Faculty
Mrs. April Kennedy: Owner & Middle/High School Teacher
Hello Everyone—
My name is April Kennedy, and I am the Upper Elementary and Middle School teacher at One World Montessori. This is my eight year in a Montessori classroom, but I have spent most of my adult life teaching others. I graduated with a Masters Degree in English in 1996. Once I completed my degree, I taught at West Virginia University as an adjunct English instructor. Though I loved my work on a college campus, I knew I needed to find a job with benefits, so I began teaching English at a Catholic high school in WV. During the two years I was there, I completely fell in love with my students, but my family had moved to NC, and I missed them terribly (plus WV winters can be brutal). I moved to Wilmington, NC in 2004 and began teaching at a high school in Duplin County. Once again, I fell in love with my students, but more importantly, I fell in love with the biology teacher, and we were married in the summer of 2005.
After we got married, I started teaching English at a local community college. During my time there, I completed 18 graduate hours in Communication Studies, and I taught both English and Public Speaking. I also became a mother to two beautiful little girls, and I decided to take a break from full-time teaching so I could spend some important time with them. This also freed me up to take my oldest to a Montessori school. While she was there, I began learning more about the Montessori philosophy, and I was committed to giving this amazing educational experience to both of my daughters. Though we were forced to take a break from the Montessori classroom for a few years, while we were away, I became even more convinced that my children would flourish most in a Montessori environment. I also began to realize that I didn’t just want the philosophy for them—I also wanted it for myself.
In the summer of 2015 I started my Upper Elementary Montessori Training with Seacoast, an AMS and MACTE accredited training center. In 2017, I completed my training in both Upper and Lower Elementary. During my training, I saw the true genius of Maria Montessori come to life in her materials and lessons. I saw her dedication in revealing the interconnectedness of all things–from the stars, to the wind, to the birds, to us. And, most importantly, I became even more committed to upholding and respecting the dignity and individuality of each child.
In August 2019, my dream of having my very own Montessori school came true when my husband and I decided to open up One World Montessori. We both believe that children deserve everything we can give them, and we were incredibly lucky to find people who we felt could give our students the world. We also wanted to build a community for parents where everyone feels loved, respected, welcomed, and valued. We need each other because we are all in this together.
Mr. Kirk Kennedy: Owner & Middle/High School Teacher
Hello Everyone—
My name is Kirk Kennedy, and I am the Middle/High School Math and Science teacher at One World Montessori. I have been on this journey with my wife since we began the school in 2019; however, this is my first year in the classroom with her.
I am very excited to be working at OWM full time. It seems that I have spent my entire life in the classroom. I graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill with a BS in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry & Physics. I was in the pre-med and planned on being a doctor. However, medical school was not meant to be and I decided to go down another path and got my Masters Degree in Science Education. While completing my degree, my former high school principal called and offered me a job as Science teacher at East Duplin High School. I did not know at the time, but I would spend the next twenty-nine years in the classroom teaching. This is also where I met my beautiful wife, so it was all meant to be!
During my educational career, I have been fortunate enough to be given multiple honors and awards. I am a National Board Certified Teacher, a Kenan Fellow, and was named the Teacher of the Year twice. Also, I was the 2015 Outstanding 9-16 Educator Award in Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education. In 2017, I was awarded the Burrough’s Wellcome Career Award for STEM Teachers. I also was a mentor for twenty-five years and was the Lead Biology teacher for Duplin County from 2015-2018 which allowed me to travel to all five high school help mentor teachers on ways to improve teaching.
I am so excited to be at One World Montessori each day moving forward!
Mrs. Lisa Norgard: Remote Finance Administrator
Hello, my name is Lisa Norgard. I am a mother, grandmother & have a new a position at One World Montessori. I was introduced to Montessori through my daughter and granddaughter’s experience with Montessori! My daughter is a Lower Elementary directress and my granddaughter is about to start her 1st year in a Lower Elementary classroom. I have been involved and able to share their experiences. Because of this I decided to make a career change and follow my passion; what better way to get more involved in the Montessori world. I have recently completed the training portion to become Montessori certified in the Early Childhood program (2-1/2 – 6 years) at the Orlando Montessori Teacher Education Institute in Celebration, FL. What an amazing and eye opening experience, no wonder my daughter loves Montessori so much!
I wholeheartedly believe in the Montessori Philosophy of providing an environment that will, through a “hands on” natural process, give each child the ability to learn based on their individual needs. They are able to accomplish this by following their own interests, and creating their own experiences in an environment that cultivates an empowered, confident child with countless opportunities.
