"Of all things love is the most potent." – Maria Montessori. Need I say more? I am a 1982 graduate of New Hope High, outside of Columbus, MS. The oldest of three, one being special needs. I've been carrying babies on my hip for as long as I can remember. My mother owned and operated Brenda's Daycare, where I grew a love for children while receiving a lifetime of experience. I am the mother of three, grandmother of three and Na Na to many. I have been blessed with both fostering children and caregiving to the elderly. I am involved in Children's Church and Hospitality Ministries with Tupelo Church of God. I am super proud to be a part of TMS staff and love all of the little ones that come through our doors.

I have been at MST for a year and half now in the Early Childhood classroom. I have always enjoyed children and began babysitting at a young age. After getting my degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in marketing at MSU, I moved back to Tupelo, MS. I quickly decided to change career paths when I began working at MST. This by far has been my favorite phase in life. I love learning more about the Montessori philosophy and seeing the impact it has on our students is something that has been extremely rewarding for me. I look forward to continuing my education on the Montessori philosophy and watching all these sweet students continue to learn and grow!

As a child, I was fortunate to visit MST when my mom worked as an assistant teacher. It sparked my interest in Early Childhood Education and the Montessori philosophy. In 2014, I began working as an assistant in the aftercare program and obtained my Bachelor's degree in social work in 2016. I returned full-time as a lead teacher with my infant/toddler Montessori certification. Since then, I have taken on administrative work and have been in the office for almost 6 years now. MST has always felt like home to me, and I have been honored to raise my own boys in this environment. As both a parent and director, I can honestly say that there is nowhere like MST. The teachers work diligently to instill kindness, respect, and love.

I started at TMS in 2022 in infant care and I have fallen in love with my job. The infant room has such a special place in my heart. I love being able to see the world through their eyes. When I started working at MST, I didn't know much about Montessori. Since then, I've learned so much and absolutely love the Montessori method. My favorite thing about it is that it allows the child to grow and work at their own pace and we, as teachers, follow their lead. My goal is to become infant/toddler certified and learn so much more!

My husband and I live in Saltillo, MS and have adult children with four grandchildren. I have worked in the Montessori setting for over seven years. I first worked as an assistant and then earned my Montessori teaching diploma in 2017. I believe in the Montessori method of following the child. I wish to nurture each child in independence, a love of learning and a respect for all living things. In my free time I enjoy listening to music, camping, boating and spending time with my family.

I'm an upcoming senior at Tupelo High School. I have been working with children for a couple of years now starting my first job working in childcare for a gym and then nannying outside of school I have always loved watching their young minds grow. I have a little sister who is 11 and a brother who is 5. I am the Afternoon Assistant Toddler Teacher and I have absolutely loved my time here. All of the children are precious and I've loved getting to know all of their big personalities! I've learned so much and I am excited to learn more about the Montessori philosophy.

My husband and I have two German Shepherds that are our babies! I have been working in the toddler room at MST for over 2 years now, and I love it so much! I was familiar with the Montessori philosophy when I started but once I saw it being put into practice in the classroom, I was so intrigued to learn even more. My favorite aspect is allowing the child to grow independently. Allowing the freedom to do simple daily tasks by themselves empowers each child and has a deeper impact on their futures than many realize. I strongly believe in the power of speaking kindness and respect to children, and have seen its impact firsthand.

I love working with the infant and toddler age groups. My husband and I have a 5 year old son, who is in our Early Childhood Classroom. I completed my Montessori teaching certification through the North American Montessori Center in 2022 and had the opportunity to attend the 2023 Montessori Event in Boston, MA. The Montessori approach to education is so special to me. I love watching each child's unique interests emerge as they are allowed to choose what they would like to learn about, and I have a special interest in child psychology and language. I truly find so much joy in following the child.

I have 25+ years of experience teaching infants/toddlers, have been a lead teacher, director designee, and participant in excellent practices in early childhood education research project, Bridges to Quality: funded by the U.S. Department of Education. I received my Child Development Associate and Child Development Specialist certificates from the U.S. Department of Labor in 2000. My two granddaughters started in the toddler room here and had a wonderful time, learning a lot of practical life experience. I love my job and working with all the wonderful teachers who work very hard to create a safe, healthy, loving an enriching environment for all the children. MST staff and parents are my extended family. I have been married for 36 years, and have two wonderful children who are my best accomplishments.

I have been at MST since 2022. I started in the Early Childhood classroom for aftercare, and have since moved to toddler mornings! I am finishing up my degree at MSU, majoring in Education and Art. I have always had a passion for teaching and helping children learn and grow so working at MST has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. My favorite thing about Montessori is the fact that we put independence as a top priority. Working at MST and seeing these children everyday fills me with so much joy. They are always teaching me something new, and it's amazing to get to see the world through the eyes of a toddler.

I am an upcoming junior at Tupelo High School and I'm working in the Early Childhood Room in the afternoons where I love all the kids so much! I have always loved little kids and knew I wanted to get a job with younger kids - making this a perfect fit! I have a 4 year old sister so that has helped me connect with all the students. I also have been babysitting since I was 15 and obtained my Safe Sitter Certification! Everyone has made me feel so welcomed, including the children and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them!

I was born and raised in Tupelo, MS and have two pups, Coco and Mila, who are my babies! I started my Montessori journey about 6 years ago, and have been with MST for almost 3 years! I am currently the Lead Early Childhood Teacher, and have loved every second. I was allowed the greatest honor of going to Boston, MA for the 2023 Montessori Event and furthering my knowledge and career as a Montessori teacher! My favorite thing about the Montessori philosophy is following the child, figuring out what works best for them, and guiding them into their proudest selves! As long as children are growing, I am constantly growing in my love for guiding children with grace and respect! So thankful for this school in truly finding my passion and joy in children!

I have been at MST for almost a year now. After my retirement from owning a children's shop for over 30 years, I found myself needing another outlet to fulfill my passion working with children. The Montessori approach is both interesting and so appropriate to me, especially in today's society. I grew up babysitting and have 3 children, 2 grandchildren, and one more on the way. I am a nature advocate and enjoy the time spent outdoors and the creative learning projects we participate in at MST. I am also a big animal person and enjoy the time I get to spend on my mini farm with my dogs and horses. Thank you so much for sharing your precious children with me. They help me see the world through their eyes and it is a beautiful view!

I'm currently studying art with a focus on Elementary Education in hopes of one day becoming an art teacher. My hobbies include spending time with my dog, Biscuit and creating artwork. The montessori philosophy first interested me because of the hands-on learning the students participate in. I truly love helping our kiddos learn to navigate the world around them. I am currently the Infant Aftercare Assistant Teacher but help out in the other classrooms when needed. Working here has been the most fulfilling experience and I plan on bringing the teaching methods into my own classroom one day.

My husband and I have a very active 14 year old daughter named Mia. I studied Montessori in the summer of 2003 through The Center for Montessori Education at the College of New Rochelle, New York. I started the toddler program shortly after when MST opened it's doors in September 2003. I love the toddler years because their love of learning and minds are just sponges.