Katherine Rucker

Founder & Head of School

Katherine Rucker is a native of Southern Pines and is driven by a passion to expand public access to Montessori education in her home community. A graduate of Wake Forest University with a Bachelor’s degree in political science, she has also earned her Master of Economics from Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Mexico City and Master of Education from Loyola University Maryland. Ms. Rucker completed Montessori training at the Washington Montessori Institute and is credentialed as a Primary Montessori guide through Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

aLVITA THOMAS

Assistant Head of School

Alvita Thomas has over 25 years of experience in public education in Moore County, including a decade of experience in public school administration. Alvita completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Fayetteville State University, where she also played collegiate volleyball and basketball. She has three additional degrees: her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Science from St. Andrews University; a Special Education Certification in Behavioral and Emotional Disabilities from Fayetteville State University; and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Gardner Webb University. Alvita has deep roots in Moore County. She is married and has two adult children. 

Melissa Sprouse

Director of Operations

Melissa Sprouse grew up in the rolling green hills of Western Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Gettysburg College. Melissa went on to get her Master of Forensic Science in Toxicology from George Washington University in Washington D.C. She traveled across the country and back living the military life and getting experience as a Research Chemist and an Inhalation Toxicologist. Melissa and her family settled in North Carolina 15 years ago and she had the opportunity to stay home and enjoy her two children. Having found her true passion, Melissa went back to school for her K-6 NC teaching license.

Jennifer Sifford

Office Manager

Jennifer Sifford has ten years of hotel front desk clerk experience. She also has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education that she received from Sandhills Community College in 2015. In her spare time she loves making new things with her vinyl machine and spending as much time as she can with family and friends.

Jennifer thomas

Receptionist

Jennifer (JT) moved from Columbus, Ohio to Pinehurst, NC and this is her first year at Moore Montessori. She and her partner Matt have four grown children and two big pups. In her free time she enjoys cooking, gardening, and restoring old furniture.

Peggy Johnson

Instructional Coach

Peggy Johnson was a Founding Board Member at MMCS. She was a Montessori teacher for 35 years and is now a professor in the Early Childhood Education Program at Sandhills Community College. She supports our teaching staff by providing weekly one- on-one coaching sessions.

rEBECCA FEW

Middle School Humanities Lead Guide

Rebecca Few moved to Moore County in 2006 to begin her teaching career.  She has taught both middle school and college level students.  Rebecca earned her Bachelor Degree from Cedarville University, majoring in Middle Childhood Education with emphasis in Language Arts and Social Studies.  She holds a Masters Degree from UNCP in Middle Grades English Education and a post-graduate certificate of Reading Education from Appalachian State University.  She received her Adolescent Montessori certification through AMI.  She has two daughters who attend MMCS, and her husband is a teacher at Pinecrest High School.  In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys reading and taking Princess Peggy (the family’s Gooldendoodle) for walks.

HEATHER BROWN

Middle School Math/Science Lead Guide

Heather May Brown is an Army veteran, mother of three, CrossFit coach, former homeschool teacher, and licensed educator whose life work is making a difference through education and leadership. Heather earned her Bachelor’s degree in Leadership Management and Systems Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and her Master’s degree in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She lives in Southern Pines with her wife, two high school aged children, four dogs, three cats, and practicing next level mothering with an adult child abroad for college. 

She was drawn to the Montessori method for its emphasis on deep mutual respect, fostering learning environments with the freedom to explore, and developing human beings to their fullest unique potential who are committed to improving the community.  She is honored and thrilled to help spearhead our remarkable and groundbreaking middle school as the lead STEM Guide and witness our production and exchange program bring the Montessori vision and hope to life in our community and beyond.

Tonja Wood

Middle School Assistant Teacher

Tonja Wood is Founding Parent at MMCS. She is a mother of 4 and veteran of the United States Army. This is her first year working at MMCS, she will support our lead guides in the classroom and the 7th & 8th graders in their Production and Exchange program. In her free time Tonja enjoys traveling with her children.