I am excited about our working being a part of a team that works together to provide an environment that fosters the most growth and experiences for our children to prepare them for becoming the leaders of tomorrow with endless possibilities.
Mrs. Katie Beasley: OWM Consultant
Hello Everyone—
My name is Katie Beasley, and I was the Primary teacher at One world Montessori during the 2019-20 school year. The Montessori philosophy has shaped my life in profound ways. In 1983, I began attending a Chesapeake Montessori School in Annapolis, MD, and I completed the program there in the 5th grade. My experiences at this school shaped my learning and understanding of the world as a child, but they also inspired me as an adult to become a teacher so I could share the Montessori philosophy with others.
My early Montessori experiences instilled in me a curiosity and love of learning and they led me to the College of Charleston where I graduated with degrees in both history and corporate communications.
In 2003, I joined the faculty of Montessori Children’s School in Jacksonville, North Carolina. I spent a year as an intern under an extraordinary Montessorian Maria Rock, and between her encouragement and my love of the Montessori method, I knew I needed to be trained and certified to teach in a classroom of my own.
I was accepted to The North Carolina Center for Montessori Teacher Education in Apex, North Carolina in 2004 and began my primary studies under the supervision of Ceres Schroer York and Kitty Bravo. This was a unique time to be involved in Montessori in the state because of the focus on public Montessori schools in Durham, Raleigh and Fayetteville. I finished with Full AMS Credentials in Primary education ages 2 ½- 6 in June 2005.
I am a proud wife of a United States marine, and as most military families know, we don’t stay in one place for very long. However, we have been lucky enough to return to Jacksonville, NC a few times, and each time, I have been able to teach and contribute to the Montessori Children’s School in Jacksonville. During our periods away from Jacksonville, I spend time raising our three beautiful daughters.
In 2016, a new Montessori challenge presented itself to me, and I started my Lower Elementary training with MEPI and the Institute of Guided Studies. During this time, I was trained and guided by two master Montessorians, Mary Helen Cline and Beti Wyn Holcombe. My Lower Elementary is complete with the exception of taking my exams.
I enjoyed teaching Primary at One World Montessori during the 2019-20 school year. It is my honor to help OWM instill the same love of learning that I was given as a child into their school.
Mrs. Brittany Forrester: Office Manager
Bio & Picture coming soon!
Primary
Ms. Mae Davenport: Primary Teacher (Maple)
Hello Everyone!
My name is Mae Davenport, I am a Primary Teacher at One World Montessori. I have six years of experience in the Montessori classroom with the last 3 years as a lead teacher here at One World Montessori. I am a military child and though I’ve been all over I have spent most of my life here in Jacksonville, NC.
After I had my first child I began to realize I wanted more for her educational experience than what traditional education provided. I did not want my child to simply learn to read but to learn to love learning. I spent hours researching different learning styles, about what made Montessori different, and began assisting in a primary classroom. A few years later our school opened and I began assisting in the classroom again. As our school grew the need for a second primary classroom arose and I attended training for my Montessori Primary Credential.
In my free time I enjoy time with my family. I have a 9yr old daughter and a (at this time) 9 month old son. We love to travel together with our fur babe and in the summer can be found outside anywhere there is water!
Ms. Morgan Davenport: Primary Assistant (Maple)
Bio & Picture coming soon!
Mrs. Angela Watts: Primary Teacher (Dogwood)
My name is Angela Watts, and I am a primary teacher at One World Montessori. I joined the One World team in mid-November 2021 as a primary assistant and transitioned into the lead role in mid-February 2022. I attended UNC at Wilmington and Lenoir-Rhyne to earn my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I recently earned my Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Certificate through Authentic Institute of Montessori. Before I came to One World, I had over 10 years of teaching and experience in public and charter schools and 3 years of childcare experience.
Besides teaching, family is a very important part of my life. I have 2 sons, a 17-year-old, and a 14-year-old, and we enjoy taking our 2 dachshunds on road trips to visit family in Hickory, NC. I also love spending my spare time soaking up the sun and ocean air at the beach.
Mrs. Rachel Pelser: Primary Assistant (Dogwood)
My name is Rachel Pelser, and I am a primary assistant. I was born and raised in Virginia, but traveled around the country before settling in North Carolina over ten years ago. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and I then spent many years working in animal welfare. However, I have always had an interest in the Montessori Method.
My Montessori experience started in the primary classroom, as a student. I then observed my mother become certified as a Montessori teacher. In addition, my oldest son attended Montessori programs for nine years in two different states. I am excited to be a part of the One World Montessori community!
Lower Elementary
Mrs. Paula Bradfield: Lower Co-Teacher (Oak)
Bio & Picture coming soon!
