Staff & Faculty
The People Who Make It Happen
Montessori Educator Guides
The time-tested “Montessori” educational model and name is over 100 years old. It remains a cutting-edge model of education when it is fully implemented as a system. In order to maintain our commitment to providing superlative Montessori accredited schools, Lakeland Montessori requires:
- all classrooms have two adults, the lead teacher and a full-time assistant or co-teacher
- all lead teachers must hold or be actively enrolled to receive their Montessori credentials for the age levels they are teaching. Separate, specific Montessori credentials are required for age 3-6, age 6-9, age 9-12, and age 12-15. For example, a teacher who is Montessori certified for age 3-6 may not teach age 9-12 students unless they hold or are enrolled to receive the Montessori credential for that age level. This is also a requirement to qualify as an accredited American Montessori Society (AMS) school.
- all lead teachers must hold or be enrolled to receive Montessori credentials issued by a Montessori teacher education program that is accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), the American Montessori Internationale, the American Montessori Society, or the National Center for Montessori Education. This is also a requirement to qualify as an accredited American Montessori Society school.
- all classrooms meet the rigorous AMS and Cognia accreditation requirements for adult:student ratios and class size
- all lead teachers must have a Bachelor’s Degree.
- all lead teachers must have a State of Florida Teaching Certificate.
- all classroom assistants are required to attend a Montessori assistant teacher training workshop.
Mabel Garcia, Early Childhood Lead Montessori Guide – Banyan Classroom
Banyan@LakelandMontessori.com
- MACTE accredited Montessori Early Childhood age 3-6 Full Certification through the International Montessori Council Center for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL
- State of Florida Professional Teacher Certification, Primary Education grades K-3, Elementary Education grades 1-6, ESOL endorsed
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Former Dade County public schools Kindergarten teacher 1997-2004
- Bilingual in Spanish and English
- Began teaching in 1997 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2011
- Parent of two Lakeland Montessori graduates
Troy Adams, Early Childhood Montessori Guide – Banyan Classroom
- MACTE accredited Montessori Early Childhood age 3-6 Full Certification ongoing through the International Montessori Council Center for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL
- State of Florida Professional Teacher Certification, Elementary Education grades K-6, Exceptional Student Education and Reading
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary/Collaborative Education from Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, AL
- Former Polk County public Schools Kindergarten-5th grade Exceptional Education teacher
- Former Polk County Public Schools 2nd grade teacher
- Husband of Caroline Adams, Secondary Assistant Teacher
- Began teaching in 2019 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2023
Valerie Hewitt, Early Childhood Lead Montessori Guide -Willow Classroom
- MACTE accredited Montessori Early Childhood age 3-6 Full Certification through the International Montessori Council Center for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL
- State of Florida Professional Teacher Certification, Prekindergarten/Primary Education, age 3 – grade 3, English Speakers of Other Languages
- Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Florida, Tampa
- Former Polk County and Hillsborough public schools Early Childhood teacher 2011-2017
- Joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2017
- Serves as the Early Childhood Music Specialist
- Parent of two children attending Lakeland Montessori
Maleaha Cruz, Early Childhood Assistant Teacher -Willow Classroom
- National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector Montessori Assistant Teacher Certification
- Master’s Degree in Social Work from Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florida
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florida
- Former Assistant Teacher at Garden Gate Montessori, Michigan
- Former Clinical Counselor and Case Coordinator with Children’s Home Society Child Protection Team
- Trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing, and brief strategic family therapy
- Joined Lakeland Montessori 2023
Kalani Schlenker, Early Childhood Lead Montessori Guide – Cypress Classroom
Cypress@LakelandMontessori.com
- MACTE accredited Montessori Early Childhood age 3-6 Full Certification through the International Montessori Council Center for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL
- State of Florida Teacher Certified, Elementary Education grades K-6, Reading and English Speakers of other Languages (ESOL)
- Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Elementary Education Magna Cum Laude from Warner University, Florida
- Former Polk County Charter School Montessori Guide, 2017 – 2023
- Former Polk County Public Schools Kindergarten, First, Third, Fourth and Fifth-grade teacher, 2009-2017
- National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector Montessori Coach Certification
- DCF/VPK Director Credential
- Began teaching in 2009 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2023
- Parent of one child attending Lakeland Montessori and a younger sibling attending soon!
