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Welcome to Abintra Montessori, an intentional and inclusive community centered in developing confident, self-motivated learners who creatively meet the challenges of life.
It is this intentionality of focusing on the development of self that speaks to so many of our current and prospective families. Maria Montessori was one of the first great thinkers (a medical doctor and social scientist) that recognized that all children everywhere carry the internal abilities they need for optimal development. They are not empty vessels, but never-ending wonders of internal growth, sense-making, and knowledge acquisition.
At Abintra, we are committed to offering a prepared environment coupled with dedicated adult guidance that sparks joy, fosters independence, and engenders a deep love of learning centered in interest and exploring the natural world and human connectedness.
We value and welcome all families, of all types and make-ups, as we believe that Education is the pathway to peace for all communities. Our remarkable children, welcoming parent community, and deeply trained and talented Team make Abintra Montessori an authentic Montessori educational home in greater Nashville. We hope to meet you soon!
We must see the child from the point of the future man. We must understand that it is a human right that the child should grow in the right way because the man will grow from the child in a few years. This man must have the rights of every citizen.
~ Maria Montessori, The 1946 London Lectures, p. 140
Amber Oxley,
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Administration
Amber Oxley
Head of School
With Abintra since 2023
Education:
– College of Santa Fe - B.F.A.
– Case Western Reserve University, Weatherhead School of Management - M.S. Change Management and Organizational Design
Certification:
– International Montessori Training Institute – AMI Adolescent Diploma
– Empowering People in the Workplace Facilitator, Positive Discipline Association
With Abintra since 2023
Education:
– College of Santa Fe - B.F.A.
– Case Western Reserve University, Weatherhead School of Management - M.S. Change Management and Organizational Design
Certification:
– International Montessori Training Institute – AMI Adolescent Diploma
– Empowering People in the Workplace Facilitator, Positive Discipline Association
April Crook
Office Manager
With Abintra since 2023
Education:
– The University of Tennessee - B.S Human Ecology
– The University of Tennessee - M.S. Child and Family Studies
Montessori Certification:
– AMI Primary Diploma (3-6)
– AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma (0-3)
Certification:
– Permaculture Design Certificate
With Abintra since 2023
Education:
– The University of Tennessee - B.S Human Ecology
– The University of Tennessee - M.S. Child and Family Studies
Montessori Certification:
– AMI Primary Diploma (3-6)
– AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma (0-3)
Certification:
– Permaculture Design Certificate
Lindsay Moorman
Business Manager
With Abintra since 2022
Education:
– University of Montevallo - B.A., Business Administration, Marketing
– Regis University - M.B.A., Strategic Management
Certification:
– Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
– Empowering People in the Workplace Facilitator, Positive Discipline Association
With Abintra since 2022
Education:
– University of Montevallo - B.A., Business Administration, Marketing
– Regis University - M.B.A., Strategic Management
Certification:
– Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
– Empowering People in the Workplace Facilitator, Positive Discipline Association
Molly Henry
Communication/ Human Growth Coordinator
With Abintra since 2000
Education:
– Vanderbilt University - B.S. Psychology
Certification:
– Planned Parenthood Trained Sexuality Educator
– Certified Positive Discipline Lead Trainer
– Highlands Certified Consultant
– Strong Certified Practitioner
With Abintra since 2000
Education:
– Vanderbilt University - B.S. Psychology
Certification:
– Planned Parenthood Trained Sexuality Educator
– Certified Positive Discipline Lead Trainer
– Highlands Certified Consultant
– Strong Certified Practitioner
Rebecka Roberts
Technology Coordinator
With Abintra since 2018
Education:
– The Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sweden - M.A. in Music Education
Certification:
– Belmont University - Level 1 Certification, Orff Method
– Age of Montessori, Montessori Early Childhood Education Overview
– Apple Teacher
– Empowering People in the Workplace Facilitator, Positive Discipline Association
With Abintra since 2018
Education:
– The Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sweden - M.A. in Music Education
Certification:
– Belmont University - Level 1 Certification, Orff Method
– Age of Montessori, Montessori Early Childhood Education Overview
– Apple Teacher
– Empowering People in the Workplace Facilitator, Positive Discipline Association
Primary
Patricia Salazar
Primary Instructional Coordinator and Guide
With Abintra since 2004
Education:
– Universidad del Valle (Colombia) - B.A. Business Administration
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certifications:
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
– Positive Discipline Parent Educator
– Total Physical Response (TPR)
With Abintra since 2004
Education:
– Universidad del Valle (Colombia) - B.A. Business Administration
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certifications:
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
– Positive Discipline Parent Educator
– Total Physical Response (TPR)
Blair Tramel
Primary 1 Guide
With Abintra since 2019
Education:
– Vanderbilt University - B.S. Human/Organizational Development, Studio Art
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certification:
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
With Abintra since 2019
Education:
– Vanderbilt University - B.S. Human/Organizational Development, Studio Art
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certification:
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
Grace Chamness
Primary 1 Guide
With Abintra since 2017
Education:
– Middle Tennessee State University - B.S. Early Elementary Education
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 2.5-6
Certifications/Licensures:
– TN Teaching License: Early Childhood and Social Welfare, PreK-3rd
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
With Abintra since 2017
Education:
– Middle Tennessee State University - B.S. Early Elementary Education
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 2.5-6
Certifications/Licensures:
– TN Teaching License: Early Childhood and Social Welfare, PreK-3rd
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
Abigail Beier
Primary 2 Guide
With Abintra since 2019
Education:
– Lipscomb University - B.S. Elementary Ed.