Mrs. Lisa Catino: Lower Co-Teacher (Oak)
My name is Ms. Lisa and I am delighted to be co-teaching alongside Ms. Paula this year and create a collaborative and supportive partnership in nurturing your child’s development.
Having been a part of the One World Montessori family since its inception, I can genuinely say that
this school holds a special place in my heart. The dedication to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment for our students is what makes our community truly unique.
As a passionate advocate for Montessori education, I am excited to bring my years of experience to the classroom. Witnessing the growth, curiosity, and independence that blossom in each child is a source of immense joy for me. It’s a privilege to guide and support your children on their journey of discovery.
Ms. Sara Manos: Lower Teacher (Willow)
Hello! My name Sara and I am one of the lower elementary teachers. I was born and raised in California which is where I got my Bachelors Degree in Child Development. I have my Montessori training in early childhood and lower elementary and have been teaching in a Montessori classroom for four years now. I’ve always enjoyed working with children and I love the Montessori method and believe it has many benefits for children of all ages. I’m so excited to be a part of the One World family! I can’t wait to create a positive and welcoming environment for all children!
Mrs. Debbi DePamphilis: Lower Assistant (Willow)
My name is Debbi DePamphilis. I’m originally from San Diego California where I was a hairstylist for 37 years. I’ve always worked with children either in classrooms, raising my own children, homeschooling my daughter to volunteering helping children in need. My husband and I followed my daughter Ms. Juliana Freckleton to North Carolina and I wanted to start a new path. Inspiring children to be their best has always been a passion of mine. I’m super excited to be apart of the One World Montessori team. My favorite things to do are boating, fishing, and paddle boarding.
Upper Elementary
Mrs. Cheyenne Thompson: Upper Elementary Teacher (Cypress 1)
Mrs. Giselle Orozco: Upper Assistant (Cypress 1) & Before/After Care
Hello, I am Giselle Orozco. ( Ji-cell, Or-oz-coe ). My husband Gus and I moved to the Jacksonville area in June of 2022.
My educational background focuses on Early Childhood Education as well as Library Science. I spent three beautiful years working in the library’s children’s department back home in Northwest Arkansas from 2017 – 2020. Then, In 2020 we got the call to move to California. With the world’s condition at the time and so few in-person opportunities to nurture my passion for helping little minds grow, I decided to adjust to my path. I then became a nanny for the surrounding families on base. Nannying continued to be my role even with our move to Virginia the following June 2021. Although those two years were a gift and allowed me to expand my experience with children in another environment, I knew I had learned all I could and desired to return to my roots in a more educational setting.
In June 2022, everything fell into place with OWM.
I am spending my second year alongside Mrs. Cheyanne as her assistant teacher. Together we confident we will create a space where your children will thrive! I am thrilled to be working at One World Montessori and wish to be a beneficial tool in your children’s education and well-being. See y’all during carpool!
Mrs. Paityn Jones: Upper Elementary Teacher (Cypress 2)
Hi there! My name is Paityn and I am one of the Upper Elementary Teachers. I was born and raised in Indiana, but have lived in California, Florida and now North Carolina. My husband, our pup Harli and I have been moving around due to my husband being in the Marine Corps. We love to travel and see new places!
This will be my second year here at One World Montessori. I believe that having a specific plan for each student helps them be able to grow in their education at their own pace. I’m excited to see all of the students grow throughout this school year!
“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Maria Montessori
Mrs. Tonalli Parker: Upper Assistant (Cypress 2)
Bio & Picture coming soon!
Specials
Mrs. Juliana Freckleton: Experiential Learning/ Middle & High Assistant
My name is Juliana Freckleton. I moved here from Virginia Beach, but originally grew up in San Diego. I have 2 dogs, 8 chickens, and 2 goats who bring my so much joy! I previously was a PE Teacher at a public school in Virginia Beach. It was a great experience to be able to see children grow in coordination and in team building skills. I love being part of helping children blossom into their own person, and help create an environment that is enjoyable to learn in. I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was in my own 3rd grade class; and here I am living out my dream at the best school!
Mr. Charles Coakley Jr.: Music
Charles Coakley, Jr. is the Owner/Operator of The Charles Coakley, Jr. Conservatory, LLC located in Jacksonville, NC. Charles was a featured performer in “The Festival of the Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and a feature vocalist For Celebrity Cruise Lines. He has taught voice, piano, chorus and theatre for over 20 years, and is super excited to be working with One World Montessori!
Mrs. Miranda Diaz: Student Resource Assistant
Bio & Picture coming soon!
Aftercare
Megan Tapscott: Aftercare Teacher
Bio & Picture coming soon!