Where HEART transforms young minds

I am honored to be the Head of School for the Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy. My experience and leadership have been built in the corporate and educational workplace. Over the last 20 years, I have performed the duties of a technology specialist, a career and technology teacher, and an assistant principal at the high school level. I have always considered myself a computer nerd or geek, but collaborating with a team is most rewarding. The entire team, from management and staff to the students and their parents, is simply amazing at our school. I am looking forward to taking this journey with each stakeholder, planting the seeds, and watching them grow. Please do not hesitate to discuss any success or concern with me. Thank you!

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Degrees & Certifications:

Associate's Degree in Applied Science

Bachelor's Degree in Web Development

Master's Degree in Education Administration

Texas Health & Human Services Director's Credentials

Hello, my name is Ms. Shannon; I am the preprimary teacher at Heart of Texoma. I have been with my wonderful husband for 9 years, and we have two children together, a boy and a girl. I began early childcare classes at Kiamichi Technology Center at the age of 15, followed by early education classes at the college level. I have 13 years of childcare experience working at a childcare center and my own in-home program. When I was introduced to the Montessori teaching method, I immediately knew it was the program I had to participate in. I have always believed I could do more to help the growth of young minds, and everything this program stands for is what nurtures that growth. I am extremely excited to be a part of Heart of Texoma's team. 

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.​

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Degrees & Certifications:

Associate Degree and Bachelor of Science

     in Early Intervention and Child Development

North American Montessori Center Upper

     Elementary Certification

North American Montessori Academy Lower

     Elementary Certification

North American Montessori Academy

     Primary Certification

North American Infant/Toddler Certification

Child Development Certificate (Grayson College)

Hi! I am Mrs.Addison. I am so thankful to be a part of such an incredible team as the primary 1 assistant teacher. With a background in psychology and multiple education certifications, I am passionate about fostering a nurturing environment where children are accepted for who they are and inspired to explore their unique gifts. I believe in the power of creativity and art as essential tools for self-expression and learning. My approach emphasizes individualized learning and encourages curiosity, allowing each child to thrive and discover their true potential. My goal is to create my own art classroom, where individualized learning and artistic exploration come together, allowing each child to thrive and discover their true potential.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Hi, I am Ms. Julie, and I am grateful to be the Teaching Assistant in Primary 2 while I work towards my primary Montessori teaching certification. My journey began in an office setting, but my passion for working with children led me to assist in primary classrooms. As I immersed myself in the Montessori philosophy, I fell in love with its principles and the magic of watching a child's face light up when they grasp a new concept or embrace their independence. I believe in fostering an environment where every child is respected, valued, and encouraged to explore their unique path of learning. I look forward to nurturing their curiosity and supporting their growth at Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy.​​

Hello! Over the last four years, I have fallen in love with Montessori education and feel so grateful to be at a school where Montessori is practiced graciously, with the children at the forefront of all our teachers’ minds. I truly love coming to work every day and getting to collaborate with a team of teachers who hold a strong passion for learning and growing at every level and age.​

In 2021, I learned what authentic Montessori is and have pursued it ever since. I have eight years of Early Childhood Education experience, three of which were spent as Head Director at another local Montessori School. I am halfway through my Montessori Teaching Certification, but I know that once I am done, the learning doesn’t stop there. I can’t wait to see where Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy goes and what great individuals our students will be!

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.

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Degrees & Certifications:

CDA - Child Development Associate​

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.

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Degrees & Certifications:

NAMC International Montessori Teaching Diploma             Lower Elementary

NAMA Montessori Infant/Toddler Teacher Certificate

NAMA Montessori Primary Certificate

NAMA Lower Elementary Certification

CDA-Child Development Associate​

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!

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Degrees & Certifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice

     with an emphasis in Juvenile Justice​​

In-Progress: Center for Guided Montessori Studies             Adolescent Certification

Hello. I am Angie Miles, and I have the exciting job of working with toddlers in Pre-primary. I have found this to be an especially rewarding experience as toddlers absorb information quickly, and I can see enormous growth over a short period of time. They are also very sweet and give good hugs. I graduated from Denison High School and am married to a Sherman Bearcat. We have children and grandchildren. I graduated from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock with a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood. I taught elementary-aged students in Sherman ISD for 11 years and at Montessori Academy of North Texas for three years. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach at Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy as I believe the Montessori way is the best way for children to learn. 

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Degrees & Certifications:

Bachelor of Science in Education

Montessori Lower Elementary Certification

Hello! My name is Kellan Powers (all pronouns), and I’m excited to work as a float teacher at Heart of Texoma. This role allows me to connect with students across all classrooms, providing additional support and encouragement wherever it's needed most. I’m currently in my junior year at Southern New Hampshire University, studying anthropology with plans to pursue a career in museum studies. I’m passionate about creating engaging environments where children are inspired to explore, fostering a lifelong love for literacy and discovery. Outside the classroom, you’ll often find me hiking, reading, baking, or planning my next travel adventure. I believe that learning should always be fun, and I strive to make every moment in the classroom an exciting one for our students.