Miss Courtney is a native of Arkansas. Her mother was a Montessori teacher and she grew up spending her entire life thus far in a Montessori environment. Practicing the life skills she gained through Montessori Methods, she was naturally guided back to the Montessori classroom. Throughout high school and college, she worked in Montessori classrooms to further her knowledge and gain understanding of Montessori. She possesses more than 20 years of experience with children, and has been lead teacher continuously from 1999 to today.

Spend just a few minutes in Courtney’s presence and one soon finds what makes her so special. Her calming nature and soft-spoken strength give her the tools necessary to command a classroom, a prepared environment. One of her greatest joys — as she builds a relationship with each student — is to tailor, create personalized lessons suited specifically to an individual child’s interest. Whether it’s dinosaurs, marine biology, entomology or the mammals of the African tundra to name just a few, Courtney will spend her personal time developing a new and interesting way for the student to explore and stretch their brain on the subject, typically handcrafting these new lessons. This attention to educational development empowers children with the freedom to explore their own curiosity while holding their interest and focus, drawing them deeper into their personal learning experience. Courtney’s ability to connect with kids by showing them respect and honor and thereby teaching the same exemplifies and epitomizes the Montessori Method. Grace and courtesy are truly her strong points.

Courtney is also a certified yoga instructor and teaches yoga to her students a couple of times a week.

Courtney White and Jennifer Matthews-Drake are co-owners of Village Montessori, LLC.

Haley is the mother of one spunky, charming son and a native of Tupelo, Mississippi. She came to Village with four years of Montessori experience teaching alongside Miss Courtney prior to the start of Village Montessori. Haley’s quiet demeanor has a calming effect on her students and they love her for it. And her warm smile welcomes all who approach.

“Watching these kids learn and grow is truly amazing to me. I’m in constant awe and enriched by their unsurpassed curiosity and love of learning. Just being a small part of their world is hugely gratifying.”

Lindsey is married with two children, the oldest of which attended Village Montessori in its first year of operation! She describes herself as a “Montessori Mom,” raising her children according to the methods of Maria Montessori. She’s warm and nurturing, and brings her gentle spirit into the classroom where she sings and laughs and connects with each child individually.

Lindsey’s broad array of work and study experiences have enabled her to develop a quiet confidence in a variety of situations that fosters trust and brings calm to little ones. She has spent more than twenty years as a caregiver to all ages. Many have benefited from her patient and tender manner and steadfast willingness to listen and validate others.

She has a dog and two cats, and a love for strong coffee and chocolate. In her free time, she sketches, plays with her kids, and listens to all types of music.

“What I love most about children is their sense of wonder as they discover the world around them. I feel honored to walk them through this part of their journey.”

Sequoia Elliott is a dedicated Cook and Teacher Assistant at Village Montessori Preschool. With creativity and passion, she crafts delightful meals that inspire healthy eating.

Beyond work, her tea exploration, reading, and travel adventures with her wife and dog Hurley, highlight her vibrant life. Balancing culinary creativity and education, Sequoia gives her best in the kitchen and classroom.