Toddler Program
Johanna Porter, Lead Toddler Directress
Mrs. Johanna learned about Montessori in 1997, in Seattle, while searching for a pre-school for her oldest daughter. Before the school year was over, she had enrolled in Montessori Teacher training. “I was in awe,” said Porter. “For me, it was a new approach to education.”
Today, what fascinates her most; is the peace, calm, and beauty that the Montessori environment provides for the children. Their emphasis on the development of respect and understanding for other human beings is the foundation for their loving and peaceful atmosphere. She began working at Montessori Tides in the fall of 1999, enrolling all three of her children.
In her spare time she likes to be home with her family, cooking, and keeping things organized. Her yoga practice keeps her flexible; singing, dancing, and sewing keep her smiling.
Tanya Pollock, Lead Toddler Teacher
Ms. Tanya learned about Montessori education after the birth of her daughter six years ago. A cousin shared that she was sending her children to a Montessori preschool.
“I dove in on research of how to implement this in my home and never stopped,” said Ms. Tanya, who homeschooled her daughter for four years.
One of the things Ms. Tanya loves to see in the Montessori classroom is the “the most adorable birthday celebration, seeing the birthday girl/boy walk around the sun and talk about past, present and future with their life time line.”
A native of Hopwood, Penn., Ms. Tanya moved to Jacksonville the summer of 2013. She loves to spend time with her family. She also enjoys photography, crafts and DIY projects, swimming, the beach and bike rides.
Sara Crevar, Toddler co-lead teacher
Ms. Sara is from Westtown, N.Y., and moved to Jacksonville in 2008. Her Montessori journey began when she started working at MTS as an assistant to Ms. Johanna in 2015. The Montessori approach really resonated with her, and she was thrilled to start her teacher training two years later.
Ms. Sara loves that the Montessori approach focuses on both the individual needs and interest and the community. It has roots in peace, respect, grace and courtesy.
In her spare time, Ms. Sara enjoys being outdoors in nature, whether at the beach or in the woods. She likes gardening, swimming, yoga and hiking. She also loves spending time with her family and her daughter. Ms. Sara’s favorite tenet from Dr. Montessori is “play is the work of the child.”
Kayla Zuna, Toddler assistant
After leaving her native Albania, Miss Keyla lived several places before moving to Jacksonville in 2013. Her introduction to Montessori education was when she started working with the toddlers at Montessori Tides School.
“I like everything about Montessori,” Miss Keyla said, citing the philosophy and method of education.
When she is not caring for the toddlers, Miss Keyla enjoys reading.
Olivia Flack, Toddler assistant
Ms. Olivia was introduced to Montessori Tides School as an infant, visiting the school that her sisters attended. She later attended MTS as a toddler and graduated from the school after sixth grade.
“I love the quiet, peaceful environment that feels like a home,” she said of the classrooms at MTS. “I like how the materials are organized on shelves where the children can reach them and take them to their own space to work. The children can each work at their own pace and stay on task, or ask for help if they need it.”
Ms. Olivia likes to spend time with family and friends, and go to the beach. She also enjoys cooking vegetarian and vegan food.
She is excited to begin working at the school.
“I will actually be working with some of the teachers who taught me when I was growing up,” she said.
Latoya St.Vall, Toddler assistant
Ms. Latoya is from St. Croix, in the Virgin Islands. She moved to Jacksonville in 2021. She first learned about Montessori from a former colleague. Her favorite thing about Montessori is observing the children working independently and allowing them to work at their own pace.
During her free time, she enjoys listening to music, taking walks on the beach and doing outdoor activities. She is thankful for being part of the MTS family and is excited to experience the Montessori way.
Amy Loeber, Toddler assistant
Ms. Amy is from Charlotte, N.C., and she moved to Jacksonville in June 2017. She first learned about Montessori education when she was the nanny for children at a Montessori school. She loves observing children as they grow in independence and personality in the Montessori environment.
