EDUCATION

I earned a Master’s degree in Holistic Child Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. For the past 13 years I have worked in the field of early childhood education. I have also received my NAMC certification in Early Childhood for ages 3-6. This year will be my second school year at MSoC.

WHY I BELIEVE IN MONTESSORI

The idea of exploration and discovery in learning has always been close to my heart. Education on the Montessori path is unique and not a one size fits all approach. Children having individual timelines to complete tasks and lead to their own success is what has drawn me in to this form of education. Watching children choose work each day which is interesting to them as well as seeing their knowledge and skills grow and develop is truly unique.

ABOUT ME

My birthday is on December 13.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 daughters, going on adventures and traveling. So far I have visited 20 countries and have been to 6 continents. My bucket list includes going to as many countries in the world that I can and visiting Antarctica: my 7th and final continent.

EDUCATION

I earned my Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Tennessee and my Bachelors in English from Lee University.

I taught in the library of a K-5 school before staying home with my son. After being home with him for 10 months, I began working with the primary classes at MSoC in October 2021.

WHY I BELIEVE IN MONTESSORI

I believe in Montessori because I feel that it fosters a sense of responsibility and independence within the child, as well as motivates them to be in charge of their learning.

ABOUT ME

My birthday is on July 30. I enjoy getting lost in a book, thrifting, and drinking coffee. My husband and I have one little boy and two spoiled dogs.

EDUCATION

I attended Dalton State College and graduated with an Associate of Science in 2017. I have been part of the Montessori School of Cleveland since the beginning of 2022.

WHY I BELIEVE IN MONTESSORI

As someone who has worked in and out of education and with children for 8 years I have never seen anything like Montessori. Traditional education is presented as a one size fits all to a world of different minds. I believe Montessori offers the diversity that children need to reach their full potential in every area of life. The Montessori philosophy is a world changer.

ABOUT ME

My birthday is on October 29th.

My husband, daughter, and I are big adventurers. We really strive to find joy in the journey, and make the most out of our time. I also enjoy all things Christmas, Disney, outdoors, and coffee.

EDUCATION

I attended the University of West Georgia from 2003-2007. I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Art Education. I attended Southern Adventist University from 2012-2014, earning a Master of Education degree with an emphasis in Outdoor Education.

WHY I BELIEVE IN MONTESSORI

I first learned about the Montessori method as an undergraduate student. I spent a little time observing at a Montessori school and was struck by how teachers were so able to meet the needs of ALL of their students. Later in life when I had children of my own, I recalled that experience and felt that it was what would be best for my children. My children’s pediatrician said that Montessori is the only model that allows a child to learn as hard and fast as they desire, or as slow and steady as they need. I love that EVERY child is able to reach their full potential in Montessori.

ABOUT ME

My birthday is April 3rd.

I was born and raised in the Chattanooga area. I currently live in Ooltewah with my husband and two children. I enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, gardening, and just about anything else you can do outside. I also enjoy creating in many forms including watercolor, ceramics, drawing, and cake baking and decorating.

EDUCATION

I have always loved history. I received a Bachelor’s in History from Lee University in 2006 and then went on to receive a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Middle Grades (4-8) in 2008 and an Educational Specialist degree in 2011 from the same university. At the time, my goal was to teach social studies to sixth graders. However, graduating with my masters during the recession of 2008 led to me to a host of other experiences, and in 2011 my husband and I moved to the United Kingdom. I taught at a public special school for moderate learning disabilities with a high concentration of students on the Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia spectrums. Coming from a general education background, working with these students gave me a new outlook on the purpose of education and led me to spend a great deal of my time reading and learning about special education. I still really enjoy teaching social studies and the Renwicks have given me the ability to teach their middle school students here at MSOC. It’s been a wonderful learning experience.

WHY I BELIEVE IN MONTESSORI

I love that students come to Montessori School of Cleveland and aren’t confined to a desk. They are free to walk if they need to walk or stretch out on the floor if their body is telling them to rest. They are given the opportunity to learn independence and their education is done in an environment that is caring and compassionate. There isn’t a Bell-Curve deciding who should succeed and who shouldn’t and it is freeing to allow students to explore areas that interest them without the unnecessary pressure of being on a strict time schedule. Many lessons are hands on, which is so incredibly good for our tactile learners.

ABOUT ME

I enjoy learning new things. My favorite way to do this is through travel, but I also enjoy reading and stopping to smell the roses wherever I’m at. I have always loved Lego and in my spare time, which is unfortunately incredibly limited, I enjoy creating Lego works of art.

I am married with a child who attends MSOC. We also have three cats and two parakeets.