Montessori School of Oak Ridge
Educating Children for Life
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Meet our Staff


The role of the Montessori teacher (commonly referred to as a “Directress” or “Guide”) is one of guide and observer whose ultimate goal is to intervene less and less as the child develops. The teacher builds an atmosphere of calm, order, and joy in the classroom and encourages the children in all their efforts, thus promoting self-confidence and discipline.

Additional staff includes two assistants who oversee the activities of the Afternoon Enrichment Program. A Board of Trustees, which serves without monetary recompense, oversees the management of the school. Finally, as a parent-owned cooperative, parent involvement plays a vital role in MSOR’s ongoing success.


Nafis Ally, Administrator
MSOR's Administrator Nafis Ally joined the school in 1999. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in education and English literature. Ally is also a certified AMI (American Montessori International) teacher, having completed her training in her native Pakistan. She moved to Oak Ridge with her family in 1985. She has four children of her own and enjoys interacting with the children and parents at school.
 
Amanda Moulton, Primary Guide

Amanda comes to MSOR after working 6 years as an assistant.  She was ready to expand her skills as a lead teacher.  Amanda completed her Preschool/Kindergarten teaching degree through the North American Montessori Center in February 2008.  During this time, she was trained by an AMI Montessori Consultant, for a more “hands-on” approach.  Amanda is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.  She is a native of Knoxville, TN.

She has worked with children for over 10 years, and enjoys sharing her love of music and art.

 

Candie Taylor, Assistant Guide

Candie has been with the Montessori School of Oak Ridge since 2000. She has a daughter, Laura (18), and a son Cody (14). After being a stay-at-home mom for several years Candie decided to work with children, which is her first love. Candie enjoys working at MSOR, which she finds very fulfilling. Her hobbies include swimming and boating. Candie also enjoys cooking. 
"I enjoy working with children. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your child."

 

Kathy Bates, Enrichment Program

Kathy is a native of Michigan, but has lived in East Tennessee for 18 years. She and her husband have three daughters and 5 grandchildren. Because of her love for children she has worked with them for most of her adult life. This is Kathy's fourth year at the Montessori School of Oak Ridge.   "I look forward to every new school year and meeting all the new children and their families. Life is nothing without children around you."

 

Jutta Brands, Enrichment Program

Jutta Brands came from Germany (Bonn-Cologne on the River Rhine) to the United States in April 2004 when her husband was transferred to Oak Ridge. During her last 14 years in Germany she worked as an educator in two separate group homes and one kindergarten. She has been with the Montessori School of Oak Ridge since August of 2006.