Brenda Hart, Early Childhood Assistant Teacher -Cypress Classroom
Cypress@LakelandMontessori.com
- Montessori Assistant Toolkit: Early Childhood 15-hour course completed though Trillium Montessori
- Montessori Overview 10-week course completed through Center for Guided Montessori Studies
- Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida Metropolitan University
- Former Polk County Charter Montessori Early Childhood Assistant Teacher, 2016 – 2023
- Former Polk County Schools Kindergarten Paraprofessional, 2003 – 2016
- Department of Children and Families Child Care Facility 40 hour course completion
- Engaged in more than 50 hours of additional training in a variety of topics through the Early Learning Coalition
- Joined Lakeland Montessori 2023
Candice Perez, Lower Elementary Lead Montessori Guide, Discoverers Classroom
Discoverers@LakelandMontessori.com
- MACTE accredited Montessori Elementary 6-12 Full Certification through the International Montessori Council Center for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL
- State of Florida Professional Teacher Certification in Elementary Education grades K-6, ESOL endorsed, Reading endorsed
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida, Orlando
- Former Polk County Charter School Montessori Guide, 2018-2022
- Former Polk County Public Schools First, Second, and Third-grade teacher, 2011-2015
- Began teaching in 2011 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2022
- Parent of three children attending Lakeland Montessori
Jennifer Bare, Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher–Discoverers Classroom
Discoverers@LakelandMontessori.com
- National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector Montessori Assistant Teacher Certification
- Bachelor of Science degree in Visual Communications, Westwood College, Denver, CO
- Former Kelly Services substitute teacher at Polk County Public Schools
- 7 years with Southwest Florida Water Management
- Joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2018
Chelsea Waldron-Lower Elementary Lead Montessori Guide, Adventurers Classroom
Adventurers@LakelandMontessori.com
- MACTE accredited Montessori Early Childhood age 3-6 Full Certification through the International Montessori Council Center for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL
- MACTE accredited Montessori Elementary I age 6-9 Full Certification through the International Montessori Council Center for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL
- State of Florida Professional Teacher and Administrator Certification in Educational Leadership and Elementary Education grades K-6, ESOL endorsed
- Master of Education degree in Education Leadership from Southeastern University, Lakeland
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida, Tampa
- Former Polk County public schools Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third-grade teacher and Math Coach 2010-2017
- Former infant room teacher at Precious Children in the Highlands, Lakeland
- Former Day Camp/After School Counselor with KIDZ, Lakeland 2002-2010
- Began teaching in 2010 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2018
- Parent of two children attending Lakeland Montessori
Carolyn Krentz, Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher-Adventurers Classroom
Adventurers@LakelandMontessori.com
- National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector Montessori Assistant Teacher Certification
- Master of Science degree in Environmental Science from Florida Institute of Technology
- Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (Marine Biology and Ecology) from Florida Institute of Technology
- Naturalist/leader of environmental education for 8 years at River Legacy Living Science Center, Arlington, Texas
- Liaison between Arlington Texas Independent School district and River Legacy Living Science Center for 5 years; scheduled, coordinated, and led field investigations
- Joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2017
- Parent of current Lakeland Montessori student
William “Bill” Leckie, III, Upper Elementary Co-Lead Montessori Guide-Explorers Classroom
Explorers@LakelandMontessori.com
- MACTE accredited Montessori Elementary age 6-12 Full Certification through the International Montessori Council for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL
- State of Florida Professional Teacher Certification, Elementary Education, K-6, Social Science 6-12
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Management from University of South Florida, Tampa
- Former Polk County public schools teacher 2013-2016
- Former business professional 1986-2012
- Began teaching in 2013 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2017
Matt Flick, Upper Elementary Co-Lead Montessori Guide-Explorers Classroom
Explorers@LakelandMontessori.com
- MACTE accredited Montessori Elementary age 6-12 Full Certification through the International Montessori Council for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL, ongoing
- State of Florida teacher certification in Elementary Education and Exceptional Student Education
- Educator Preparation Institute through St. Petersburg College, Clearwater
- Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from Florida State University, Tallahassee
- Former Polk County Public Schools Elementary Fourth grade Teacher
- Former PE coach and Substitute Teacher at the DePaul School for Students with Dyslexia, Clearwater
- Former Patient Relations Liaison, Tampa General Hospital
- Began teaching in 2021 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2023
