved to Alaska in December 2019 and have been studying English since then. I have a degree in Physical Education from the Catholic University of Brasília and worked as a physical fitness trainer before moving to America. I began to enjoy my experiences with children as soon as I graduated, as a swimming teacher. I am currently taking the Montessori Paraprofessional certificate course in Early Childhood. I am very happy to be part of the Spruce Tree Montessori team and to be able to contribute to the education of children in our community.

Ms. Priscilla joined our team August 2022.


Ms. Liberty Dickey
Toddler Co-Teacher & Music Teacher

B.S. Anthropology / Photography
Montessori Paraprofessional Certification
Greetings all, I’m Liberty. I moved back to Alaska in May of 2023 after graduating from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and Photography. Throughout middle and high school I worked with various children’s care facilities. Music is a major passion of mine and I am a classically trained singer and have spent all my life in the musical arts. I am very excited to be a part of the Spruce Tree family and to help bring out the inner rockstars of our Spruce Tree students.
Ms. Liberty joined our team Fall 2023.

Ms. Nevaeh Askew
Junior Educational Assistant
Senior at Lathrop High School
Hello! My name is Nevaeh and I was born and raised in Alaska. I’m currently a senior attending Lathrop High School where I enjoy my classes in CNA (certified nursing assistant) and chemistry. My interests include music – I’ve been playing the piano for 4 years – and spending time with my friends at school. My goal is to get into the radiology program at UAA one day, but I have always loved children and am so grateful to have the opportunity to help at this school!

Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) — formed in 2016.

  • The specific purpose for which the STMS Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) was formed is to serve as an advisory body for strategic planning, measured growth, program and policy development, and a coordinating body for parent communication and parental involvement according to the school’s mission and vision and under the auspices of its Founder, Sabrina Binkley.
  • PAC Members 2024-25
    • Alli LeBon, PAC Chair – to contact Alli directly, please call 907-479-8733 to get phone/email information.
    • Ashley Ellis
    • Lynsie Olson
    • Josh Evans
    • Dennis Achman
    • Ben Callahan
    • Ryan Binkley, business partner