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certifications/Licensures:
– TN Teaching License, Elementary K-6, English as a Second Language, PreK-12
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
With Abintra since 2019
Education:
– Lipscomb University - B.S. Elementary Ed.
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certifications/Licensures:
– TN Teaching License, Elementary K-6, English as a Second Language, PreK-12
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
Emily Gallagher
Primary 2 Guide
With Abintra since 2024
Education:
– Hallmark Institute of Photography - B.A. Photography
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certifications/Licensures:
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
With Abintra since 2024
Education:
– Hallmark Institute of Photography - B.A. Photography
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certifications/Licensures:
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
Vanessa Swiggart
Primary 3 Guide
With Abintra since 2020, 2014-17
Education:
– Belmont University - B.A. Music Performance
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certification:
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
– Belmont University - Level 1 Certification, Orff Method
With Abintra since 2020, 2014-17
Education:
– Belmont University - B.A. Music Performance
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certification:
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
– Belmont University - Level 1 Certification, Orff Method
Ruby Sweitzer
Primary 3 Guide
With Abintra since 2022
Education:
– University of Hartford -B.S. in Early Childhood Education
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certification:
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
With Abintra since 2022
Education:
– University of Hartford -B.S. in Early Childhood Education
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certification:
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
Athena Childs Fleisher
Primary Guide
With Abintra since 2022
Education:
– Florida State University - B.A. International Affairs
– The University of Arizona - Master of Business Administration and Master in Public Health
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certification:
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
With Abintra since 2022
Education:
– Florida State University - B.A. International Affairs
– The University of Arizona - Master of Business Administration and Master in Public Health
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certification:
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
Kristen Slocum
Primary Support Guide
With Abintra since 2017
Education:
– Middle TN State University - B.S. Early Childhood
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certification:
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
With Abintra since 2017
Education:
– Middle TN State University - B.S. Early Childhood
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certification:
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
John Toomey
Gross Motor and Extended Care
With Abintra since 2012
Education:
– Murray State University - B.F.A. Drawing, Painting
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certifications:
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
– Mindfulness Institute
Professional Development:
– Nurturing the Roots, The Tracking Project
– Archery Certification, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
– Yoga for Children, The Asheville Yoga Center
With Abintra since 2012
Education:
– Murray State University - B.F.A. Drawing, Painting
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certifications:
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
– Mindfulness Institute
Professional Development:
– Nurturing the Roots, The Tracking Project
– Archery Certification, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
– Yoga for Children, The Asheville Yoga Center
Kari Buichas
Primary Music Instructor
Certification:
– Musikgarten
Certification:
– Musikgarten
Elementary
Claudia C'deBaca
Elementary Coordinator & Learning Specialist
With Abintra since 1999
Education:
– University of New Mexico - B.A. Special Education
– Vanderbilt University - M.A. Special Education
Certification:
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
With Abintra since 1999
Education:
– University of New Mexico - B.A. Special Education
– Vanderbilt University - M.A. Special Education
Certification:
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
Carriga Camp
Lower Elementary Lead Guide
With Abintra since 2008
Education:
– College of Charleston - B.A. English
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 2.5-6
– Elementary Training 6-9
Certification:
– Total Physical Response (TPR)
– Total Physical Response through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS)
– Orton-Gillingham for Language
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
Professional Development:
– Junior Great Books Training
With Abintra since 2008
Education:
– College of Charleston - B.A. English
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 2.5-6
– Elementary Training 6-9
Certification:
– Total Physical Response (TPR)
– Total Physical Response through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS)
– Orton-Gillingham for Language
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
Professional Development:
– Junior Great Books Training
Justice Dobson
Lower Elementary Assistant
With Abintra since 2021
Education:
– Lipscomb University - B.S. Business Management
Certification:
– Elementary Montessori Classroom Assistant
– Elementary 6-9, Candidate
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
With Abintra since 2021
Education:
– Lipscomb University - B.S. Business Management
Certification:
– Elementary Montessori Classroom Assistant
– Elementary 6-9, Candidate
– Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator
Jodi McDaniel
Elementary Support Guide
With Abintra since 2004
Education:
– University of New Orleans - B.G.A.