- Parent of one child attending Lakeland Montessori
Marissa Saenz-Secondary Lead Montessori Guide
Secondary@LakelandMontessori.com
- MACTE accredited Montessori Secondary I-II (ages 12-18) Full Certification through the American Montessori Society Houston Montessori Center, Houston, TX
- Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA
- State of Florida teacher certification in Mathematics grades 5-9 (including high school Algebra 1), Science grades 5-9, English Language Arts grades 5-9, and Social Sciences grades 5-9
- Joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2018
Caroline Adams-Secondary Assistant Teacher
Secondary@LakelandMontessori.com
- National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector Montessori Assistant Teacher Certification
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Arts, Cum Laude, from Birmingham-Southern College
- 4 years as Adolescent Camp Counselor
- Wife of Troy Adams, Lakeland Montessori Early Childhood teacher
- Joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2021
Naomi Lopez, On-Site Substitute Teacher and All Day Montessori Teacher
Substitute@LakelandMontessori.com
- National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector Montessori Assistant Teacher Certification
- Associate of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Polk State College, Winter Haven
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education in progress
- Former Kelly Services substitute teacher at Polk County Public Schools
- Former camp counselor for Early Childhood and Elementary-age children
- CPR & First Aid certified
- Bilingual
- Joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2023
Sandra Moss-Montessori Elementary Coach and Montessori Art and Outdoor Education Teacher, part-time
- MACTE accredited Montessori Elementary I-II (certified for all ages 6-12) Full Certification through the International Montessori Council Center for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL
- Swedish Montessori Institute age 6-9 Montessori Teacher Education Program completion 2001, Stockholm Sweden
- State of Florida Professional Teacher Certification, Elementary Education grades K-6
- Master of Education Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Antioch Graduate College, Keene, New Hampshire
- Master’s Program, thesis with topic, “Language and Mathematics Achievement in the Multicultural Classroom” from Stockholm University, Institute of International and Comparative Education, Stockholm, Sweden
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Education from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Bachelor of Fine Arts with honors from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
- Former elementary teacher at Lincoln Avenue Academy
- Former elementary teacher at Johannes School of Stockholm Sweden 2000-2011
- Former Artist/Photography teacher in Sweden and the United States
- Began teaching in 1986 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2012
Sarah Holland, Substitute Teacher (part-time)
sholland@LakelandMontessori.com
- Attended MACTE accredited Montessori Elementary age 6-12 (grades 1-6) Full Certification through the International Montessori, Council for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL
- State of Florida Professional Teacher Certification, Elementary Education grades 1-6, Reading endorsed, ESOL endorsed
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the Florida Southern University, Lakeland
- Former 5th grade teacher in Polk County
- Began teaching in 2020 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2022
- Serving as a substitute teacher while staying at home and caring for her new son.
Administration
Secretary@LakelandMontessori.com
Joe Weyers-Dean of Students
- National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector Montessori Assistant Teacher Certification
- Florida Professional Educator’s Certification PreK-Grade 3, Elementary Education, PE K-12, English 6-12, and Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum, ESOL endorsed
- Bachelor of Science in English, University of Wisconsin- Superior
- Former Polk County Public Schools Language Arts teacher, network manager, Television Productions & Yearbook Teacher, and testing coordinator, 2006 – 2022
- Joined Lakeland Montessori in 2022
- Parent of two current Lakeland Montessori students
Heather Manrow, Co-Head of School/Principal
Principal@lakelandmontessori.com
- MACTE accredited Secondary I Administrator credential thru the American Montessori Society Houston Montessori Center, Houston, TX
- MACTE accredited Montessori Elementary I-II (for all ages 6-12) Full Certification through the International Montessori Council Center for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL
- State of Florida Professional Teacher Certification, Educational Leadership, Elementary Education K-6, Biology grades 6-12, Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9, Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum
- Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, Chicago, IL
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from University of South Florida
- Served as Accreditation Team Member for the American Montessori Society
- Teacher of the Year, Polk County Association of Charter Schools
- Teacher of the Year, Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred
- Began teaching in 1999
- Joined Lakeland Montessori Schools as a Board Member in 2003 and as Principal of Lakeland Montessori Middle in 2010
- Parent of Lakeland Montessori alumna.
