Caroline was born and raised in Savannah, where she graduated from St. Vincent’s Academy and then from Armstrong State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. While she was in college, she tutored and babysat for a family, and she then earned a master’s degree in early childhood education with a reading endorsement from Armstrong State University as well. Caroline is certified in the Orton-Gillingham Reading Approach at the Associate Level, has completed her Early Childhood Montessori training with the Montessori Teacher Education Institute of Atlanta, and earned her Gifted endorsement this year. Caroline will earn her specialist degree in advanced educational studies with an ESOL endorsement from Augusta University in July.
Caroline enjoys going to the beach, shopping, and organizing. She has a dog named Winnie (Beagle) and loves to spend time with her friends and family. Caroline spends most of her days tutoring and learning new ways to keep her students excited about reading. She is happy to continue on the wonderful Primary Team here at CEMCS!
Natasha was born in Anchorage, Alaska, but spent much of her childhood traveling the world as a proud “military brat.” Her passion for education took root early in life and grew stronger with each new place and experience. Her journey as an educator officially began in 2010, when she started substituting while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Phoenix. Natasha's dedication to teaching stems from her lifelong aspiration to positively impact young minds, a dream she has cherished since grade school.
Currently in her 15th year at Coastal Empire Montessori, Natasha holds a certification in early childhood Montessori education through the Montessori Teacher Education Institute of Atlanta. She is continuing her professional growth by pursuing a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Georgia Southern University. Beyond the classroom, Natasha finds joy in spending quality time with her large and loving family, including her husband, five children, granddaughter, and their family dog, Sammy, along with close friends. Her holistic approach to life and education reflects her unwavering commitment to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment where young learners can thrive.
Gabby is a Savannah native and a graduate of St. Vincent's Academy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Georgia Southern University. In addition, she earned her Montessori Early Childhood Diploma from the North American Montessori Center (NAMC), further enriching her understanding of early childhood development and child-centered learning.
After six years in the classroom, Gabby is excited to begin her seventh year of teaching and her fifth year at CEMCS. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to teach in both public and private school settings, experiences that have strengthened her passion for helping children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She believes in creating a positive, supportive, and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential. Gabby is especially grateful to be part of the CEMCS community, a school that truly feels like home, and looks forward to partnering with families to help every child thrive.
Outside of the classroom, Gabby enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter Ellie, and their dog Gracie. In her free time, she loves relaxing at the beach with a good book or reading by the pool. She looks forward to a wonderful year of learning, growth, and making lasting memories with her students and their families.
Alexandria, a Savannah native, graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor's degree and has been teaching Pre-K since 2022. She is currently entering her second year at Coastal Empire Montessori and has three years of Montessori experience.
As an educator, Alex is passionate about creating a classroom environment where every child feels welcomed, safe, and valued. She believes learning happens best when children feel supported and encouraged to explore, grow, and express themselves with confidence. Her goal is to help each student reach their full potential while fostering a love for learning that lasts beyond the classroom.
Outside of school, Alex enjoys spending time with her son, Atlas, and her family, visiting Disney World, and working on creative DIY projects. She looks forward to a fun, successful, and enriching school year with her students and families.
Amy was born in North Carolina and moved to Savannah as a young child. She graduated from Armstrong Atlantic State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She has always loved working with children and, ever since high school, has babysat and worked in summer camps. Amy taught in the Savannah-Chatham County School System for several years before leaving to stay at home with her children (and in fact, both of Amy’s siblings are teachers as well!). Amy has also completed her Elementary Montessori training from the Montessori Teacher Education Institute.
Amy and her two adored children live in Rincon. She loves spending time with her family, two dogs, and friends. She also loves to read, travel and kayak when possible.
Kylene was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and earned her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of South Florida. She began her career working in public elementary schools as a speech therapist, providing articulation, language, and fluency therapy to students in resource classrooms. During this time, she earned her Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Nova Southeastern University.
