Meet Our Director & Staff
The Montessori Learning Center has an experienced, dedicated and professional staff. Our teachers and director are committed to making your child’s learning environment superior to other schools.
STEPHANIE GLOVER
Director
Mrs. Stephanie Glover has been working in the educational field for 18 years. She worked as a teacher for four years before moving into administration. She served as the Director of High School at Okaloosa Academy for ten years and the Director of The Learning Academy of Santa Rosa for four years. Ms. Stephanie has her teaching certification in Exceptional Student Education and Health. She is also Montessori Certified in Lower Elementary Instruction and has her PreK certification with VPK endorsement. She now serves as the Director of the Montessori Learning Center.
Stephanie is a native Texan, however she came to Fort Walton Beach as part of our military community, when her husband was stationed at Hurlburt Field. Upon his retirement from the United States Air Force they decided to make the beautiful Emerald Coast their forever home.
"I believe that the education of our children is an effort that requires the teamwork of all involved - students, teachers, administration and parents. Together we can all pull together to ensure all students receive the best education possible. I look forward to having an honest working relationship with your family as we work through student needs and experience their educational successes together."
"The Child is both a hope and a promise of mankind."
-Maria Montessori
LISA EDWARDS
Assistant Director
Ms. Lisa Edwards is the Montessori Assistant Director. She is an Air Force Veteran, and her husband, Ryan, is currently serving in the Air Force and has been on active duty for 28 years. They have plans to retire soon. She has been at Montessori Learning Center for a little over 5 years. She has an AA in Program Management from the Community College of the Air Force. She has two children, Natalie and Vanessa. She loves spending time with her family and shelling at our beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted."
-Aesop
Primary
KATELYN CARL
Primary Teacher
Hi, my name is Katelyn Carl, a dedicated math and science teacher with a passion for Montessori. A proud native of Fort Walton Beach, I’m fortunate to live amidst the beauty of our white sandy beaches, which I cherish during my free time . I enjoy boating with my family, running, and biking.
My husband and I are blessed with three wonderful children who are thriving in the Montessori environment at MLC, where they are in 2nd grade, 1st grade, and PreK4. My journey with Montessori began with volunteering and quickly evolved into a profound commitment to the method’s philosophy. Witnessing my children’s growth and independence has been incredibly rewarding, and I am eager to help other families have the same amazing experience.
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”
-Maria Montessori-
RACHEL GARCIA
Lead Primary Teacher
Ms. Rachel has been in education since 2012. Teaching English has always been her passion, and she’s had the unique opportunity to live and work in countries like Turkey and Morocco—experiences that have shaped her teaching style and deepened her appreciation for different cultures.
From 2016 to 2023, Ms. Rachel lived in Morocco, where she met her husband, welcomed a beautiful daughter, and began her journey as a Montessori teacher. It was during this time that she truly fell in love with the Montessori Method, seeing firsthand how it nurtures independence, curiosity, and confidence in young children.
Now a certified Montessori teacher, Ms. Rachel is living her dream. This is her third year at the Montessori Learning Center, and she’s thrilled to be part of such a dedicated and caring team. She’s passionate about creating a warm, engaging classroom where her Pre-K students feel supported and inspired to learn each day.
“Within the child lies the fate of the future.”
- Maria Montessori
SARA RICHERT
Primary Teacher
Hello all! my name is Ms. Sara and I have lived in the area two different times for a total of 7 years now with my eight year old son and husband who is active duty Air Force. I grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I am currently pursuing my degree through American Military University for Early Childhood Education.
My love for children and teaching has always been a passion of mine. During Covid of 2020, I received my certification for Registered Behavioral Technician to better educate myself about my son’s diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder. I have six years of experience in childhood care.
A few things that I love to do would be going to the beach and laying in the sun, shopping and watching some good binge-worthy Netflix shows. In my eyes every child is different and learns differently, which to me makes helping them learn that much more fun.
“If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn”
TANYA REEVES
Primary Teacher Assistant
I was born and raised in the Washington, DC/Northern Virginia area and have been dedicated to teaching young children from Pre-K to Kindergarten since 2008. After many rewarding years in traditional early childhood education, I relocated to Florida to be closer to my children and to embrace the joy of becoming a grandmother.
I'm excited to begin this new chapter as I join the Montessori learning community. I look forward to continuing to nurture curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning in every child I have the privilege to teach.
