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 18 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.”

Ariel worked as a lead teacher at the Montessori School of Oceanside 2, as well as nannied before joining us at MSF. She has experience with children ages infant to school-age and believes in the importance of patience, consistency and celebrating children's victories. In addition to working at MSF, she is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and plans on working toward her Montessori certification. Fun Facts: In her free time, she enjoys baking, working out, or spending time in nature. Why Montessori? "My first teaching job was at a Montessori school, where I discovered my passion for education. I fell in love with the Montessori approach because of its focus on hands-on learning, independence, and fostering each child's natural curiosity. Seeing children thrive in an environment that encouraged exploration and self-motivation deeply inspired me as an educator."

Ginny grew up on a grape farm in Western NY and spent her summers at a cottage on Lake Erie. Growing up in a farming family taught her strong work ethics and a love of the outdoors. After attending The State University at Buffalo for a bachelors degree in Special and Elementary Education, she moved to Albany to teach for the Albany City School district and received a Masters Degree in Special Education from The College of Saint Rose. After teaching for over 30 years she retired but continued to work in the education field, including working as a substitute teacher at Malta Montessori in NY. Fun Facts: Ginny came to help in the toddler classroom and was told it would just be for a month or so. Now, several years later she is still at MSF and loves working with the pre-primary age in a Montessori classroom. Ginny loves the outdoors and has visited many state parks in TN with a goal to visit them all. Why Montessori? "Having spent time in a Montessori environment, I realized how special the environment was and wanted to be part of a community that celebrated the philosophy. My grandson has attended MSF since he was a toddler and is currently in 3rd grade. Montessori has helped shape him into an independent, critical thinker who loves to learn. I love the joy on a child’s face when they are able to independently accomplish a task they set out to do."

Born in Henderson, Nevada, Shaun has lived in Franklin since she was 12 years old. She has been at MSF for 24 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.”

Miss Ravina grew up in the high desert of rural California and has called Tennessee home for the past six years. She earned an Associate of Arts degree in Counseling while living in Hawaii, with part of her studies taking her overseas. Ravina brings experience caring for and supporting children from infancy through the school-age years in both early childhood education and private care settings. Her varied experiences have given her an appreciation for meeting children where they are and creating an environment where they feel known, supported, and encouraged to grow. Fun Fact: Ravina grew up in a 4-H family and spent much of her childhood showing animals. She still loves being outdoors and enjoys camping, hiking, traveling, spending time with friends, and adventuring with her pup, Zola. Why Montessori? Ravina’s connection to Montessori feels like a natural extension of the way she was raised. The daughter of teachers and homeschooled herself, she grew up in an environment that valued independence, hands-on learning, curiosity, and allowing children to progress at their own pace. As she continues to deepen her understanding of Montessori philosophy, she is excited to bring those values into her work with the children at MSF.

Ms. Unity grew up in Northwest Indiana and has called Williamson County home for nearly a decade. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and is a licensed elementary teacher. After spending several years focused on raising her four children and being deeply involved in their schools, she is excited to bring both her educational background and her perspective as a parent back into the classroom. Montessori has long been part of Ms. Unity’s family life. All four of her children attended Montessori during their Primary years, and her family has been part of the Montessori School of Franklin community since 2019. Fun Facts: Ms. Unity is a mom of four, with children ranging from kindergarten through high school. Much of her time is happily spent cheering them on in their many activities, but whenever she gets the chance, you’ll find her outdoors. She enjoys hiking, training for marathons, wakeboarding, and traveling - especially when the destination offers an opportunity to surf or snowboard. Why Montessori? “Having been part of the MSF community for many years, I’ve had the opportunity to experience Montessori first as a parent and now as an educator. I love the way Montessori meets each child where they are, fosters independence, and creates space for a genuine love of learning to develop. It’s especially meaningful to now contribute to a community and philosophy that have played such an important role in my own children’s early years.”

Mrs. Jo-Anna grew up near Toronto, Ontario, and moved to Franklin in 1995. She graduated summa cum laude from MTSU with a degree in psychology. In addition to working part-time at MSF, she is also a portrait photographer. Fun Facts: Jo-Anna has three children, all of whom have attended MSF for 10, 7, and 4 years respectively between 2007 and 2024. She enjoys music, photography, traveling with her family, and listening to audiobooks. Why Montessori? “I fell in love with Montessori after seeing how it benefitted my children in every aspect of their lives, from childhood through adulthood. I love watching Montessori kids develop a genuine life-long love of learning, and I’m continually impressed by their growing independence and confidence.”

Ms. Cheryl grew up in Alabama and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Alabama. She moved to Tennessee 20 years ago and has been an active and deeply engaged member of the Montessori School of Franklin community for the past decade. Over the last 10 years, she has served MSF in many roles - as a parent, board member, volunteer, and classroom assistant—before officially joining the staff. Ms. Cheryl’s son attended Montessori School of Franklin for six years in the Elementary program under the guidance of Ms. Ramona. His positive and formative experience at MSF inspired her to first volunteer and, ultimately, to work alongside the community that played such an important role in her family’s life. Why Montessori? “Maria Montessori said, ‘What the hand does, the mind remembers.’ The hands-on approach forms the foundation for lifelong learning for the child. I have witnessed this not only in my own child, but in many others as well.” Fun Facts: Ms. Cheryl is a proud University of Alabama alumna and enjoys staying involved in her school community.