Katherine Rucker

Founder & Executive Director

Katherine Rucker is a native of Southern Pines and is driven by a passion to expand public access to Montessori education in her home community. A graduate of Wake Forest University with a Bachelor’s degree in political science, she has also earned her Master of Economics from Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Mexico City and Master of Education from Loyola University Maryland. Ms. Rucker completed Montessori training at the Washington Montessori Institute and is credentialed as a Primary Montessori guide through Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

aLVITA THOMAS

Principal

Alvita Thomas has over 28 years of experience in public education in Moore County, including a decade of experience in public school administration. Alvita completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Fayetteville State University, where she also played collegiate volleyball and basketball. She has three additional degrees: her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Science from St. Andrews University; a Special Education Certification in Behavioral and Emotional Disabilities from Fayetteville State University; and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Gardner Webb University. Alvita has deep roots in Moore County. She has two adult children. 

Melissa Sprouse

Director of Operations

Melissa Sprouse grew up in the rolling green hills of Western Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Gettysburg College. Melissa went on to get her Master of Forensic Science in Toxicology from George Washington University in Washington D.C. She traveled across the country and back living the military life and getting experience as a Research Chemist and an Inhalation Toxicologist. Melissa and her family settled in North Carolina 15 years ago and she had the opportunity to stay home and enjoy her two children. Having found her true passion, Melissa went back to school for her K-6 NC teaching license.

Jennifer Sifford

Office Manager & HR Representative

Jennifer Sifford has ten years of hotel front desk clerk experience. She also has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education that she received from Sandhills Community College in 2015. In her spare time she loves making new things with her vinyl machine and spending as much time as she can with family and friends.

Peggy johnson

Instructional Coach

Peggy Johnson was a Founding Board Member at MMCS. She was a Montessori teacher for 35 years and is now a professor in the Early Childhood Education Program at Sandhills Community College. She supports our teaching staff by providing weekly one- on-one coaching sessions.

Jenell Copeland

Middle School Science Guide

Ms. Jenell is thrilled to be joining the Moore Montessori community and beginning her 25th year in education! She brings extensive experience working with middle school students and a passion for teaching science through hands-on, experiential learning.

Ms. Jenell holds a Master of Science in Education from Bank Street College and a BA from Tulane University. She is especially excited to share her love of nature with her students and to create opportunities for them to explore, question, experiment, and discover the world around them through a scientific lens. 

Outside of school, Ms. Jenell enjoys spending time with her four rescue cats, tending to her garden, hiking, and exploring new places with her husband and two sons. Ms. Jenell is also a small business owner who turns NC grown and collected dried flowers and plants into jewelry, magnets, and other resin creations. Look for her at local festivals and craft fairs and stop by her tent to say hello! 

She is so excited to be part of Moore Montessori and can't wait to learn, explore, and discover alongside her students!

rEBECCA FEW

Middle School Humanities Guide

Rebecca Few has spent her entire teaching career, more than two decades, educating students in Moore County.  During that time she has taught thousands of students at the middle school and college levels; however, middle school is her teaching passion. She is an avid reader who aims to fan the flames of reading pleasure among her students.  Ms. Rebecca believes deeply in the power of literacy and encourages her students to exercise their voice through writing.

Ms. Rebecca earned her Bachelor's Degree from Cedarville University, majoring in Middle Childhood Education with emphasis in Language Arts and Social Studies.  She holds a Master's Degree from UNCP in Middle Grades English Education and a post-graduate certificate of Reading Education from Appalachian State University.  She received her Adolescent Montessori certification through AMI. 

Ms. Rebecca has two daughters who attend MMCS, and her husband is a teacher at Pinecrest High School.  When she's not at school tending to the chickens, gardens and beekeeping, she enjoys spending time with her family, puzzling with friends, singing with her Gospel choir, writing poetry, and walking her dog.

Dana Taylor

Middle School Math Guide

Heather May Brown is an Army veteran, mother of three, CrossFit coach, former homeschool teacher, and licensed educator whose life work is making a difference through education and leadership. Heather earned her Bachelor’s degree in Leadership Management and Systems Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and her Master’s degree in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She lives in Southern Pines with her wife, two high school aged children, four dogs, three cats, and practicing next level mothering with an adult child abroad for college. 