During her spare time, Ms. Amy loves to create, read, write, be outdoors and travel. She is looking forward to this new journey and is grateful to have the opportunity to learn and grow in our MTS community.
Breanna Parks, Toddler assistant
Ms. Breanna lived mainly in Waycross, Ga., during her childhood, but she’s moved a lot since her father was in the military. She moved to Jacksonville in May 2022. She first learned about Montessori about a year ago, and she loves the mixed-age classrooms. She also loves seeing the children help and mentor each other.
During her spare time, Ms. Breanna loves to be outdoors, paint and hike. She also enjoys the beach. Ms. Breanna is a full-time cat mom to the sweetest peach-colored cat named Ambrose.
Demet Ardic, Toddler Assistant
Ms. Demet is from Turkey. She moved to Jacksonville in 1996. She first learned about Montessori when she was studying for her early childhood education. Her favorite thing about Montessori is the freedom of learning.
During her free time, Ms. Demet likes to spend time with her family, go walks and also loves practicing yoga.
Kat Mariam Rahin, Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Kat is from New Jersey. She moved to Jacksonville in July 2021. She first learned about Montessori in 2004. Her favorite thing about Montessori is that it assists children in developing their literacy, numeracy, executive functioning and their social skills. She also enjoys working with children.
During her spare time, Ms. Kat likes to explore nature and do research on Science. In college, Ms. Kat enjoyed research in the Science field. She has a son who attends college and studies Computer Science.
Maria Dylov, Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Maria is from Ukraine. She moved to Jacksonville in 2017. Ms. Maria went to a Montessori school when she was little. During her free time, Ms. Maria loves to spend time with her family, playing sports or learning something new.
Primary Program
Kathy Graham, Lead Directress
It was in Chicago, Illinois, where Mrs. Kathy first experienced a Montessori Classroom. After only a short period of time, through her internship at a local Montessori School, she became increasingly aware of her profound calling as a Montessori Teacher. She knew this was a special place and fell in love with the Montessori Method of Education.
Since then, Mrs. Kathy has established herself as a strong advocate of creating beautiful environments inside the school and in her world of life. For over thirty six years now, she continues to conduct herself as an extraordinary model in these ways: a Montessori parent; Montessori Teacher; founder/director of the very first Montessori School in Jacksonville, Florida; mentor; friend; and her newest blessing, grandparent.
Mrs. Kathy suggests, “Montessori gives a feeling of hope for a better world because of what we give our children. The future leaders of tomorrow.” Click here to read more of Mrs. Kathy’s story.
Kate Enriquez, Lead Primary Teacher
Miss Kate knew about Montessori education from a young age – her aunt was a Montessori teacher and her cousin is a former Montessori Tides student. However, it wasn’t until she moved to Atlantic Beach from St. Louis in 2012 and had a chance to observe Miss Kathy’s primary class that she understood what Montessori education really meant.
“My first couple of days as an assistant teacher, Mrs. Kathy told me to take a seat and just observe the classroom and write down in a journal what I observed,” Kate said. “Over the next two years, observation had become one of the many things that I love about Montessori.”
After two years in Mrs. Kathy’s class, Miss Kate decided to pursue training to become a Montessori teacher and completed her training course in 2016. Her training has been supported by Montessori Tides School, the Montessori Tides Children’s Foundation and the school community.
Miss Kate’s favorite Montessori quote is: “Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.”
Miss Kate experiences her environment outside the classroom by riding her bike around the beaches, spending time with family, and enjoying her newly found love of cooking.
Rosalie McCarthy, Primary Co-Lead Teacher
Ms. Rosalie is from Springfield, Pennsylvania. She moved to Jacksonville in June 2023. Ms. Rosalie was an Early Childhood Education major when she started spending time in Montessori classrooms in the Philadelphia area. She fell in love with Montessori and received her AMS certification. Her favorite thing about Montessori is that the philosophy embraces the growth and development of the whole child. Her favorite Maria Montessori saying is “the child is truly a miraculous being, and this should be felt by the educator”.
