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
Serves as a mentor teacher to local Montessori educators
Parent of two Lakeland Montessori graduates

Catherine Garvey, Early Childhood Assistant – Banyan Classroom

Banyan@lakelandmontessori.com

National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector Montessori Assistant Teacher training in process
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology, University of South Florida, 2015
Emergent Early Education Literacy certified through Flamingo Learning
Experienced tutor with the Learning Resource Center and Sylvan
Previous Montessori experience as a substitute teacher
Joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2024

Troy Adams, Early Childhood Montessori Guide – Willow Classroom

Willow@LakelandMontessori.com

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
Began teaching in 2019 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2023

Caitlin Brower, Early Childhood Montessori Intern – Willow Classroom

Willow@lakelandmontessori.com

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, Reading and ESOL Endorsement
Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from St. Petersburg College
Former Co-Lead Guide at Alegria Montessori
Former Pinellas County Public Schools teacher
DCF/VPK Director Credential
Began teaching in 2019 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2024

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 two children attending Lakeland Montessori

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

Isabel Morrell, Lower Elementary Lead Montessori Guide – Adventurers Classroom

Adventurers@lakelandmontessori.com

MACTE accredited Montessori Elementary 6-12 Full Certification through the International Montessori Council Center for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, FL ongoing
State of Florida Temporary Teaching Certificate
National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector Montessori Assistant Teacher Certification
Bachelor’s Degree in English from Florida State University, 2019
Experience in nursery and children’s programs since 2015
Former Polk County Public Schools Third grade teacher 2023-2024
Previous Lakeland Montessori employee 2020-2023
Rejoined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2024

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

Maleaha Cruz, Upper Elementary Assistant Teacher Montessori Guide-Explorers Classroom

Explorers@lakelandmontessori.com

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 in 2023

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
Served on the American Montessori Society’s panel of Central Florida Montessori educators, June 2023

Sandra Moss- Montessori Art and Outdoor Education Teacher, part-time

smoss@lakelandmontessori.com

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

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.

Caroline Adams, Substitute Teacher

cadams@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

Amy MacDonald, Floating Substitute Teacher & All Day Montessori Lead

amacdonald@lakelandmontessori.com

National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector Montessori Assistant Teacher Certification in progress
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Administration, Western Governors University
Former Kelly Educational Services substitute teacher
Lakeland Montessori Alumni
Joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2024

Administration

Kelly Olivier, Secretary

Secretary@LakelandMontessori.com

National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector Montessori Assistant Teacher Certification, in progress
20+ years Administrative Secretary experience in the legal field
CPR & First Aid certified
Joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in November 2023
Enjoys camping and spending time with her grandchildren!

Rachel Scarpelli, Instructional Coach

Coach@LakelandMontessori.com

MACTE accredited Montessori Early Childhood age 3-6 Full Certification through the American Montessori Society’s Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education, Cincinnati, OH
Lower Elementary Diploma through the North American Montessori Center
Passed State of Florida Certification Exam for Prekindergarten/Primary Education, age 3 – grade 3
Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications (Concentration in Recording Industry and Music Business) from Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee
5 1/2 years Montessori classroom experience
Served as a Montessori teacher mentor and trainer for new Montessori teachers
Began teaching in 2013 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in Jan. 2024
Also serves on the LMS Early Childhood Admissions Team
Parent of two children attending Lakeland Montessori

Joe Weyers-Dean of Students

dean@LakelandMontessori.com

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

Chelsea Waldron – Interim School Principal

Principal@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
Began teaching in 2010 and joined Lakeland Montessori Schools in 2018
Parent of two current and two future Lakeland Montessori Students

Josie Hill, Founder and CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of Lakeland Montessori

jhill@lakelandmontessori.com

Founder of Lakeland Montessori
Head of School/Executive Director of Lakeland Montessori Schoolhouse 2003-2012
Co-Head of School/Director of Finance & Strategic Planning 2012-2024
Leadership Lakeland Class XL graduate
The Lakeland Rotary Club Officer and Member
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 the University of Wisconsin system
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!

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.