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 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.
Eliana Mabe
Toddler Assistant
Eliana is one of MMS’ toddler assistants.
Rae Hughes
Toddler Assistant
Rae is one of MMS’ toddler assistants.
Primary Environment
Marilyn Jenkins
Primary Guide
Marilyn is MMS’ primary teacher.
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 Guide
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.
Sara Barton
Elementary Assistant
Sara is MMS’ elementary assistant.
Middle School Environment
Nellie Congdon
Middle School Guide
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.
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.