Meet Our Teachers & Staff

Jess was drawn to Montessori philosophy after taking an Early Childhood Development class in college. This established an appreciation for the individuality of children, each with their own personalities and needs, and how the Montessori method can foster one's innate qualities. She began her time at MCS as a member of the Elementary Late Day team, additionally providing support as a PE assistant. In 2023, Jess entered a Toddler classroom to provide support and has been a member of Room 102 since. She enjoys rooting for the NY Giants, gardening with her partner, hiking local trails with their dog, Loretta, and exploring new vegetarian dishes around the Triangle.

Amanda is a career Montessorian with nearly 25 years teaching experience. She finds working with the youngest children keeps her youthful spirit alive and helps her remain hopeful for the future. She has two children of her own and enjoys drinking dark coffee, cold water swims and spending her summers in California.

A Charlotte native, Casi Ravenell brings warmth, creativity, and a genuine love for working with children and families. She is currently pursuing her master's degree at North Carolina Central University, where she has earned Dean's List recognition while studying entrepreneurship and management. Casi has experience in early childhood and Montessori-inspired environments and is passionate about nurturing independence, confidence, and curiosity in every child. She values building trusting relationships and creating spaces where students feel supported, seen, and encouraged to grow at their own pace. In addition to her work in education, Casi has held leadership roles in creative organizations, strengthening her skills in collaboration, communication, and organization. She is deeply committed to inclusive learning communities and believes meaningful connections are at the heart of education. Outside of work, Casi enjoys fitness, fashion, traveling, and spending time with her two dogs, Choco & Augie.

Jomaya brings a background in home health as a Certified Nursing Assistant and, inspired by her large family, has always been drawn to nurturing children. Through volunteering in classrooms, working as a nanny, and other caregiving roles, she is committed to supporting children as they grow and explore.

She previously worked as a teacher assistant at preschools with Montessori elements, sparking her love for the Montessori approach. She enjoyed seeing children grow in confidence and was eager to guide in a fully intentional Montessori environment.

Raised in Atlanta and Los Angeles, Jomaya now lives in Durham with one of her siblings. She enjoys creating sugar art, sampling local confections, reading, and spontaneously making up silly songs for children.

Born and raised in Austin, TX, April decided to move to the Triangle for a new adventure in 2025! Previously a Montessori Assistant Guide, April has spent two years in a toddler community and a lower elementary community before nestling into the perfect primary community at MCS! April's commitment to ensuring equitable opportunities for children's academic needs and interests, building loving and affective relationships with students and her communities, and work toward learning and unlearning about our effects on the world are what have driven her toward being an educator, and why she's grateful to be at a school such as MCS where her values are shared. She has two boys--an orange cat named Sugarloaf and a tabby called PesoPuma--and enjoys crafting, TTRPGs, board games, hiking and spending time outdoors, and trying new things!

Originally born in Pensacola, Florida, Christin moved to Durham at the tender age of eight. Now Durham is her home, and she truly loves it here; everything from the weather to the parks, trails, and food, especially the food. She enjoys a good meal, nature trails, and sitting by a river or lake listening to the water.

She also enjoys taking care of others. Her first love was working in healthcare and mental health, and she had the opportunity to work at Central Regional Hospital, Murdoch Development Center, and Duke Hospital. Over time, however, she felt she was missing something very precious: the little hugs and smiles from young children.

This realization led her to become a nanny. She first worked through an agency, where she had the chance to care for children of many different ages, an experience she found deeply joyful. A few months later, she began working independently, caring for a four-month-old through the age of two. They created many memories and shared countless happy moments together.

That journey brought her to where she is now, here at MCS, and she is truly happy to be here.

Kya grew up in Charlotte, NC, and moved to Chapel Hill to attend UNC. During her time as an undergraduate, she gained experience working in various early childcare settings. After graduating, she spent three years teaching at Reggio-based forest schools, where her love for the outdoors was reignited.

Outside of work, Kya is passionate about sustainability and low-waste living. Recently, she has begun mending clothes, experimenting with natural dyes, and learning embroidery. When she's not crafting or creating, she enjoys spending time line dancing.

