Faculty & Staff
Faculty
Elizabeth Kahn
Director
BA, College of Charleston; J.D., University of South Carolina School of Law
director@msfedu.org
Elizabeth joined the Montessori School of Florence in 2021 as the Director after an over fifteen year career in litigation. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the College of Charleston and her Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law.
Elizabeth is a strong believer in the Montessori method and was a Montessori kid herself. Over the years, all of her children have received the benefit of Montessori in various settings. Elizabeth serves on several nonprofit boards in the Pee Dee and keeps busy with her husband and their seven children.
Dawn Sumner
Office Manager
admin@msfedu.org
Dawn joined the Montessori School of Florence in 2018 as Administrative Assistant, bringing with her 27 years of extensive experience from Darlington High School, where she served in a variety of roles and most recently held the position of Dropout Prevention Facilitator. Dawn’s depth of experience in education administration and student support has been invaluable in her work at the Montessori School of Florence, where she oversees office operations, coordinates communications, and supports both staff and families to ensure the school runs smoothly. Dawn and her husband, Ken, are proud parents of two children and grandparents to two grandchildren, Athens and Brooks.
Classroom Teachers
Pre-Primary (2K)
Jacqueline Boatwright
Pre-Primary (2K) Teacher
AA, Florence-Darlington Technical College
Jackie@msfedu.org
Jackie joined the Montessori School of Florence in 2004 as a classroom assistant in the Elementary and Primary classrooms and the Before/After School Care program. In 2012, she became the Lead Pre-Primary Classroom Teacher. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Florence-Darlington Technical College and has completed specialized training in RIE and the Pikler Infant-Toddler Program. Jackie is dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and engaging environment that supports the emotional, social, and cognitive growth of every child.
Primary
Diana Groom
Primary (3K-5K) Teacher
BS, Francis Marion University
Primary and Elementary Montessori Certification, Palmetto Montessori Institute
Diana@msfedu.org
Diana joined the Montessori School of Florence in 2019 as a Lower Elementary assistant, bringing her dedication and enthusiasm for child-centered education to the classroom. Prior to joining MSF, she gained valuable teaching experience as a substitute teacher in Florence School District One, The King’s Academy, and Calvary Baptist Church, working with children across various grade levels. Diana earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Francis Marion University in 2008, and she completed her Primary and Elementary Education certification through the Palmetto Montessori Institute in 2022. Diana is committed to creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Donna Fields
BS, Francis Marion University
Primary Montessori Certification, Palmetto Montessori Institute
Donna joined the Montessori School of Florence as a Primary Lead Teacher in 2016 and has over 23 years of experience in both Montessori and traditional education. She spent her childhood in northern Idaho and lived in Alaska for six years before moving to South Carolina, where she earned her BS from Francis Marion University and later received her Montessori Early Childhood certification from the Palmetto Montessori Institute. Her passion lies in fostering independent achievement and a lifelong love of learning through hands-on Montessori experiences.
Helen James
Primary (3K-5K) Teacher
BA, College of New Rochelle
Helen@msfedu.org
Helen joined the Montessori School of Florence in 2024, advancing to Primary Teacher in 2025. She is pursuing her Primary Education certification through the Palmetto Montessori Institute. Previously, she taught 4K First Steps at GLEAMNS Head Start. Helen holds a BA in Psychology and Education and is near completion of her Master’s in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about fostering independence, curiosity, and a love of learning in a nurturing Montessori environment. Helen is also a proud mother of four, three of whom are educators.
Maria Dority
Primary (3K-5K) Teacher
MA, Arzamas State Pedagogical Institute
MariaD@msfedu.org
Maria joined the Montessori School of Florence in 2022 as a Primary classroom assistant, bringing her passion for early childhood education and hands-on learning to the classroom. Prior to joining MSF, she worked as an Early Childhood Education teacher in Washington, where she focused on the development and growth of primary-aged children, implementing age-appropriate activities to support social, emotional, and cognitive development. Maria holds a Health Coach certification- and has completed Child Care Basics training, enhancing her skills in creating safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments. She is dedicated to fostering curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning in every child she works with.
Gennis Laws
Primary (3K-5K) Assistant
gennis@msfedu.org
Gennis joined the Montessori School of Florence in 2021 as an After-School Care teacher, bringing her enthusiasm for working with young children and creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Prior to this role, she gained valuable experience working with pre-primary and primary-aged children in MSF’s summer camp program. She is currently the assistant in Ms. Maria’s Primary classroom. Gennis is a 2017 graduate of West Florence High School and is committed to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in every child she works with.
