The brunch will feature a panel discussion focusing on practical ideas and strategies for supporting school staff, the importance of school sponsorships, and an opportunity for Q&A. We hope you’ll join us for an opportunity to meet and connect with fellow school leaders!
Facilitators: Grace Lee, WMI Executive Director and Stephanie Barnes, MIA Board President
This event will be held at Springmont School, 5750 Long Island Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
About the Panelists
Myesha’s childhood experiences in primary and elementary Montessori classrooms greatly influenced her decision to pursue a career in early childhood education. Myesha received her AMI Primary and Elementary Diplomas from the Montessori Institute of Atlanta in 2007 and 2012 and completed the 0-3 AMI Orientation course in 2022. She also holds an M.Ed. from Loyola University and a Ph.D. in Immunology/ Molecular Pathogenesis from Emory University.
Myesha has over 18 years of experience working in school settings, including roles as primary guide in both all-day and traditional Montessori classrooms, teacher mentor, Board trustee, and Administrator. She has served as an AMI/USA consultant since 2017, and has worked as an AMI primary course assistant, examiner, and presenter. She is also the creator of alldayprimary.com.
Nikki is the Elementary and Middle School Pedagogical Coordinator at the Montessori School at Emory in Decatur and an independent consultant and coach supporting school leaders and Montessori guides across the Atlanta area. A Montessori child herself, Nikki holds Montessori Elementary (Washington Montessori Institute) and Adolescent (Houston Montessori Center) certifications and a Master of Education from Loyola University Maryland. She has taught at the Elementary and Adolescent levels and held various leadership roles, including Training Center Administrator, Educational Director, and Associate Head of School. Nikki served on the board of the Montessori Institute of Atlanta and was the founding president of Montessori Administrators of Georgia.
Dania is a graduate of the University of Georgia and holds bachelor degrees in International Affairs and Romance Languages. Upon graduation, she was a Teach for America corps member and taught fourth grade in the Atlanta Public School System. Following this, she earned her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill. She practiced law for several years in Atlanta, specializing in Labor and Employment.
Dania joined the Crabapple Montessori administrative team in 2018. In her role, she works closely with staff members, parents, and children to ensure the smooth management and operation of the school.
Dania lives in Alpharetta with her husband and two children. In her spare time, Dania enjoys spending time with her family, traveling near and far, and reading. Dania also continues to provide pro bono legal services in the community.
A Montessori child herself, Stefanie graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor of arts degree in Anthropology. Stefanie first began working with the Americorps Education program in Atlanta public schools. In 2002, she decided to return to her Montessori roots and started Montessori teacher training. Stefanie completed the AMI Primary (3-6 years) training at the Montessori Institute of Atlanta in 2005, and the AMI Assistants to Infancy (0-3 years) training in 2018. In the summer of 2020, she received her M. Ed. from Loyola University in Education with a focus on Montessori. Stefanie is also certified in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1. She has been the director at Cross of Life Montessori school since 2010.
Stefanie lives in Marietta with her husband, two children (both COLM alums) and numerous pets. She enjoys photography, cooking, reading, and volunteering with pet rescue organizations.