With more than 25 years of experience teaching Kindergarten through 3rd grade, Kylene is passionate about helping children develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. She was honored as Teacher of the Year at Pasco Elementary School and earned her ESOL endorsement in 2008. She is also Montessori credentialed through the North American Montessori Center, where she deepened her commitment to the Montessori philosophy of fostering curiosity, respect, and self-directed learning.
In 2015, Kylene and her family relocated to Savannah, where she continues to share her love of Montessori education with her students. She and her husband, Brian, have two children, Kaden (18) and Kyla (11). Outside the classroom, Kylene enjoys spending time with her family, reading, shopping, practicing yoga, and exploring the outdoors.
Kylene believes that every child has unique gifts and thrives in an environment that nurtures independence, curiosity, and confidence. Two of her favorite Maria Montessori quotes beautifully reflect her teaching philosophy: "Believe in the child," and "The teacher's task is to first nourish and assist, to watch, encourage, guide, induce, rather than interfere, prescribe, or restrict." She considers it a privilege to guide children as they grow into capable, compassionate, and lifelong learners.
Jenna holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and special education from North Georgia College and State University. She has also earned a Reading Endorsement. Jenna has been teaching for over 13 years and joined the CEMCS family in the fall of 2024.
Jenna lives in Pooler with her fiancé, Scott, and her daughter Frances, a CEMCS 2nd Grader. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, crocheting and gardening.
Janine grew up in Savannah and graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. She also earned a Master of Education in Counseling. One of her greatest passions is teaching, and this year is her 24th. She has worked for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System and Richmond County School System in a variety of grade levels throughout the years. Janine has completed her Gifted Education certification and Montessori Certification through the North American Montessori Center, and she is currently gaining additional MACTE-accredited training with the Montessori Teacher Education Institute. This will be her 9th year here at CEMCS!
Janine loves spending most of her time with family and friends. She enjoys traveling, reading, shopping, going to the beach, and most of all having fun with her daughter. She also enjoys working with children and is looking forward to a prosperous school year.
Jina brings a decade of elementary homeroom teaching experience from Minnesota and Arizona, backed by a bachelor’s in early childhood development and a master’s in elementary education. Her teaching philosophy centers around making learning a tangible, joyful experience. Jina loves bringing lessons to life through interactive, hands-on projects and creative visual organizers, ensuring that all students feel confident and connected in the classroom.
Away from school, Jina’s life is all about family and settling into her new home! She and her husband, along with their four-year-old son, just made a big cross-country move to Savannah. Lately, the absolute highlight for her family has been getting into their son's new baseball activities. On the weekends, Jina and her husband look forward to their special routine of trying out new local coffee shops. She is so grateful to be joining this wonderful CEMCS community!
Pinya's career has always centered on serving her community through nonprofit organizations and education. Her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters inspired her to pursue a career in elementary education, where she has spent the past decade helping students grow into confident, independent learners.
She earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and her Master of Elementary Education from Armstrong Atlantic State University. Throughout her teaching career, she has become gifted certified and developed experience supporting students with a wide range of learning needs.
Pinya believes students are capable of far more than they often believe about themselves. She enjoys creating a classroom where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to develop confidence in themselves as learners. She is continually refining her teaching practices to help every student reach their full potential.
Born and raised in Georgia in a Finnish immigrant family, Pinya understands what it feels like to grow up between two cultures. That experience has given her a deep appreciation for the diverse backgrounds her students bring to the classroom and a commitment to helping every child feel seen, valued, and capable.
Pinya is a proud self-proclaimed nerd whose curiosity extends well beyond the classroom. She enjoys gardening, reading, tabletop and video games, crafting, and caring for her many animals. She hopes to inspire that same sense of curiosity and lifelong learning in every student she teaches.
Tricia knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher, and that passion has shaped her life and career. Education has been her lifelong calling, and she is now entering her 24th year in the field.
