Where HEART transforms young minds

I am Christina Capalbo-Silva, the Director of Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy. I have dedicated over 32 years to the Early Childhood field, starting as a Montessori-trained teacher for five years, then serving as an assistant director for 3 years, and eventually moving into the Director position for the remaining 24 years. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master of Science in Early Childhood and Human Resources, and a Montessori certification. My main goal is to help Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy create a nurturing, educationally rich, and developmentally appropriate environment that empowers students and educators to build life skills and embrace their full potential.

Hello everyone, I'm Katie Brinlee. I am the Lead Primary 2 Teacher at Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy. I have been married to my wonderful husband for six years, and we have three amazing boys. I joined Primrose in 2015 and worked as a toddler teacher. In 2017, I began teaching in a Montessori program. I taught as a Pre-Primary teacher for four years and then moved to Primary. I completed my Child Development Associates Certification in 2018, and I'm working towards my Montessori certification. I feel extraordinarily blessed to have the opportunity to teach at Heart of Texoma, where my love for Montessori and children grows daily.

I am Sarah Giles, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work at Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy as the Lead Lower Elementary Teacher. I have 19 years of experience as a Montessori teacher, working with primary and lower elementary age groups. I hold certifications for each level. Additionally, I am GLOBE certified and have received training in Love and Logic. I am incredibly passionate about Montessori Theory and firmly believe in its teaching philosophy. I am grateful to be teaching in an environment that values respect for children, recognizes each child's unique qualities, and nurtures their desire for knowledge, learn from their mistakes, and progress at their own pace.

I am Tedi Bearden, the Lead Primary 1 Teacher at Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy. I have two beautiful children and enjoy spending time with them and having fun family adventures. I started my career in 2015 in the Toddler program and later moved to the Primary class after discovering my passion for Montessori Theory. In 2020, I completed my Child Development Associates Certification and am working towards my Montessori certification. I am deeply passionate about the Montessori methodology and love observing children learn and grow into independent individuals who will one day lead the world. I'm fortunate to be a part of a school that values the development of every child.

​I am the Upper Elementary teacher at Heart of Texoma Montessori, Samantha Ellett. I hold my Early Intervention and Child Development degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. I was introduced to the Montessori Method 18 years ago and quickly came to love this style of education. Over the last 18 years, I received my Montessori Infant and Toddler, Primary, Lower, and Upper Elementary certifications. My love of learning and self-discovery has led me to become the full-time Lead Upper Elementary Montessori teacher. I am honored to be a part of The Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy, where we build a nurturing academic environment that meets the individual child's needs.

Hello! I'm Mickinze VanHerpen and I'm thrilled to be a part of the Heart of Texoma family. I have a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University (MI) and have worked with adolescents for the last 2 decades in various professions. For the last ten years, I have worked with Grayson Crisis Center, developing and implementing prevention and community programming for middle and high school youth. I hold my Montessori certification in secondary education. I am so grateful to be here and to connect my two children to this amazing community. Thank you for trusting me as your child's guide, and I look forward to the adventure ahead!