Faculty & Staff
ADMINISTRATION
Christina J. Miller
President and Director: Christina founded MMS and has owned and operated the school for thirty-five years. She is in charge of curriculum development, staff development, and accreditation. She holds a BA in Elementary Education, an MA in Curriculum Design, and is certified through AMS (American Montessori Society) to teach Early Childhood through the 6th grade. She currently team teaches the 4th and 5th grade class.
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Amilda A. Clark
Administrator/Admissions Director: Amilda has worked at Millhopper Montessori School for twenty years and is available to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding admissions, classes, policies, enrollment, employment, volunteer work, grounds, maintenance, and accounting. Amilda has taken classes and training via the Montessori Foundation Administration Workshops. Currently, she holds a 2.5 – 6 Montessori Certificate through the N.A.P.M.T.T.C. She is also working towards a degree through St. Leo University. Amilda has one child who attended the school for twelve years and is now in Eastside High School’s IB program.
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Donna Bernal
Administrative Assistant: This is Donna’s sixth year at MMS. She has two daughters, one who attended Millhopper Montessori School for ten years and graduated from the Middle School program and another who will be in the sixth grade this year. She enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
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Constance Heuss
Accounting/Payroll: Constance started volunteering in the Media Center during her daughter’s years at MMS. Now she is pleased to be working in the accounting office while her son is attending MMS. In addition to the time she spends working at MMS, she is the President of Cyber Studios, Inc.
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Rebecca McCuller
Director of Marketing & Alumni: Rebecca is the previous Director and owner of Spencer House Montessori School in Alachua. Her daughter, Amanda Elwart, graduated from MMS three years ago and is now a nursing student at The University of Central Florida. Rebecca first joined the MMS community in 1997 when her daughter, Amanda, became a student of the little house. She decided to close her school in June 2012 and is excited to have the opportunity to continue to share her love of working with children and their families with the MMS community. Rebecca has her Montessori Preprimary Credential, her degree in Early Childhood Education and her Florida Administrators Credential.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL (Sixth through Eighth Grade)
Sherilyn Farris
Middle School Lead Teacher: Sherilyn is the lead teacher in the Middle School classroom. Sherilyn has been the middle school lead teacher since its formation in 1998. She oversees the team of middle school educators and teaches Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Civics & American History, Geography & World Cultures. Sherilyn also coordinates the middle school extended class trips, seventh and eighth grade internships, and eighth grade graduation ceremonies. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and the AMS Montessori Secondary certification. Her outside interests include volunteering in the community, serving as Past President of the Junior League of Gainesville, and serving as Grant Evaluation Chair of the United Way of North Central Florida’s Success By 6 Initiative. Her latest passion is Zumba.
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Susan Hansen
Middle School Team Teacher: Susan holds a Master’s in Education from the University of South Alabama in Mobile and graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a minor in Business. Susan has previously worked as a fifth grade teacher in public school, a summer camp counselor, as a clerk at the Mobile Register Newspaper and bursar (treasurer) at the Alabama School of Math and Science. Susan’s areas of expertise are U.S. History, Literature, Composition and Math. Susan’s daughter attends MMS. This is Susan’s ninth year at MMS.
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SENIOR ELEMENTARY (Fourth and Fifth Grade)
Christina J. Miller
Senior Elementary Lead Teacher: Christina founded MMS and has owned and operated the school for thirty-five years. She currently team teaches in the fourth and fifth grade class. She is in charge of curriculum development, staff development, and accreditation. She holds a BA in Elementary Education, an MA in Curriculum Design, and is certified through AMS (American Montessori Society) to teach Early Childhood through the sixth grade. Christina teaches Math, Grammar, and fourth Grade Florida History/Geography.
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Susan Salvatore
Senior Elementary Team Teacher: Susan holds the AMS Montessori Elementary Education teaching credential and has been teaching at MMS for thirty-five years. She has experience ranging from age two through eighth grade. Susan has overseen the operation of the Elementary/Middle School Morning Program for seven years and is also the Study Hall Supervisor. Susan teaches History, Math, and manages the students’ individual work plans.
