Mrs. Ramona moved to Franklin in 2010 to become the lead guide of the elementary program at MSF. She has continued to grow professionally, becoming the Head of School in 2021 and obtaining her AMI Administrator certification. In addition to her Elementary Montessori certification, Ramona is a TN state licensed teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and History as well as a master’s degree in Literacy and Special Education. Having struggled in school as a child, Ramona is especially sensitive to the fact that children learn in different ways. She believes that Montessori is the best way to help children unlock their abilities and reach their full potential. Fun Facts: In her spare time, Ramona loves to hike & explore state parks. She also enjoys reading - thrillers or personal narratives are her favorite. Why Montessori? “Montessori looks at every child as an individual and looks at what each child’s needs are; Montessori is a way to reach every child.”

Mrs. Bunmi is from Nigeria and has been with MSF for 16 years. She has an Association Montessori International (AMI) Certification as well as a BSC in Microbiology. Fun Facts: She loves cooking, spending time with her husband and two daughters. She is passionate about treasuring relationships. Why Montessori? “Montessori is not a trend, it is a philosophy and it works. The method is consistent and the materials are beautiful; the materials are the same in any Montessori classroom around the world.”

Mrs. Kristina is originally from San Francisco, CA and has a BA degree from MTSU. She has been at MSF as a primary assistant for 17 years. Both of Kristina’s children attended MSF, Patrick age 25 and Elizabeth who is 21. Fun Facts: Kristina loves animals; she loves to do volunteer work and is passionate about children’s issues. Why Montessori? “I am a big advocate of childhood. I love the fact that we teach children how to be a community. We teach them how to respect others, our environment and themselves. As a Montessori parent I saw how it helped my children have a strong work ethic that comes from within. It helped them to be compassionate towards others and our world.”

Mrs. Michelle has a Bachelors degree in Child Development and a Masters in Education Curriculum and Instruction. She also has a Early Childhood Montessori Certification. Fun Facts: I think teaching at a male Federal prison is kind of a fun fact. Why Montessori? While subbing in a Montessori classroom a child dropped the trinomial cube and I was trying to put it together to no avail. After five minutes of struggling, a three year old child who constantly needed me to tie his shoes walked over and put the puzzle together in seconds. This left me shocked and amazed. I began to notice these montessori children had something that children from other programs didn’t have. They were independent thinkers with a love for learning. I knew I had to become a Montessori teacher. I began that journey over thirty years ago. Over that time I wandered into other teaching opportunities, teaching child development classes at a jr college and even a male federal prison! But I always worked in the classroom with the children, because that is my joyful place and where I still learn so much. In 2000 I began teaching at Montessori Western Teacher Training Program teaching teachers the Montessori philosophy, child development and language arts, mentoring the next generation of Montessori primary and lower elementary teachers. All these experiences have given me so many opportunities to meet and observe teachers and children in different Montessori environments. It is wonderful to be a part of the Montessori of Franklin staff and I am most grateful my daughter is able to develop her love of learning from such amazing teachers.

Born in Henderson, Nevada, Shaun has lived in Franklin since she was 12 years old. She has been at MSF for 23 years. Fun Facts: She enjoys gardening, cooking, getting together with family and friends, and spending time with her nephews. She also loves to play games. Why Montessori? “The flexibility of Montessori allows children to be who they are and to work at their own pace. I believe in the Montessori method. Every day, I see so much growth in the children as individuals and as a group. I love working with the staff and the parents at MSF. It feels like a second family.”

Evangeline is from Albany, NY. She moved to Franklin in 2013 and taught in the Williamson County School System for 10 years. Under the guidance of our Head of School, she has been working on her Lower Elementary Montessori certification through the Western Teacher Training Program and is due to graduate in the summer of 2024. Evangeline has a bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language and English. She also holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching Students with Disabilities from the University of Rochester and is licensed to teach general and special education in the state of Tennessee. Fun Facts: Evangeline enjoys going to concerts and traveling. She has taught gymnastics and dance, and her favorite sport is volleyball. Why Montessori? “After years of teaching in a traditional environment, I was ready to move to an environment that didn’t focus so much on ‘teaching to the test.’ I wanted to be able to incorporate a more hands on learning approach as well as one that allows students to learn in a variety of ways. With Montessori, I am able to tailor each child’s education to their individual needs and learning style.”