Tricia earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Utah State University and later pursued her dream of working in the counseling field by earning a master’s degree in school counseling from the University of Phoenix. Throughout her career, she has taught students in grades 2 through 6 and has worked in both Utah and Idaho. Along the way, she has developed valuable experience supporting students with dyslexia, integrating technology into classroom instruction, and strengthening elementary mathematics programs. She also enjoyed leading an after-school science program, helping students explore and discover the wonders of science through hands-on learning.
Born and raised in Grantsville, Utah, Tricia grew up in a close-knit community surrounded by friends and family. Her family has deep roots in the area, with some of her ancestors being among the first settlers of Grantsville. Later, she moved to nearby Tooele, Utah, where she raised her three daughters—Teasha, Ceysha, and Aleesha (Alee). Family has always been at the center of Tricia’s life, and she treasures the years spent raising her daughters and watching them grow into successful young women.
When her youngest daughter, Alee, left for college, Tricia embarked on a new chapter and moved to Idaho. After Alee graduated, Tricia decided it was time to pursue another dream: living closer to warm weather and the beach. Together with her youngest daughter, she relocated to Savannah, where she is excited to begin a new adventure and enjoy being near friends who live in the area. Outside of her professional life, Tricia enjoys traveling, gardening, reading, hosting barbecues with friends, spending time at the beach, hiking and soaking up warm, sunny weather. She looks forward to the opportunities, experiences, and connections that this exciting new chapter will bring.
LaJeana is a proud Savannah native who graduated from St. Vincent’s Academy and Armstrong Atlantic State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. She went onto complete the graduate program at Armstrong College of Education, earning a Master of Education in Adult Education. While she was in college, she worked as a substitute teacher at Georgetown Elementary and White Bluff Elementary; she also worked as a paraprofessional at Jacob G. Smith and White Bluff Elementary. LaJeana also taught special education at White Bluff Elementary.
LaJeana enjoys walking in parks, taking hikes, spending time with family and friends, and cooking. She has a son named Joey who lives in Atlanta. She is excited to be home in Savannah and working with the team at CEMCS.
Lindsey grew up in Dallas, Texas, where she developed a passion for working with children through babysitting and nannying throughout high school. She has always loved reading and writing, which led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English from Oklahoma State University. After graduation, she worked as a Pre-K teacher, and this experience inspired her to pursue a career in special education. Lindsey moved to the Washington, D.C. area, where she earned a master’s degree in K–12 Special Education from George Mason University in Virginia. Since completing her graduate studies, she has spent eight years teaching special education in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Savannah. Lindsey is excited to begin her first full year at CEMCS and looks forward to helping her students learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
Lindsey moved to Savannah four years ago with her husband, two children, and two cats. Her daughter, Mackenzie, is 7, and her son, Casey, is 4. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys reading, spending time at the beach with her family, and discovering new activities to enjoy with her children. She is also passionate about animal welfare and hopes to foster cats again in the future, sharing with her children the kindness, compassion, and responsibility that comes with caring for animals.
Tom recently moved to Savannah from Northeast Texas, where he served as an educator for 32 years. He earned his Master of Science in Special Education from Texas A&M-Texarkana and has spent most of his career working with students with a variety of special needs. He is a Georgia-certified school principal, media specialist/librarian, and general education elementary and special education teacher.
Besides being an educator, Tom is a children’s author and actor. He loves an audience and hopes to become more active in local theaters and comedy venues. Tom and his partner have been together over 20 years and have enjoyed many four-legged “children” over the years. They currently have four adorable and spoiled cats and one small dog who thinks he is a cat too.
Tom has a passion for students and learning and brings his many years of experience to this position with the hope of collaborating with other teachers to strengthen academic success in our students.
This is Bethany’s ninth year teaching Art at CEMCS. She graduated summa cum laude from Armstrong State University with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education in 2016. Following graduation, she also earned a certification in Early Childhood Education. Bethany firmly believes that studying Art, and the artistic process itself, can teach children important life skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, empathy, collaboration, and of course, self-expression. She is excited to create a studio environment where students are encouraged to learn from one another, free to make mistakes, explore their own interests, and find joy in the creative process.
