Pinewoods is fortunate to have a group of educators and administrators who care deeply about inspiring children with a shared love of learning.
Administration
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Jonathan Churn, Head of School
Jonathan Churn obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Barton College and a Masters of Education from Loyola College. He is an Association of Montessori International (AMI) certified Elementary Educator who spent nearly 20 years in the classroom before obtaining his American Montessori Society (AMS) certification in Administration and moving on to school leadership roles. He served as the Assistant HOS at the Montessori School of Raleigh from 2008-2011 before being named the Head of School at Winston-Salem Montessori School from 2011-2022. During his tenure at the Winston-Salem Montessori School, he oversaw a student body of 250 students and managed approximately 40 faculty and staff. He was instrumental in expanding the school from a toddler through 6th grade program to the addition of a 7th-9th grade Adolescent program. He successfully led the school through the COVID19 pandemic, largely keeping the doors open for in-person education throughout this challenging time in school history. Since July 2022, he has been working as the Director of Innovation and Advancement for the Association Montessori International of the U.S. (AMI/USA), where he has led the development of a new 5-year strategic plan.
Jon lives in Winston-Salem with his wife Robyn and their high-school aged twins, who also attended Montessori from 18 months through 9th grade. He is excited for the opportunity to return to a school community and to collaborate with our teachers and families to build upon the excellent educational foundation already in place, and to utilize his skills and experience to lead the Pinewoods Community into the next stage of its journey.
Jon lives in Winston-Salem with his wife Robyn and their high-school aged twins, who also attended Montessori from 18 months through 9th grade. He is excited for the opportunity to return to a school community and to collaborate with our teachers and families to build upon the excellent educational foundation already in place, and to utilize his skills and experience to lead the Pinewoods Community into the next stage of its journey.
Lindsay Ungewitter, Assistant Head of School and Primary Lead Guide
This is Lindsay's 13th 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.
Lindsay has worked in Montessori Primary classrooms since 2006, serving for eleven years as a Primary lead teacher at Pinewoods. She welcomes the opportunity to partner with more children and families in her administrative role. This is Lindsay's second year as Assistant Head of School.
Lindsay is also a Pinewoods parent. Her oldest child, Eddie, started at Pinewoods as a Toddler and is now in Upper Elementary. Her son Devon is a Primary student. In her spare time Lindsay enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and gardening.
Lindsay has worked in Montessori Primary classrooms since 2006, serving for eleven years as a Primary lead teacher at Pinewoods. She welcomes the opportunity to partner with more children and families in her administrative role. This is Lindsay's second year as Assistant Head of School.
Lindsay is also a Pinewoods parent. Her oldest child, Eddie, started at Pinewoods as a Toddler and is now in Upper Elementary. Her son Devon is a Primary student. In her spare time Lindsay enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and gardening.
Teaching Faculty
Milica Conn, Primary Assistant Guide
Milica has a two-year degree from the College of Music in Nis, Serbia. She taught Music
Appreciation and Theory to middle school students for several years, before moving to the United States in 2003. She also has an Early Childhood training certificate from the Florida department of children and families.
Milica played in an accordion orchestra, and has traveled throughout Europe with a female choir in her youth, while attending music school. She has assisted in both Primary and Toddler classrooms since 2017, starting in her daughter’s class at the Montessori school in Florida. She grew to like and appreciate the Montessori approach to education, and is enthusiastic to start her second year with toddlers at Pinewoods.
Milica enjoys music, audiobooks and going on nature walks with her family.
Appreciation and Theory to middle school students for several years, before moving to the United States in 2003. She also has an Early Childhood training certificate from the Florida department of children and families.
Milica played in an accordion orchestra, and has traveled throughout Europe with a female choir in her youth, while attending music school. She has assisted in both Primary and Toddler classrooms since 2017, starting in her daughter’s class at the Montessori school in Florida. She grew to like and appreciate the Montessori approach to education, and is enthusiastic to start her second year with toddlers at Pinewoods.
Milica enjoys music, audiobooks and going on nature walks with her family.
Danielle Salvatore, Lower Elementary Assistant Guide
Danielle Salvatore has a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in International & Global Studies from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. During her studies, she had the opportunity to study abroad in England and Mexico where her love for International Education grew. After graduation, Danielle moved to Australia before moving back to North Carolina to pursue a career in International Education.
After the birth of her son, Danielle began studying Dr. Montessori’s philosophy and developed a passion for the Montessori Method. She began implementing this method at home and saw the incredible impact it had on her son. This passion and discovery led her to pursue a Montessori training program and a career in a Montessori school. She is excited to join the Pinewoods team after experiencing the sense of community, compassion and respect for children that is present at Pinewoods. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dog Freyja, reading, baking, and traveling.
