Our Team

Meet the Team

  • In January 2024, Ashley Wolfe took over ownership of Sikora Montessori from founder Paula Sikora. Ashley comes to Sikora Montessori with an impressive resumé. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Wheeling Jesuit University and a Master’s Degree in Advanced Special Education from West Liberty University. She received an Autism Endorsement from Bethany University and is a Reading Specialist in the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading instruction for children with dyslexia. Most recently, she received her Montessori certification from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies in May of 2025.

    Ashley and her husband, Matt, have two children, Jak & Adalina, who are both currently students at the school.

  • Ginger Aulick holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northern Kentucky University and a Bachelor of Health Science from the University of Kentucky. She is a licensed Medical Technologist and has worked in the commercial, environmental and medical laboratory settings. Additionally, she has experience as a safety and compliance officer, and is a former Kindermusik educator. She has been associated with Sikora Montessori in various capacities since 2010, and is currently its Director. Ginger has been a board member and officer of the Ohio Valley Wellness Coalition (the former OVMC Auxiliary) and the Auxiliary of West Virginia Hospital Association, and has been an active volunteer and officer for many organizations within Ohio County Schools.  She has two daughters, Afton and Harper, who were students of Mrs. Sikora.

  • Mrs. Shannon is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Bethany College with a degree in Religious Studies.  She has 20 years of experience in personal and professional child care.  After graduation, she was hired by Bethany College to establish and direct the Early Discoveries Childcare Center.  In that position, she completed all necessary steps to plan, open and run a childcare center on Bethany's college campus.  Mrs. Shannon then went to work as a lead teacher at Holy Family Childcare and Development Center in Wheeling.  In this position she cared for 14 two-year olds daily and helped coordinate activities with her assistant teachers.  She has over 140 hours of childcare related trainings and continuing professional education.  She is married to her husband Neal and is a mother to three children: Brennen, Shane, and Taylor.

  • Christine Blattner grew up in Bridgeport, OH and graduated from West Virginia Business College with an Associates degree in Business Management. She previously ran a childcare business out of her home. In her spare time she loves to work out, and on the weekends she enjoys running 5ks.

  • Ms. Alyssa is the assistant teacher in the Explorers classroom. She is a native of St. Clairsville and graduated from Belmont College in 2018 with an associates degree in early childhood education. She once ran an in-home childcare program. Ms. Alyssa loves her family and enjoys spending time outdoors–especially on the beach! She and her husband have two children.

  • Ms. Emily is our afternoon floater for all classrooms and also works after care. She is a native of Martins Ferry with an associate’s degree in Physical Therapist Assisting. She was the vice president of the Hocking College chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success before graduating in 2024 and also served as a student intern for the Red Cross. In her free time Ms. Emily enjoys scrapbooking, water sports and car shows.

  • Ms. Emmie was born and raised in Wheeling and graduated from Belmont College with an Associates degree in IT Electronic Media and graphic design. She works with Ms. Shannon as a teaching assistant and looks forward to helping grow young minds everyday. In her free time, she enjoys working on her art and spending time with her family and her rescue Dalmatian.

  • Ms. Gracie works with us part-time as a morning floater for all classrooms. She grew up in Moundsville and has several years of experience working with children in various settings, including as a nanny, in daycare, and through several church ministries. She has two years of general studies from West Virginia Northern Community College. In her spare time Ms. Gracie enjoys reading and volunteering.

  • Carrie Bennett is a recent graduate of West Liberty University. She holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Education. Carrie devoted the past 25 years to raising her three children, homeschooling them, and transitioning them into public, private, and collegiate schools. She returned to school and completed her degree after her youngest child entered high school. While in her year-long residency program, Carrie was hired as a substitute teacher for Ohio County Schools and has spent the last year teaching in grades PreK-4 throughout the county. Carrie lives in Wheeling with her husband, Matt, and their three children Isaac, Josh, and Audrey. In her free time, she enjoys working out, being in nature, and reading books.

  • CJ Wells is a Wheeling native and earned her associates degree in Early Childhood Education from West Virginia Northern Community College in 2023. She began as an intern teaching assistant in Mrs. Sikora's class and has been with the school ever since. Ms. CJ works in After Care and recently made the move to the Kindergarten classroom, where she will serve as teaching assistant to Ms. Carrie. Ms. CJ enjoys reading and listening to music in her free time.

  • Ms. Vanessa is the assistant for Ms. Ashley’s class. She grew up in Shadyside. She was a Registered Behavioral Technician before joining Sikora Montessori. She enjoys spending time with her two children, Landon and Mackenzie, and being outdoors.