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 2.5-7
– Elementary 6-9
– Field Representative for Teacher Certification: Age of Montessori
Certification:
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
Professional Development:
– Tennessee Performing Arts Center education workshops
– Tennessee Arts Academy education workshops
– Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History virtual classes
– Tennessee State Museum education workshops
With Abintra since 2004
Education:
– University of New Orleans - B.G.A.
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 2.5-7
– Elementary 6-9
– Field Representative for Teacher Certification: Age of Montessori
Certification:
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
Professional Development:
– Tennessee Performing Arts Center education workshops
– Tennessee Arts Academy education workshops
– Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History virtual classes
– Tennessee State Museum education workshops
Leah Graby
Upper Elementary Lead Guide
With Abintra since 2007
Education:
– Pennsylvania State University – B.S. K - Elementary Education
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood certification 3-6
– Elementary Certification 6-12
Certification:
– Orton-Gillingham for Language
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
With Abintra since 2007
Education:
– Pennsylvania State University – B.S. K - Elementary Education
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood certification 3-6
– Elementary Certification 6-12
Certification:
– Orton-Gillingham for Language
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
Jonell Smith
Upper Elementary Guide
With Abintra since 2009
Education:
– East Tennessee State University - B.S. Elementary Education
Montessori Certification:
– Elementary 6-12
Certification:
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
With Abintra since 2009
Education:
– East Tennessee State University - B.S. Elementary Education
Montessori Certification:
– Elementary 6-12
Certification:
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
Anja Honselmann
Upper Elementary Guide
With Abintra since 2022
Education:
– University of Münster, Germany - Diploma program of Educational Science
– University of Münster, Germany - Teaching License in Primary Education
Montessori Training:
– Primary/Elementary 3-14
With Abintra since 2022
Education:
– University of Münster, Germany - Diploma program of Educational Science
– University of Münster, Germany - Teaching License in Primary Education
Montessori Training:
– Primary/Elementary 3-14
John Toomey
Art Guide and Extended Care
With Abintra since 2012
Education:
– Murray State University - B.F.A. Drawing, Painting
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certifications:
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
– Mindfulness Institute
Professional Development:
– Nurturing the Roots, The Tracking Project
– Archery Certification, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
– Yoga for Children, The Asheville Yoga Center
With Abintra since 2012
Education:
– Murray State University - B.F.A. Drawing, Painting
Montessori Certification:
– Early Childhood 3-6
Certifications:
– Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
– Mindfulness Institute
Professional Development:
– Nurturing the Roots, The Tracking Project
– Archery Certification, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
– Yoga for Children, The Asheville Yoga Center
Caroline Cercone
German as a Foreign Language/Ceramics Instructor
With Abintra since 2021
Education:
– Philipps University, Marburg - M.A. Japanese Studies
– Keiko University, Tokyo - Japanese Language/Art Studies
– Pinland School of Crafts - Pottery Studies
With Abintra since 2021
Education:
– Philipps University, Marburg - M.A. Japanese Studies
– Keiko University, Tokyo - Japanese Language/Art Studies
– Pinland School of Crafts - Pottery Studies
Rebecka Roberts
Technology/Music Instructor
With Abintra since 2018
Education:
– The Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sweden - M.A. in Music Education
Certification:
– Belmont University - Level 1 Certification, Orff Method
– Age of Montessori -Montessori Early Childhood Education Overview
– Apple Teacher
With Abintra since 2018
Education:
– The Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sweden - M.A. in Music Education
Certification:
– Belmont University - Level 1 Certification, Orff Method
– Age of Montessori -Montessori Early Childhood Education Overview
– Apple Teacher
Benton Moore
Elementary Support and Extended Care
With Abintra since 2019
With Abintra since 2019
Adolescent
Kristin Romberg
Adolescent Lead Guide and Coordinator
