Administration

Maria Schuermann-Cole 

Founder and Headmistress, Primary Directress

Founder of MMS, Maria Schuermann-Cole serves as headmistress and primary directress of the school. Maria is certified through the Montessori Institute of Atlanta, AMI to teach ages 3-6 and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for ages 6-9. Maria is a 1999 graduate of Educateurs sans Frontières.

Arneishea Owens

 

Toddler Community Environment

Lee Montgomery

Childhood Guide

Lee is MMS’ childhood guide. She’s worked at MMS for 29 years and spent 12 of those years in the toddler environment.

Primary Environment

Edee Fuller

Primary Teacher

Edee is MMS’ primary teacher. Edee received a Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University and an Assistants to Infancy diploma from the Montessori Institute of North Texas. She also completed AMI primary assistant training at the Houston Montessori Institute.

Anna Kranz 

Primary Assistant

Anna Kranz serves as a primary assistant for ages 3-6. Anna received a bachelor’s degree in human development from Christian Brothers University and a diploma in AMI Assistant Training in Charlotte, North Carolina. She’s worked at MMS for 22 years

 

Elementary Environment

 Emily Farris

Elementary Teacher

Emily serves as an elementary guide and is also an alum of MMS. Emily received her AMI Elementary certification from the Montessori Center of Minnesota in 2021 and obtained a master’s degree in Montessori education from St. Catherine University in 2022.

Stephanie Cosby

Elementary Assistant

Stephanie Cosby is an elementary assistant. Stephanie received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with an emphasis in painting from Earlham College and completed the K-12 Arts Education Program at the University of Memphis.

 

Middle School Environment

Nellie Congdon

Middle School Teacher

Nellie serves as lead middle school teacher. Nellie studied fine arts at Cornell University and participated in Teach for America in Shelby County Schools before joining the MMS team.

Jessica Samuel

Middle School Language Arts, Librarian

Jessica received her bachelor’s degree from University of Kentucky in Lexington and master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University, in addition to several certifications. Jessica has 25 years of teaching experience.

Danian Jerry

Math Specialist

Danian is a graduate on the University of Memphis where he received a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy and a master’s degree in creative writing.

School Nurse

Lauren Langley-Fortenot

School Nurse, Middle School Community Lunch Coordinator

Lauren Langley-Fortenot attended LSU and graduated from Our Lady of the Lake College School of Nursing. She has previous experience working in the trauma and pediatric ICU.

Outdoor Environment

Mimi Trouy

Outdoor Guide

Mimi received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Memphis. She is also a nutrition, heath and fitness trainer.

B.S. Elementary Education, University of Memphis
Nutrition, Health and Fitness Trainer