Experienced. Passionate.
And just as dedicated to your kids as you are.
Pinewoods is fortunate to have a group of educators and administrators who care deeply
about inspiring children with a love of learning.
about inspiring children with a love of learning.
Heather Amistadi, Director of Business Operations and Development
Heather Amistadi holds dual undergraduate degrees in Economics and Political Science from Duke University, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Richmond, and a Masters degree in Adult Education from East Carolina University. Prior to her Montessori career, she spent almost ten years as an attorney in the corporate setting, most recently as Vice President of Marketing. Her roots as a Montessori child drew her away from the legal field to pursue her passion for education by becoming a Montessori teacher, and she spent years in the classroom teaching both lower and upper elementary. Heather completed her Montessori training at the Center for Montessori Education—NC and holds an EI-II Credential. She continues to serve as a presenter for CMTE-NC at both the lower and upper elementary level, in addition to consulting and presenting professional development programs for private and public Montessori schools.
In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, participating in multiple sports, and gardening. Heather has a tremendous passion for education and enjoys using her diverse career skills to serve students and families in many different ways.
In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, participating in multiple sports, and gardening. Heather has a tremendous passion for education and enjoys using her diverse career skills to serve students and families in many different ways.
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 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.
Courtney Berry, Office Manager
Courtney has spent many years in education and child care as a Teaching Assistant, tutor, and nanny. She is excited to be a part of Pinewoods as the Office Manager.
Her favorite things to do are to spend time with her son, Agis, and her two brothers. She enjoys travel, attending concerts, and working on art projects.
Meralys Brooks, Toddler Assistant Teacher
Meralys has a B.S. degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from North Carolina Central University.
She was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Massachusetts. Before joining the teaching community at Pinewoods, Meralys was in the United States Marine Corps, stationed in Oceanside, California. After enlistment, in 2019, Meralys and her husband moved to his home state of North Carolina.
In her free time, Meralys loves spending time with her 1 year old son and doing DIY and art projects.
Milica Conn, Toddler Teacher
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.
Katie Crane, Elementary Assistant Teacher and 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 spending time with family and friends.
Amanda Hart, Toddler Montessori Coach and Substitute Teacher
Amanda has worked with young children in a Montessori setting for over 20 years. She works to empower children through independence and loves observing all that they are capable of. She is especially drawn to the youngest child and earned her AMI 0-3 Montessori training from The Montessori Institute in Denver, Colorado. Amanda is excited to offer her guidance and experience to the Pinewoods Toddler teacher community through mentorship and will substitute teach across the age levels whenever needed.
Amanda and her family recently moved from California and is excited to explore the natural areas of this new state. She enjoys hiking, lake swimming, reading and drinking too much coffee.
Amanda and her family recently moved from California and is excited to explore the natural areas of this new state. She enjoys hiking, lake swimming, reading and drinking too much coffee.
Bamborough Kelly, Primary Assistant Teacher
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 4th 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.
Heather Murphy, Primary 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.
After her children 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. She led Tinkergarten nature play classes for several years and enjoys bringing out children's innate creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
This is Heather's fifth year at Pinewoods, and she is currently completing the Early Childhood certificate program with The Center for Guided Montessori Studies. When she isn't in the classroom, Heather spends time with her family, enjoys hiking, gardening and travel. She is proud to have her children at Pinewoods- Heather's daughter is in Kindergarten and her son is in Upper Elementary.
After her children 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. She led Tinkergarten nature play classes for several years and enjoys bringing out children's innate creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
This is Heather's fifth year at Pinewoods, and she is currently completing the Early Childhood certificate program with The Center for Guided Montessori Studies. When she isn't in the classroom, Heather spends time with her family, enjoys hiking, gardening and travel. She is proud to have her children at Pinewoods- Heather's daughter is in Kindergarten and her son is in Upper Elementary.
Whitney Neville, Primary Assistant Teacher
Ms. Whitney is very excited to start her first year at Pinewoods Montessori. She has a decade of experience teaching and nannying toddlers and preschoolers. Recently she went back to school and got her CDA in early childhood education. In her free time she enjoys being in nature , cooking , and playing with her son. In the classroom she enjoys incorporating art and music into her teaching. She is looking forward to a wonderful school year.
Brittany Palacioz, Lower Elementary Teacher
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.
Stephanie Pryor, Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher
Stephanie has a BA in Psychology and Classical and Medieval Studies and holds an MA as well. She worked as a research fellow at several institutions in the Middle East and Europe and excavated in Italy (including at Pompeii) and in Israel. Stephanie was an instructor at Minnesota State University – Moorhead, the University of Missouri-Columbia, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute through Duke Continuing Studies. She has also curated exhibitions and worked at museums.
This is Stephanie’s first year at Pinewoods Montessori. Her son attends the school, and she is eager to share her love of learning with the community.
This is Stephanie’s first year at Pinewoods Montessori. Her son attends the school, and she is eager to share her love of learning with the community.
Maria Saavedra, Primary Teacher
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.