In 2024, Bethany also became a CEMCS parent when her son entered Pre-K with us. She is proud to be a part of our school community both as a teacher and parent, and she loves learning more about Montessori education and parenting each year. Bethany and her husband also have a three-year-old son, who is named "Vinnie" after one of her favorite artists. Her hobbies include reading, biking and of course making art!
In his 21st year of working with children – from a daycare to a high school, to a traditional elementary school, and finally to a Montessori elementary school, Tyler is excited to continue this work. It is his fifth year at CEMCS, where he has the opportunity to see students grow to be more compassionate, thoughtful, and inquisitive through their exploration of their own work and time with each other. He is excited to use his master’s degree in counseling to help be a resource for the students and families at CEMCS. He is here to provide assistance, resources, and guidance to families, as well as aid families in the process of determining if a 504 Plan is right for their child. He is always here to listen! He also runs three different clubs at CEMCS: GameChangers, STEM Club, and Chess Club.
Audrionna is an experienced educator with a passion for early literacy and instructional excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, and an Education Specialist degree in Advanced Educational Studies. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Literacy.
With over a decade of experience in elementary education, Audrionna taught kindergarten for many years and served as an Early Intervention Program teacher, providing targeted literacy support to students in grades K–3 before transitioning into literacy coaching. She has served as a Literacy Coach for the past two years, supporting teachers in implementing evidence-based instructional practices, analyzing student data, and strengthening reading achievement across grade levels.
Outside of her professional work, Audrionna enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and exploring creative pursuits. She is committed to lifelong learning and helping all students develop a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Leslie is a proud Savannah native who has dedicated her career to supporting students and families in her community. A graduate of the Chatham County public school system, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Ashford University and a Master of Social Work from Walden University.
Now in her 11th year at CEMCS, Leslie serves as the MTSS Coordinator, where she works to ensure students receive the support they need to succeed. Before joining the MTSS team, she spent more than ten years helping autistic children transition into inclusive classroom settings, a role that reflected her passion for meeting the needs of all learners.
Leslie is inspired by the belief that every child has the potential to succeed, often sharing one of her favorite quotes: “We believe all children can achieve.”
When she’s not at work, Leslie enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband are proud parents of three boys, and they love traveling, making memories, and taking part in family activities together.
Stephanie is a social scientist and educator who has had careers in both law enforcement and education. She possesses the following degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French from Bucknell University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Suffolk University, a Master of Education in Middle Grades Education from Armstrong Atlantic State University, and an Education Specialist degree from Kennesaw State University. Stephanie is certified to teach early childhood education, middle grades education, special education, and gifted education, as well as holding advanced certification in Performance-Based Educational Leadership. Before becoming an educator and teaching middle-grades Mathematics for the SCCPSS for several years, Stephanie served as Deputy Director of the Office of Research and Evaluation at the Boston Police Department, where she did crime, intelligence and statistical analysis. Public-school-educated herself, she is a strong believer in the value of public schooling and the idea that all families should have access to positive educational alternatives for their children.
Stephanie’s association with CEMCS began when she enrolled her boys, Sam and Ben, when the school opened back in 2008. She has been here ever since – as a parent, a CEMCO board trustee and officer, then as Director of Operations. She is now serving in her 15th year as the school’s Executive Director. She has always believed in the power of the mission and vision of the CEMCO founding board and remains intensely committed to the school’s success and longevity. Being a part of the growth of so many students over the years – including her own children – continually deepens her conviction that CEM’s commitment to holistic education serves children and families faithfully.
Stephanie ongoingly participates in professional development, mostly focused on public Montessori and leadership training. In addition, she serves on various committees and leadership groups and engages in educational reform initiatives designed to increase equity. She is a strong proponent for charter schools and is proud to collaborate with her charter-school colleagues here in Savannah to advocate for local children, families, teachers, and staff.
