Faculty

Mrs. April Kennedy: Owner & Upper Elementary / Middle 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.

Administration

Mrs. Paige Ellis: Primary Administrator

I began my Montessori journey as an infant in a Montessori mother and baby class. From there, I continued in a Montessori school through second grade.

I graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Education (Early Education-4th grade) and an ESL credential. Though it had been several years since I was a Montessori student, I remembered how the Montessori materials and philosophy shaped me as a student, so I entered the Washington Montessori Institute and graduated with an AMI Primary Diploma. From there, I completed my Masters in Education from Loyola University in Maryland.

I have worked in four different schools as a Primary Lead teacher, and was the Level Lead in Primary at Montessori Children’s School.

Mrs. Lisa Norgard: Office 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.

Primary

Ms. Mae Davenport: Primary Teacher (Maple)

Hello Everyone-

My Name is Ms. Mae! I am the Lead Teacher in the Primary classroom at One World Montessori. As the child of a military family I moved early in my childhood but settled here with my family around age 6 until I graduated from high school in Beulaville, NC. I took a break and did some traveling, got married, and had a child and decided to come back home to raise her near family.

Exploring learning styles for her was my first introduction to Montessori philosophy. I wanted this method of learning for my daughter but even more I wanted it for me too! I have experience in Primary and Upper Elementary and while I love them all, Primary is where my heart is. It is an honor to be here at One World Montessori and to help your child discover their own love of learning!

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 2022 as a primary assistant and transitioned into the lead teacher role in mid-February. I attended UNC at Wilmington and Lenoir-Rhyne College to earn my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Before I joined the One World family, I had over 10 years of teaching and childcare experience. I have taught the following grades in public schools: fourth grade for three years and third grade for one year. After leaving the public school setting, I was a substitute teacher at a charter school in the western part of North Carolina before being hired as a first grade teacher’s assistant for a little over a year. Eventually, an opportunity arose where I was able to transition into a first grade teaching position, and I held that role for three years. Moving to the eastern part of the state, I worked in childcare for three years, working as a lead teacher for infants to one-year olds.

Besides teaching, my family is a very important part of my life. I have two sons, a 16-year-old, and a 13-year-old, and we enjoy taking our two dachshunds on road trips every couple months to see our family in Hickory, North Carolina. I also love spending my weekends and my summers 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 very excited to join the One World Montessori community as an assistant this year!

Lower Elementary

Mrs. Elizabeth Howell: Lower Teacher (Oak)

Hi Friends!

My name is Elizabeth Howell, and I teach Lower Elementary at One World Montessori. Originally I am from the panhandle of Florida where I met and married my husband Mike. We relocated to Eastern North Carolina in 2012 due to my husband being in the Marine Corps. In 2013 we had our first child Emmett, this is when I decided I was ready to go back to school and pursue being a teacher. I attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington and received my Bachelors in Elementary Education in 2016. During this time we also had our second son Ellis in 2015.

After finishing school I accepted a position teaching 5th grade. The following year I taught kindergarten for three consecutive years until covid. At the beginning of covid we found out we were having our third child, Gracelynn. At the end of the year we decided it would be in our families best interest if I stayed home with the baby and homeschooled the boys. It was during my time at home with my children that I really began to explore the Montessori method. I realized I had been doing things for my boys that I should have been teaching them to do for themselves. It’s so important to remember how much our children are capable of doing. During our time at home we all fell in love with learning again. We were able to explore topics we were interested in as a family and my oldest started to enjoy reading. I knew both my boys missed being with peers their age and I missed connecting with other children as well. This is when I started exploring the idea of going back to teaching.I joined the One World Montessori family last November. Becoming a part of One World has been the greatest blessing for my family. I am grateful to be a part of a school that makes each individual child’s needs a priority and allows them the opportunity to grow at their own pace.

Mrs. Caroline Migliaccio: Lower Assistant (Oak)

Hello everyone-

My name is Mrs. Caroline Migliaccio and I am the lower assistant with Mrs. Elizabeth. I am very excited to start my first year at One World Montessori!

I grew up in a lovely town called Long Valley, NJ. As a kid I enjoyed my time doing gymnastics, theater, spending time with animals, and hanging out with friends and family! I eventually got my bachelors degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration of Theater at Clarion University of Pennsylvania! Once I graduated I decided to take my first job working at a Goddard School in Randolph NJ. I was an assistant teacher with 2-3 year olds and loved every minute of it. I started taking adult gymnastics since I missed it so much and ended up getting a teaching position for children. Eventually, I fell in love with a man who happened to be my long time best friend and decided to get married, packed my bags, and moved to good old North Carolina! Shocker he’s a marine…! During my time in NC I decided to take a different opportunity working with animals at an Animal Hospital. Already having a cat named Mooey, I acquired two other cats named Bugs and Coco and now we have a puppy named Ivar, so basically my house is a zoo. As much as I love being around animals, I couldn’t help but miss teaching children and wanted to get back in the game. So here I am and can’t wait to meet everyone!

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. Paityn Jones: Lower Assistant (Willow)

Hi there! My name is Paityn and I am one of the Lower Elementary Assistants, helping out Sara. 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!

I have my Associates Degree in Psychology from MiraCosta Community College and am currently working on my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University.

This will be my first year at One World Montessori and I’m am thrilled to be here! I feel so strongly about the Montessori method and truly believe that it is extremely beneficial to students no matter their age. Having a specific plan for each student helps them be able to grow in their education at their own pace.

