Amber

Co-Lead

Amber joined the DMS community in 2025 and quickly became an integral part of the Early Primary classroom. With a calm, confident presence and respect for the capabilities of young children, she brings thoughtfulness, creativity, and steady leadership to her work each day. Amber is currently completing her Montessori training in infant-toddler curriculum,
strengthening her understanding of child development and purposeful classroom practice.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Troy University and is a certified Alabama
state teacher with five years of experience as a visual arts educator. With a background in both two- and three-dimensional art, Amber brings a strong foundation in creative process, observation, and intentional instruction. Her ability to thoughtfully guide children through their exploration enriches the classroom environment and supports the development of physical motor skills, critical thinking, and self-expression.

Amber’s journey into early childhood education was shaped by her experiences as a mother and her involvement in local forest school playgroups and community settings with young children and families. These experiences deepened her appreciation for child-led learning and the importance of connection, nature, and meaningful engagement in the early years. She is
especially attentive to the power of teacher language, understanding how respectful, intentional communication nurtures confidence and independence.

Grounded, adaptable, and observant, Amber is committed to cultivating a classroom community
where children feel secure, capable, and inspired to explore the world around them. Through hands-on experiences and a steady, encouraging presence, she supports each child in developing independence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

Outside of school, Amber enjoys spending time with her son Eli and husband Ryan. Though
naturally humble and unassuming, don’t let her calm demeanor fool you, she has plenty of
spunk. She grew up riding horses and is a former barrel racer. Her steady nature is balanced by a
quiet sense of adventure that brings both warmth and joy to her work with children.

Kylie

Co-Lead

Kylie holds a Montessori Early Childhood Credential from the Center of Guided Montessori Studies, and has taught for four years at Dothan Montessori School. Kylie began as an assistant, and later became a lead teacher in the Primary classroom. Now Kylie is excited to be joining the Early Primary team.

With years of childcare experience under her belt, Kylie is determined to help each child tune into their own journey, helping cultivate a love for learning and confidence in their own capabilities. Kylie aspires to create an environment that encourages independence, exploration, and connection. Kylie believes that each child is innately curious, intelligent, empathetic, creative, and capable of meaningful self-discovery. Early childhood is a sacred and formative season, and Kylie believes in honoring that.

Throughout her time at DMS, Kylie has found the slow, intentional, and mindful space as the perfect place to encourage holistic learning, honoring the whole child. Kylie also spends time at the Wiregrass Museum of Art, and working with local Girl Scout groups, teaching art to young children. Outside of school, Kylie loves camping, art, thrifting, and being with her friends. At home, you would find her with her partner Jordan (plus their 6 cats, one dog, and one brand new puppy), outside in the garden, making art, or watching a good show on the couch!

Early Primary Team

Brent

Co-Lead

Brent’s relationship with DMS began as a parent and substitute teacher which deepened his understanding of the Montessori Method and inspired him to begin training. He completed his Early Childhood Montessori Diploma through the North American Montessori Center, and he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media from the University of Georgia. An energetic and engaging teacher in the 3-6 Primary Class, Brent brings much creativity, movement, and outdoor exploration to his teaching.

With a background in wilderness survival camps for children and teens, Brent is committed to helping young learners build confidence and independence through meaningful experiences with nature. He has also worked in elementary life skills classrooms, supporting children in developing practical abilities for everyday life. A certified yoga instructor, he weaves mindfulness and body awareness into daily routines- often taking these practices outside.

Brent's connection to Montessori has deepened over time, especially as he has watched his own child thrive through the method - gaining independence, developing a strong sense of self, and engaging with learning in purposeful and joyful ways. Witnessing this growth firsthand has made his commitment to the Montessori approach even more personal and meaningful. He is excited to share his passion for child-directed learning and relationship-focused practice to create a classroom where children feel capable, inspired, and connected to the world around them.

Karina

Co-Lead

Karina joined the DMS community with a deep love for children and a strong foundation in psychology and Montessori education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidad del Valle de México, completed her AMI Montessori training through MTCNE in Connecticut, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Education at the University of Hartford. Her academic background, paired with years of experience in educational psychology, allows her to thoughtfully support children with diverse learning needs within Montessori environments.

Originally from Mexico, Karina brings a rich cultural perspective to her work. Spanish is her first language, and her heritage has deeply shaped her appreciation for community, connection, and the importance of honoring each child’s individuality. She feels grateful to walk alongside children as they grow and discover the world at their own rhythm. Karina believes that every child deserves to feel seen, respected, and supported in becoming their most authentic self.

Karina’s connection to Montessori is rooted in her belief that children thrive in environments where they are trusted, guided with intention, and encouraged to follow their natural curiosity. She is committed to creating a classroom community that is warm, joyful, and grounded in respect. Her approach is both thoughtful and nurturing, balancing careful observation with gentle guidance so that each child feels confident, capable, and empowered in their learning journey.

Known for her warmth, enthusiasm, and wonderful sense of humor, Karina radiates positivity and sunshine in the classroom. Outside of school, she enjoys photography, hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors—especially in warm, sunny weather, which reminds her of the desert city where she was born and raised. Music is also close to her heart, and she loves playing the ukulele. An avid traveler, Karina enjoys exploring new places and creating meaningful memories with her husband, Dylan, continuing to learn from the world around her and bringing that sense of curiosity and wonder back to her classroom each day.

Primary Team

DeeDee

Director

DeeDee joined the DMS Community in 2026. She comes as a recent transplant from the Atlanta area. DeeDee has been working in Montessori environment since 2002. She has worked with communities all across the country including California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia and now Alabama. DeeDee has a bachelor’s degree in education as well as several Montessori certifications. She worked with the Seacoast center for Education where she completed her Elementary I and II credentials. She completed primary and infant/toddler training courses through the North American Montessori Center.

DeeDee became introduced to the Montessori world when working as a social worker. She found it a dynamic way to support the growth of all children. As she was working toward her degree in education, she became drawn to the dynamic learning environments in Montessori classrooms and the enthusiastic learners that they produce. She is passionate about Montessori education and enjoys seeing the growth of children in her charge.

DeeDee has many hobbies outside of the classroom. A lifelong learner, she has completed both Master Naturalist and Master Herpetologist trainings. She can often be seen turning over logs to explore what interesting creatures can be found there. She enjoys sharing this love of discovery in nature and knowledge with her students.