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Jennifer Kuntz
Senior Elementary Team Teacher: Jennifer is thrilled to join MMS this year. She is the Media Teacher for Early Childhood through Middle School, and the Literature and Composition teacher for 4th and 5th grade. Jennifer holds a Bachelors degree in English with a minor in Secondary Education and a Masters in Library Science. Over the past 17 years, she has worked with Florida’s state university libraries in the areas of public services and technology. Her volunteer work with preschoolers and Girl Scouts led her to make the transition to teaching. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Jennifer’s favorite pastimes include reading, writing, and travel.
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Erin Sorel
Senior Elementary Team Teacher: Erin teaches math and Florida history with the fourth and fifth grade class. Erin holds a BA in Spanish with a minor in Secondary Education. This is her ninth year teaching at MMS and her seventh year with the Senior Elementary team. Erin is also a morning care supervisor for Preschool and Kindergarten students. For five years Erin taught Spanish to 1st through 8th grade students at MMS. She has also worked as a Naturalist Instructor for The City of Gainesville’s Department of Parks and Recreation. Erin enjoys being outdoors in nature, gardening and spending time with her family. She has two children that attend MMS.
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LOWER ELEMENTARY (First through Third Grade)
Richard Aslanian
Lead Teacher Second & Third Grade: Richard Aslanian has been teaching at Millhopper Montessori School for the past eighteen years. During that time he has been an assistant in preschool/kindergarten and K-1 classes and a Lead Teacher for classes containing grades first through fourth. Richard holds a BA in History from the University of Florida. He received his AMS certificate in 1997 and has been trained in Phono-Graphix. Richard is married to Ms. Sylvia, the Technology and Drama Instructor. Both of his sons attended Millhopper Montessori School. His younger son attended the school for twelve years and is now in Eastside High School’s IB program. His other son is attending Santa Fe College and is employed part time at MMS. Richard will be hosting Chess Club on Tuesday afternoon and will be coaching one of our basketball teams.
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Suzanne Rumsey
Assistant Teacher Second & Third Grade: This is Suzi’s seventh year at Millhopper Montessori School. Suzi moved from Cocoa Beach to Gainesville in 1999. Before joining MMS, Suzi worked in real estate, child care, and radiology. She enjoys volunteering with Women Build and Canine Companions for Independence. Suzi has three children, two which are grown and one that attends MMS. Among the other duties and responsibilities of being an assistant teacher, Ms. Suzi will be leading the third grade Junior Great Books program.
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Anita Bender
Lead Teacher First & Second Grade: Anita holds the Montessori Teaching 6 – 9 Year Old Credential from the American Montessori Society. She also holds a BA in Journalism from the Nicholson School at the University of Central Florida. Anita was awarded NBC’s Carl Glicken merit scholarship in college, “Management Excellence” and other awards in her fifteen year career in management and customer service, and is the former president of Kirkwood Environmental Improvement Association. She is working on her certification for the Phono-Graphix reading program and works with the Orton-Gillingham Susan Barton program for Dyslexic children. This is Anita’s ninth year as a lead teacher at Millhopper Montessori School. Anita has a passion for the arts and incorporates art into her classroom. She feels that being a Montessori teacher fits her personality perfectly. She has three children who attend MMS.
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Susan Long
Assistant Teacher First & Second Grade: This is Susan’s fourteenth year as an Assistant Teacher. She holds a BS in Business from Louisiana State University and is the mother of three children, two of which are MMS graduates. This will be Susie’s fifth year offering a sewing studio on Wednesdays and Thursdays to the children at MMS.