> Contact Ms. Reeves
GABRIELA GONZALEZ
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Gabriela Gonzalez, (Ms. Gabby) has been working in the educational field for 13 years. She has served in the role of VPK lead teacher and as a Montessori Primary teacher. She teaches Math, Science, Sensorial and Practical Life. She is originally from Ecuador. She lives in Crestview, FL, with her husband Adriel, two daughters: Raquel, Susana and her dog Bella.
Ms. Gabby has completed her Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society. She also practiced Law as an attorney in Ecuador and carries a Spanish Teacher Certification from International Spanish Institute. Additionally, she studied in China for two years and received a Post Bachelor Certification in Traditional Chinese Business Relations. She is able to speak and communicate in four languages: English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin) and French. Her hobbies include: yoga, dance and reading. Her favorite children's book to read to her students is The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn.
She believes that her biggest reward working as a teacher is seeing the progress and evolution that her students go through in learning everything from self-care and academics, to social and independent functioning skills. The reward of graduating pre-school and being 100% ready to tackle Kindergarten.
"Children have an absorbent mind. They absorb knowledge from the environment without fatigue. […] This is the moment in the life of man when we can do something for the betterment of humanity and further brotherhood."
-Maria Montessori
Kindergarten
MELANIE MYERS
Kindergarten Teacher
I'm Melanie Armfield! This is my first year in Montessori education. I graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education then taught 1st grade for Okaloosa County before making the switch to Montessori Learning Center. I'm a military child but have called the panhandle home since 2010. I am so excited to dive into the Montessori Method and help each student develop their individual skills!
ROSEMARY ARNDS
Kindergarten Teacher
My name is Rosemary Arnds. This is my first year teaching in a Montessori classroom, and I’m deeply inspired by the Montessori philosophy and its focus on independence and child-led learning.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a focus in Education from Florida International University (FIU). My background allows me to weave language, culture, and inclusive teaching practices into our daily classroom experiences in meaningful and engaging ways.
I am a military wife, and my husband and I love living in Navarre. We have three wonderful children—two boys and a girl—who keep us busy with their after-school activities, especially sports. We also enjoy going to the beach together and taking nature walks. Outside of the classroom, I cherish spending time with my family. I believe that maintaining joy and balance in my life enables me to show up each day with energy, purpose, and creativity for my students.
“Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.”
— Maria Montessori
DANA MULLER
Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Mrs. Dana Muller was born and raised in the Washington Metropolitan area and recently moved to the beautiful Emerald Coast. She is joining Montessori Learning Center with 25 years teaching experience in Prekindergarten, Kindergarten and Special Education.
She is a proud wife, mother and grandmother. Her favorite ways to relax include sipping morning coffee with her husband, Rex, visiting with her two daughters, playing with her grandson and taking long walks with her puppy, Layla.
Mrs. Muller is a firm believer in the power of play. Play is not just about having fun but about taking risks, experimenting and testing boundaries. Play contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of young children. It is Mrs Muller’s goal to organize a fun, creative classroom with experiences that are joyful, empower children to always ask questions and grow strong minds to be life-long thinkers.
“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s
own natural desire to learn” - Maria Montessori
Lower Elementary
KRISTINA MANLEY
1st Grade Teacher
Hello, my name is Mrs. Kristina and I am one of the 1st grade teachers. This will be my second year working with the Montessori Learning Center. I had such a wonderful year last year and I am very excited for another great year with the 1st grade. My favorite part about teaching 1st grade is when the students are proud of themselves for accomplishing their goals independently and having a clear understanding of the lessons. I enjoy adding creativity to our activities.
During my free time I love spending time with my family and traveling to new places. We like to get together on weekends and watch family movies or go to the beach.
I look forward to teaching my new first graders this year and watching them grow and show love for reading throughout this year.
ROSE ANDERSON
1st Grade Teacher
With over a decade of teaching experience, I have had the privilege of working with students from kindergarten through sixth grade, with a strong focus on first grade. My passion lies in creating a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment where every child feels valued and inspired to grow.
Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to building strong foundational skills in literacy, math, and social-emotional development, while fostering a lifelong love of learning. I believe in meeting students where they are, celebrating their individual strengths, and guiding them to reach their full potential through creativity, consistency, and care.
Whether it’s a child’s first time reading independently or solving a math problem with confidence, I find joy in every milestone. Teaching is more than a profession to me—it’s a calling, and I’m grateful to play a part in shaping the next generation.