Stephanie is a transplanted Yankee who has lived in many areas of the United States, as well as in France. She continues to pursue finding the right work-home life balance by going to the gym, teaching herself Spanish (her 3rd language), watching sports and documentaries, and spending time with loved ones. She enjoys being an empty nester most of the time, as both of her sons now live in and attend college in Atlanta, and she is exceptionally proud of the way they continue to grow into outstanding men. Stephanie sees the lasting, positive impacts of their Montessori education in so many facets of their lives, and she is honored to partner with all CEMCS families to “Educate the Whole Child for the World.”
Coming soon.
Sheri has dedicated the majority of her professional career to higher education, with additional experience in the financial services sector. She earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from Savannah State University, as well as a Master of Arts from Liberty University. She is also an alumna of the University System of Georgia’s Executive Leadership Institute, facilitated by Leaders’ Lyceum in Atlanta, an intensive leadership development program designed to prepare high-potential professionals for senior-level advancement through a combination of group learning sessions, assessments, mentoring, job shadowing, and reflective practice over a nine-month period.
Throughout her 22-year career in education, Sheri has held a variety of leadership and administrative roles spanning student accounts and cashiering, procurement, accounting, advancement, and business compliance. Her professional experience includes serving as Accountant II, Director of Accounts Payable, Financial Systems Analyst, Business Compliance Coordinator, Director of Advancement Services, and Foundation Executive Director. A passionate advocate for education, Sheri is deeply committed to supporting organizations that shape future generations and create meaningful opportunities for student success.
A Savannah, Georgia, native and proud graduate of SCCPSS, Sheri values both her community roots and her family. She is a devoted wife and proud mother of two daughters. Guided by faith, purpose, and a genuine love for people, Sheri strives to make a positive impact in every environment she serves. In her free time, she enjoys writing, reading, lifelong learning, and traveling with family and friends. Whether personally or professionally, she is dedicated to serving others, embracing joy, and living with intention, productivity, and purpose.
Wanda was born and raised in Savannah and attended Valdosta State University. She has over 15 years of experience in education management, including facilities and operational management, and has spent most of her career overseeing the operational needs of educational institutions. Wanda has even designed and built educational facilities from the ground up. In the early days of her career, she taught middle school math and science, along with coaching softball, basketball and soccer.
Wanda lives in Thunderbolt with her wife, Mary, and their 2 fur pups (all rescues and under 20 pounds). She is the proud mom of Joshua, US Navy Master Chief Officer stationed in Washington, and daughter, Kala, special education teacher in North Carolina. The loves of her life are her two grandchildren, Emerie and Joseph. She is a member of the Bonaventure Historical Society and likes to spend her spare time working in her yard/gardens (or "digging in the dirt" as she calls it). Wanda and Mary are also avid shell collectors and love to shell hunt all over the eastern seaboard.
Since 2010, Jenn has served as a key member of the CEMCS staff. A native of Melbourne, Florida, she lived throughout the U.S. for 15 years before making Savannah her home. Jenn manages essential front office support and school logistics, stepping in wherever administrative and operational needs arise. Her background includes a Health Care Assistant Certification from Savannah Technical College, with credentials as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Patient Care Technician. Marking her 16th year with CEMCS, Jenn provides stable, dedicated support to the school's families and staff. She is especially proud to support the community as both an employee and a grandmother to two CEMCS students.
In her personal time, Jenn focuses on her family and her three adult children. Though opportunities for long travel adventures are limited by a full schedule, she stays busy with her love for cooking and reading and always looks forward to quick getaways to relax in the mountains or by the ocean.
Twilia was born and raised in Ridgeway, SC. She worked as a paraprofessional at the elementary school where her mother worked and then joined the US Army. This is where she met her husband, William, who continued his path with the US Air Force, eventually bringing them to Savannah. Twilia gained years of administrative experience working as an accountant at a car dealership, and she transitioned that over to CEMCS in 2013. Twilia's education includes studying Criminal Justice at Midlands Technical College in SC and Central Texas College in VA, and now she enjoys spending most of her free time with family, including her young grandchildren. Now entering her 14th year at CEMCS, Twilia loves the challenge of making the Main Office run smoothly!