Christina Mickle

Upper Elementary Guide

Christina Mickle grew up in the redwood forests of Northern California. She has a Bachelor's degrees in Spanish and Anthropology and a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She taught English as a Second Language for seven years for Moore County Schools. She has also taught international students at community college and high school levels and was a teacher in Mongolia with the Peace Corps. She has National Board Certification in English as a New Language for Adolescents. She has her Elementary I and II AMS credential with the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in Charlotte, NC.

STEPHEN RICH

Upper Elementary Guide

Stephen has guided upper elementary for 15 years, with the majority of that time spent at Bowman Montessori in Palo Alto, CA.  Teaching is a second career path for Stephen, having previously enjoyed a career in computer science working at NASA.  He has a Masters in Education from San Jose State, and a BS in computer science from SUNY Binghamton.  Stephen completed his 9-12 upper elementary AMS Montessori certification from CMTE/NY, the Center for Montessori Teacher Education New York.  As a professional teacher, he's spoken at regional and international Montessori conferences, and published articles about incorporating storytelling and simulations in the classroom.  He moved to North Carolina to join us, and has not stopped expounding on how much he enjoys our scenic locales.  He’s also looking to connect with local board gaming communities.

DElene Wilmott

Upper Elementary Guide
Delene A. Wilmott is a Bahamian Native who is passionate about education, community service and all things indigenous to her country!  

To many of her family, friends and colleagues, she is known as "Queen Delhi".   Queen Delhi received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University and has been committed to shaping the lives of the youth from then to this present day.  In addition to her degree in education Ms. Delene A. Wilmott also received her Masters Degree in Leadership and Organizational Management from New Covenant University.  Delene continues to enhance her educational expertise as she pursues her Doctorate Degree. She was in the inaugural cohort of the MMCS Montessori Elementary Teacher Training. In her spare time her hobbies include traveling, sport activities, reading and volunteer work.  She adamantly believes, "that a Teacher can shape a child’s life and that Child can change the world!

ARIADNE DEGARR

Upper Elementary Assistant

Ariadne and her husband are both proud Bronxites, born and raised in New York City by North Carolinian mothers. Spending a third of each year with family in her mom’s hometown of Southern Pines heavily influenced her upbringing. So that makes her a little bit country and a little bit rock n’ roll!

Ariadne’s family has always instilled in her the value of children, education and community—it truly “takes a village!” She holds a masters degree and, as a product of both Montessori and public school education herself, is a testament to the importance of a solid educational foundation. To that end, she believes whole heartedly in MMCS’s mission and the strength of its vision.

Ariadne cherishes her family (both born and chosen) and is rarely seen outside of the school day without her son, Christmas (aka her “shadow”). She spends much of her free time working in the community. Now, in her third year as a school parent and second as staff, it is clear that MMCS was the right village for Ariadne and her family to call home.

Diana Martinez-Mata

Upper Elementary Assistant

Diana has an Early Childhood degree from Sandhills Community College. She has experience with children of all ages. She was a founding staff member as an assistant in the Sweetgum community. After taking some time off to be a stay at home mom, she is back as an assistant in an upper elementary classroom. She has 2 children that attend MMCS. Her oldest is in middle school and her youngest in kindergarten. Her family loves to travel and spend as much time outdoors. 

COURTNEY TAYLOR

Lower Elementary Guide

Courtney was born in Buffalo, New York but spent most of her life in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was first introduced to Montessori as a child when enrolled in a Montessori school. Courtney earned her bachelors in elementary education from Appalachian State University. She then went on to earn her AMI elementary certification from Washington Montessori Institute and a Master's degree in education from Loyola University. After teaching for a few years in Charlotte, she eventually went back to work at the very school she attended as a child. During her spare time, Courtney likes to go hiking and camping with her husband. She also crochets and enjoys playing board games. Both she and her husband are excited to get out of the big city and live in the Sandhills. 

LAUREN KAY

Lower Elementary Guide

Ms. Lauren Kay, a graduate of Western Carolina University, with a Bachelors of Education, is the lead guide in Riverbirch. Originally from Indiana, Lauren has also lived in Raleigh and Cullowhee, NC, where she completed her degree. She has worked in many different capacities with children, including as Head Guide at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. She was in the inaugural cohort of the MMCS Montessori Elementary Teacher Training. Outside of time in the classroom, Lauren enjoys hiking with her puppy, Sage, painting, and making pottery. 