She was drawn to the Montessori method for its emphasis on deep mutual respect, fostering learning environments with the freedom to explore, and developing human beings to their fullest unique potential who are committed to improving the community.  She is honored and thrilled to help spearhead our remarkable and groundbreaking middle school as the lead STEM Guide and witness our production and exchange program bring the Montessori vision and hope to life in our community and beyond.

Christina Mickle

Upper Elementary Guide

Christina Mickle grew up in the redwood forests of Northern California. She has a Bachelor's degrees in Spanish and Anthropology and a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She taught English as a Second Language for seven years for Moore County Schools. She has also taught international students at community college and high school levels and was a teacher in Mongolia with the Peace Corps. She has National Board Certification in English as a New Language for Adolescents. She has her Elementary I and II AMS credential with the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in Charlotte, NC.

COURTNEY TAYLOR

Upper Elementary Guide

Courtney was born in Buffalo, New York but spent most of her life in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was first introduced to Montessori as a child when enrolled in a Montessori school. Courtney earned her bachelors in elementary education from Appalachian State University. She then went on to earn her AMI elementary certification from Washington Montessori Institute and a Master's degree in education from Loyola University. After teaching for a few years in Charlotte, she eventually went back to work at the very school she attended as a child. During her spare time, Courtney likes to go hiking and camping with her husband and spending time with their young son Danny. She also crochets and enjoys playing board games.

DElene Wilmott

Upper Elementary Guide
Delene A. Wilmott is a Bahamian Native who is passionate about education, community service and all things indigenous to her country!  

To many of her family, friends and colleagues, she is known as "Queen Delhi".   Queen Delhi received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University and has been committed to shaping the lives of the youth from then to this present day.  In addition to her degree in education Ms. Delene A. Wilmott also received her Masters Degree in Leadership and Organizational Management from New Covenant University.  Delene continues to enhance her educational expertise as she pursues her Doctorate Degree. She was in the inaugural cohort of the MMCS Montessori Elementary Teacher Training. In her spare time her hobbies include traveling, sport activities, reading and volunteer work.  She adamantly believes, "that a Teacher can shape a child’s life and that Child can change the world!

ANNE Watkins

Upper Elementary Guide

Anne Watkins is a dedicated Montessori educator with 12 years of experience in Montessori classrooms on the elementary level. She is committed to fostering confidence and a joy of learning in every child she works with while honoring their uniqueness and strengths. To her, the most rewarding aspect of being a Montessori guide is witnessing a child take ownership of their learning. There is nothing quite like watching students discover what they are capable of! Inspired by Dr. Montessori’s philosophy, Ms. Anne strives to create a calm, respectful, and stimulating environment where students feel empowered to explore, ask questions, and grow at their own pace. In her free time, Anne likes spending time with her family, hiking with her dog, paddleboarding, and reading psychological thrillers.

TiQUAN MURPHY

Upper Elementary Assistant

Tiquan Murphy goes by Quan. He has been working with children at the Boys and Girls Club since graduating from high school. He is passionate about inspiring kids to go above and beyond their goals in life. He went from one of the shortest in his graduating class to one of tallest by the end of his senior year.

Michele kelly

Lower Elementary Guide

Michele Kelly is a former resident of Upstate New York. She earned her first college degree in electrical engineering. While staying home to raise her four children, she pivoted into a freelance writing career with Gannett Multimedia. With a love for lifelong learning, Michele returned to college to earn a bachelor’s degree in human services with an emphasis on counseling children and adolescents when her youngest child entered high school. After Michele and her husband relocated to North Carolina for his work, she learned about the high need for teachers in the area and decided to pursue this field. Quickly realizing she had found her passion, Michele completed all requirements for NC licensure, earning her master’s in teaching from UNC Pembroke this past spring. Michele loves to host family and friends and have weekend adventures with her husband exploring their new state, but most often she can be found curled up with her 3 dogs and 3 cats, reading a good book.

