“We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being.”
-Maria Montessori
The Montessori teacher has the critical job of preparing the classroom and outdoor environment so it is interesting and enticing to each child in the classroom. This involves a deep understanding of human development as well as always being alert to the specific interests of each child and where they are on that path of development. Continuously refreshing the classroom and connecting the children to purposeful activities that match their needs are rewarded by the children making ever more challenging choices and delighting in their learning. Every part of the curriculum is managed in this way – care of oneself and the classroom environment, sensorial explorations, language and mathematics, expression through art and music, geography, science, and the grace and courtesy needed to live in harmony with others. There are never enough words to express our gratitude and appreciation to our exceptional teaching staff. They consistently keep the children’s love of learning as their top priority. In every classroom, our guides recognize each child’s individual strengths, talents, and unique qualities while fostering literacy, intellectual curiosity, compassion, creativity, community awareness, and physical well-being.
Our Head of School supports the Spruce Pine Montessori School teachers and oversees the fundraising and program operations of the school.
Administration
Jennifer Rambo (she/her), Head of School, lives with her family on a small homestead. Jennifer has a BA in French Language/Literature and Elementary Education Certification from Mary Washington College (now University of Mary Washington) and received her Early Childhood Administration credential at Haywood Community College. She has a Montessori Administrators Certificate from AMI and has completed the Nonprofit Fundamentals Certificate Program through WNC Nonprofit Pathways. Jennifer went through Brene Brown’s dare to lead training in July 2024. She is also the child care representative on the board of the Blue Ridge Partnership for Children. Prior to taking on the Head of School role, she served on the board at SPMS, subbed, worked as the elementary after school teacher, taught elementary summer camps, and assisted 2 previous Heads of School. Her two kids attended SPMS for primary and elementary.
Susan McDaniel (she/her), Finance Manager, came to SPMS in September 2023 after a long career in accounting which included CPA, auditor, and Director of Finance at Penland School of Craft. She has a BSA from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a MBA from Regis University, CO. She is an avid reader and volunteers in the community.
Toddler Classrooms
Leona Pendley (she/her), Toddler Lead Teacher, has been with SPMS since 2011. Before beginning with the Toddler Class full time in April, 2012, Leona worked with our After Care and Summer programs and as a substitute. She earned her NC Early Childhood Credential in December 2013.
Hayden Jamison, Toddler Assistant Teacher
Abby Putman (she/her), Toddler Lead Teacher, has worked as the Toddler After School teacher, Toddler Assistant, and Primary and Toddler Floater. After taking a year off to stay home with her son, she’s returned to take the lead in our young toddler classroom, working with 13-20 month olds. Abby has her North Carolina Early Childhood credential.
Primary Classrooms
Christine Henry (she/her), Primary Lead Teacher, received her Montessori Primary Certification in May 2013. She has a BA in Psychology from UNCA and an NC Early Childhood Credential. Christine has been with the school since 2008 and before becoming a lead teacher had worked at every classroom level as an Assistant Teacher. Her two sons graduated from SPMS.
Hanna Allen , Primary Assistant Teacher
Amy Honeycutt (she/her), Morning Floater, has a degree in medical assisting and is a dance instructor at Appalachian Performing Arts in Burnsville. She brings her love of children and dance to her role as Morning Floater.
Elementary Classrooms
Skylar Miller (he/him), Lower Elementary Lead Teacher, graduated from Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin with a double major in Environmental Geology and Dance. He grew up attending Camp Celo and one year he went back to Camp as a counselor and never left. Skylar was hired as the Elementary Assistant in 2019. He completed a Montessori Fundamentals Assistant training and received his Lower Elementary Lead Teacher Certification through The Center for Montessori Teacher Education-NC. Skylar is an avid soccer player and backpacker.
Genevieve Perez (she/her), Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher, graduated from Florida International University with a BA in Psychology. She worked one year as a Primary Assistant and is in her first year as an Elementary assistant. She is also the Elementary Spanish teacher.
Benjamin Peverall (he/him), Upper Elementary Lead Teacher was born at Spruce Pine Hospital and grew up in the South Toe Valley. He attended SPMS from Primary through Lower Elementary. In February of 2023, Ben Graduated from College of the Atlantic with a bachelor's in Human Ecology. Having spent many summers as a counselor at Camp Celo and working at Children's Garden Preschool, Ben always knew being a teacher was his future. Ben will receive his Lower and Upper Elementary Montessori credential from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies in 2025 when he completes his training.