Rochelle first joined MCS in 2006 as a parent when her older son was enrolled as a Primary student. She is thrilled to have remained a part of the community for twenty years, and has served in many capacities including her current role as a Primary teacher. Rochelle loves to witness her young students grow to know themselves and the world around them, and to help guide them on their adventure of discovery. She is passionate about celebrating each child for their unique gifts and contributions to the world. Rochelle has two sons, both MCS graduates, and enjoys music, reading, and cooking.

Surabhi Makhija’s Montessori journey began in 1999 when her son joined a Montessori school. Seeing how the Montessori approach nurtured independence, confidence, and a love of learning deeply inspired her and led her to pursue this path herself. With 17 years of experience working in a Montessori primary classroom, Surabhi is excited to bring her knowledge, calm presence, and passion for Montessori education to MCS. Outside the classroom, she enjoys listening to Bollywood music, crocheting, reading, spending time with her family, and playing with her dog, Cooper

In August 2020, Adam started the first Forest School nature immersion program at MCS. Before moving to NC, he worked in a three-year-old classroom at the Learning Tree Day Care in Erlanger, Kentucky.

Layla is currently a junior at North Carolina Central University and has a passion for working with children. With a dedication to being a positive role model and source of inspiration, Layla is thrilled to be part of the Montessori family. Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Layla also works with children when back home.

Jennifer has three children, one a graduate of MCS and two current students at MCS. Ms. Jen and her family enjoy being outside riding bikes, hiking, camping, swimming, and doing all of those things families often enjoy doing together, often surrounded by water.

Shelly has called MCS home since August, 2009. She is originally from Reading, Pennsylvania but has been a southern since attending the University of Georgia for Early Childhood Education in the 1990s. Shelly found Montessori right after college and was hooked immediately. She was especially was drawn to the grounding tenants of respect, independence and peace. Both of Shelly's sons loved their MCS experiences and the school has felt like her 2nd home for all these years. Special interests outside of school include poetry, singing, hiking, biking and gardening.

Certifications and trainings: REI, Open Circle, Restorative Practices from Peaceful Schools NC, Hill RAP

Lindsay has been a Montessori teacher and assistant since 2005. She and her husband, Don, and their two children Charles and Madeleine (both current MCS Students) moved to Carrboro from Stony Brook, Long Island, where she was a Lower Elementary Montessori teacher. She is originally from Austin, TX, where she taught and assisted at Austin Montessori School and Cedar Park Montessori School. Lindsay enjoys choral singing, world cuisine, contra dancing, and civic engagement.
 

Michelle has taught at MCS since 2000. She has taught at both the Lower and Upper Elementary levels. Outside the classroom, Michelle enjoys bicycling, hiking, reading, indoor rock climbing, Ultimate frisbee, and spending time with her family. Her son is a graduate of MCS, and her daughter is a current student at MCS.

Hetal Amin is driven, curious, empathetic, and a patient learner of learners. She thrives on meaningful connections and believes in clarity, creativity, and balancing focus with fun. Her professional journey spans microbiology, pharmaceuticals, small business ownership, and teaching, shaping how she approaches learning and community.

Her Montessori journey began at MCS in 2008 as a parent of three children. She spent six years at MCS, taught Upper Elementary at Willow Oak Montessori for seven years, and is grateful to have returned home.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys working with her hands, reading, and biking, and has a deep interest in textiles and cultural symbolism. Montessori is not just her profession but a way of being, grounded in respect, curiosity, and joy in learning. She is guided by the belief that in the joy of others lies our own, in the progress of others rests our own; a teaching of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Frances began her education career at MCS in 2004, where she spent eight years teaching at the Primary and Elementary levels. She spent the subsequent eight years at Sterling Montessori Charter School, in both upper and lower elementary, before returning to MCS in 2022 to join the Adolescent Community. Frances believes wholeheartedly in the Montessori philosophy that “fosters rigorous, self-motivated growth for children and adolescents in all areas of their development, with a goal of nurturing each child’s natural desire for knowledge, understanding, and respect.” A lifelong musician, Frances sings with the North Carolina Master Chorale as an alto and plays piano. Frances enjoys word games (Scrabble and all NYT games), procedural dramas, visual arts, stand-up paddleboarding, and hiking with her husband and three dogs.

