FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PRIMARY LEAD GUIDE

Welcome! I am excited to offer an authentic Montessori experience here in Memphis. At age two, my mother enrolled me in “The First Montessori of the Midsouth”. That choice set me up for a lifetime of joy and love of work. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Spring Hill College and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Loyola College of Maryland. I am a trained Montessori guide. I am also President of the Board of the Montessori Alliance of TN. I spent 27 years working at The Maria Montessori School at the Elementary level. Currently, Josh and I, live in Midtown and our son Paul is attending college at UT Knoxville. I am proud to be a Montessori student, a Montessori co-parent, a Montessori guide, and now a Montessori Head of School.

FOUNDER

Josh Campbell is a lifelong educator with over twenty years of experience in Montessori classrooms. As the director of The Maria Montessori Middle School in Memphis, TN, Josh developed a Montessori adolescent curriculum, which has become a model for urban Montessori adolescent programs around the country. Since moving to Memphis in 1999, Josh has been a tireless advocate for the city and the education of its young people.

PRIMARY LEAD GUIDE

I am thrilled to be a member of the Midsouth Montessori Center team. I have a passion for helping children learn and grow through lessons, play, and communication. In addition to being an Assistant Guide, I am also a Montessori parent and fully believe in the values and commitment to growth that MMC displays. I have a background in organic farming and enjoy sharing my passion of growing food with others. My husband and I live in Midtown and enjoy spending our weekends at Overton Park, the Farmer’s Market, and relaxing with our two children. I look forward to getting to know you and your kids and assisting in their learning journey!

VOLUNTEER

Hi, I'm Becky Novarese - Santina's mother. I'm a lifelong Memphian, Montessori parent, and now a proud Montessori grandparent. In my years of retirement, I enjoy spending time with my husband Steve of almost 40 years, my two wonderful and intelligent daughters, and three amazing grandchildren (one in college, a 5-year-old, and a 2-year-old). I'm so proud of Santina's years of dedication and hard work that have led her to this opportunity and grateful I can be here to support her and watch her flourish as head of school.

ASSISTANT GUIDE

Recently returning to my hometown of Memphis, I am thrilled to be part of the team at Midsouth Montessori Center. With a background in dance and theater, I love to bring creativity into the education setting. As a mother of two Montessori students, I am passionate about education that works for each child and encourages their own interests and passions. I have personally seen my children grow and thrive in the Montessori setting, and love to see the spark in children’s eyes when they are actively engaged in and enjoying learning.

SUBSTITUTE

Hi, I’m Andy McDuffee. I was raised in Gallatin, TN, but now I call East Memphis home. I’m a graduate of UT Chattanooga, and I’m lucky to have two wonderful children who keep my life vibrant and full of joy. My son, Luca, is currently attending the Midsouth Montessori Center, where he’s thriving and exploring his interests. When I’m not spending time with my family or cheering on Luca’s latest adventures, I enjoy gardening, watching sports, and cooking.

FOUNDER AND DIRECTRESS OF OLIVIA’S MONTESSORI PRE-SCHOOL 1990 - 2022

My name is Amy “Olivia” Flasdick, and I am a certified Montessori Teacher (AMS). I founded Olivia's Montessori Pre-school in 1990 at this location with the desire to create a school I would have wanted to attend as a child. A Louisiana native from Mandeville, Louisiana I enjoy reading, plays, art exhibits, museums, folk art, bluegrass, and travel. What I wish for my students is that they love learning and that their curiosity to explore life never ends!