Meet our Teachers
Toddler Program
Johanna Porter, Lead Directress
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.
DeAnne Deleon, Lead Directress
DeAnne, has an inbuilt drive for discovery. Being a native of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, she cultivated a love of gardening, hiking, camping, and basically anything involved in the great outdoors. Encouraging children to observe the world and to feel a sense of wonder for everything in it, is just one way she fosters her peaceful connection, in her world and into the lives around her. Her first experience in a Montessori classroom was nothing more than life changing. While visiting a niece at school, the veil was lifted and a new pursuit transpired: Montessori Teacher. Her favorite thing about Montessori is the respect for the child. For over six years, DeAnne, continues to be a compliment to the Montessori Tides Community.
Hillary Hoxie, Associate Teacher
In the same way a friendly breeze helps a sail boat into the harbor, Hillary Hoxie’s friendly disposition invites families into the comforting close knit community of the Montessori Tides School. Her awakening to the Montessori approach to education stems from her husband, Jesse. Marrying into Montessori genes wasn’t hard to resist. Her mother-in-law was a primary teacher and her husband was raised a Montessori child. For six years, Hillary continues to be a shining star and a friendly face. In her personal time, she enjoys swimming, hiking, and working on crafts with her family. In addition, her friendly loving nature extends to Lucy, Tiger, Holly, Squirt, Hammy, and Squeakers. The family pets!
Amber Smith, Associate Teacher
Amber became interested in Montessori as a result of volunteering to help Autistic children in our local Jacksonville area. This particular volunteer position happened to be at a Montessori School specializing in Autism. While studying the philosophy of Montessori, it over took her and she was hooked. “The child’s self construction to independence is my favorite thing about Montessori,” Smith explains. Now in her third year at Montessori Tides, Amber is looking forward to many more. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, coaching mom & tot gymnastics, and laying around with her three incredibly large Great Danes-Xena, Razel, and Blanca.
Mabel Sanchez-Parrilla, Associate Teacher
Mabel is originally from Cagus, Puerto Rico. Seven years ago she made her way to the states. Out of many admirable qualities, Mabel beholds a vital and essential quality to have when working with children. Her self-confidence is a direct reflection of her inner drive, “I can do everything I desire to do”. When the children look into her eyes, her confidence is mirrored directly into their lives. College is where she first heard about Montessori, and upon her hearing; another heart was enlightened based on an approach for its hands-on learning. This is her second year assisting in the toddler program at Montessori Tides. In her spare time you might catch her cruising the beach on her bike.
Primary Program
Kathy Graham, Lead Directress
It was in Chicago, Illinois, where Kathy Graham 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, Graham 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. Graham say’s “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 Kathy Graham’s story.
Teuta Gjini, Lead Primary Teacher
Teuta first became acquainted with the Montessori approach to education in New York City. Instantly, she was captivated by a peaceful environment, the freedom of choice in movement, and the Montessori community (relationship between staff and parents). Clearly, Montessori was the right fit for her. Since then, the gentle breezes of life led her to Montessori Tides where she is going on her sixth year. Prior to her lead role at Montessori Tides, Teuta facilitated as a humbled assistant yet, fully certified to lead. This makes her unique and special to our school. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, sewing, reading, and cleaning; not to mention, spending quality time with her loyal companion, Bella.
Jessica Coulon, Associate Teacher
In 2004 Jessica became a substitute teacher at a Montessori school in her hometown of Muskegon, Maine. In all of Montessori’s glory, this is her favorite thing: it nurtures the “whole child”, including moral and personal development. Since this first experience, she has chosen to be an assistant in the Montessori school atmosphere. She has now been with Montessori Tides for one year. There are many things Jessica likes to do in her spare time. A few of her favorites are: reading, music, gardening, and cooking.
Angelina Edwards, Associate Teacher and After Care Assistant
Working with children has always been an important aspect of Angelina’s career life, however; two years ago she stumbled along something different at Montessori Tides. She credits this difference to the freedom Montessori gives the child to explore their individual interest. In college, she first heard about Montessori, and after assisting for two years at Montessori Tides, knowledge transpired into an experience. Art is an essential element of Angelina’s personality and her creative edge can be seen in all her hobbies, which include: drawing, painting, and anything she can add a touch to.
Elementary Program
Nancy Hatton, Lead Directress
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. Currently Nancy has been with the Montessori Tides community for over ten years. Watching young children develop the inner desire and joy of learning is what captivates her most. Standing back to observe her class is an unexpected joy to embrace daily. In her spare time, you can find her practicing yoga, relaxing at the beach, or reading her personal favorites, mystery novels.
Elaine Franklin, 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. 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, Elaine has been with the Montessori Tides community for eight 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.
Diana Tucker, Aftercare Assistant
Diana is a native to our beautiful Jacksonville Beaches area. She first heard about Montessori from a co-worker and decided to open her mouth and taste what Montessori was truly all about. Her favorite thing about Montessori is the way birthday celebrations are celebrated, “walk around the sun”. Diana declares, “What a great way to look at life.” This year started her eighth year as the Montessori Tides Aftercare Assistant. After a wonderful afternoon with children, reading mystery novels and cuddling with her dogs complete her evening.
Upper-Elementary Program
Stephanie Doran, Lead Directress
Stephanie is originally from New York, and moved to Jacksonville Beach, six years ago with her husband, Pete. This year, marks her eleventh year teaching, and prior to becoming a teacher, she worked as a journalist. She knew her passion was always for teaching, which is why she decided to go back to school for her education degree. While in Grad School, writing and assigned term paper, She began to fully retain Montessori’s approach to learning. Today, Stephanie holds a Masters Degree in education, and has spent time in both the public and private sectors. In fact, two years out of her eleven years teaching were spent right her at Montessori Tides as the lead teacher of the Adolescent Community. Her favorite thing about Montessori is how everything has its place, which in turn, creates a calm working environment. In June, she and her husband welcomed their first child, a daughter named Harper. Several hobbies of hers include: running, reading, yoga, and the beach.