Josie Hill, Founder of Lakeland Montessori, Co-Head of School/Director of Finance & Strategic Planning
- Founder of Lakeland Montessori
- Head of School/Executive Director of Lakeland Montessori Schoolhouse 2003-2012
- Co-Head of School/Director of Finance & Strategic Planning 2012-present
- State of Florida Professional Teacher Certification, Elementary Education grades K-6
- State of Florida Advanced Director Credentials, VPK endorsed
- Early Childhood age 3-6 Montessori Certified through the North American Montessori Center
- Bachelor of Science Degree, Summa Cum Laude, in Psychology and Business from University of Wisconsin
- Ongoing National School Accreditation Team Member for the American Montessori Society (as assigned)
- Ongoing National School Accreditation Team Member for the International Montessori Council (as assigned)
- Montessori Leadership Credential Course Instructor for Administrators, Center for Guided Montessori Studies
- Presenter at national and international Montessori conferences for organizations such as the American Montessori Society, the International Montessori Council, and the Organisasi Montessori Indonesia
- Extensive background in education, law, finance, business operations, and construction
- Parent of two Lakeland Montessori alumna.
Sara Flora, Licensed School Psychologist Consultant
psychologist@lakelandmontessori.com
- Florida Licensed School Psychologist
- Nationally Certified School Psychologist
- Ed.S. in School Psychology from University of Central Florida
- B.A. in Psychology from University of Colorado
- Former research assistant at the Research Initiative for Teaching Effectiveness (RITE) at University of Central Florida and the Social Neuroscience Laboratory at University of Colorado
- Former proposal reviewer for National Association of School Psychologists
- School psychologist for 16 years, in both the public schools and private sector
- Worked for Polk County Public Schools for 12 years as a School Psychologist, serving on the Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Team and Autism Spectrum Disorder Team
- Crisis training completion, including PREPaRE School Crisis Prevention and Intervention as well as FEMA NIMS (National Incident Management System)
- Proud adopter of a rescue dog!
- Serves as an on-site consultant weekly, on Wednesdays, and coordinates the school’s Child Study Process
Alexis Carr, Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
speech@lakelandmontessori.com
- State of Florida Department of Health licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
- Member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of South Florida, Tampa
- Served as a Speech-Language Pathologist in elementary schools since 2017
- Joined Lakeland Montessori in 2021
- Provides on-site Speech-Language services weekly on Wednesday afternoons
Joyce Preston, ESE Consultative Teacher
ese@lakelandmontessori.com
- Former District Staffing Specialist with Polk County Public Schools, retired
- Florida Professional Educator’s Certification Specific Learning Disabilities, Mentally Handicapped, ESOL endorsed
- Forty-eight years in education!
Patty Lake, Gifted Consultative Teacher
gifted@lakelandmontessori.com
- Former Teacher of Gifted, Polk County Public Schools, retired
- Florida Professional Educator’s Certification Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, Gifted Endorsed, ESOL endorsed
- Over 30 years in education!
Sheila Linville, Curriculum & Coaching Consultant
Sheila Linville has been working with Lakeland Montessori for over ten years as one of our expert Montessori consultants – including consulting with our school throughout our American Montessori Society (AMS) accreditation process. Sheila is passionate about Montessori Education and has three decades of experience as Head of an AMS Accredited School, Classroom Guide on the Primary and Lower Elementary levels, and Leadership/Teacher Coach and Consultant. Sheila also serves as the International Montessori Council (IMC) Director of Accreditation & Affiliation and works closely with the IMC School Accreditation Commission (SAC) in mentoring and serving Montessori schools seeking and maintaining accreditation. Additionally, Sheila is instrumental in supporting IMC Affiliated Teacher Education Programs and coaching schools utilizing the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) Montessori Assessment Playbook. Sheila has two sons, both of whom are Montessori graduates, and she enjoys working alongside her dedicated and loving husband Scott.