Danielle Salvatore, Toddler Teacher
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. Her son Tristan will be attending Pinewoods in the Toddler program in the fall. 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. Her son Tristan will be attending Pinewoods in the Toddler program in the fall. 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.
Kelly Saxon, Upper Elementary Teacher
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.
Rohina Sediqui, Upper Elementary Teacher
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Rohina Sediqui has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Richmond and Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. Before Pinewoods, she taught elementary school in Kabul, for over 5 years. She visited the US as an exchange student and has been awarded prestigious scholarships, including the Fulbright. She brings a passion for healthy growth and development to the Pinewoods community. She sees child education as a key ingredient to a more peaceful world. Rohina loves reading books for all ages and hopes to write books in Dari. She enjoys animated movies, hiking, paddle boarding, taking care of her plants, and crocheting. |
Sita Shepard, After School Teacher
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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, 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. |
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 20 years. Her work has taken place in a wide variety of settings, from zoos and sanctuaries to Montessori schools and therapeutic programs for children with physical and learning differences. For many years, she specialized in primate and mammalian communication and behavior, working with chimpanzees, lemurs, gibbons, tigers, sharks, and more. She was introduced to the Montessori philosophy in 2017, and now holds a BS in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Montessori as well as her AMS certification in Montessori Early Childhood. She enjoys bringing her knowledge of the animal kingdom into the classroom and sharing her love for the natural world with children.
In her free time, KJ enjoys spending time with her partner, Sarryn, and their daughter, Ella, who is a Pinewoods Lower Elementary student. KJ can also be found gardening, or listening to music with her dog, Fern, or her three cats, four goats, two pigs, and forty chickens.
In her free time, KJ enjoys spending time with her partner, Sarryn, and their daughter, Ella, who is a Pinewoods Lower Elementary student. KJ can also be found gardening, or listening to music with her dog, Fern, or her three cats, four goats, two pigs, and forty chickens.
Lindsay Ungewitter, Assistant Head of School
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.
Lisa Walton, Primary Assistant Teacher
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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. |
Jeannene Wasserburger-Schnell, Primary Teacher
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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. |
Jessica White Winger, Head of School
Jessica was honored and excited to begin her second year as Head of School at Pinewoods after two years as Assistant Head of School. She is a proud parent of two children, both enrolled at Pinewoods. She moved from the San Francisco area back to her home state of North Carolina in 2019 along with her husband and their two children (Theo, 9 and Nellie, 6). Her family includes two cats (Sophie and Gus) and one dog (Walter).
Jessica came to Pinewoods with a background in teaching and administration in a variety of 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. Prior to her cross-country move, Jessica served as Assistant Director of 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 enjoys 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 came to Pinewoods with a background in teaching and administration in a variety of 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. Prior to her cross-country move, Jessica served as Assistant Director of 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 enjoys 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 credits: John Elkins Photography and Emily Bray
Interdisciplinary and Support Staff
Jeanetta Hopkins - Music Teacher
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Jeanetta Hopkins, pianist and music educator, earned her Bachelor of Music Education from Jackson State University. After receiving her degree she began a career as a music specialist with the Memphis City School district. During her tenure in the classroom, Jeanetta taught elementary general music, middle school piano, and middle and high school vocal arts before eventually relocating to Durham, NC. After serving in the public school system, Jeanetta chose the entrepreneurial path and opened the Bull City Music School with locations in Durham and Hillsborough. Although Jeanetta is an educator at heart, she is also a performer, having accompanied many church choirs and solo performers playing the violin, viola and organ. Jeanetta currently serves as the director of Bull City Music School, managing talent development of teachers and students, community partnerships and the growing class offerings.
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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.
Stephanie Woodbeck - Music and Movement Teacher
Stephanie Woodbeck is the owner and director of Monarch Movement Company, a Hillsborough dance and movement studio for the whole family. She has been a dancer since birth and a teacher for nearly 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Choreography and Performance from UNC-Greensboro and an Associates Degree in Massage Therapy and Eastern Studies from the Swedish Institute of College of Health Sciences. She is certified to teach yoga, pilates, and progressing ballet technique, and has trained in teaching the Brain Dance Method. Stephanie has worked as a professional dancer and choreographer throughout the country, allowing her to work with incredible artists and performers.
Stephanie is the proud mother of two daughters who both attended Pinewoods for their toddler and primary years. She is thrilled to be part of the Pinewoods community!
Stephanie Woodbeck is the owner and director of Monarch Movement Company, a Hillsborough dance and movement studio for the whole family. She has been a dancer since birth and a teacher for nearly 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Choreography and Performance from UNC-Greensboro and an Associates Degree in Massage Therapy and Eastern Studies from the Swedish Institute of College of Health Sciences. She is certified to teach yoga, pilates, and progressing ballet technique, and has trained in teaching the Brain Dance Method. Stephanie has worked as a professional dancer and choreographer throughout the country, allowing her to work with incredible artists and performers.
Stephanie is the proud mother of two daughters who both attended Pinewoods for their toddler and primary years. She is thrilled to be part of the Pinewoods community!