Experienced. Passionate.
And just as dedicated to your kids as you are.
Pinewoods is fortunate to have a group of educators that care deeply about inspiring children with a love of learning.
*Updated September 2019
*Updated September 2019
Emily Armond, Lower Elementary Teacher
Emily Armond has a B.S. in biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Georgia. In graduate school she focused on reading and literacy, ESOL, and social justice education. She worked in the public schools in Athens, GA for six years before finding a Montessori school that felt like home. She earned her AMS certificate for lower elementary in 2015 and has taught for 5 years in a Montessori classroom.
In her spare time she loves to run, hike, swim, play in a band, and make puns. Her favorite things to teach are language and kindness.
Brandi Austin, Primary Teacher
Brandi spent her first year at Pinewoods as the assistant toddler teacher. After completing her B.S. in child development at Meredith College, in December 2014, she was very excited to return as a lead teacher. Brandi has obtained her Montessori certification and has been a lead teacher at Pinewoods for four years.
To fulfill Meredith’s child development program requirements, Brandi was placed in dozens of schools providing her with experiences and skills from a variety of settings, though she always knew she wanted to become a Montessori teacher. She completed her student teaching at a public Montessori school.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, Mia, playing with her dogs Bella and Zeta, reading, scrapbooking, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.
To fulfill Meredith’s child development program requirements, Brandi was placed in dozens of schools providing her with experiences and skills from a variety of settings, though she always knew she wanted to become a Montessori teacher. She completed her student teaching at a public Montessori school.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, Mia, playing with her dogs Bella and Zeta, reading, scrapbooking, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.
Emily Bray, Office Manager
This is Emily’s fourth year at Pinewoods. Emily moved to Hillsborough in 2015, after completing her BA in Anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Emily has worked in clerical positions at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Charlotte, in the International Student and Scholar offices. While there, she learned that she very much enjoys working closely with students and parents. After college, she managed a women's clothing boutique.
Emily is the mother of a four year old boy who is in a primary class at Pinewoods. She is certified in Montessori Fundamentals by the Center for Guided Montessori Studies and has her first credential in Early Childhood Education.
In her spare time, Emily enjoys making stained glass art and spending time outdoors with her son and husband.
Emily is the mother of a four year old boy who is in a primary class at Pinewoods. She is certified in Montessori Fundamentals by the Center for Guided Montessori Studies and has her first credential in Early Childhood Education.
In her spare time, Emily enjoys making stained glass art and spending time outdoors with her son and husband.
Gabriela Bresciani, Toddler Assistant Teacher and Spanish Teacher
Gabriela has a degree in administration and in 2006 was hired to teach Spanish at Cornerstone Montessori School in Colorado. There she met and fell in love with the Montessori method. Gabriela worked for 9 years as a Spanish teacher and assistant teacher for toddlers and primary children. In 2014, she moved to NC and completed her early childhood credentials. This past summer, Gabriela began her infant/toddler Montessori training at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in Charlotte, NC.
Gaby is a mother of two daughters and is a proud grandmother. When not spending time with her grandson and granddaughter she enjoys exercising and loves to dance. This is Gaby's fifth year at Pinewoods.
Caroline Carman, Head of School
Caroline has a Masters in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she also obtained her undergraduate degree in elementary education. Following her undergraduate studies, Caroline pursued her AMS Montessori Elementary Certification and taught for one year at a public Montessori school in Wake County. She spent the next seven years at a Montessori school in Raleigh teaching lower elementary and interning with the administrative team. Caroline credits her father, a former Montessori Head in the Triangle, for introducing her to Montessori and nurturing her development as a child-centered educator. Caroline is passionate about the Montessori approach and building strong partnerships and community between parents, children, and school faculty. This is Caroline's third year at Pinewoods.
In her free time, Caroline enjoys doing anything outdoors. She is an avid runner and also enjoys skiing, traveling, and hiking. She loves to read, garden, and spend time with her cat, dog, and husband.
In her free time, Caroline enjoys doing anything outdoors. She is an avid runner and also enjoys skiing, traveling, and hiking. She loves to read, garden, and spend time with her cat, dog, and husband.
Bamborough Kelly, Primary Assistant Teacher
Bamborough joined the Pinewoods after-school program in August 2019 and is excited to call Pinewoods her full-time home. She is pursuing a degree in Child Development and Family Relations and Early Childhood Education from NC Central University. For the past two years, Bamborough has been an assistant teacher at The Expedition School. Before that, she worked at The Little School at Duke in Durham, NC for 5 years and also home-schooled her five children. While Bamborough is new to Montessori, she has become fascinated and interested with the approach and is excited to learn more. She will be completing the Montessori Fundamentals course through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies this year.