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EARLY CHILDHOOD & KINDERGARTEN
Elizabeth Falls
Preschool/Kindergarten Lead Teacher: Elizabeth is the Lead Teacher in the Preschool/Kindergarten class, as well as the Preschool and Kindergarten Coordinator here at MMS. This is Elizabeth’s fifteenth year teaching at Millhopper Montessori. She started as an Assistant Teacher in the Lower Elementary Classroom. She has fifteen years experience in the Lower Elementary level. Elizabeth holds her 3-6 AMS Montessori Certificate, is trained in Phono-Graphix, and has completed the Montessori Key Concepts Workshop. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Child Studies and Psychology. She also holds an Associate of Science degree in Medical Administration. Elizabeth has personal experience and an interest in working with special needs children. She is a mother of three, all of whom have attended MMS.
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Jessica Pytko
Preschool/Kindergarten Assistant Teacher: Jessica recently moved to Gainesville from Massachusetts. She has a BA in Biology and has taught preschool age children for the past six years. Jessica has an interest in early language development and is excited to be a part of the MMS family. Jessica has two children in Elementary School.
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Renee Brohamer
Preschool/Kindergarten Lead Teacher: This is Renee Brohamer’s fifth year teaching at MMS. She received her AMS 3-6 certification in 1989 from South Florida Montessori Education Center in Boca Raton FL. She has a BA in psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and also holds a Florida Teacher Certification for K-6. Renee has taught for over 20 years from pre-school through GED/adult education. Renee is the mother of four children, two of whom are young adults and the other two are in middle and high school.
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Kathleen Bastien
Preschool/Kindergarten Assistant Teacher: This is Kathleen’s ninth year teaching here at MMS. She worked at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School for eight years, where her focus was primary classes consisting of first and second graders. She has completed the Montessori Key Concepts Workshop. Kathleen and her husband of thirty-four years, Tom, spend their time doing crafts, gardening, amateur photography, and Civil War re-enactments. Kathleen has four children, ages twenty to thirty-five.
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Christina Eckstein
Preschool Lead Teacher: This is Christina’s ninth year at MMS and her sixth as a preschool lead teacher. She completed her Montessori training in 2008 and holds the AMS 3 – 6 Montessori Certificate. Christina also directs the elementary and middle school vocal ensemble studios at MMS after school. Her previous responsibilities at MMS have included teaching music, assisting in the fourth and fifth grade classroom, supervising morning and after school, and assisting with the early childhood summer camp program. She received her BM in education (K-12) from Youngstown State University in Ohio in 2000 and her MM in performance from Florida State University in 2002. During her studies at FSU, she was also a graduate teaching assistant. Previously, Christina taught elementary music at Eagle Heights Academy, which is an urban charter school in Youngstown, Ohio. She directed her students in many musical programs within the school as well as in the community.
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Lily Tajalli
Preschool Assistant Teacher: This is Lily’s fourth year as an assistant teacher. In the past, Lily has substituted as the art teacher for the MMS elementary and middle school. She has attended oil painting workshops in France, California, and Florida; most recently a class taught by the local artist Eleanor Blair at the Harn Museum. Lily has studied French literature at the Faculty of Literature and Law in Dijon, France for two years. She has also attended De Anza College in Cupertino, California to study computer applications. Lily enjoys reading, playing tennis at a local club, and painting.
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Martha Dolan
Preschool Lead Teacher: This is Martha’s third year at MMS. She has 16 years experience working with preschool and kindergarten children in public and private schools. She received her AA degree in Child Development from LBW Community College in Andalusia, Alabama. While working on her degree she received the Outstanding Student Award. Martha attended the Montessori training school in Orlando, Florida during the summer of 2012 and will complete her certification in June of 2013. Martha is the mother of two sons and has four grandchildren. She enjoys camping, cooking and gardening.
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Christina Wegner
Preschool Assistant Teacher: This is Christina’s third year here at MMS. For the past two years she’s worked as an Early Childhood/Kindergarten After School Program Supervisor. She also served as a “Little House” Assistant Teacher during the 2011 and 2012 Summer Camp programs. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Advertising with a minor in Business Administration. Christina loves being a part of the MMS family and is thrilled to begin her third year here at MMS.
