Meet Our Teachers

Discovery School was founded in 1975 by two women: Jan Schiesser and Barbara Thiele. The first classroom had twelve students in each class. Barbara retired in May of 1984 and the reigns of Directorship were turned over to Janet Wallace, who had volunteered and taught at Discovery School. After a leave of absence to obtain her Masters in Art Therapy, Jan Schiesser, became the Director from 1990 to 2000. Cathy Brennan took over as Director in May of 2000 after teaching at the school for eight years and is the current Director.

Discovery School offers a warm, talented and Montessori certified teaching staff. Two of the staff’s own children are Discovery School graduates. Teachers provide a loving, stable, and nurturing environment for students. The Teaching Staff is carefully selected for their academic credentials and ability to relate to children in a positive and caring manner.

Cathy Brennan, Director/Teacher

I began my career at Discovery School in 1992.  In May of 2000 I became the director. I previously taught in other Montessori schools for 5 years. I received my BA Degree from Wilson College and my Montessori Teaching Certification from the North American Progressive Montessori Teacher Training Center in Vancouver, Canada. My husband, Tom, and I have four children; three sons, John, Michael (twins) and Patrick and a daughter, Katie, who is a graduate of Discovery School. We have six grandchildren, three in Michigan and three in Olathe.  We have lived in Topeka since 1985.

Melissa Younker, Teacher
My time as a teacher with Discovery School began in 2024-25, but my children attended the program for four years, during which I served on the Board of Directors, including as President. I have dedicated the last ten years to raising my own children, and previously worked in education and childcare settings with children ages 5 through 16.

I grew up in a small town in northern California, and though I’ll always be a California girl at heart, I’ve grown to deeply love the Midwest. My husband, Darren, and I have an 12 year old daughter and 8 year old son. Our family moved to Kansas eight years ago. We live in Lawrence on a tiny slice of prairie with a dog who looks like a polar bear.

Beverly Strausbaugh, Teacher

I began teaching at Discovery School in November of 2014. I was born in Manhattan, Kansas and am one of identical triplets. I was raised on a farm west of Council Grove, KS. I attended Emporia State University and earned a degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in early childhood. I taught preschool south of Emporia for 2 years and then married my husband, Mark. I have worked for Kaw Valley School District, assisted and taught in Kindergarten and first grade, also worked with students with special needs, and worked in the retail jewelry business. I earned my Montessori Teaching Certification in August of 2017. Mark and I have two beautiful children, our daughter Erica who is a dental hygientist and son, Braden, who is a graduate of Silver Lake High School, who is now attending Washburn Tech.