Audrey Osmanski

Lower Elementary Guide

Audrey grew up in South Carolina and attended schools there. She holds a master’s degree in health promotion and Education and a Master of Art in teaching from The University of South Carolina. After witnessing how Montessori school affected her own children, she was hooked. She became a Montessori guide after many years living and working in Asia and Africa on health promotion and refugee issues. She received her primary training at the Montessori Center International (MCI), London, England and her elementary training through the Montessori Teacher Training Institute, an AMS affiliated institution. Upon completing her primary Montessori training, she taught for three years in a primary class. Later she received her elementary training and taught for eight years in a public Montessori upper elementary classroom in South Carolina. At Moore Montessori, she opened the Chestnut classroom and taught for two years. She transitioned to Lower Elementary for the 2026-27 school year. She enjoys traveling, cooking new things learned from her travels, sewing, tennis, walking, and meditation, and she loves reading good books. She is married and has two sons, and two granddaughters.

Heather brown

Lower Elementary Guide

Heather May Brown is an Army veteran, mother of three, CrossFit coach, former homeschool teacher, and licensed educator whose life work is making a difference through education and leadership. Heather earned her Bachelor’s degree in Leadership Management and Systems Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and her Master’s degree in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She lives in Southern Pines with her wife, two high school aged children, four dogs, three cats, and practicing next level mothering with an adult child abroad for college. 

She was drawn to the Montessori method for its emphasis on deep mutual respect, fostering learning environments with the freedom to explore, and developing human beings to their fullest unique potential who are committed to improving the community.  She is honored and thrilled to help spearhead our remarkable and groundbreaking middle school as the lead STEM Guide and witness our production and exchange program bring the Montessori vision and hope to life in our community and beyond.

Ashley Burgin

Lower Elementary Guide

Ashley spent most of her youth in Charlotte, NC, and has called the Sandhills home for the last decade. She attended UNC Chapel Hill for undergraduate studies, earning a BA in Environmental Studies, and then UNC Charlotte, for her K-6 licensure. In 2018, Ashley joined MMCS, along with two of her sons. That first year, she worked as a teaching fellow and teacher assistant, while earning her Elementary I AMS credential through the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in Charlotte. She is the lead guide in the Red Maple community. Outside of school, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons, camping, creating and reading.

Rebecca everett

Lower Elementary Guide

Rebecca Everett is a lead guide in Lower Elementary and is excited to begin her third year in Cinnamon Fern. She has worked in education for the past several years as both an assistant and lead teacher. Rebecca holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ave Maria University and a Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. 

Outside of the classroom, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family and going to the beach. She also has a new title to add to her list this year: wife! Rebecca married Mr. Chris, our school EC teacher, in June, and is excited to continue being part of the MMCS community. 

Cedrick Threadgill

Lower Elementary Assistant

Cedrick a native of Moore County and graduate of Pinecrest High School. He played basketball at Central Carolina Junior College on a full athletic scholarship. He is trained in Triple Play, Healthy Habits and works with the Cal Ripken Baseball program every summer. He is passionate about working with children, and currently serves a elementary assistant in River Birch.

Beatriz Thomas

Lower Elementary Assistant

Beatriz is native from Colombia, South America. She has a degree in Modern Languages from the University of Quindio. Beatriz has 18 years of teaching experience. She was an English teacher in Colombia for 3 years. Then, in 2010 she moved to the USA as a part of a Spanish Immersion Program for native American children in Cumberland County Schools. She was also a First Grade teacher in a Traditional classroom until 2019. She has been working in our Moore Montessori Community School since 2020 in the Cinnamon Fern Community and now she is the Assistant in the Elderberry Community. During her spare time, Beatriz loves puzzles, diamond painting, crochet, and traveling with her Husband and their dog Cookie. Beatriz is so happy to be back as part of the MMCS family.

Cecilia Rubio Melendez

Primary Assistant

Cecilia Rubio Melendez began her journey with Moore Montessori during the 2020-2021 school year. Prior to MMCS, she cared for children under the age of 4. Cecilia welcomes challenges, along with the adventure. She has enjoyed her Montessori training and experiences immensely, looks forward to all that is to come. Cecilia is planning to continue her studies in the field of Early Childhood Education. In her leisure time, Cecilia spends as much time as she can with her family. She likes to read, do puzzles and sudoku. Cecilia loves to travel, explore and go on hikes with her fiancé and their furbabies.