Keturah Russell became a member of the MCS community in 1992 when she began her Montessori lower elementary teaching career. Throughout her many years at MCS she has served on AMS accreditation committees, on the school’s board of trustees as the faculty representative for several terms, on development committees, and hosted & mentored several teachers in training. After teaching in the Lower Elementary classroom for 20+ years, she moved into an administrative role as the Assistant Head of School for Academic Programs. After four years there, she realized the classroom was her joy and she returned as a guide in Upper Elementary. Keturah lives in Chatham County with her veterinarian husband, Johnson and a menagerie of pets. Her adult children, Morgann and Tallis, both attended MCS and are now making their way in the world. Morgann and her partner aown a small audio/visual production company, and Tallis is in college.

Ryan Shands was born and raised in Charlotte, NC and has been a Montessori teacher for over two decades. His journey began as an intern at SAS Institute in Cary, NC. While working at SAS Institute, he received his 3-6 AMS credentials in 2007.

Having honed his skills as a Montessori primary teacher, Ryan's journey in the Montessori sector continued to evolve. He expanded his expertise by becoming an AMS-certified lower and upper elementary teacher. His professional journey has seen him contribute to the growth of the Montessori community at Heartwood Montessori in Cary, NC, and the New School Montessori Center in Holly Springs, NC. Not content with just teaching, Ryan also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Montessori education by training aspiring Montessorians.

Driven by a deep-seated desire to provide the leaders of tomorrow with boundless opportunities to develop, learn, and grow in the Montessori field, Ryan seized the opportunity to join the Montessori Community School. His goal is to foster a positive atmosphere and instill an intrinsic love for learning, a mission he is steadfastly committed to.

In his spare time, Ryan enjoys playing chess or coaching basketball. He also enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two daughters, both former and current Montessori students.

Nikki began her education career as a middle school science teacher in Alabama and New York and later served as an instructional coach supporting STEM educators. Her journey into Montessori education began while preparing for parenthood, sparking a desire to transform how she approached teaching and learning. Nikki began working in Montessori schools in Virginia, before moving to Durham with her family and joining MCS as an Adolescent Guide in 2024. Nikki is deeply inspired by Montessori principles that honor each child’s unique potential, value learning through active exploration, and center community as essential to growth. Outside the classroom, Nikki enjoys reading, hiking, swimming, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and three children, who are also students at MCS.

Melanie Leyden is an educator, guide, and lifelong learner committed to whole-child development, mindfulness, and experiential education. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, she moved to California at 22, beginning a period of personal and professional growth.

In California, Melanie studied at Jerry Jampolski’s Center for Attitudinal Healing, where she was introduced to compassion, mindfulness, and emotional resilience. She later worked as a counselor at a therapeutic boarding school for troubled teens, reflecting deeply on what supports healthy adolescent development.

Melanie has guided upper elementary and adolescent Montessori communities with a thoughtful, student-centered approach. She values environments that balance structure with freedom and encourage independence and collaboration.

Outside of work, Melanie enjoys gardening, cooking, baking, and ice hockey. She believes in lifelong growth, mindful living, and cultivating resilience and purpose.

Jayes brings extensive experience as a social justice educator, facilitator, and organizer. They spent 10 years teaching and researching about the relationship between colonialism, systemic power relations, and the law while earning a PhD in Ethnic Studies. At MCS Jayes is active with the Diversity, Equity and Belonging Committee, Restorative Practices Team, and coordinates the Teaching for Black Lives Study Group through the Zinn Education Project. They teach Humanities, Writers Workshop, and support the Chickens and Bees committee. A student of early Montessori education, Jayes enjoys being in the woods, reading speculative fiction, puzzles, traveling, and spending time relaxing with friends and family.
 