After the birth of her son, Danielle began studying Dr. Montessori’s philosophy and developed a passion for the Montessori Method. She began implementing this method at home and saw the incredible impact it had on her son. This passion and discovery led her to pursue a Montessori training program and a career in a Montessori school. She is excited to join the Pinewoods team after experiencing the sense of community, compassion and respect for children that is present at Pinewoods. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dog Freyja, reading, baking, and traveling.
Mari Armstrong, YCC Assistant Guide
Mari grew up in Venezuela before moving to North Carolina eight years ago. After completing her degree in Education in Venezuela, she taught elementary and high school there. She enjoys working with toddlers and primary and her extensive experience in these areas led her to Pinewoods. Before starting at Pinewoods, Mari taught for four years at a daycare in Chapel Hill. Mari currently lives in Burlington with her husband and two children, ages four and one.
Kaitlan Cole, Primary Assistant Guide
Kaitlan Cole has a BA in Studio Art from Indiana University and a Masters of Arts in Teaching
with a specialization in Art Education from Winthrop University. She taught middle school Art for several years before moving to Berkeley, California to work as a nanny. Kaitlan recently moved back to North Carolina and has started learning about the Montessori method in more depth while assisting in one of the Primary classes here at Pinewoods. She is excited to facilitate an environment where children’s independence, discovery, and development are prioritized.
In her free time, Kaitlan enjoys knitting, reading, spending time with her nephews, and collecting new hobbies.
with a specialization in Art Education from Winthrop University. She taught middle school Art for several years before moving to Berkeley, California to work as a nanny. Kaitlan recently moved back to North Carolina and has started learning about the Montessori method in more depth while assisting in one of the Primary classes here at Pinewoods. She is excited to facilitate an environment where children’s independence, discovery, and development are prioritized.
In her free time, Kaitlan enjoys knitting, reading, spending time with her nephews, and collecting new hobbies.
Bamborough Kelly, Primary Assistant Guide
Bamborough joined the Pinewoods after-school program in August 2019. She studied Early Childhood Education at NC Central University and will be pursing a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies at UNCG. Prior to joining the Pinewoods team, Bamborough was a teacher assistant at The Expedition School for two years, while tutoring in the afternoons in Chapel Hill and Durham. In the five years before working at Expedition, Bamborough taught at The Little School at Duke in Durham, NC. She is mom to five grown children whom she home-schooled for 7 years. During her time at Pinewoods, she has become more familiar with the Montessori approach to education and has gained an ever greater appreciation for the philosophies reflected in the curriculum and classroom environment. This is Bamborough's 5th year at Pinewoods.
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.
Heather Murphy, Primary Lead Guide
Heather has a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from The University of Texas at Austin, and an Early Childhood Montessori Credential from The Center for Guided Montessori Studies.
She 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 a local community college. Heather led Tinkergarten nature play classes for several years and enjoys bringing out children's innate creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills. She is an avid supporter of child-led learning and loves the emphasis on peace, respect and the outdoors at Pinewoods.
This is Heather's sixth year at Pinewoods. Her classroom is full of humor, wonder and hands-on experiences. When she isn't in the classroom, Heather spends time with her family, and enjoys hiking, gardening and travel. Heather's daughter and her son attend Pinewoods Montessori.
She 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 a local community college. Heather led Tinkergarten nature play classes for several years and enjoys bringing out children's innate creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills. She is an avid supporter of child-led learning and loves the emphasis on peace, respect and the outdoors at Pinewoods.
This is Heather's sixth year at Pinewoods. Her classroom is full of humor, wonder and hands-on experiences. When she isn't in the classroom, Heather spends time with her family, and enjoys hiking, gardening and travel. Heather's daughter and her son attend Pinewoods Montessori.
Maria Saavedra, Primary Lead Guide
Maria has 11 years of experience as a Montessori educator. Her Montessori journey began when she was employed as a substitute teacher at a nearby Montessori school. Through that experience, she discovered her love and passion for children and the Montessori method.
In 2018, Maria obtained her Montessori Toddler certification from the North American Montessori Center. She has been a Toddler Lead teacher at Pinewoods for the last 3 years. This is Maria's first year as a Primary Lead teacher. She is currently working on obtaining her Primary Montessori certification. Maria is the proud mother of two young children. During her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, and fishing with her family.