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Crystal Sorrow
Early Childhood/Beginner’s Class Lead Teacher: Crystal began working at MMS in the fall of 1999 after graduating from the University of Florida with a BA in English Literature. She was the Assistant Teacher in the Preschool/Kindergarten class for the 1999-2000 school year, was part of the administrative team from summer 2000 – fall 2001, and took over as Lead Teacher in the Early Childhood/Beginner’s Class in October 2001. Crystal holds the Early Childhood Montessori certificate. Crystal supervises the fifth grade Safety Patrols who assist the school by providing a morning and afternoon drop off service. Crystal has also taught Cooking and Creative Movement in after school studios at MMS.
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Elizabeth Sheehan
Early Childhood/Beginner’s Class Assistant Teacher: Elizabeth began working as a “Little House” assistant in the year 2000. She holds an AA and AS in Special Education. Elizabeth has been a volunteer with the Gainesville Ballet Theatre for the past sixteen years. Her younger daughter, Emily, who is a Junior in high school is still a member of the company. Sara, her older daughter, currently lives in Orlando and works in the Radiolography department of a local hospital. Both of Elizabeth’s daughters attended MMS. Elizabeth enjoys sewing and gardening.
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Summer Pitt
Early Childhood/Beginner’s Class Assistant Teacher: Summer moved to Gainesville three years ago to attend Santa Fe College. She graduated with an Associates of Arts degree in June 2011 and is currently working towards and Associates of Science degree in Business Administration. She is also employed at the Lawrence W. Tyree Library and she loves to read. This is second year at MMS and she is thrilled to be part of the MMS family.
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PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT TEAM
Elaine Manion
Reading Teacher & Reading Therapist: Elaine teaches first, second, and third grade reading. She meets daily with first and second grade reading groups and twice a week with 3rd grade reading groups. She has a BA in Elementary Education, a minor in Biology, has completed the Great Books training, the Phono-Graphix Reading Program, and the Language Wise training for verbal intelligence. Elaine is a certified Master Phono-Graphix reading therapist, a Phono-Graphix trainer, and a member of the Phono-Graphix Association of Reading Therapists. She was the first person trained in Phono-Graphix outside their clinic and the first person to use Phono-Graphix in a classroom setting. This is Elaine’s twentieth year at MMS
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Jennifer Kuntz
Media Specialist: Jennifer is thrilled to join MMS this year. She is the Media Teacher for Early Childhood through Middle School, and the Literature and Composition teacher for 4th and 5th grade. Jennifer holds a Bachelors degree in English with a minor in Secondary Education and a Masters in Library Science. Over the past 17 years, she has worked with Florida’s state university libraries in the areas of public services and technology. Her volunteer work with preschoolers and Girl Scouts led her to make the transition to teaching. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Jennifer’s favorite pastimes include reading, writing, and travel.
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Trish Petty
Art Teacher: Trish attended the University of Virginia and received a B.A. in Biology and a minor in Studio Art. She also attended the Cleveland Institute of Art for one semester at their Lacoste, France campus. Immediately following graduation she was a photography and life drawing teacher at the New Jersey Governor’s school for gifted high school artists. She then moved to Florida where she illustrated medical text books and surgical technique manuals for many years. She has been working for two years as a volunteer on a large-scale project at Trinity United Methodist Church’s education building’s first floor. It is a Noah’s Ark themed mural measuring nine and a half feet by approximately one hundred fifty feet. Once again she is very excited to be teaching the trade she loves and hopes to pass that love onto your eager children. This is Trish’s eighth year at MMS.
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Liz Nelson
Music Teacher: Liz is excited to be starting her first year at Millhopper as the music teacher. She is also an assistant teacher for the middle school, yearbook, and drama classes. She started working at Millhopper during the 2011-2012 school year as the Spotlight Kids/Junior Thespian vocal coach. Liz attended the University of South Florida to study music and transferred to Santa Fe where she is currently taking classes. Aside from being a teacher, Liz loves to perform. She can be seen performing extensively throughout Florida singing jazz, classical, and show tunes.
