Lower Elementary

Kali Bowers holds a Montessori credential in Infant and Toddler education and is currently completing her Lower Elementary Montessori training. She has been working in Montessori environments since 2020, guiding children from infancy through age eight.

Kali is deeply committed to fostering independence and nurturing peace education within the classroom. She believes that peace education empowers children to center themselves, resolve conflicts, and build respectful relationships with minimal adult intervention.

Before joining Phoenix Montessori Academy, Kali worked at Charlotte Montessori School and Guidepost Montessori for three years. She finds great joy in observing children grow throughout the three-year cycle and develop into confident, responsible classroom leaders.

Outside the classroom, Kali enjoys spending time with her husband and their two sons, Jaxson and Jameson. She also loves going for walks, cooking, and baking. Kali embraces the Montessori philosophy in her home life as well, emphasizing the importance of grace and courtesy in all environments.

Jarelieze Contreras is an Assistant Teacher with nearly five years of experience in education, including two years in Montessori environments. She has also previously served as a Lead Teacher, bringing valuable classroom leadership and hands-on experience to her role.

Jarelieze has completed introductory Montessori training and holds state teaching credentials. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, continuing to grow both professionally and academically.

She is passionate about the Montessori approach and values fostering independence, curiosity, and confidence in young learners. Jarelieze enjoys supporting children as they explore, learn at their own pace, and develop a love for learning.

Outside the classroom, Jarelieze enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with her dog. She loves working with children and values being part of a supportive and connected school community.

Originally from New Hampshire, Faith moved to Charlotte, NC to attend Johnson & Wales University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Management with a concentration in Hospitality Sales and Meeting Management. Throughout high school she participated in several programs which allowed her the opportunity to work with primary and elementary age students.

Faith joined the PMA staff in 2009. She began working as an intern and assistant teacher in the LE classroom while attending the Center for Montessori Teacher Education, North Carolina (CMTE/NC). After completing the teacher training program in the summer of 2014, she received her American Montessori Society (AMS) Lower Elementary credential. Faith has been lead teacher in the Lower Elementary classroom at PMA for over 10 years.

“Love is more than the electricity which lightens our darkness, more than the etheric waves that transmit our voices across space, more than any of the energies that man has discovered and learned to use. Of all things love is the most potent.”
~ Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

Ms. MaKenna is a Lower Elementary teacher and a proud graduate of Appalachian State University. She is beyond excited to begin her teaching journey.

Ms. MaKenna knew she wanted to become a teacher when she was in 5th grade because she was inspired by her own teacher and wanted to make that same kind of impact on her students. She has a strong passion for teaching math and science and loves helping young learners build confidence as they explore, question, and grow.

In addition to teaching, Ms. MaKenna also serves as a camp director, where she works with students of all ages to create fun, engaging, and meaningful experiences. She loves being involved in youth sports and enjoys reading in her free time.

Katie has been teaching Lower Elementary at Phoenix Montessori Academy since 2021. She was originally introduced to the Montessori Method when she was in the high school where she fell in love with the dignity and respect the Montessori philosophy provides for each student while providing a high-quality education. Katie graduated from the Belmont Abbey College Honors Program and Hintemeyer Leadership Program in 2019 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Theology. In 2020, Katie received her Montessori training from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education – North Carolina. She currently resides in Belmont with her husband and son.

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

Ms. Ady (Adriana McCormack) was born in Mexico City, where she got a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and completed postgraduate studies in National Security and History of Mexico. While residing in Mexico, she worked for institutions like the Mexican Secretary of State, the Treasury Secretary, and the Mexican Mail Service. In Atlanta, she worked as the Director Assistant to the Mexican American Business Chamber and collaborated with the Mexican Consulate in Atlanta and the Cultural Mexican Center. In Charlotte, she worked for the Family Outreach and Counseling Center and diverse companies translating documents. She also worked as a pre-K teacher at the Presbyterian bilingual school La Escuelita San Marcos in Huntersville, and since 2000, she has taught different levels of Spanish, either in a private or public space like the North Mecklenburg Library. 

Today, she teaches Spanish at PMA, where she enjoys LE, UE, MS, and HS.  Ms. Ady likes to interact with people, create art, play piano, and enjoy learning new languages and reading the Bible, history, and science. She lives in Huntersville with her husband, Bruce, her two young adult daughters, and Charly, her dog.

Christopher Lewis is a co-teacher in the Lower Elementary classroom at Phoenix Montessori Academy. He joined PMA in 2025 and is passionate about supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional growth. Christopher brings a calm, thoughtful presence to the classroom and values creating a positive, engaging environment where students can build confidence, curiosity, and independence. He holds both a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies and a master’s degree in Counselor Education from Radford University. His background in coaching, wellness, and student support helps shape his thoughtful, student-centered approach each day.