Faculty & Staff

Mr. Scott Blackwood
Director of School

Born and raised in southern California, Mr. Blackwood holds a Master of the Arts in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of the Arts in Music Education. He has nine years of experience teaching, primarily as a Music Teacher in Catholic Schools, and as a Kindergarten teacher in a public school.
 

Mr. Blackwood also has over a decade of experience as a Choir Director for sacred music, having been an Assistant Conductor for Jefferey Ostrowski. Using his skill and experience teaching children the music of the Roman Rite, he has begun a music program for St. Monica's Montessori.

With his wife and three children, Mr. Blackwood enjoys his new residence in Fargo, and has grown to appreciate the Montessori Method and the Catholic origins from which the Method sprung, and looks forward to the bright horizons that the Lord has in store for St. Monica's Montessori.

Mr. Benoit Decormeille
Guide for Elementary 1

A native of Normandy, Mr. Ben holds master degrees in education from universities in Germany (Freie Universitat Berlin) and France (Universite Picardie Jules Verne Amiens). When not teaching, he spends time gardening, reading and doing Aikido (martial art). He is an Orthodox Christian and arrived in Fargo in 2016 with his wife and son. He became an American citizen in 2022.

Miss Mary Asfeld
Assistant for Elementary 1

A daughter of God, Miss Mary hails from Chokio (shu-Ky-yo), Minnesota. She grew up on her family's small cattle farm, 10 miles south of town. The third of four siblings, she has many fond memories of growing up on the farm.

The Catholic Faith has been a mainstay and sure foundation in Miss Mary's life since her youth, and she is so grateful to her parents for raising her Catholic. Having persevered in her faith during her time in public school, Miss Mary finds a spiritual home at St. Monica's Montessori, where her faith can be lived out and expressed to the fullest.

Miss Mary is grateful to serve the students, families, and staff as an assistant in E1, and she prays that she will see each of them one day in Heaven. "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain..." (Philippians 1:21).

Today is a gift; let's live it for God!

Mrs. Lynette Noyszewska
Guide for Children's House

Lynette Noyszewska is in her 3rd year as Children’s House Guide at St. Monica’s Montessori. She finds her work fulfilling as she helps to form and guide children for life - by helping them to know and love Jesus, to serve Him through discovery and use of their talents, and to become virtuous citizens of the community.

 

Lynette was a barber for more than a decade, owning a shop for several years in Fargo. She moved to the Twin Cities for her husband’s job and was self-employed as a senior companion and assisted young families. Returning to Fargo, she desired work that would have a direct and positive impact on the declining culture. After hearing about St. Monica’s Montessori, she began training through Virginia Montessori Teacher Education Center in the Twin Cities, receiving her credentials in 2023.

 

Lynette has been married to her husband Andrzej for 12 years. She and Andrzej enjoy walks, coffee outings, Catholic banquets, and good movies. Attending daily Mass whenever possible, sacred music, faith discussion groups, and country excursions are therapy to her soul.

Miss Terez Meyer
Assistant for Children's House

Terez serves as a Children’s House assistant at St. Monica’s Montessori. The oldest of seven, Terez finds joy in witnessing the growth and learning of her younger siblings. She feels honored to contribute to the development of children at the school and values the opportunity to observe and assist in their growth.

 

Terez had the privilege of attending Catechesis of the Good Shepherd through Level 3, marking the beginning of her background in Montessori education. Over the past few years, her interest in positive discipline has grown, and she sees its potential to enhance the lives of children. As an assistant at St. Monica’s Montessori, one of her goals is to utilize the tools of Montessori education and positive discipline. Through this, she aims to reveal the unique love that Jesus has for each student, ensuring they understand how truly beautiful, capable, and loved they are.