ANDY RENWICK
DIRECTOR
EDUCATION
I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Special Education. I obtained a Montessori certification in upper elementary through the North American Montessori Center. I was a Special Education teacher in Dalton, GA for 10 years before becoming a part of The Montessori School of Cleveland in 2014.
WHY I BELIEVE IN MONTESSORI
As I reflect upon my years of implementing the Common Core curriculum into elementary classrooms, through this set of new lenses, there are two particular things that occur to me. First, there is nothing common about people. If we are going to successfully educate them, then we must take into account their unique qualities and allow this to guide our craft. Second, the bare essentials, or core, may be acceptable in some instances, but when it comes to the momentous task of educating, there is a superior approach. I believe that equal weight must be given to each area of study, including life skills and the arts, if students are truly to be given the opportunity to explore their individual creativity and discover their talents. In order to inspire this type of exploration, a wide array of experiences must be arranged, as each student’s personal development is taken into account, in an environment where distraction is minimized and free access is given to teachers and peers who have journeyed a bit further down the road of discovery. This is no small task, and it requires significant effort from a team united by a common vision as they employ their diverse talents. I have experienced the truth articulated in Maria Montessori’s statement that “education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.”
ABOUT ME
My birthday is on April 9.
In my free time I enjoy disc golf in the great outdoors, playing telephone pictionary with family and friends, and having long conversations concerning the deepest things. I love to see the world through other people’s eyes.
RACHEL RENWICK
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
EDUCATION
I attended Lee University from 2000-2001 before I earned a Montessori certification in infant/ toddler through the North American Montessori Center. I have been a part of The Montessori School of Cleveland since 2014.
WHY I BELIEVE IN MONTESSORI
I believe the Montessori philosophy embraces each human's individual beauty by allowing us to bloom outside of “the box” that society tends to put us in. We are all so individual and unique and I believe our school allows for each student to blossom into who they were created to be. I also really appreciate the boundaries that we provide to keep the children safe while teaching them how to become great little citizens in our community.
ABOUT ME
My birthday is on January 13.
I love and enjoy people & deep meaningful relationships. I also really enjoy art, music and all things expressive. I am also very involved with my church and its community.
AMBER WOODWORTH
ADMINISTRATOR
EDUCATION
I earned my bachelor’s of science in early childhood education and have worked in the field since 2013. I have been a part of The Montessori School of Cleveland since 2017.
WHY I BELIEVE IN MONTESSORI
As an educator and mom, I value a Montessori education and love that I can entrust my children to such an empowering school. My joy and passion are working with toddlers and helping them reach their full potential.
ABOUT ME
My birthday is on March 18.
I am a mother of two wonderful children.
CAITLIN SMITH
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
EDUCATION
I attended Lee University for Public Relations and Marketing. I have been a part of The Montessori School of Cleveland since 2021.
WHY I BELIEVE IN MONTESSORI
I believe that healthy confidence grows from accomplishments. Montessori offers guidance through self achievement and helps children learn to trust in themselves. I am excited to be apart of leading our future generations through the values of Montessori.
ABOUT ME
My birthday is on May 31st.
I enjoy traveling, music and spending time with my family.
MISTY NOBLES
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
EDUCATION
I received my Bachelors of Arts in Communication focusing on Broadcasting/Radio and Television from Austin Peay State University in 2008. After attending college I enrolled in Youth With a Mission/ University of the Nations and received training in Discipleship, Worship, and Leadership. I later worked full-time with YWAM and trained and led students domestically and internationally 2008-2015.
WHY I BELIEVE IN MONTESSORI
After transitioning out of full-time ministry through YWAM I began working at a High School as an interim Spanish Teacher. Through my time there, I developed a passion for working with international students that have been placed in remedial classes due to language barrier. I decided to pursue my Masters in Special Education and after one year in my training I realized that the public education format has zero focus on the students. I had been presented with the montessori methods through my intro to education class. Every student isn’t wired the same way so I don’t believe that their learning environment should force them into a box. I love that Montessori develops a well rounded human. They learn through wonder, and creativity and are given the freedom to explore through the natural development of a child in a safe environment.
ABOUT ME
My birthday is December 19.
My husband and I are best friends. We love our 2 kids, and 2 german shorthaired pointers. We are passionate about authentic relationships, hosting with good food and coffee and experiencing new cultures.