In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, especially live music with friends. She loves spending time with family and in nature to reflect and replenish. A favorite pastime is thrift-store shopping.
In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, especially live music with friends. She loves spending time with family and in nature to reflect and replenish. A favorite pastime is thrift-store shopping.
Joy Langley-Parsons, Toddler Teacher
Joy Langley-Parsons has been teaching in the toddler classroom at Pinewoods for 8 years and started the program when it began at the school. Joy worked at Pinewoods for 5 years as a substitute teacher before entering training for Montessori toddler certification and doing a self-directed internship at Pinewoods from 2011-2012.
Joy has her Infant/Toddler Montessori certification, an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, and is currently enrolled at the University of Georgia focusing on classes for Developmental Teaching for Students With Special Needs.
In her spare time, Joy enjoys exercising and spending time with her family and friends as well as her two boxers Abby and Josie.
Joy has her Infant/Toddler Montessori certification, an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, and is currently enrolled at the University of Georgia focusing on classes for Developmental Teaching for Students With Special Needs.
In her spare time, Joy enjoys exercising and spending time with her family and friends as well as her two boxers Abby and Josie.
Ashley Lorusso, Substitute Teacher and Art Teacher
Ashley Lorusso came to Montessori education through her children over four years ago. She is passionate about supporting children as they explore both the process, concepts and history of art; feeling confident that creative expression is essential to the development of the whole child. Prior to teaching elementary art at Pinewoods, she worked as an arts administrator at non-profit arts organizations and galleries in NJ and NYC. She has a MFA from Parsons School of Design and a BA from Wake Forest University.
Gabisu Menendez, Primary Assistant Teacher
This is Gabisu's second year at Pinewoods. Gabisu joined the Pinewoods team after working at another preschool in Hillsborough. She spent the 2015-2016 school year substitute teaching at Pinewoods and taught as an assistant teacher in primary last year with Ms. Lisa. She has experience working with toddler and preschool ages as well as infants. Her son started at Pinewoods in the toddler classroom and is now in elementary.
Gabisu's daughter was born at the end of May 2018. Her mother also teaches at Pinewoods and was thrilled to welcome another grandchild to the family. In her spare time, Gabisu enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Heather Murphy, Primary Assistant Teacher
Heather started her teaching career in Japan as an English language teacher, then worked in international student welfare and English as a Second Language (ESL) education in London for 5 years. After moving to North Carolina, she initiated a Global Education program and taught International Business at Johnston Community College. In 2010, following a love of dance from childhood and a passion for global cultures, Heather became a partner in a world dance studio where she taught adults and children.
After her son and daughter were born, Heather learned all she could about child development, brain science and positive parenting and is an avid supporter of child-led learning and the Montessori method. Since spring 2017 she has led Tinkergarten nature play classes in which she helps children foster creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills. When she isn't in the classroom, Heather spends time with her family- husband Glenn, daughter Cora, and son Sean. Heather's daughter is in toddler and her son is in lower elementary. She loves hiking, gardening, eating good food, traveling and having tickle fights with her kids.
After her son and daughter were born, Heather learned all she could about child development, brain science and positive parenting and is an avid supporter of child-led learning and the Montessori method. Since spring 2017 she has led Tinkergarten nature play classes in which she helps children foster creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills. When she isn't in the classroom, Heather spends time with her family- husband Glenn, daughter Cora, and son Sean. Heather's daughter is in toddler and her son is in lower elementary. She loves hiking, gardening, eating good food, traveling and having tickle fights with her kids.
Brittany Palacioz, Lower Elementary Teacher
Brittany Palacioz was born and raised on the Outer Banks and completed her undergraduate education at UNC Chapel Hill. After college, she interned at Pinewoods to earn her AMS Lower Elementary credential and stayed on to teach with Jo Ann for the next two years.
She returned to Pinewoods after completing her Master of Arts in Teaching at Meredith College. Brittany loves how the Montessori method gives children ownership of their education and an understanding of the world around. Her favorite subjects to teach are Math and History. This is Brittany's 9th year at Pinewoods.
Brittany currently lives in Durham. During her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, going to the beach, and running with her dog, Buxton.
Jo Ann Rubin, Upper Elementary Teacher
Jo Ann Rubin has been with Pinewoods for twenty years. She has a Master’s degree and her full Montessori teaching credential in Early Childhood and both Lower and Upper elementary. JoAnn is a talented teacher loved by children and parents alike.