“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Maria Montessori

Upper Elementary & Middle/High School

Mrs. Malorie Patterson: Upper & Middle/High School Science Teacher

Hello! My name is Malorie Patterson and I am the Upper Elementary and Middle School science teacher. I am so excited to begin this journey at One World Montessori!

I grew up in North East, a small town on the shores of Lake Erie in Pennsylvania. I attended Gannon University where I received a B.S. in Middle Level education with a dual concentration in English and science. After graduation, I was a long-term substitute TA at a Montessori school, an AmeriCorps Member, and a 7th and 8th grade English teacher. I returned to Gannon in 2017 as a TA in the English Department while I completed an M.A. in English. Upon graduation, my husband and I packed our things and moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina. Like many others, we came to Jacksonville because of Camp Lejeune, though instead of a Marine, I am married to a counselor who has a passion for active duty service members. I taught 6th grade English and science and 7th grade science for Onslow County schools and enjoyed growing as a teacher.

I have almost completed an MAEd in Instructional Technology while also working through my Montessori Training for Lower Elementary. Montessori offers all the components of education I felt was missing in the public school setting. The more I learn, the more in love with the methodology I become.

Mrs. Cheyenne Thompson: Upper / Middle Assistant

This is my first year being a part of the OWM family! I will be helping Malorie and April in the Upper/Middle classrooms as their teacher’s assistant. My husband stole me from the mountains for his Marine life; and we have two messy English Bulldogs. My hobbies are drawing, reading, and writing; so, I am very excited to be able to use my talents in this new and exciting year for OWM.

Thank you! Have a wonderful day!

Ms. Thelia Miller: Upper / Middle Assistant

This is my first year as a member of the team OWM. I will be assisting April and Malorie in the UE/MS classrooms! I grew up in Onslow County, moved away to Harnett County for five years and now, back to home. I have a fat cat, named Slash. I have been a nanny, a camp counselor and (still currently) a dance instructor at The Dance Factory of Richlands. My hobbies include dancing, singing, going to live music performances, and planning trips to Disney. I’m so excited to share my gifts with everyone! And I’m ecstatic to see what this school year brings!

Mrs. Giselle Orozco: Upper / Middle Assistant (Oak) & Before Care

My name is Giselle Orozco. ( Ji-cell, Or-oz-coe ). My husband and I moved to Jacksonville in June 2022 with our sweet 10-year-old dog Phoebe. It has already proved to be the best location we have gotten over the three years in three different places.

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 will have the joy of wearing a few hats this year. My primary role will be alongside Mrs. April and Mrs. Malorie as their assistant teacher. I also get the pleasure of teaching Spanish to lower elementary and being the head of the Yearbook/Journalism Club. I am thrilled to be joining the already excellent staff. I wish to be a beneficial tool in your children’s education and well-being.

I look forward to meeting you throughout the year at the wonderful events planned or during carpool. Say hello!

Specials

Mrs. Juliana Freckleton: Experiential Learning

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!

He has tons of experience teaching music and children, and can’t wait to share his love of music with the One World Family!

Mr. David Leibenguth: PE & STEM

Hello Everyone-

My name is David Leibenguth: My son has attended Montessori schools from the start of his educational journey, and I can say it has been an incredible experience for the both of us. As a parent of a Montessori student, I was able to see the difference between public education and the Montessori method of kinesthetic learning and how beneficial it has been for my child and others like him.

I am recently retired from the USMC after serving 20 years. During my time in the military, I taught 1000’s of young men and women using both formal and informal methods. I am certified as a Formal School Instructor and conducted training at several different schoolhouses. Additionally, I am certified as a Curriculum Developer and have created multiple lesson plans and generated policies for those programs. I also volunteered to provide thrilling and hands-on classes at One World Montessori in the past.

I am pursuing my education in science and technology to gain my STEM Trainer Certification and furthering my knowledge of robotics. I have generated a multitude of programs over my time in the military and look forward to building an exciting robotics program for your children.

During the past 17 years I have lived in Jacksonville NC and spent time coaching local junior soccer and football teams. I am CPR trained and trained as CPR Instructor Trainer.

I am a kid at heart and always strive to make learning fun. My Philosophy is to make it fun and make it memorable.

Aftercare

Ms. Kristen Tecza: Aftercare Teacher

Hello everyone! I am Miss Kristen, and I am so excited for my first year at One World Montessori! I am the Aftercare Coordinator this year, so I will be spending the afternoons with our aftercare students!

I enjoy working with children very much, and have been an aftercare assistant in my home state of New Jersey. I grew up in Northern New Jersey where I worked at a local elementary school and as a youth group leader at my church. When I graduated High School, I went to bootcamp that summer and became a helicopter mechanic in the Marine Corps. I served one enlistment and then went to school for Animal Science. After that I spent over a year working at an animal hospital, but I felt the calling to work with children again!

I have a small family of extremely pampered rescue animals that I love with my whole heart. I have an American Pit Bull Terrier named Misha, and three cats named Pumpkin, Nova, and Pebbles. I also have some fish!
I have a variety of interests and hobbies that I am excited to share with the children such as gardening, playing the guitar and ukelele, making all different kinds of art, and being active!

I am truly grateful to be a part of this wonderful staff at OWM and I can’t wait to be a part of the day with your children too!

Ms. Tonali Parker-Cyr: Aftercare Teacher

Bio & Picture coming soon!