Middle School

Laura Sesso – Middle School Guide Laura Sesso first came to Undercroft in 1998 when her son, Stephen, was three years old. She served as a room parent, PTA Co-Chair and Undercroft board member before beginning her Montessori training and joining the staff as the Middle School Guide in 2005. Mrs. Sesso received her AMS Secondary I certification from Houston Montessori Center. Laura attended the University of Oklahoma and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art History and a Master of Library & Information Studies. She has taught in Tulsa area schools for the past seventeen years. She credits the Montessori Philosophy and her association with Undercroft for igniting her passion for helping youth build confidence in their abilities and become independent life-long learners. Laura enjoys gardening, volunteering at church and spending time with her husband, Frank, son, Stephen and two dogs, Chi and Hattie.

Jessica Helms – Middle School Guide Jessica Helms graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s of Science degree, majoring in secondary education. She holds a state teaching credential and has taught high school science for three years in the  public school system. Since first learning about Montessori education in undergraduate school, Jessica hoped for an opportunity to pursue Montessori education. She was attracted by the principles that facilitate self-initiated learning, and convinced that the Montessori approach to education provides the best means to instill curiosity and love of learning in her students. Jessica completed her secondary training at the Houston Montessori Center and certification as a Montessori guide in 2011.