She is dedicated to each student in her class and is gifted at providing individualized instruction based on the unique learning style of each. Her classroom is rich with literature, science, geography, history, geometry, and art activities.
In her free time, JoAnn enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and going to tag sales.
Maria Saavedra, Toddler Teacher
Maria is so happy to be joining the Pinewoods community. She has been teaching in a Montessori environment for nine years. She started off as a substitute teacher, during that time she discovered her love and passion for children and the Montessori method. She has her Infant and Toddler Montessori certification. She also spent a few years as a nanny.
Maria was born in California but has lived in North Carolina most of her life. Currently Maria and her husband live in Burlington. They have two children: Warren and Emilia. During their free time they enjoy going camping, hiking and fishing.
Maria is so happy to be joining the Pinewoods community. She has been teaching in a Montessori environment for nine years. She started off as a substitute teacher, during that time she discovered her love and passion for children and the Montessori method. She has her Infant and Toddler Montessori certification. She also spent a few years as a nanny.
Maria was born in California but has lived in North Carolina most of her life. Currently Maria and her husband live in Burlington. They have two children: Warren and Emilia. During their free time they enjoy going camping, hiking and fishing.
Kelly Saxon, Lower Elementary Teacher
Kelly Saxon studied elementary education at Appalachian State University and holds both an AMS lower elementary certification and a state teaching license. Her first 8 years of teaching experience were at a local Montessori charter school, where she fell in love with Maria Montessori's methods. In 2019, after a few years at home with her 3 young children, she returned to the classroom at a STEM school. Kelly has a passion for hands-on learning, nurturing intrinsic motivation, and promoting peace. She hopes to nurture students' natural curiosities to develop lifelong learners. In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending the day at cyclo-cross races with her family or curling up with a good book.
Karen (KJ) Smith, Primary Teacher
Karen Smith (aka Ms. KJ) is a passionate Montessori educator that has worked professionally with children and animals for the past 18 years. Her work has taken place in a wide variety of settings, and she worked in primate and mammalian communication and behavior for over 10 years. Karen has worked in zoos and sanctuaries with tigers, chimpanzees, sharks and more, and loves bringing her knowledge of the animal kingdom into the classroom. Karen has also done extensive work guiding children with physical and learning disabilities through canine and equestrian therapy and has high hopes to continue that goal this year.
Karen is currently taking her Montessori Early Childhood training in Charlotte, NC, as well as finishing a degree in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori concentration. She is also an Environmental Educator student through the state of North Carolina.
In her free time, Karen enjoys spending time with her daughter, who will be attending Pinewoods in the Fall, gardening with her chickens, and hiking with her dog, Fern.
Karen is currently taking her Montessori Early Childhood training in Charlotte, NC, as well as finishing a degree in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori concentration. She is also an Environmental Educator student through the state of North Carolina.
In her free time, Karen enjoys spending time with her daughter, who will be attending Pinewoods in the Fall, gardening with her chickens, and hiking with her dog, Fern.
Lindsay Ungewitter, Primary Teacher
This is Lindsay's tenth year at Pinewoods. She has a bachelors degree in education and earned her Montessori early childhood credential in 2007 from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in Apex, North Carolina.
Lindsay worked in a public Montessori school teaching Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten before moving to Efland. She and her husband live on the farm where he works. Her love of animals, the outdoors and gardening make this an ideal living situation for them both.
She is often called upon to help with farm chores and activities and so strives to bring her connection with nature and her compassion for all living things into the classroom. Lindsay is the proud mother of four. Her sons, Edward and Devon, are both attending Pinewoods and Lindsay is very proud to have them both in the Montessori environment.
Jessica White Winger, Assistant Head of School
Jessica is so happy to be joining the community at Pinewoods both as the Assistant Head of School, and as a parent. She moved from the San Francisco area back to her home state of North Carolina this summer along with her husband, two children (Theo, 6 and Nellie, 3.5) and their cat, Kung Fu.
Jessica comes to Pinewoods with a background in teaching and administration in various educational environments including public school, private school, a non-profit agency, and Head Start and Early Head Start programs. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.A. in Education with a focus on Early Childhood Special Education from San Francisco State University, along with a teaching credential. Jessica most recently held the position of Assistant Director at The Little School in San Francisco, a well-loved relationship-based, inclusive school that Theo and Nellie also attended. She feels deeply connected to the tenets of Montessori education that Pinewoods embraces so well, and is dedicated to deepening her Montessori knowledge through trainings and in partnership with the wonderful Pinewoods teachers and staff.