With Abintra since 2023
Education:
– Dartmouth College - B.A. Music; Human Development and Learning
Montessori Certification:
– International Montessori Training Institute – AMI Adolescent Diploma (ages 12-18)
– Center for Guided Montessori Studies – IMC Elementary Diploma (ages 6-12)
– June Shelton School - Montessori Applied to Children at Risk, Level I and Level II
Certifications/Licensure:
– Certified Academic Language Practitioner
– State Certified K-8 Classroom Teacher
– State Certified PK-12 Music Teacher
– State Certified K-12 Special Education Teacher
– Level I Certification, Orff Method
– 4MAT Teacher Certification and 4MAT Trainer Certification
With Abintra since 2023
Education:
– Dartmouth College - B.A. Music; Human Development and Learning
Montessori Certification:
– International Montessori Training Institute – AMI Adolescent Diploma (ages 12-18)
– Center for Guided Montessori Studies – IMC Elementary Diploma (ages 6-12)
– June Shelton School - Montessori Applied to Children at Risk, Level I and Level II
Certifications/Licensure:
– Certified Academic Language Practitioner
– State Certified K-8 Classroom Teacher
– State Certified PK-12 Music Teacher
– State Certified K-12 Special Education Teacher
– Level I Certification, Orff Method
– 4MAT Teacher Certification and 4MAT Trainer Certification
Brittany Fluman
Adolescent Guide
With Abintra since 2023
Education:
– B.A. Cognitive Behavioral Psychology
– M.A. Humanistic Psychology
Montessori Certification:
– International Montessori Training Institute - AMI Adolescent Diploma, Candidate
With Abintra since 2023
Education:
– B.A. Cognitive Behavioral Psychology
– M.A. Humanistic Psychology
Montessori Certification:
– International Montessori Training Institute - AMI Adolescent Diploma, Candidate
Caroline Cercone
German as a Foreign Language/Ceramics Instructor
With Abintra since 2021
Education:
– Philipps University, Marburg - M.A. Japanese Studies
– Keiko University, Tokyo - Japanese Language/Art Studies
– Pinland School of Crafts - Pottery Studies
With Abintra since 2021
Education:
– Philipps University, Marburg - M.A. Japanese Studies
– Keiko University, Tokyo - Japanese Language/Art Studies
– Pinland School of Crafts - Pottery Studies
John Toomey
Art Guide
With Abintra since 2012
Education:
- Murray State University – B.F.A. Drawing, Painting
Montessori Certification:
- Early Childhood 3-6
Certifications:
- Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
- Mindfulness Institute
Professional Development:
- Nurturing the Roots, The Tracking Project
- Archery Certification, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
- Yoga for Children, The Asheville Yoga Center
With Abintra since 2012
Education:
- Murray State University – B.F.A. Drawing, Painting
Montessori Certification:
- Early Childhood 3-6
Certifications:
- Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
- Mindfulness Institute
Professional Development:
- Nurturing the Roots, The Tracking Project
- Archery Certification, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
- Yoga for Children, The Asheville Yoga Center
Rebecka Roberts
Technology/Music Instructor
With Abintra since 2018
Education:
– The Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sweden - M.A. in Music Education
Certification:
– Belmont University - Level 1 Certification, Orff Method
– Age of Montessori -Montessori Early Childhood Education Overview
– Apple Teacher
With Abintra since 2018
Education:
– The Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sweden - M.A. in Music Education
Certification:
– Belmont University - Level 1 Certification, Orff Method
– Age of Montessori -Montessori Early Childhood Education Overview
– Apple Teacher
Support Team
Emi Canahuati
Human Growth & Development Instructor
With Abintra since 2017
Education:
– New York University - M.A. Counseling Psychology
– Florida International University - B.A. Psychology
Certification:
– Sexuality Educator - AASECT
– Positive Discipline Parent Educator
– Positive Discipline Educator
With Abintra since 2017
Education:
– New York University - M.A. Counseling Psychology
– Florida International University - B.A. Psychology
Certification:
– Sexuality Educator - AASECT
– Positive Discipline Parent Educator
– Positive Discipline Educator
Emily Allen
Photographer, Visual Communications, and Social Media
With Abintra since 2012
Education:
– University of Southern California - B.A. Psychology and Creative Writing
With Abintra since 2012
Education:
– University of Southern California - B.A. Psychology and Creative Writing
Larry Keeling
Facilities and Landscape Manager
With Abintra since 1999
With Abintra since 1999
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