MEGAN RIDINGS
Elementary Lead and 2nd Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Miss Megan and I will be the second grade teacher this year! I am from New York and moved to Florida last summer. I graduated college in 2022 with my degree in childhood education. My love for helping students grow and learn has become a big passion of mine. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, shopping, and going to the beach.
“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.”
-Maria Montessori
BRIDGET HARPER
3rd Grade Teacher
Ms. Bridget Harper is a native of Alabama and moved to the area last summer. She is joining Montessori Learning Center with 21 years of teaching experience. Her goal is to create a nurturing space that will encourage each child to find what motivates and inspires them, to achieve a lifelong love of learning.
She is a proud mom of two children in college who are pursuing their dreams. Her favorite ways to spend free time include reading, gardening, biking, and looking for new places to explore. Her two dogs also keep her busy.
.jpg)
STEVEN LANE
4th and 5th Grade Teacher
Steven Lane joins the Montessori team with a distinguished career spanning education, administration, and community service. A native of Brewton, Alabama, who grew up in Newport News, Virginia, Steven's educational experience includes teaching K-12 across various subjects. He has held pivotal leadership roles, including Dean of Students at Okaloosa Academy and Coordinator of Student Services at Learning Academy of Santa Rosa, where he also chaired the threat management team and served as transportation coordinator. Steven's dedication to youth extends to his impactful work with non-profit organizations, such as his roles as Program Director for the Boys and Girls Club, Site Coordinator for Communities in Schools, Counselor for Bridgeway and Career Coordinator/Job Recruiter for AMIKIDS. His background also includes valuable experience in city and state law enforcement. Steven is eager to apply his comprehensive skill set to his new role with the Montessori team.
AMY WINSLETTE
Lower Elementary Professional Developmental Coordinator
Ms. Amy Winslette is originally from Iowa and grew up on a working farm. She has lived in Ft. Walton Beach with her husband Dale for 20 years, and they have 2 college age sons. Ms. Amy is Montessori certified in the Lower Elementary Program and has a BA from the University of Northern Iowa.
She has returned to Montessori Learning Center after an 8 year stint from 2014-2021 as a lead teacher in the Pre-K to Elementary Program.
Her new position is a Professional Development Coordinator for the Elementary Program. She is excited to be back in the classroom, supporting the staff and interacting with the students as they build their skills and develop a love for learning.
YOUSSEF FDILAT
French Instructor and Interventionist
Youssef Fdilat brings 18 years of experience as an educator, soccer coach, and language specialist. Originally from Morocco, Youssef pursued his passion for languages and education by earning a Ph.D. in Language Learning and Acquisition through the highly competitive Doctoral Fulbright Scholarship. During this time, he conducted research and taught French and Arabic at Georgia College and State University. His academic journey also includes an M.A. in Moroccan American Studies and a B.A. in American Studies from Hassan II University of Casablanca, highlighting his commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Youssef holds certifications as a nationally certified soccer coach, Florida-certified referee, PADI certified rescue scuba diver, and black belt in Karate, reflecting his dedication to discipline and resilience. He actively coaches youth soccer teams, officiates soccer games in high schools and local leagues, and teaches swimming to both kids and adults. Guided by the motto, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” Youssef strives to inspire every child to dream big and pursue their potential.
Currently residing in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, with his wife and daughter, Youssef is a proud member of the MLC team. He is dedicated to creating a positive and supportive environment that fosters the well-being and growth of every child he mentors.
KRYSTAL FEENEY
Elementary Paraprofessional
Mrs. Krystal Feeney started her career in Criminal Justice working at Boy's Town. Realizing that she wanted to reach the children before they were called "Juveniles", she turned her attention to the education field. For the last 17 years she has done behavioral work with special needs students,to being a paraprofessional helping in classrooms. The last Four years were spent in her hometown in Iowa being a long-term Substitute teacher.
Krystal moved with her family after deciding that Florida was the perfect place to call home!
She is a firm believer in "Play based learning" letting kids be kids help achieve skills to last a lifetime!
Art Program
BETHANY BALDWIN
Art Teacher
Ms. Bethany Baldwin has been creating art with Montessori Learning Center students since 2016. She is a Fort Walton Beach native and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Central Florida. Like Dr. Montessori, she believes that “early childhood education is the key to the betterment of society.” Ms. Baldwin recognizes art as integral to the development of the whole child and as an irreplaceable tool for understanding and expressing the world around us.
“Nothing is comparable to experiencing the ‘aha’ moments of children’s discovery.“