In her spare time, Jessica enjoys being outside, cooking and baking, reading, metalsmithing, and spending time with friends and family.
Jessica comes to Pinewoods with a background in teaching and administration in various educational environments including public school, private school, a non-profit agency, and Head Start and Early Head Start programs. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.A. in Education with a focus on Early Childhood Special Education from San Francisco State University, along with a teaching credential. Jessica most recently held the position of Assistant Director at The Little School in San Francisco, a well-loved relationship-based, inclusive school that Theo and Nellie also attended. She feels deeply connected to the tenets of Montessori education that Pinewoods embraces so well, and is dedicated to deepening her Montessori knowledge through trainings and in partnership with the wonderful Pinewoods teachers and staff.
In her spare time, Jessica enjoys being outside, cooking and baking, reading, metalsmithing, and spending time with friends and family.
Picture credit: John Elkins Photography
Interdisciplinary and Support Staff
Caroline Jerger - P.E. Teacher
Caroline Jerger is thrilled to bring her passion for play and sports to Pinewoods Montessori in 2020. After graduating from UNC Wilmington with a degree in Psychology, Caroline began working for Playworks, a program offered through Americorps that provides structured recess for elementary-aged children. She quickly realized how the power of play can positively impact not only a child’s physical health, but his or her emotional and social health as well. In 2016, Caroline started Amazing Athletes of Raleigh, a fast-paced educational sports program that teaches 10 different sports, various motor skills, and the importance of nutrition. She enjoys sharing aspects of the program through Pinewood’s P.E. classes and hopes to create a fun and memorable experience for each child.
Bernadett Lasztoczi - Primary Afternoon Assistant and Substitute Teacher
Bernadett moved to North Carolina in 2014 from Hungary, where she worked as an elementary school teacher. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pecs in Hungary. She specialized in literature and Hungarian grammar. After moving to North Carolina, Bernadett started working in a Montessori-inspired preschool classroom where she fell in love with the Montessori method. She is excited to begin working at Pinewoods as an afternoon assistant and a substitute teacher this year. In her free time, Bernadett enjoys hiking, walking, and spending time with her four-legged children. She loves baking and decorating cookies and cakes.
Jennifer Sewell - Music Teacher
This will be Jennifer's 15th year at Pinewoods. She was a primary teacher for 12 years and served as Head of School at Pinewoods for 8 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Meredith College, Early Childhood Administration Credential and, in addition to her full Montessori credential in Early Childhood Education, is a certified Kindermusik teacher. Jennifer is committed to the traditional Montessori philosophy and believes in classroom environments that are not only stimulating but also teach peace and respect. Working with children with unique occupational therapy needs is a special interest of hers. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her children, Autumn and Bryson, as well as cooking, decorating and volunteering.
Board of Directors 2019-2020
Kerry PlunketChair, Board of Directors
Kerry Plunket is the mother of two Pinewoods students, Teddy (6) and James (4), and has been part of the Pinewoods community since 2013. She believes that Pinewoods Montessori is providing her sons with a great sense of independence and a love for learning while respecting their individual learning styles and interests. When she isn’t parenting, she works as the Director of Human Resources for a technical recruiting and staffing firm. Kerry applies her business skills and experience to assist Pinewoods in fulfilling its mission and in fostering its sense of community. In addition to enjoying time with her husband, Bob, their boys and two rescue dogs, Kerry likes to prepare (and eat) vegetarian cuisine, read, and travel. Laura ArnemanTreasurer, Board of Directors
Laura is currently a stay at home parent working towards going back to school for occupational therapy. Prior to this, Laura worked in accounting at a family owned architecture and construction company. She was on the board of her townhouse association for 3 years, and served as the treasurer for 2 of those years. Laura has two children at Pinewoods. Masha PaschalPTO Coordinator, Board Member
Masha Paschal is the mother of Coleman (9) , who has been attending Pinewoods since 2014. She feels that Pinewoods Montessori is not just a good school that allows children to excel academically and develop a strong sense of independence & responsibility, but also a unique community that provides great support to its members - small and big. Through the last 3 years she has supported her son’s class by being a reading parent, volunteering for field trips and helping with special events. In 2017 she decided to take the next step and joined the school's board as she believes it is important for parents to be involved and vested in order for the school to succeed further. Masha moved to the United States from Russia 20 years ago and has lived most of this time in central NC. She has worked as an IT Project Manager for over 15 years and is currently holding a Senior Project Manager position at IBM Watson Healthcare. Masha hopes that her project management skills can be leveraged for Pinewoods' benefit especially as the school is undergoing an expansion. Brittany PalaciozTeacher Representative