During her free time, Ms. Rosalie likes going to the beach, drawing, painting and hiking.
Maria McCarthy, Primary Co-lead Teacher
Ms. Maria is from Springfield, Pennsylvania. She moved to Jacksonville in June 2023. She majored in Early Childhood. She first learned about Montessori when a family friend suggested she look into being a Montessori teacher when she was trying to discern what career to pursue. Ms. Maria started to shadow in Montessori schools and knew that this was the path that she wanted to pursue. Her favorite thing about Montessori is the multi-sensory methodology that helps the child fully master the concepts of learning.
During her free time, Ms. Maria explores new coffee shops and walks her English Bulldog, Chubbs. She also loves reading about nutrition and healthy lifestyle options.
Dhurata Ndregjoni, Primary assistant
Ms. Dhurata was born in Albania and has been in Jacksonville since 2009. She first learned about Montessori education about two years ago. She is happy to have joined our Montessori Tides School family and loves the solid educational foundation that the Montessori classroom provides.
When she’s not in the Primary classroom or helping with aftercare, Ms. Dhurata spends her time taking care of her home.
Karla Marquez, Primary Assistant Teacher
Ms. Karla is from Torrance, California. She moved to Jacksonville in September 2021. She first learned about Montessori while teaching abroad in Lima, Peru. Her favorite thing about Montessori is that it is all encompassing, worldly cultural education.
During her free time, Ms. Karla loves to practice yoga, spend time with her dog, George and explore new kinds of food. She loves traveling and learning.
Carolina Cruz, Primary Assistant Teacher
Ms. Carolina is from Pereira, Colombia. She moved to Jacksonville in April 2021. She learned about Montessori during her first year of college. Her favorite thing about Montessori is the idea that children can learn through self-directed exploration and that it is focused on individualized learning.
Ms. Carolina loves traveling with her family and documenting it. She also loves sun gazing, hiking, paddling, climbing and crystal seeking. She was originally from South Florida, then she moved to Nashville and now she is living and loving Jacksonville, Florida.
Elementary Program
Jennifer Aldridge, Elementary Co-Lead Teacher
Ms. Jennifer is from Kansas. She moved to Jacksonville when she was 20 years old. She first learned about Montessori in 2023. Her favorite thing about Montessori is that it fosters a child’s independence while supporting the development of life skills.
Ms. Jennifer likes to bake, walk on the beach and enjoys game nights with her family.
Elaine Franklin, Lower Elementary assistant
Life is a tapestry of memories, some which link us to our history and our future. Stories define the nature of who we once were to who we are now. Mrs. Elaine’s Montessori story takes us back to a dental office in Springfield, Illinois. This is where she worked with a Montessorian from Gaeta, Italy, and first heard about the Montessori approach to education. Surely, a divine encounter that re-directed her life, a memory made of the stuff that illuminates her legacy–respect for all things.
Presently, Mrs. Elaine has been with the Montessori Tides community for ten years.
Her natural gift is cleaning and organizing. In her spare time, enjoying her family fills her with an increasing joy. Listening to music, exercising, and reading books are considered a luxury.
Arianna Franklin, Lower Elementary assistant
Ms. Ari was born in Oklahoma, but moved to Jacksonville when she was 4-years-old. Her mother, Ms. Elaine in Lower Elementary, enrolled her in Montessori Tides School for first grade.
“My favorite thing about Montessori is the ability to communicate peacefully and effectively to one another,” she said. “It’s such a powerful tool that is lost on so many, and I love that we get to teach that and so many other things at our school.”
Ms. Ari loves to spend time with her family and friends and watch movies.
Upper-Elementary Program
Marissa Karley, Elementary assistant
Ms. Marissa (her name rhymes with Teresa) hails from Boca Raton and moved to Jacksonville in 2018.
