Suncoast Montessori
Educators
The educators in the Montessori classroom are concerned with the whole child. Spiritual, emotional, intellectual, social, and physical development each hold equal importance. The educator's goal is to help each child develop fully and reach his or her highest potential. Montessori educators, referred to as “Guides”, present each child with lessons, which are scientifically designed hands-on materials. The Montessori Guide follows the child through observations in order to present the next developmentally appropriate experience at the right time. The Montessori educator is the dynamic link between this prepared environment and the child. All activities take place in a beautiful, alternative thinking environment where children enjoy working together.
MELANIE SMITH
Melanie Smith is an educator who started Suncoast Montessori in her home in 2015, after having worked in the private and public school systems since 2000. Melanie combined her educational leadership experience as an elementary school principal with her experience as a Montessori Guide to create Suncoast Montessori Academy . Melanie is passionate about providing a developmentally appropriate educational experience and believes that the child’s self-esteem, spirit, and happiness while in an educational setting are more important than standards and test scores. When the child is educated as an individual, he or she will progress in all areas, especially academically, to his or her fullest potential. Melanie trains the Suncoast Montessori Academy staff to encourage children to think outside of the box, take risks, and to learn from his or her mistakes.
Melanie is the both Director and educator at Suncoast Montessori Academy and earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Florida. Following several years in the US Army, Melanie taught at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton working with three and four year olds. In 2005, her interest in alternative educational practices for her own child led her to Island Village Montessori Charter School, where she taught Kindergarten and 1st grade students before becoming the Principal, ESOL (English speakers of Other Languages) Liaison, and ESE (Exceptional Student Education) teacher at the Island Village Sarasota Campus. Melanie's passion for working with children at their present levels and assisting them to reach their individual goals resulted in her taking on additional responsibilities as ESE (Exceptional Student Education) Liaison and ESE teacher, helping children work on their IEP (Individual Education Plan) goals during the 2014-15 school year.
Melanie holds the following certifications:
-
State of Florida Department of Education Certified Educator in Prekindergarten/Primary Education (Age 3 - Grade 3), ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages), ESE (Exceptional Student Education) grades K-12
-
American Montessori Society Elementary I Montessori Credential
-
Level One Orff Schilwerk Certification (music instruction)
-
(DCF) Department of Children and Families Staff Credential for Child Care Facilities
-
DCF Child Care Centers VPK (Voluntary Pre-k) Endorsed Childcare Center Directors Credential
-
Florida Department of Education VPK Instructor training
REBECCA JOHNSON
Rebecca Johnson is our primary lead teacher. Rebecca has taught in both public and private schools since 2004. She received her Bachelor Degree from the University of South Florida in 2004 and received her American Montessori Society Certification in 2005. Rebecca went on the receive a Child Care Center Management Credential and a Director Credential in 2008. She is currently studying at Florida Southern University and hopes to receive her Master's degree in the near future. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys traveling, sports, puzzles, and reading.
EMILY MURRAY
Emily Murray joined our team of educators in June 2019. Emily has worked at Montessori Schools since she was eighteen years old. Emily began her career working with children in 2012. Emily has her degree in Early Childhood and loves dedicating her teaching in a Montessori environment. Emily was born and raised in Sarasota, FL and loves taking advantage of the gorgeous beaches, spending time with her family and friends, and reading books!
.jpg)
SELENA ACKERLAND
Selena Ackerland has been in the educational field for the last 15 years. Selena joined Indigo Circle in July 2018. She is a sign language interpreter. She also lived in the Dominican Republic for 6 years teaching English to children and working with the deaf community. Selena's degree is in Early Childhood Education and she worked at Island Village Montessori for 4 years. Selena enjoys giving Spanish and Sign Language lessons. Selena holds the DCF Staff Credential for Child Care Facilities and Florida Department of Education VPK Instructor training.
RHONDA FRANK
Rhonda Frank is one of our amazing teachers as well as one of our teacher trainers. Rhonda’s extensive background in Montessori and the education field brings a wealth of information to Indigo Circle. Rhonda has thirty-seven years experience working with parents and children in many capacities: Montessori Pregnancy program, preschool- high school teacher in both the Montessori public and private sector, and as a school administrator.
-
Master's Degree Special Education
-
Bachelor's Degree Early Childhood Education (preschool-3rd grade)
-
AA Child Development
-
FL Department of Education Professional Educator's Certificate in Pre-K/Primary (age 3- grade 3) and ESE(exceptional student education) Grades K-12
-
Montessori Certification ages 3 to 6
-
DCF Staff Credential for Child Care Facilities
JENNIFER JOHNSON
Jennifer Johnson is one of our behind the scenes educators. Jennifer’s many talents help make Suncoast Montessori Academy a well-rounded program, preparing our teachers and students for today’s technical world. Jennifer’s responsibilities are:
-
STEAM Curriculum Adviser
-
EdTech Adviser
-
Web Designer
-
Social Media Coordinator
-
Spanish Curriculum Adviser
-
Camp curriculum developer/adviser
-
Professional Development developer
Jennifer has over twenty-five years of experience in the education field. Jennifer has a B.A in Foreign Language and Spanish Education as well as a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Instructional Technology.
Jennifer has developed a variety of curriculum for and taught all ages; preschool, Kindergarten -12th grade and adult learners. Jennifer is a dedicated educator with a diverse background in education. She had worked in the following roles:
-
Curriculum Developer
-
Educational Technology (EdTech) Coach
-
Makerspace & STEAM Camp Developer and Director
-
Classroom teacher
-
Spanish Language Instructor
-
ESL Instructor (adult)
Jennifer has an extensive background and strong interest in preparing students for responsible technology use as part of their education. Specific areas of interest in education include Digital Citizenship, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) & EdTech. Projects in these areas include:
-
Developed & managed a Community Tech Lab for Washington State University Extension, 4-H through Afterschool STEAM classes, STEAM Summer Camps and community partnerships.
-
FIRST Robotics Volunteer Coach (grades 9-12).
-
Developed and led educator Professional Development programs based on Experiential Education theories to help educators foster a caring culture and develop a sense of community within their classrooms, afterschool programs, and camps for K-12 students.
-
Developed and led educator Professional Development programs based on integrating Computer Science and Digital Citizenship across the curriculum using STEAM lessons and activities to reinforce and transform learning.
When Jennifer isn’t busy supporting the Indigo Circle team she supports families as a Digital Parenting Coach as well as school districts and classroom teachers across the country as an EdTech Coach and Curriculum Developer. Jennifer enjoys photography, learning new things, coding, robotics, and Maker activities.
