History of PMCH

In 1973 Susan and Doug Melvin began the Petoskey Montessori Children's House.  Susan was a trained Primary Directress (A.M.I). They rented space from St.Francis School for the first two school years. In 1975 the Petoskey Montessori Children's House became a non-profit corporation. Doug Melvin recently retired from NCMC and Susan Stephensen is the editor of Michael Olaf Catalog.

The 1975-76 School year saw the school move to its current location on Mitchell St. The Melvin’s owned this property.

In 1976  Sharon Kendall (AMI) was invited to come to the school because Susan Melvin wanted to attend training for Elementary.. This was the first year this training was being offered in the United States.   

Susan Melvin decided not to return to the school after her Elementary training. The school reorganized and the Board of Trustees arranged to buy the property from the Melvins over time.

Doug Melvin served as the Administrator for a period of time.  Sharon Kendall served as both Primary Directress and Administrator from 1976-1988. I