Her introduction to Montessori came early in life – her mother is a Montessori directress. Her home life was centered on Montessori philosophy, and she began school at age 2. She transitioned to public school in fourth grade after aging out of her Montessori school.
“My favorite thing about Montessori is the philosophy,” Ms. Marissa said. “Children should be treated with respect, and taught to respect the Earth and all living things.” “I also love all the Montessori materials and how they are introduced at an early age and then taught as extensions in later years,” she said. “In addition, I think grace and courtesy are important skills.”
Ms. Marissa enjoys playing games, especially Hedbanz, with her family and friends. She also enjoys meditation, inline skating, swimming and cooking. She looks forward to traveling more since she has friends and family around the world.
Nancy Hatton, Staff Development Coordinator
Mrs. Nancy’s hometown of Beech Grove, Indianapolis is where she first heard about the Montessori approach to education. While reading the Indianapolis Monthly, she discovered a Montessori school nearby. This was the school her children first attended and marked the beginning of her personal Montessori journey.
Ms. Nancy has been with the Montessori Tides community for more ten years. Watching young children develop the inner desire and joy of learning is what captivates her most. Standing back to observe a class is an unexpected joy to embrace daily.
After leading the Lower Elementary classroom for many years, Ms. Nancy decided to take a new role in 2018 that will have her more involved with the whole Montessori Tides School community.
Ms. Nancy teaches yoga, nature study and peace education in the Elementary program. She also brings her mentoring and leadership skills to all of the classrooms at Montessori Tides School.
In her spare time, Ms. Nancy teaches and practices yoga, relaxes at the beach and reads her personal favorites, mystery novels.
Brad Hatton, Director
Mr. Brad, an Indianapolis native, is usually the first person you meet at Montessori Tides School. He works in the office with Munson, and co-owns the school with Ms. Nancy, his wife.
Like many people, he learned about Montessori when looking for a school for their children, Zack and Zoey in 1998. When he and his family moved to Jacksonville in 2001, they joined Montessori Tides School. In January 2020, his grandson, Zeke, will join the school.
Mr. Brad likes the whole child approach in Montessori education.
“Education is so much more than knowledge,” he said. “We work with the other half of the child.”
When he’s not behind the desk at school, Mr. Brad enjoys sports, music, camping and traveling.
Kirk Farber, F.A.C.E. – Fitness and Character Education
Fitness and Character Education (F.A.C.E.) program developer Kirk Farber, a 7th degree black belt and seminar speaker, has worked with our Elementary classrooms for 10+ years. He combines martial arts, jumping rope, and juggling to guarantee results in agility, coordination, focus, and timing for today’s youth. He incorporates character education and building self-esteem through public speaking into every class session. Learn more about F.A.C.E.
Jeremy Nix, Science & Sound
Mr. Jeremy seeks to ignite each learner’s appreciation for the fundamental connections between sound, vibration, music and the material universe with his business, The Celestial Kingdom of Sounds.
He grew up as a classically trained musician, starting piano at 6 and then moving into other instruments, studying classical, jazz and popular music forms. He also received a home-school education through middle school, which incorporated many Montessori elements and developed an early appreciation for experimentation, science, and independent study. His eventual bachelor’s degree in chemistry led to recognition for his work as an undergraduate by the Sanibel Symposium on Quantum Biochemistry and a job managing a protein biochemistry lab doing Alzheimer’s research at Mayo Clinic.
He’s the resident sound curator at Yellow House, next to the CoRK Arts District, and he’s composing with the surviving members of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s band, Gray.
Munson, Office Assistant
Munson joined Montessori Tides School when he was just a few weeks old. Mr. Brad and Miss Nancy picked him up in Atlanta, where he was born the summer of 2015.
Since joining Mr. Brad in the office, Munson has warmly greeted students, teachers and parents. He especially enjoys visiting with the teachers during lunchtime.
Sometimes, Munson walks to the park with the elementary students for recess, but the walk really tires him. He is hoping to stay closer to the classrooms when he gets older so he can visit with the children as a reading companion.
