Our Staff
M. Kathleen Leitch
Head of School
"The children continue to inspire me to see the world through their eyes... a world filled with hope, possibility, and potential!"
Professional Background
- Founder and Head of School
- Bachelor's Degree with a focus in Exceptional Student Education
- American Montessori Certification: 0-6
- Director's Credentials from the State of Florida
- 30 years Experience in Education
- Montessori Teacher Trainer and Workshop Leader
- Parenting Instructor
- Stress Management Facilitator
- 45 Hours Department of Children and Families Training
- Redirecting Children's Behavior Certified
- CPR and First Aid Certified
Professional Associations
- American Montessori Society
- International Montessori Council
- North American Montessori Teachers Association
Katharine Edlin
Lead Teacher, Infant/Toddler Environment
"Working with children inspires me as I watch innocence, wonder, spirit, and curiosity drive their development. Children are a true gift and they remind me to be present in the moment, accept what is, and find simple joys!"
Professional Background
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (emphasis on childhood development)
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Master of Art in Teaching (in process)
- American Montessori Society Certification: 0-3
- RIE Infant Training Workshop
- 4 Years Montessori Teaching Experience
- 1 Year Traditional Teaching Experience
- 20+ Years Experience Working with Children
- 45 hours Department of Children and Families Training
- Redirecting Children's Behavior Certified
- CPR and First Aid Certified
Carmi Johnson
Lead Teacher, Elementary Environment
"I love children's spontaneity and freedom, and their ability to see the silver lining and the good side of things."
Professional Background
- Bachelor of Science in Spanish and Business Administration
- 8 Years Experience Teaching Spanish at the University Level
- American Montessori Society Certification: 6-12
- 5 years Montessori Teaching Experience
- 21 Hours Montessori Key Concepts Training
- Fluent in Spanish
- Redirecting Children's Behavior Certified
- CPR and First Aid Certified
Norma Anthony
Co-Teacher, Primary Environment
"I am passionate about working with children because they are so eager to learn. I want to be a positive influence in this most important time of their lives. A good foundation in the beginning of life surely gives the child an opportunity to succeed in the future."
Professional Background
- Associate's Degree in Accounting
- American Montessori Society Certification: 3-6
- 9 Years Montessori Teaching Experience
- Fluent in Spanish
- 45 hours Department of Children and Families Training
- Redirecting Children's Behavior Certified
- CPR and First Aid Certified
Colleen McDonald Reed
Co-Teacher, Primary Environment
“Children are the delight in my heart. They are precious beings with potentials waiting to unfold. I have always found myself blessed to be around children and families. My mother graced me with the desire to hold fast to my imagination and intuition to create a better world. The Montessori philosophy found me right after the birth of my first child and has been a guiding vision in my life and in almost every life circumstance. I return full circle to being offered the opportunity to serve once again in the pre-primary classroom.”
Professional Background
- Masters in Education, Montessori
- Bachelors of Arts, English Writing/Communications
- American Montessori Society Certification 3-6
- 11 Years Experience Teaching
- 7 Years Experience Montessori School Administration
- 1 year of traditional teaching
- 16 Years Clinical Facilitator in Alcohol and Drug Education
- Research Institute Certification current
- Certified FIT Families in Transition facilitator
Professional Associations
- American Montessori Society
- Pro Literacy: Bonita Springs and Ft. Myers Literacy Council
- Member of National Association of Educational for Young Children
- Xavier University Graduate Alumni Association
Gaitrie Samoedjh
Assistant Teacher, Infant/Toddler Environment
"What I love about working with children is the bond we have with each child. It is wonderful to see the child bonding with the caregiver."
Professional Background
- 3 years college level experience in Dutch, English and Spanish
- 7 Years Montessori Teaching Experience
- 21 Hours Montessori Key Concepts Training
- 45 Hours Department of Children and Families Training
- Redirecting Children's Behavior Certified
- CPR and First Aid Certified
Angela Kelley
Assistant Teacher, Infant/Toddler Environment
Professional Background
- RIE I Infant Certification Training
- Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education (in process)
- 3 Years Montessori Teaching Experience
- Classroom Leadership Course
- 45 hours Department of Children and Families Training
- Redirecting Children's Behavior Certified
- CPR and First Aid Certified