In 2018, Maria obtained her Montessori Toddler certification from the North American Montessori Center. She has been a Toddler Lead teacher at Pinewoods for the last 3 years. This is Maria's first year as a Primary Lead teacher. She is currently working on obtaining her Primary Montessori certification. Maria is the proud mother of two young children. During her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, and fishing with her family.
Lisa Walton, Primary Assistant Guide
Lisa has always loved children and follows in the footsteps of her mother, who ran a daycare while Lisa was growing up. She is excited for this opportunity to pursue her passion. Lisa has studied Early Childhood Education at Alamance Community College. She has served as a volunteer with Orange County schools, assisting the guidance department at East Chapel Hill High School. Lisa has also served elementary aged children as an afterschool group leader.
Lisa is the mother of 2 children and 3 grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys gardening and reading.
Lisa is the mother of 2 children and 3 grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys gardening and reading.
Jeannene Wasserburger-Schnell, Primary Lead Guide
Jeannene comes to Pinewoods with a depth of Montessori experience, perspective, and a continuing passion for working with young children. She began working with preschool children shortly after graduating from high school. Her first 18 years as an educator were spent working in development centers and traditional preschool before experiencing the Montessori approach. She has a degree in preschool education from Chadron State College and an Early Childhood (3-6 years) Montessori certification from the Albanesi Educational Center. Jeannene has experience setting up Montessori classrooms, training teachers, and implementing Montessori curriculum at the Infant, Toddler, and Primary levels. She has also provided parents/guardian education in the Montessori approach.
Jeannene and her husband have two grown children. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, music, gardening and walking on local trails.
Jeannene and her husband have two grown children. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, music, gardening and walking on local trails.
Elementary Team
Emily Armond, Lower Elementary Guide
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 has been a Montessori educator for 9 years and at Pinewoods for 7 years. She is excited to be a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
In her spare time she loves to run, hike, embroider, play with her cats, and make puns. Her favorite things to teach are science and kindness.
In her spare time she loves to run, hike, embroider, play with her cats, and make puns. Her favorite things to teach are science and kindness.
Katie Crane, Elementary Assistant Guide & Spanish Teacher
Katie Crane has a B.A. in International Studies from UNC-Chapel Hill and subsequently received her K-12 teaching certification in Spanish. She spent over a decade teaching Spanish at the high school level and chairing the World Language Department at the school. After moving to Hillsborough in 2018, Katie was delighted to find Pinewoods for her daughter who was then in Kindergarten. She started substitute teaching that year and began learning about and loving the Montessori method. Katie has a passion for learning and teaching languages, and is excited to work with the upper and lower elementary students. Her older daughter is now a fourth year at Pinewoods and her younger daughter is in the Primary program.
Outside of school, Katie enjoys reading, learning languages and being with family and friends.
Outside of school, Katie enjoys reading, learning languages and being with family and friends.
Brittany Palacioz, Lower Elementary Guide
Brittany 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. She returned to Pinewoods after completing her Master of Arts in Teaching at Meredith College. Brittany loves Montessori’s cosmic curriculum and how the philosophy allows children ownership of their education. Her favorite subjects to teach are Math and History. This is Brittany's 12th year at Pinewoods.
Brittany currently lives in Durham with her husband and daughter. During her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and going to the beach.
Brittany currently lives in Durham with her husband and daughter. During her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and going to the beach.
Kelly Saxon, Upper Elementary Guide
Kelly Saxon studied elementary education at Appalachian State University and holds both an AMS Lower Elementary certification and a state teaching license. She is currently working toward a graduate certificate in Anti-Racism in Urban Education at UNC Charlotte. Kelly's 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. 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 bicycle dates with her husband, playing family board games, or curling up with a good book.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys bicycle dates with her husband, playing family board games, or curling up with a good book.
Picture credits: John Elkins Photography and Emily Bray
Interdisciplinary and Support Staff
Caroline Jerger, Physical Education 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.
Sita Shepard, Early Bird and Encore Support Guide
Sita Shepard had the good fortune to attend Montessori preschool in 1965. In fact, her mother had her own Montessori school right across the street from their home. It was only natural that Sita followed in her mother’s footsteps. She now has Early Childhood credentials in both Montessori and conventional education. She has been an assistant and lead for classrooms up to 3rd grade. Sita also has an associate’s degree in horticulture, and experience with animal husbandry and organic gardening. She enjoys sharing her experience with children of all ages.
Now that her own 3 children are grown she has more time for gardening, swimming, and other hobbies.
Now that her own 3 children are grown she has more time for gardening, swimming, and other hobbies.