Cami began working with children in 2010 in Miami Beach at the recreation center she attended growing up and later started her teaching career. In western NC, Cami taught Spanish at Spruce Pine Montessori and previously taught students about bees as a beekeeper through the Toe Cane Beekeeper Association. Cami is certified as an Assistant Montessori Teacher, bilingual, and experienced in supporting children of all needs and abilities. Now in Carrboro, she's elated to be working with children again at MCS. She enjoys yoga, dancing, exploring new trails, and visiting farmers markets.

In 1983, Marie began her formal classroom teaching career as a high school history teacher and women’s athletics coach. In 2023, she completed her 27-year informal teaching career as the water resources and all-things-environmental public outreach supervisor for the Town of Cary. From water conservation to recycling to urban forestry, Marie designed campaigns and lessons to help the public understand how to support Cary’s environmental health. Her love of the Montessori method guided her to design hands-on and interactive lessons and outreach materials that she delivered annually to hundreds of students and the general public. After retiring from local government, she sought ways to stay meaningfully engaged in her community. MCS offered the perfect blend of commitment to lifelong learning, supportive community, and awe and respect for the outdoors. When not on the MCS campus, Marie is helping family and friends with a variety of home projects, traveling, birding, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, reading, puzzling, or volunteering at Bluestem Conservation Cemetery.

Josefina Llodra is a Chilean, born and raised educator with a degree from Universidad de los Andes in Santiago, Chile. She has experience teaching English and Math in Chile, holding Cambridge University English Proficiency Certificates and Singapore Math Elementary Training. She currently serves as a Spanish Specialist and is an MCS parent.
Josefina is passionate about working with children and creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cooking, running, working out, spending time outdoors, creating art, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Levy is an artist originally from Bogotá, Colombia. He has taught art and creative expression for several years to children and adults. Levy currently teaches art and ceramics.

Taylor Brown is a junior at North Carolina Central University and a native of Kinston, North Carolina. She has several years of experience working with children and has developed a strong passion for supporting young people through creativity and the arts. Taylor plans to continue working with children in theater after graduation, using performance as a tool for confidence-building, self-expression, and community connection. She is excited to be a part of the Montessori Community School and values the school's commitment to child-centered learning, creativity, and respect for each child's individuality.

Kathleen comes to MCS with 40 years of educational experience. She began her career in the Florida public school system teaching a traditional 4th/5th grade curriculum. During that time, Kathleen mentored and trained teachers throughout the state in the latest reading and writing trends. After moving to Raleigh and staying home with her three young children, Kathleen entered the wonderful world of Montessori. She spent 7 years as a Children's House Assistant, 5 years as an academic coach in the adolescent program and 18 years as a learning specialist. Kathleen is happy to continue that role here at MCS supporting students in the UE and AC environments. Aside from teaching, Kathleen enjoys traveling, photography, reading, and spending time with her two granddaughters.

Kathy began her journey at MCS as a parent when her son was enrolled as a Primary student in 1981. She joined the staff as a classroom assistant in 1982 and received her AMS credential in 1989. She has over 30 years of experience as a primary classroom teacher.

Kathy is the mother of two MCS alumni and the grandmother of three MCS alumnia. She enjoys contra dancing, being outdoors, reading, and playing games with her family.

Jenny graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in the fall of 2024 with her master’s degree in Physics. She was born in Manhattan, New York, grew up in Sarasota, Florida, and moved to Chapel Hill for graduate school. She has enjoyed teaching in classrooms at the college level as well as private tutoring. In addition to math and science, she has a deep passion for singing and dancing. She has performed in many musicals and studied ballet for 11 years as a child. Jenny has always loved children and is grateful for the opportunity to be a positive influence on the minds of the future. She believes in the Montessori philosophy and is excited to see where this position will lead.

Catherine loves teaching at MCS and especially appreciates cultivating relationships with students and families. In addition to being a classroom teacher, she has training and many years of experience as a Orton-Gillingham tutor. Catherine enjoys spending time with her partner, Levy, the art teacher at MCS, at their home in Durham.