Brittany Palacioz was born and raised on the Outer Banks and completed her undergraduate education at UNC Chapel Hill. After college, she interned at Pinewoods to earn her AMS Lower Elementary credential and stayed on to teach with Jo Ann for the next two years. She returned to Pinewoods after completing her Master of Arts in Teaching at Meredith College. Brittany loves how the Montessori method gives children ownership of their education and an understanding of the world around. Her favorite subjects to teach are Math and History. This is Brittany's 8th year at Pinewoods. Brittany currently lives in Chapel Hill. During her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, going to the beach, and running with her dog, Buxton. Cynthia Abell-BrownBoard member
Cynthia is a Mom of two children (Jocelyn age 5 and Winchester age 3). She works as a System Administrator for the deviation management system at IQVIA (formally Quintiles). She also produces the executive metrics for all of company. She loves spending time with family, especially watching her oldest play TBall. Cynthia plans to bring her wealth of knowledge to the Board, specifically how to generate and replicate enrollment metrics. Cynthia strongly believes in the Pinewoods community and hopes to be involved in helping move the community forward. |
Jennifer MelerskiVice Chair, Board of Directors
Jennifer is the mom to 4 year old Ben who started at Pinewoods last year. Education is one of her family’s central values. She and her family are very grateful to have found Pinewoods which has been instrumental in creating a love and excitement about learning in their son. She has been especially struck by the dedicated professionals at the school and excited about the mission of the school to expand. Jennifer’s family is committed to a Montessori education for Ben and to Pinewoods thriving as it goes through this vital transition. Jennifer earned a Master’s in Education in 1995 and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2006. In her 27-year professional career she has served in not-for-profit agencies, mental health centers, universities, hospitals, courts, and correctional institutions serving a wide diversity of individuals. Jennifer hopes to apply her extensive education, including knowledge of organizational and community psychology, experience in conducting qualitative research, as well as her passion for education to serve the Pinewoods community during this important transition. Jennifer is currently the owner of her own psychology practice. She and her family live in Mebane. Erik PearsallSecretary, Board of Directors
Erik Pearsall has lived in North Carolina for almost five years with his spouse and Pinewoods-enrolled daughter. He has leadership experience, as both an Eagle Scout and of teams in the workplace. He has a background in design, and currently works in technical training and education—creating and delivering technology classes. He is interested in joining the board to help volunteer and guide Pinewoods forward. Erik enjoys board games, the outdoors, and spending time with his two daughters. Jordan BrayBoard Member
As a former Montessori student himself, and now as a proud parent of a 3-year-old Pinewoods student, Jordan is a passionate believer in Pinewoods’ teaching philosophy. His wife, Emily Bray, is also the school’s office manager. Through his experience as the father and spouse of two members of the Pinewoods community, Jordan is deeply supportive of and committed to contributing to Pinewoods’ growth, development, and overall success. Jordan aims to use his organizational and management skills developed through his experience as a Project Manager in Clinical research to help Pinewoods reach its full potential and become the most desirable and academically successful school in the area. He feels strongly that the more the Pinewoods community grows and develops, the more the students, parents, and staff will benefit and succeed. Jordan grew up in Durham, graduated from UNC-Asheville with a B.A. in psychology, and enjoys spending his free time outdoors hiking and gardening. Anne FoxBoard member
Anne Fox and her family have been part of the Pinewoods community since 2013, when her son Alex began the toddler program. Currently, her son Charlie is a student in Miss JoAnn’s Upper Elementary class. Anne and her family greatly value both the Montessori principles and wonderful community of teachers, parents, and students at Pinewoods. They are so grateful for the school and are excited to share in its growth. Anne looks forward to giving back to the Pinewoods community by serving as a member of the Board. She will bring to the Board a dedication to education, which led her to pursue a career in education law, as well as personal experience with the diverse issues affecting schools, parents, and students, including those with special needs. Lindsay BartholomewBoard Member
Lindsay and her family have been apart of the Pinewoods Community since 2016. After taking a tour of the school and visiting the classrooms, they knew Pinewoods was a good fit for their family. Lindsay is the mother of two daughters, Annabelle (5) and Madeline (3). Annabelle attended the primary program at Pinewoods and Madeline attended the toddler program and is now enrolled in the primary program. The Montessori approach has worked well for the girls and both share a love of learning due to the respectful, engaging, and hands-on environment that Pinewoods provides. In her spare time, Lindsay enjoys baking, playing board games, and spending time with her family outdoors or at the beach. |