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
Email Mrs. Glover: s.glover@montessorifwb.com
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
Email Ms. Edwards: l.edwards@montessorifwb.com
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SARA WINTERS
Office Manager
My name is Sara Winters and I am the new Office Manager for MLC. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois, recently relocated our family on Okaloosa Island and chase our dreams of beach living! I have my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and taught Kindergarten prior to becoming a stay at home mom the last four years.
I am married to my wonderful husband, Josh and we have (two) four year olds that attend MLC preschool. My strong love for children is the reason I pursued education in college and I am so excited to be back in an educational setting. Some of the things I enjoy doing in my spare time include hunting for antique copper, shopping, eating sushi, and spending time with my family.
Email Ms. Winters: s.winters@montessorifwb.com
Click here for Ms. Winters' 'Favorite Things'
Primary
SARA RICHERT
Lead 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”
Email Ms. Richert: s.richert@montessorifwb.com
Click here for Ms. Richert's 'Favorite Things'
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-
Email Mrs. Carl: k.carl@montessorifwb.com
Click here for Mrs. Carl's 'Favorite Things'
TANYA REEVES
Primary Teacher
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.
Email Ms. Reeves: t.reeves@montessorifwb.com
Click here for Ms. Reeves' 'Favorite Things'
Tiffany Tolomeo
Primary Teacher
Hi, my name is Tiffany Tolome, I was born in Burlington, New Jersey, where I was a teachers assistant in Pre-K for 4 years. I moved to Florida last October with my Husband who is currently active duty in the Air Force. I grew up enjoying the beach and watching sports with my family - all Phillies teams of course! I joined the Montessori team last January as an aftercare/substitute. Although this is my first time teaching Montessori, I am incredibly excited to be able to teach science and math this year as a Primary Teacher.
Sabrina Royer
Primary Assistant Teacher
Biography Coming Soon
Email Ms. Royer: s.royer@montessorifwb.com
Click here for Ms. Royer's 'Favorite Things'
Kindergarten
MELANIE MYERS
Kindergarten Teacher
I'm Melanie Myers! 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!
Email Ms. Myers: m.myers@montessorifwb.com
Click here for Ms. Myers' 'Favorite Things'
RACHEL GARCIA
Kindergarten 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
Email Ms. Garcia: r.garcia@montessorifwb.com
Click here for Ms. Garcia's 'Favorite Things'
TESS TOLIVER
Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Hello! My name is Tess Tolliver, and I have worked in childcare for the past three years, including about two years supporting children with special needs. I have lived in the Fort Walton Beach area my entire life and graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School. I am currently pursuing a degree in education.
Email Ms. Toliver: t.toliver@montessorifwb.com
Ms. Toliver's Favorite Things Coming Soon
Lower Elementary
HAILEY LAWRENCE
1st Grade Teacher
Hello, my name is Hailey, and I'm so excited to be joining the Montessori community this year! I'm originally from Virginia and have lived here in Florida for the past five years with my family. I've been teaching for 10 years, the past four years as a public school Kindergarten Teacher. I'm thrilled to begin this new journey in Montessori education and look forward to growing and learning alongside my students. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time at the beach, caring for my animals, and working on puzzles. I have two dogs and two guinea pigs, who bring me lots of joy! I can't wait to get to know each child and family and create a classroom where kindness, curiosity, and a love of learning can flourish. I'm looking forward to a wonderful year together!
Email Mrs. Lawrence: h.lawrence@montessorifwb.com
Mrs. Lawrence's 'Favorite Things' - COMING SOON
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.
Email Mrs. Manley: k.manley@montessorifwb.com
Click here for Mrs. Manley's 'Favorite Things'
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
Email Miss Ridings: m.ridings@montessorifwb.com
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.
Email Ms. Harper: b.harper@montessorifwb.com
ANDREA KLABAN
4th/5th Grade Teacher
I grew up in the Tampa Bay area before eventually finding my way to Northwest Florida, and I quickly fell in love with the area's beautiful beaches and sense of community.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Florida (Go Bulls!). Although I originally pursued marketing, I found myself continually drawn to education and ultimately followed that calling. Through a variety of support and instructional roles in public education, I discovered a passion for helping children grow in confidence and develop a love of learning.
When I'm not teaching, you can usually find me curled up in a cozy spot with a good book, a cup of coffee, and my cat nearby.
I was drawn to Montessori education because of it's emphasis on independence, curiosity, and hands-on learning. I am excited to join the Montessori community and bring patience, grace, and encouragement to the fourth and fifth grade students.
Email Ms. Klaban: a.klaban@montessorifwb.com
Ms. Klaban's 'Favorite Things' - COMING SOON
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.
Email Ms. Winslette: a.winslette@montessorifwb.com
Marykay Quick
Elementary Paraprofessional
Hi, I’m Marykay! I’m an Ocala native and moved to Fort Walton in 2024. I have a 4 year old daughter, Rosalee, who takes up most of my time! I’ve had experience with elementary education and taught preschool previously. I’m so excited to step into the para role and assist with the older grades! When I’m not at school I love to kayak, hang out on the beach, and entertain my daughter. You might also find me at a NASCAR race as a vendor on some weekends! I’m so thankful for the opportunity to grow in the Montessori method and assist in your children’s education!
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!
Email Mrs. Feeney: k.feeney@montessorifwb.com
Click here for Mrs. Feeney's 'Favorite Things'
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.“
Email Ms. Baldwin: b.baldwin@montessorifwb.com
Music Program
KAYLEE MCATEE
Music Teacher
Hi! I’m Kaylee McAtee, and I’m thrilled to join you as the new music teacher this year. I grew up in Massillon, Ohio, but thanks to the military, my family and I have called Florida home for the past five years. Before moving here, I lived and worked in Germany, where I welcomed my twin boys and discovered my love for travel while exploring Europe with my family. Living in the Florida Panhandle inspired my passion for teaching and working with children. I love collecting vinyl records, going to concerts, cheering at football games, and spending long days at the beach. Music has always been a big part of my life, and I can’t wait to share my excitement for it with all of you!
Email Ms. McAtee: k.mcatee@montessorifwb.com
Ms. McAtee's 'Favorite Things' - COMING SOON
