Experienced Teachers & Staff
Our highly qualified educators have many years of experience implementing the Montessori teaching method. We are continually educating ourselves through certifications and continuing education training. As we teach our students to be lifelong learners, we, too, strive to demonstrate our passion for learning.
Honoring
Dr. Maria Montessori
At the heart of Texoma Montessori Academy is the legacy of Dr. Maria Montessori — the pioneering physician, educator, and visionary whose method continues to inspire our work every day.
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Her approach, born from deep scientific observation and profound respect for the child, invites students to grow through independence, discovery, and meaningful connection with the world around them.
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We are proud to carry forward her mission: to nurture the whole child — body, mind, and spirit — in a prepared environment that fosters curiosity, compassion, and lifelong learning.
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For over a century, the Montessori method has thrived across cultures and continents. At Texoma Montessori Academy, we honor Dr. Montessori’s wisdom not just in theory, but in practice — in every classroom, with every child, every day.
OUR FACULTY & STAFF
The core of Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy is our passionate team, who follow a high academic standard to guide our students' academic, creative, and leadership skills. Learn more about each team member below.
Head of School
Michelle Scarbrough
Hello Families, I have over 11 years of experience in Montessori education and hold a bachelor’s degree in Communications, along with an AMI certification in Montessori Core Principles. My Montessori journey began as an after-school teacher, where I quickly fell in love with the method and soon moved into classroom leadership and, later, school leadership. For the past two years, I have served as a curriculum coordinator and director in Montessori schools in the area.
No school, however, has brought me the same joy as The Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy. Each day I am inspired by the dedication of our teachers, the enthusiasm of our students, and the trust of our parents and community. It is a privilege to lead a school that embodies authentic Montessori education and fosters joyful learning.
Our Mascot
Echo Nimbus
​Echo Nimbus isn’t just any owl—he’s a symbol of wisdom and guidance, quietly watching over our school and students as we navigate the exciting journey of learning and growth. With his big eyes, bright feathers, and a heart full of kindness, he serves as a reminder that we should always embrace our uniqueness and have confidence in ourselves.
Assistant Head of School
Lyndzy White
Hello! I bring 8 years of experience in early childhood education, 3 of those years being Director of a preschool, and in 2021 I discovered the Montessori philosophy—which quickly became my passion and am currently halfway through my Montessori Teaching Certification. I know that even after completing it, my Montessori and Education journey will continue to grow!
I feel incredibly grateful to be part of a school where Montessori is practiced with such grace and to collaborate with a team of educators who are deeply passionate about our school community. I’m excited to see how Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy continues to grow, and I look forward to watching our students become thoughtful, capable, and compassionate members of society!
Tedi Bearden
Primary Teacher
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.​
Degrees & Certifications:
Child Development Associate​ Certification
Katie Brinlee
Primary Teacher
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.​​​​​​​​​​​
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Degrees & Certifications:
Child Development Associate​ Certification
Addison Cunningham
Assistant Teacher
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.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Shannon Drussel
Primary Teacher
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.
Samantha Ellett
Upper Elementary Teacher
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.​​
Degrees & Certifications:
Associate Degree & Bachelor of Science
in Early Intervention & Child Development
North American Montessori Center (NAMC)
Upper Elementary Certification
NAMC Lower Elementary Certification
NAMC Primary Certification
NAMC Infant/Toddler Certification
Child Development Certificate
(Grayson College)
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Sarah Giles
Lower Elementary Teacher
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.​
Degrees & Certifications:
North American Montessori Center (NAMC)
Teaching Diploma Lower Elementary
North American Montessori Academy
(NAMA) Infant/Toddler Teacher Certificate
NAMA Montessori Primary Certificate
NAMA Lower Elementary Certification
Child Development Associate​ Certification
Hannah Scott
Pre-Primary Teacher
Hello!