JACLYN BAUCOM

Lower Elementary Guide

Jaclyn Baucom is a seasoned professional with a background in healthcare, education, and community involvement. Passionate about educational equality, she is dedicated to closing the reading gap for early learners. Her two children began their early education in Montessori, reflecting her commitment to nurturing the whole child through holistic learning environments. She was in the inaugural cohort of the MMCS Montessori Elementary Teacher Training. She has been happily married for 18 years to a wonderful partner, with whom she shares a passion for travel, adventure, reading, and culinary delights.

TERRI DiNARDA

Lower Elementary Guide

Terri DiNarda and her husband recently moved from Ohio to North Carolina to be near their daughters and families.  She is a veteran teacher who has taught preschool through third grade as a classroom teacher, and as a fourth and fifth grade reading specialist. She was in the inaugural cohort of the MMCS Montessori Elementary Teacher Training. Terri is very excited to be at Moore Montessori in the Magnolia Room.  She is enjoying the beauty the area has to offer and is looking forward to warmer winters.  However, she is most looking forward to being a full time nonna to her grandson, Grayson.  

Tammy watson

Lower Elementary Guide

Tammy Watson has over 15 years of experience working in both public and private schools across South and North Carolina, with a focus on primary and secondary education since 2007. Her passion for education is fueled by the joy of watching students thrive and develop. She was in the inaugural cohort of the MMCS Montessori Elementary Teacher Training.

Rebecca Marsh

Lower Elementary Apprentice Guide

Rebecca Marsh is currently an intern and covering for maternity leave in Lower Elementary. Over the past four years, she has been an assistant and lead teacher at a local school in Southern Pines. Rebecca holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ave Maria University and is just one class away from completing her Master’s in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, in addition to a NC teaching license for grades K-6. She was in the inaugural cohort of the MMCS Montessori Elementary Teacher Training. Rebecca also coaches high school girls' basketball and has four years of experience coaching middle school soccer. In her free time, she enjoys the beach and spending time with her family. 

Cedrick Threadgill

Lower Elementary Assistant

Cedrick a native of Moore County and graduate of Pinecrest High School. He played basketball at Central Carolina Junior College on a full athletic scholarship. He is trained in Triple Play, Healthy Habits and works with the Cal Ripken Baseball program every summer. He is passionate about working with children, and currently serves a elementary assistant in River Birch.

Beatriz Thomas

Lower Elementary Assistant

Beatriz is native from Colombia, South America. She has a degree in Modern Languages from the University of Quindio. Beatriz has 12 years of teaching experience. She was an English teacher in Colombia for 3 years. Then, she was part of a Spanish Immersion Program for native American children in Cumberland County Schools. For the past 3 years, she was a First Grade teacher in a Traditional classroom. She works alongside Ms. Courtney as her assistant and this is her second year in the Cinnamon Fern classroom. During her spare time, Beatriz loves puzzles, crochet, and traveling with her Husband and their dog Cookie. Beatriz is so happy to be back as part of the MMCS family.

Cecilia Rubio Melendez

Lower Elementary Assistant

Cecilia Rubio Melendez began her journey with Moore Montessori during the 2020-2021 school year. Prior to MMCS, she cared for children under the age of 4. Cecilia welcomes challenges, along with the adventure. She has enjoyed her Montessori training and experiences immensely, looks forward to all that is to come. Cecilia is planning to continue her studies in the field of Early Childhood Education. In her leisure time, Cecilia spends as much time as she can with her family. She likes to read, do puzzles and sudoku. Cecilia loves to travel, explore and go on hikes with her fiancé and their furbabies.

Samantha Baker

Lower Elementary Assistant

Samantha is a North Carolina native who enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, stargazing, and relaxing with her husband, two dogs, and cat. Samantha graduated from Sandhills Community College in 2019, where she earned her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, then went on to teach at Head Start until 2021, when she joined the MMCS family. Sandhills is also where Samantha discovered her love of Montessori. She hopes to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education in the coming years and looks forward to one day earning an AMI certification so that she can follow her Montessori dreams and become a Lead Guide.