Lower Elementary
Amy Binder
Lower Elementary (1st-3rd) Teacher
BA, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Elementary Montessori Certification, The American Montessori Society
Amy@msfedu.org
Amy began her teaching career at the Montessori School of Florence in 2009 as a Lower Elementary Teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, which has contributed to her expertise in language, reading, and writing instruction. Amy is certified in Elementary Education by the American Montessori Society, enabling her to implement hands-on, child-centered learning strategies that support the academic, social, and emotional growth of each student. She and her husband, Brad, have two sons, and her experiences as both a parent and educator enrich her understanding of children’s diverse needs and learning styles.
Carman Brown
Lower Elementary (1st-3rd) Assistant
AA, Louisburg College
Carman joined the Montessori School of Florence in 2024 as the assistant in Ms. Amy’s classroom, bringing extensive experience in child development and program leadership. Prior to joining MSF, she served for 11 years as the Director of Youth and Family Ministries at Darlington Presbyterian Church, where she coordinated educational programs, organized events, and provided guidance and support to children and families in the community. Carman holds an Associate in Arts from Louisburg College in North Carolina.
Tamel Pierce
Lower Elementary (1st-3rd) Teacher
AA, Florence-Darlington Technical College
BS, Utah State University
Elementary Montessori Certification, Palmetto Montessori Institute
Tamel@msfedu.org
Tamel joined the Montessori School of Florence in 2016 as a Pre-Primary classroom assistant and Before/After School Care teacher. After earning her Montessori Elementary certification, she now teaches Lower Elementary students, guiding them through grades 1–3 with patience, care, and a deep understanding of Montessori principles.
She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Florence-Darlington Technical College and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Utah State University. In June 2021, Tamel completed her Montessori Elementary Teacher training through the Palmetto Montessori Institute.
Prior to joining MSF, Tamel gained hands-on experience as a classroom assistant at Pee Dee Head Start, where she cultivated her skills in fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for young learners. Her passion for Montessori education, combined with her academic background and classroom experience, allows her to support each child’s growth academically, socially, and emotionally.
Upper Elementary (4th-6th)
Beth Franck
Upper Elementary (4th-6th) Teacher
BA, East Carolina University
Elementary Montessori Certification, The American Montessori Society
Beth@msfedu.org
Beth joined the Montessori School of Florence in 2005 as an assistant in the Upper Elementary classroom, where she gained extensive experience supporting students’ academic and social development. In 2007, after earning her Montessori Elementary certification, she became an Upper Elementary Teacher and currently teaches Grammar, Spelling, Reading, Vocabulary, and Writing. Beth holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from East Carolina University and is certified in Elementary Education by the American Montessori Society. Beth’s commitment to the Montessori philosophy is evident in her thoughtfully prepared classroom environment, where each child is encouraged to explore, engage, and grow at their own pace.
Takiya RogersUpper Elementary (4th-6th) Teacher
BS, College of Charleston
Elementary Montessori Certification Pending, Palmetto Montessori Institute
Takiya@msfedu.org
Takiya joined the Montessori School of Florence in 2023 as a Lower Elementary assistant in Ms. Tamel’s classroom. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston and brings experience teaching both elementary and middle school students in Marion County. Prior to joining MSF, Takiya taught at Butler Academy in Hartsville, SC, where she developed her skills in creating engaging, student-centered lessons and supporting the academic and social growth of her students. Takiya is currently pursuing her Montessori Training in Elementary Education.
Esonya Woodberry
Upper Elementary (4th-6th) Assistant
Classroom Assistant Certification, The American Montessori Society
Esonya has been a dedicated member of the Montessori School of Florence since 1999, beginning her journey as an assistant in the After School Care program. In 2005, she transitioned to the Upper Elementary level, where she supports students in grades 4–6 with patience, guidance, and a deep understanding of Montessori principles. Esonya has also taught Physical Education, encouraging students to develop healthy habits and enjoy movement as part of their learning experience. She holds a Classroom Assistant Certification from the American Montessori Society, reflecting her commitment to professional growth and excellence in Montessori education.
A native of Florence and a graduate of Wilson High School, Esonya is deeply connected to the local community. She is a proud mother of three children, all MSF graduates, and she often draws inspiration from her own family in her work with students. Known for her warmth, consistency, and nurturing approach, Esonya plays a vital role in fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for Upper Elementary students.
Special Teachers
Heather-Lynne Shannon
Librarian
BA, M.Ed, Ohio University; MT-BC
Heather-Lynne@msfedu.org
Heather-Lynne began her journey at the Montessori School of Florence in 2001, teaching music from 2001 to 2004. After a brief hiatus, she returned in 2008 to resume teaching music and also to assist in the school library, bringing her passion for both music and literacy to the students. Heather-Lynne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy and a Master of Science in Special Education from Ohio University, equipping her with a strong foundation in child development, therapeutic approaches, and inclusive educational practices. In her roles at MSF, Heather-Lynne is dedicated to creating engaging and nurturing environments where students can explore their interests, develop their skills, and cultivate a lifelong love of music and learning.