My name is Hannah Scott, and I’m a wife and mother of four. I grew up traveling across the United States and even spent time in Argentina, where I learned Spanish. After completing two years of college, I began teaching in private Christian schools before taking time to be a stay-at-home mom for eight wonderful years.
I’ve now been a toddler teacher for over three years, and I truly love what I do. Teaching toddlers is so rewarding because the skills and experiences they gain at this stage become the foundation for a lifetime of learning. I enjoy connecting with children on a deep level—even when they communicate without words—and helping them grow in independence and confidence.
I would describe myself as intuitive, upbeat, flexible, and hardworking. In my free time, I love drinking coffee, taking long walks on nice days, and watching a good movie.
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Mickinze VanHerpen
Middle School Teacher
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!​
Degrees & Certifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice
with an emphasis in Juvenile Justice
​​Adolescent Montessori Certificate:
Center for Guided Montessori
Kelly Blacklock
Admin Support & Physical Education Instructor
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I love working with Montessori children—their strength, independence, and curiosity inspire me every day. I believe deeply in experiential learning, where children learn through discovery rather than memorization.
My teaching journey began as a Red Cross swimming instructor, then continued with over 12 years at Camp JOLT, where I taught outdoor education and earned certifications in Archery, Ropes Course, Sailing, Lifeguarding, Love and Logic, and GLOBE. Seeking a more meaningful approach to learning, I discovered Montessori and began training with the Dallas Montessori Teacher Education Program (DMTEP).
I’ve since worked in both Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms and am thrilled to continue guiding students at Heart of Texoma Montessori.
Degrees & Certifications:
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B.A. in English Literature
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Lower Elementary Certification (DMTEP) – In progress
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Upper Elementary Certification (DMTEP) – In progress
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Rachel Robinson
High School Teacher
Hello! I am an educator with over six years of experience in teaching, leadership, and curriculum development. I began my career in education working in college admissions at Greenville University, where I served as Admissions Director. That experience gave me valuable insight into what colleges are looking for and how to help students prepare for life after high school.
After my time in admissions, I served as a missionary educator at a 1st–12th grade bilingual Christian school in Japan, where I taught both native English speakers and English language learners. I primarily taught middle and high school literature, history, and composition, and for my final two years, I served as Principal, supporting teachers and helping design curriculum across grade levels.
Teaching and education are true passions of mine, and I especially love working with pre-teen and teenage students as they discover who they are and who they hope to become. I am grateful to be part of Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy and look forward to supporting students as they grow academically and personally.
Degrees & Certifications:
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Bachelor’s Degree in Classics (Literature, History, and Ancient Languages)
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Master’s Degree in Education (Curriculum and Instruction)
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Certificate in Biblical Counseling
Rowena Davis
Assistant Teacher
Hello!
I’m a compassionate educator originally from the Philippines, now living in Texas with my husband, Daniel, and our son, Drayden. Being a wife and mother has shaped my approach to teaching—I value patience, understanding, and celebrating every small achievement. In my free time, I love singing and watching movies.
I earned my Bachelor of Secondary Education degree from the University of the Visayas – Toledo City Campus and became a licensed teacher. Over the past eight years, I’ve taught in a variety of settings, including private schools in the Philippines, as an ESL teacher in Vietnam, and teaching English online to students in China. These experiences have allowed me to connect with learners from many different backgrounds and cultures.
Teaching has always been my passion, and I’m grateful to be part of Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy, where I can continue helping students grow in confidence and develop a love for learning every day.
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Degrees & Certifications:
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Bachelor of Secondary Education
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Elementary Teaching Certification – In progress
Individualized Experience
Heart of Texoma offers each student a tailored lesson plan to fit their personal needs. Information is shared through MRX Reimagined software, keeping families connected and informed. Learners are supported wherever they are on their path of progression through the curriculum.
Family & Community Lead
Heart of Texoma Montessori Academy is owned and operated by a Board of Trustees who were inspired by the benefits of Montessori and is dedicated to providing an elite college preparatory program that implements best practices for all students and staff.