Children's House

My name is Ms. Mariaelena, and I am a highly enthusiastic and creative Montessori teacher with a passion for nurturing young minds and helping them grow. I obtained my Montessori training from MTTI in Miami, FL in 2013-2014.  I started my Montessori journey as an aftercare teacher during my last year of high school and fell in love with its unique approach. I have been teaching since 2008, and every year I am humbled to learn so many things from children, teachers, and peers. 

I believe that every child is unique and has their own learning style and pace. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where children can explore, learn, and have fun. My teaching approach is centered around play-based learning, as children learn best when they are engaged and having fun.

In my spare time, I love to bake, paint, and spend time with my 3 huskies. I also enjoy traveling, going to the beach, and concerts. I am excited to be a part of your child's learning journey and look forward to creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for them to thrive in. 

Jessie received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire with a minor in Spanish. Following graduation, Jessie spent 12 years in the elementary education setting as a speech and language assistant. During that time, she enjoyed working with students ages Preschool through Grade 5.

Jessie excitedly joined the Phoenix Montessori Academy family in the fall of 2022. She has a passion for being a part of the journey in a young child's growth and development. Her role at PMA is that of a Floater, supporting the Toddler and Primary classrooms at Children's House.

In her free time, Jessie likes to go hiking, spend time with her two cats and husband James, and travel to new places. She loves bringing a positive energy to the world around her.  

"As we observe children, we see the vitality of their spirit, the maximum effort put forth in all they do, the intuition, attention and focus they bring to all life's events, and the sheer joy they experience in living." 
- Maria Montessori, from The Child, Society and the World (Unpublished Speeches and Writing)

Roxanne received her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Piedmont Community College. She taught one year at Bethel Presbyterian Church Weekday Program. It was during that year that a parent introduced her to Montessori.

Roxanne attended the North Carolina Center for Montessori Education where she received her Infant/Toddler Certification in 1995 and received her Early Childhood Certification in 2014. She has taught in a Montessori classroom since 1995 serving as the lead instructor for most of that time and has been with Phoenix since 2006. Roxanne now serves as a teacher trainer for the North Carolina Center for Montessori Education.

Born and raised in India, Pratibha Durgam brings a wealth of cultural diversity and experience to our Montessori community. A devoted mother of two daughters and a proud grandmother of four grandchildren, she seamlessly blends her passion for education with her love for family.

With a strong academic background, holding a degree in science with a chemistry major, Pratibha's journey in Montessori education began in 2000 when she completed her Montessori training at the renowned Adrian Montessori Training Center in Adrian, Michigan where she trained and mentored Montessori interns for five years, leaving an indelible mark on the next generation of educators.

Pratibha's love for learning extends beyond the classroom walls. In her free time, she indulges in the creative pursuits of cooking, quilting, and knitting, nurturing her artistic talents and finding joy in handcrafted creations. Before joining PMA, Pratibha shared her expertise at St. Catherine's Montessori School in Houston.

Ms. Jenn has worked with children in a variety of ways for 20 years. She owned a bakery in Texas when she first joined the Montessori community as a parent to two children, but rediscovered her love for the classroom watching the joy they both found in learning. After moving to North Carolina, Ms. Jenn joined the team at Phoenix Montessori Academy in 2023 as an assistant in the Primary 4 classroom, and is currently working to achieve her Primary Credential. Ms. Jenn is very passionate about meeting children where they are in their social and academic lives and learning how to best follow the child. She is inspired by the way children continue to rise to the next new challenge, and she hopes to model that in her own life as she serves the Phoenix community. In her free time, Ms. Jenn loves reading, playing board games with her husband and their two boys, and snuggling with her cat.

“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” 
- Maria Montessori 

Belia, born and raised in Austin, Texas, brings her creative spirit and passion for nurturing young learners to her role as a first-year Classroom Floater. After graduating high school, she moved to North Carolina.

Belia supports both Toddler and Primary classrooms, fostering a warm and engaging environment for children to thrive. Outside the classroom, she enjoys baking delicious treats and expressing her creativity through art.

Belia is excited to combine her artistic talents and enthusiasm for child development to make a meaningful impact in the Montessori community.

Hi there! I am Ashley Keith. I have been in the education field for 4 years. I graduated from Gardner Webb with a bachelor's in psychology in 2019. I have completed my MACTE certification in Nido/Toddler. I enjoy working with children. I am a kind, dedicated and devoted guide. I have experienced being in all roles within my career and I value my progress. I am a strong team player. On my days off I love to spend time with my family playing games and having movie nights. 

Originally from Louisiana, Carla earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of New Orleans. She holds a Montessori Primary Certification from the American Montessori Society. Carla began her Montessori career as an Assistant Primary Guide when her son was two years old. He is now 29 and a veteran of Montessori Toddler, Primary, Elementary and High school (with two years of Traditional Middle School). 

