Meet Our Wonderful Staff
Morning Teachers
Lori Call
Director
Experience- I did my teacher training in 1987 through Little Way Montessori and received a MACTE certification. We opened our school in 1999 in our home and then in 2004 we opened in our current facility.
Favorite- I love how Dr. Montessori emphasized respect for the child. She asked us as adults to see the potential of a child to nurture and protect their innocence and honor their gifts. It has influenced the way I view my children and grandchildren and has enriched our interactions with each other.
Silliest- I'll never forget the time when I finished what I felt was an inspiring lesson and one of my students blurted out " Oh no, I need to get home and cut my toenails."
Shelly Moss
Experience: 1st year teaching in program. BS communicative Disorders, Speech Pathology & Audiology. Taught Sign Language. Mother of 6 & a foster parent.
Favorite: I love how the Montessori program takes each child and expands on their knowledge. Program teaches love and tolerance along with reading, math and practical life.
Shana Judkins
Experience: 3rd year of teaching. Certified with North American Montessori Center, plus a Montessori mom for the last 4 years.
Favorite: Working with the children and helping them with their reading skills.
Silliest moment: During a reading lesson with a 5 year old I had to help a few younger children with a conflict. When I returned she looked at me, rolled her eyes and said, "Kids!" She was very mature for her age.
Desari Read
Experience: 5th year teaching. International Montessori teaching diploma for preschool-kindergarten. I have had 3 children in the program.
Favorite: I love teaching math concepts to the children. They are so excited to learn and I love to see them help each other with work. The best is when they say, "I love you, Mrs. Read!"
Silliest: One boy came to me and said very thoughtfully, "Mrs. Read, I'm just a regular guy. " that really cracked me up.
Sheri Burton
Experience: 1st year with Montessori preschool. BS in Education, taught 6th grade for 8 years.
Favorite: Teaching reading
Afternoon Teachers
Nicole Rowley
Experience: 3rd Year of teaching with Montessori program. Certified with North American Montessori Center.
Favorite: The thing I really like about the program is each child works at his/her own pace. They are excited to learn, watching them get excited about math.
Silliest moment: In the field behind the school there was a horse, one day the owner switched out the horse for a cow. A little boy saw the cow and said, "Wow, that horse turned into a cow!"
Heather Winfrey
Experience: Prior to Syracuse Montessori I taught Pre-K at a private school in Maryland. I am certified with North American Montessori Center.
Favorite: Children are involved in an environment where exploration is highly encouraged. They have the freedom to work independently which allows them to learn at their own level without limitations.
Silliest Moment: Singing time is always fun, but the "tooty-ta" is a class favorite and not to be missed for those who need a good giggle. I feel blessed to be able to laugh daily with the children.
Hollie Sandberg
This is my son's 2nd year in the program . I love teaching children. I love the look on their faces when they learn new things and say with excitement "Teacher I did it!!!!!" Thats the best feeling in the world. My first day of teaching I asked my son so are you going to call me mom or Mrs.Sandberg? and he said "Can I call you Mrs. Judkins?" :) and I always look forward to the number dance and everybody's favorite AMERICA. My boys really thrive in the program and I have really enjoyed watching their progress as well as the other children. I feel so lucky to have been given this opportunity .