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Karina Newman
Spanish Teacher – 4th – 8th Grades:
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Mayte Ambite-Calvo
Spanish Teacher – Beginners – Third Grades: Mayte is very happy to be starting her first year at MMS as the Spanish teacher for the Beginner through the third grade classes. She is originally from Spain and moved to Houston, Texas 14 years ago with her husband. In 2009, her husband got a position at UF and they came to Gainesville. She has a child who is 10 years old and a dog. Her favorite things to do are reading, listening to music, traveling, cooking and spending time with family and friends. She also loves writing short stories as a hobby. She holds an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and is working on her Bachelors. In Houston, she worked for the public school system. Before coming tp Millhopper Montessori School, she was a substitute teacher for the Alachua County Public Schools and the Spanish teacher at Brentwood School.
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Sylvia Alfonso Aslanian
Technology/Speech/Debate/Drama/Video Production Teacher: Sylvia has been a part of the MMS family for nineteen years. For the past nine years, Sylvia has co-directed the Elementary/Middle School End of the Year Show. She has adapted many plays for the Summer Drama Camp, including several Shakespeare works, and assisted Richard during the summer programs. She is the director of the Elementary/Middle School Drama Club and the Annual Shakespeare Festival at the Thomas Center. Theater took her to Los Angeles after attending SFC where she pursued a career as a Producer’s Assistant at Trans World Entertainment/Epic Productions. There she learned many aspects of the business for four years. Sylvia also worked as a puppeteer assistant for Fun Amusement Inc. where she learned television production. She has worked as a Kindergarten assistant at Nova Elementary with the special needs students of Creole, Canadian, and Spanish backgrounds. She worked at the front desk as well as an assistant in the Preschool/Kindergarten class. Sylvia has also taught Spanish to Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary students. Both of her sons attended Millhopper Montessori School. Her younger son attended the school for twelve years. He is attending Eastside High School’s IB program. Her other son is attending SFC and is employed part time at MMS.
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Cam Parker
Physical Education Teacher Kindergarten through Eighth Grade: Coach Cam has worked with children locally for over fifteen years. He has served youth ages 3 – 18 in a wide variety of programs at public and private schools, churches, camps, and recreational facilities. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences and has earned his full teacher certification. He enjoys spending time with his wife Amy, sweet tea, the right notes with the right beat, and making children smile (especially when they don’t want to).
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Renee Gaskin
Science Teacher – Middle School: Renee’s higher education includes a Master of Arts degree in Science Education with a graduate core in Biology, and a Bachelors of Science in Biology, both from the University of South Florida; major emphasis was instruction of various curriculums for 6th-12th grade, and community college courses. She has significant experience in classroom presentation of Biological Sciences, Human Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Ecology, Preparatory Algebra and Beginning Algebra courses. Renee coordinates with students and community college staff for modifications in areas of testing and instruction. Experiences with the multi-diversified student body have given her skills to work with a range of learning differences that are needed in many similar ways in the middle school educational environment. Experience in other academic instruction includes Art, Music, Social Studies, Physical Sciences and Life Skills. Extracurriculars that pertain to her experience with 2nd to the 8th grade level children are as follows: P.K. Yonge Robotics Team and Performing Arts parent; assistant den leader with the cub scouts for five years; assisted with the Bay Life Church Youth Music Programs from 2003-2006; served as senior adult counselor with a 1-week/yr. (24/7) summer camp program offered by Bay Life Church from 2005-2008; and tutored elementary, middle/high school, and community college students in math, science, and technical writing.
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MORNING AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Summer Pitt
Morning/After School Program Supervisor: Summer moved to Gainesville three years ago to attend Santa Fe College. She graduated with an Associates of Arts degree in June 2011 and is currently working towards and Associates of Science degree in Business Administration. She is also employed at the Lawrence W. Tyree Library and she loves to read. This is second year at MMS and she is thrilled to be part of the MMS family.
