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. 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."
LISA EDWARDS
Assistant Director
Ms. Lisa Edwards is the Montessori Office Manager. She is an Air Force Veteran and her husband is currently serving in the Air Force and has been on active duty for 26 years. She recently moved back to the Fort Walton Beach area and hopes to retire here. 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-
ADI PATEL
Primary Teacher
Ms. Aditi, (Ms. Adi) has been working in the educational field for 14 years. She serves in the role of Director for Preschool She also teaches Math, Science, Sensorial and Practical Life.
Ms. Aditi is originally from India. She lives in Fort Walton Beach with her husband Dhiman, daughter Naomi, who studies at the University of Florida, and Son Kahan, a Middle Schooler.
Ms. Aditi has completed her CDA from NorthWest Florida College and is a Montessori Trained teacher. She is very passionate about Montessori education and is a firm believer in the ideology of, the child centered system which gives a child choice and a strong sense of self. It helps in the overall development of the child.
"The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn."
-Maria Montessori.
RACHEL GARCIA
Primary Teacher
Ms. Rachel has been in education since 2012. Teaching English is her true passion, and she has been fortunate enough to travel to various countries, including Turkey and Morocco, enriching her teaching experiences and learning about different cultures.
Ms. Rachel lived in Morocco from 2016 to 2023, where she not only met her husband and welcomed a beautiful daughter but also had a remarkable journey as a Montessori teacher. Immersed in the Montessori Method, she witnessed the beauty and effectiveness of this approach, solidifying her belief in its potential to nurture young minds.
Ms. Rachel is currently working on her Montessori Certification to further enhance her skills and knowledge. Becoming a teacher has been her lifelong dream, and she is absolutely thrilled to be part of the team at the Montessori Learning Center. She is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for her Pre-K students, ensuring they thrive and develop a lifelong love for learning. This is her second year here at The Montessori Learning Center.
“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”
JESSICA JAHR
Primary Teacher Assistant
Hello! I am Ms. Jess and this will be my first year at The Montessori Learning Center. I will be floating between the preschool classrooms and cannot wait to get to know you and your child. I have been working within the education system for over 12 years in various settings. I graduated with my A.A.S. in Early Childhood in 2020 and have found a love for working in preschool.
I recently moved to Florida with my husband and two children from Colorado. I enjoy being at the beach, taking walks, reading and spending time with my family.
“The greatest gift we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
-Maria Montessori
Kindergarten
DANA MULLER
Kindergarten Teacher
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
MELANIE ARMFIELD
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!
Lower Elementary
KRISTINA MANLEY
1st Grade Teacher
Hello my name is Ms. Kristina and I am so excited to start this year at the Montessori Learning Center! I am originally from Russia and I was adopted when I was 11 from Russia. I have been working with preschool classes for the past 6 years, but I am excited for a new adventure this year.
I love watching family movies and spending time at the beach with my son and my husband! I look forward to meeting all the students and assisting all the lower elementary school teachers.
MEGAN RIDINGS
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
DAYNA WATKINS
3rd/4th Grade Teacher
My name is Dayna Watkins. I am originally from Southern California where I grew up and received my multiple subject teaching credential at Azusa Pacific University. I married my husband Joel, in February of 1996. I left traditional teaching when my eldest was born and began my homeschool journey of over 26 years. We moved to Colorado where we bought a farm and raised our 7 children (Jacob, Meredyth, Isabelle, Lilianne, Jared, James and John) until 2017 when we sold it and began traveling the US. We were in Florida when Covid hit and decided this state was the place to be. I grew to love Montessori during my homeschool years and have been recently teaching in a couple local Montessori schools where I was able to see what Montessori looks like in a classroom setting. I am excited to be here at the Montessori Learning Center and to continue growing and learning with my students and their families.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher… is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.”
-Maria Montessori
AMY WINSLETTE
Lower Elementary Professional Developmental Coordinator
Ms. Amy Winslette is originally from Lisbon, 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 two college-age sons, Wyatt & Jesse. 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 Developmental 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
Lower Elementary Teacher Assistant
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.
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.“