Patti Griffin

Primary Guide

Patti has spent her adult life advocating for children and educating others about the importance of allowing children to learn through developing their natural interests at their own pace. Patti was born and raised “just down the road” in Sanford, NC. She received her B.A in Psychology with an option in Human Resources from NC State and a minor in Child Development from Meredith College. She started her Montessori career at SAS Institute in a Children’s House classroom where she was an assistant teacher for five years.  She received her Children’s House Primary training at The Montessori School of the Golden Gate in San Francisco and is PAMS Certified. She later joined The Montessori School of Sanford where she worked as a Children’s House Guide and then as the Director. After fifteen years at MSOS she joined the Lee County Partnership for Children where she worked for 10 years to advance Early Childhood Education.  She is excited to come full circle and be a part of the Montessori community in Southern Pines. She enjoys spending time cooking, traveling with her husband, taking long walks with their dog Ridley and visiting with her adult children, nieces & nephews.

Keanna Artis

Primary Guide

Keanna Artis was born in Germany but grew up in Fayetteville, NC. She went to UNC-Chapel Hill where she studied Linguistics, and after working as an assistant at a Montessori public charter school was compelled to take training and become a lead guide. She trained at the Washington Montessori Institute and earned her AMI diploma there along with a Master's in Education from Loyola University Maryland. When she is not working with children, she loves to paint and explore parks and botanical gardens.

Ellie VanGemeren

Primary Guide

Ellie has lived in Southern Pines for the last seven years, originally moving here from Connecticut to train her horses. She graduated from Bates College in Maine with a BA in Psychology in 2013 and completed her AMI Primary Training at MTCNE in Hartford, CT along with her Masters in Education through the University of Hartford in 2017. Ellie attended a Montessori school through the 6th grade and truly values and believes in the philosophy and education model. Ellie lives nearby with her horses, chickens and dog and spends as much time outside as possible!

PAIGE MENDENHALL

Primary Guide

Paige Mendenhall was born in Guilford County and grew up in New Hampshire. She’s excited to move back to NC and join the MMCS community with her son. She received her AMI 2.5-6 year-old diploma from Montessori Northwest in Portland, OR. She is completing her M.Ed from Whitworth University in Montessori Studies. She supported teachers, educated caregivers, and observed children for the past 6 years in public & private settings. She worked in Montessori, Waldorf, and traditional public school environments across New England, VA, and DC. She has undergraduate degrees in English, Creative Writing, Anthropology, Linguistics and TESOL. When not working with children she is making things or exploring new places. Paige is thrilled to build community in Southern Pines!

Lulu Lopez

Primary Assistant

Lulu Lopez was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She moved to North Carolina 4 years ago where she earned her associate's degree in early childhood education at Sandhills Community College. She is currently enrolled at the University of Greensboro pursuing her bachelor’s degree in early care and education. Lulu trained at the Washington Montessori Institute to earn her AMI diploma as a primary lead. Lulu is very excited to begin her Montessori journey and when she is not with children or studying, she enjoys spending time with her family.

CAROLINE DUNN

Primary Assistant

Caroline is originally from North Alabama. She went to the University of Alabama and studied Communicative Disorders. After college, she spent two years working in Pinehurst as an ABA therapist. She spent the last four years working in Boston Public Schools as a behavior therapist, and providing school consultation services. She has experience working with ages ranging from preschool to high school.Outside of school she loves all things related to food, travel, and art. Caroline is so excited to be back in the Pines, and to be a part of the MMCS community.

LAURA DEGANGE

Primary Assistant

Laura has an undergraduate degree from Penn State and she earned a Masters in Social Work from Boston University. She worked as a child and family counselor until she decided to stay home with her children. Now that her children are older, Laura is finding a second-wind career in Montessori education. She comes to MMCS after two years at The Garden with the toddler program and is Primary Lead Certified with Age Of Montessori. Laura loves being in the Dandelion Community and is also the Instructional Coach for the Assistant Guides.