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Erin Sorel
Morning Program Supervisor: Erin holds a BA in Spanish with a minor in Secondary Education. This is her eighth year teaching at MMS and her sixth year with the Senior Elementary team. Erin is also a morning care supervisor for Preschool and Kindergarten students. For five years Erin taught Spanish to 1st through 8th grade students at MMS. She has also worked as a Naturalist Instructor for the City of Gainesville’s Department of Parks and Recreation. Erin enjoys being outdoors in nature, gardening and spending time with her family.
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Susan Salvatore
Morning Program Supervisor: Susan holds the AMS Montessori Elementary Education teaching credential and has been teaching at MMS for thirty-five years. She has experience ranging from age two through eighth grade. Susan has overseen the operation of the Elementary/Middle School Morning Program for seven years and is also the Study Hall Supervisor. Susan teaches History, Math, and manages the students’ individual work plans.
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Cam Parker
Elementary/Middle School After School Program Supervisor: Coach Cam has worked with children locally for over fifteen years. He has served youth ages 3 – 18 in a wide variety of programs at public and private schools, churches, camps, and recreational facilities. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences and has earned his full teacher certification. He enjoys spending time with his wife Amy, sweet tea, the right notes with the right beat, and making children smile (especially when they don’t want to).
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Samantha Mink
Elementary/Middle School After School Program Supervisor: Samantha has been living in the Gainesville area her whole life. She graduated from Ft. White High School. She is enrolled at SFC majoring in Building Construction. She plans to transfer to UF for a Bachelor’s degree in Structural Engineering. Her mother works at UF and her father is self-employed. Samantha has a brother who is a Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Samantha has been a Girl Scout for thirteen years and is now an adult member. She enjoys working with children and hopes to continue to do so throughout her life. This is Samantha’s third year at MMS.
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Rasha Choudar
Elementary/Middle School After School Program Supervisor: Rasha was born in Algeria, and moved to the U.S. at the age of 8. Her parents are both lecturers at universities and she has two brothers and one sister. Her mother lectures Arabic at the University of Florida and her father at Wayne State. She graduated from Gainesville High School in 2010. She is attending Santa Fe College but looking forward to transferring to University of Michigan’s architecture school. The things that Rasha enjoys besides babysitting include painting, playing soccer and cooking!
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Yo ‘Quarius “Yo!” Tucker
Early Childhood/Kindergarten After School Program Supervisor: Yo’Quarius was born in St. Augustine, Florida and raised in Hastings, Crescent City and Gainesville, Florida. He went to Gainesville High School and graduated Class of 2010. He often went to football games dressed in all purple and white and soon became known as King Cane. He also gained the title of Mr. Spirit. Yo’ is in his third year at Santa Fe College studying Elementary Education. One of his big dreams is to teach at every school he attended. He also wants to teach in public schools in New Orleans. Yo’ comes from a big family where his biological paternal grandmother had six children and maternal grandmother had eight. He has a total of 18 siblings ranging from three year to 29 years old! His child care experience includes working at my church nursery for three years watching infants and toddlers on Sundays and working at a local summer camp with students from grades K-5 with Coach Cam Parker for the past two years. This summer I will have my first experience as a counselor at a sleep-away summer camp in Sayner, Wisconsin. This is Yo’s secondt year at MMS.
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Kyra Akay
Early Childhood/Kindergarten After School Program Supervisor: Kyra was born and raised in Florida except for the two years she lived in East Tennessee and moved to the Gainesville area 4 years ago. She graduated a year early from high school in 2011. She has experience with children ranging from ages newborn to 13. In her spare time when she’s not babysitting she loves to read, listen to music, spend time with her family and outdoors. Since her plan is to work with children throughout her life she is ecstatic to start her career working with the MMS family.