During her time in the classroom, Carla was named a Mentor Montessori Guide by her peers and was selected by Administration to be the Primary Level Coordinator, serving as the communication liaison between Administration and Guides.  She co-wrote with a colleague the school’s Montessori Assistant and Substitute teacher’s course as well as the school’s protocol for Special Needs students.  Carla was certified in 1998 as a Redirecting Children’s Behavior parent educator.

When she is not in the classroom, Carla enjoys reading, sewing, writing, and listening to music. She also occasionally joins her son in RPG (gaming). 

Olivia graduated from UNC Charlotte with a major in Spanish and minor in Urban Youth and Communities. Prior to finding Montessori, she taught classroom, play-based preschool, nature-based preschool, kindergarten as well as worked with children of all ages through Parks and Recreation programs!

She is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Experiential and Outdoor Education. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her dogs, Chuck and Aspen, hiking, paddle boarding, doing puzzles and reading.

Sarah Perry brings seven years of dedicated experience to education, including three years at PMA where she is currently pursuing her Primary Montessori Credential. Her experience includes volunteering as a ballet instructor for children with special needs, reflecting her commitment to inclusive education. Sarah is passionate about the Montessori method because of its ability to support every child, especially those who might otherwise "slip through the cracks" in traditional settings.

As an educator on the autism spectrum, Sarah brings a unique perspective that enhances her ability to connect with children and think creatively when problem-solving. Her love for the arts shines through in her teaching approach, where she skillfully incorporates creative activities throughout the curriculum. Outside the classroom, Sarah enjoys exploring new places, trying local restaurants, and spending time with her loved ones and her dog.

Manvika received her bachelor’s in computer science, but her passion towards helping kids in their early education drew her to become a teacher. She completed her early childhood certification training through AMS in Seattle. She has been teaching in a classroom since 2022. She loves teaching kids. In her free time she likes to do crafts.

Lilee received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre with a Concentration in Stage Management from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro. She focused on work in Theatre with Young Audiences during her college career. Covid struck right after graduation and completely altered her life trajectory. Lilee joined Ms. Roxanne in the classroom full time when all the children returned in person after quarantine. She spent two wonderful and wild years in Primary 1, learning the Montessori way in the aftermath of Covid. In 2022, Lilee became the lead teacher of a new primary classroom and has continued her Montessori journey at PMA!

Outside of the classroom, Lilee spends a majority of her time outdoors hiking or rock climbing. She enjoys visiting every art museum she can find in new cities and collects post cards at each to add to the mini gallery at home! She has two dogs (a senior and a puppy) that couldn't be more different and equally perfect! 

With a rich background in architecture and education, Ms. Elizabeth brings creativity, innovation, and a deep passion for Montessori education to Phoenix Montessori Academy.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from I.S.Y.T.A.C - LA SALLE in Gomez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico, and later expanded her expertise with postgraduate studies in Educational Investigation at UNAM - UJED and Software Applications for Classrooms at ESCYTA-UJED. Her journey into Montessori education began as a way to support her daughters' learning, ensuring she was a guide rather than an obstacle in their educational path. This dedication led her to become an AMS Montessori Certified Lead Teacher in Early Childhood through The CEM Montessori Training Center in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.
Ms. Elizabeth is the Founder and Lead Teacher of the Spanish Immersion Program at the Primary Level. Her diverse experience includes roles as a Primary Montessori Lead Teacher, Assistant Teacher, After-School Teacher, and Substitute Teacher across preschool and lower elementary levels. She has also led her own Montessori Primary environment, fostering a love of learning in young children.

Beyond education, her background in architecture has shaped her ability to design and create dynamic learning spaces. As an architectural designer, she has contributed to projects ranging from custom homes, commercial developments, and university libraries to Montessori school designs and historical preservation projects.

Her diverse skills extend to reading, dancing, crochet, knitting, painting, and gardening, all of which enrich her classroom environment and inspire her students. Through her commitment to learning research and curriculum design, Ms. Elizabeth continually seeks innovative ways to enhance the Montessori experience.
At Phoenix Montessori Academy, Ms. Elizabeth combines her architectural creativity with her deep understanding of Montessori principles to provide an engaging, immersive Spanish-language learning environment where children thrive.

With over 28 years of experience as a Montessori Toddler Teacher, Tammie brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her role as a Business Manager and Children's House Director at Phoenix Montessori Academy, where she has been an integral part of the team since 2005.

She earned her degree in Business Administration from Belmont Abbey College in 1994 and obtained her AMS Infant/Toddler Credential from CMTE/NY in 1998. Her commitment to professional growth continued with the completion of the RIE Foundations: Theory and Observation Course in 2020, further enhancing her understanding of child development and respectful caregiving practices.

In 2008, Tammie received the North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential from CPCC solidifying her leadership and administrative skills in early childhood education. Her dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a supportive learning environment reflects her lifelong commitment to Montessori philosophy.