Porsche Hollis

Primary Assistant

Porsche Hollis is a Southern Pines native. She graduated from Pinecrest High School. She has over six years of traditional early childhood experience, she excels with connecting with our students. In addition to being an assistant guide at MMCS she enjoys being a mother to her son Brayden.

ANA TOWNSEND

Floating Substitute & Nautilus Specialist

Ana our youngest employee and new to Montessori. She graduated from a Christian school in 2018 then went on to Sandhills Community College where she got her Associates Degree in Early Childhood. She has 2 years experience volunteering at Grace Church from the infant room all the way up to 5 years old. She has completed three years of leading summer camps. For her senior mission trip, she visited Nicaragua and helped build an elementary school and show the little children love. She has always loved children and seeing them blossom!

STEPHANIE FIOCCA

Math Specialist

Stephanie is a Virginia native, but has called North Carolina home for the past 12 years. She attended East Carolina University for her BA in Art and Art History and Old Dominion University for her MSEd in Elementary Education. She is currently working on her PhD in Teacher Education and Learning Sciences at NC State where her research focus is getting kids outdoors for learning. She has over ten years of experience in education working in 2nd-5th grade, middle school math, and nonformal environmental education. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys hanging with her family and being outdoors whether it is working in her garden. taking a hike, or going to the beach. 

CAMERON BROWN

Outdoor Specialist & Nautilus Support

Cameron is a graduate of Pinecrest High School. He has 6 years of experience working with children and young adults at the Boys & Girls Club and as football coach. He is passionate about mentoring young athletes to build sustainable training habits and supporting healthy lifestyles. When not working at MMCS, he is an artist and small business entrepreneur, creating custom art work on shoes.

CHRIS EVERETT

EC Teacher

Chris Everett was born and raised here in Moore County, North Carolina. Fun fact: Chris actually attended elementary school at MMCS' current location/building. Chris is a graduate of Pinecrest High School, Sandhills Community College, and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K-6). Chris worked as a teacher assistant and substitute teacher during his five years of college, now serving as our Lead EC Teacher.

WANDA GARRIS

Reading Coach

Wanda Garris is a native of North Carolina. Mrs. Garris earned her BS degree majoring in Special Education, with a certification of Birth-12 grade, from UNC-Pembroke. After teaching several years in Special Education middle school grades and Developmental Day Pre-K Classes, she became Director of a Development Day Program serving children with both atypical and typical development. During this time, Mrs. Garris served as the President of the NC Development Day Association and was active in promoting services for young children with developmental  disabilities at the state level. She and her husband have two sons and her hobbies are traveling, hiking, kayaking, and gardening.

katie McCudden

Behavior Support Specialist

Prior to starting her teaching career in Canada, Katie supported young children and their families as an in-home developmental aide and credits this as her "why" for pursuing special education. Having gained her Masters Degree in Special Ed, focusing on behavior supports, Katie worked with children who have diverse learning needs in a multidisciplinary clinic for 3 years before moving back into a school setting at MMCS. Katie is an advocate for neurodiversity and a passionate believer in inclusive education. Outside of work, Katie enjoys cooking and outdoor adventuring with her family, both near and far... Her furthest adventure was the one where she met her husband while teaching in Egypt. They have been exploring the different states they've been fortunate enough to live in ever since.  

Emily bartley

EC Assistant

Emily Bartley grew up in Southern Pines and is happy to be back in the area. She graduated with a BA in Fine Art and enjoys painting and exploring the outdoors in her free time. Recently, she spent 3 years teaching abroad in Japan. She loves working with children and is excited to start her teaching journey with MMCS.

Hava Liebowitz

Resident Teaching Artist

Hava Liebowitz is a multidisciplinary fiber and social practice artist. She recently graduated from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with a major in Studio Art and a minor in Community Action and Social Change. She is originally from Spartanburg, SC and has shown work in Chicago, IL, Ann Arbor, Flint, and Detroit, MI. She also has a love of craft and folklore and complete work-studies at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina as well as the Snow Farm School of Craft in Massachusetts. Through Americorps' ArtistYear program, she has been given the great opportunity to develop a practice as a Resident Teaching Artist at Moore Montessori Community School.