Dusti Graves

EC Teacher

Patti Griffin

Primary Guide

Patti has spent her adult life advocating for children and educating others about the importance of allowing children to learn through developing their natural interests at their own pace. Patti was born and raised “just down the road” in Sanford, NC. She received her B.A in Psychology with an option in Human Resources from NC State and a minor in Child Development from Meredith College. She started her Montessori career at SAS Institute in a Children’s House classroom where she was an assistant teacher for five years.  She received her Children’s House Primary training at The Montessori School of the Golden Gate in San Francisco and is PAMS Certified. She later joined The Montessori School of Sanford where she worked as a Children’s House Guide and then as the Director. After fifteen years at MSOS she joined the Lee County Partnership for Children where she worked for 10 years to advance Early Childhood Education.  She is excited to come full circle and be a part of the Montessori community in Southern Pines. She enjoys spending time cooking, traveling with her husband, taking long walks with their dog Ridley and visiting with her adult children, nieces & nephews.

Keanna Artis

Primary Guide

Keanna Artis was born in Germany but grew up in Fayetteville, NC. She went to UNC-Chapel Hill where she studied Linguistics, and after working as an assistant at a Montessori public charter school was compelled to take training and become a lead guide. She trained at the Washington Montessori Institute and earned her AMI diploma there along with a Master's in Education from Loyola University Maryland. When she is not working with children, she loves to paint and explore parks and botanical gardens.

Ellie VanGemeren

Primary Guide

Ellie has lived in Southern Pines for the last seven years, originally moving here from Connecticut to train her horses. She graduated from Bates College in Maine with a BA in Psychology in 2013 and completed her AMI Primary Training at MTCNE in Hartford, CT along with her Masters in Education through the University of Hartford in 2017. Ellie attended a Montessori school through the 6th grade and truly values and believes in the philosophy and education model. Ellie lives nearby with her horses, chickens and dog and spends as much time outside as possible!

YUDY BARRAGAN

Primary Guide

Yudy was born in Colombia, South America, and moved to the United States in 2006. Since then, she has made her home in the Moore County area. She has dedicated over seven years to nurturing young learners.

Yudy later joined a The Garden Montessori, where she served as an assistant teacher for one year before stepping into the role of lead teacher for two more years. In October 2024, she completed the Nido & Toddler Program through the Prepared Montessorian Institute (PMI), further deepening her expertise in early childhood education. She is currently pursuing her Montessori Early Childhood (3–6) Diploma through the North American Montessori Center (NAMC). In her free time, Yudy enjoys nature walks, gardening, and cooking. 

Tianna cumberbatch

Primary Assistant

I am excited to join the Montessori community as a Primary Assistant in Sweetgum I have spent nearly five years working in education as a Teacher Assistant and Reach Associate, where I had the opportunity to work with children across the elementary grades. I hold an Associate degree in Applied Arts and am currently completing my bachelor's degree in Psychology, with graduation planned for December.

One of the things I value most about working with children is the opportunity to build genuine connections with them. I believe children deserve to be seen and respected as individuals, and that meaningful relationships are an important part of helping them feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. I am especially passionate about social-emotional growth and creating an environment where children feel heard, valued, and encouraged to be themselves.

Born and raised in Moore County, I am excited to continue working with children and families in my community. Outside of school, I enjoy building LEGO sets, puzzles, reading manga and books, listening to and collecting music, Marvel, and musicals. I also enjoy solo traveling and spending time with my family, friends, and my dogs, Jake and Finn.

CAROLINE DUNN

Primary Assistant

Caroline is originally from North Alabama. She went to the University of Alabama and studied Communicative Disorders. After college, she spent two years working in Pinehurst as an ABA therapist. She spent the last four years working in Boston Public Schools as a behavior therapist, and providing school consultation services. She has experience working with ages ranging from preschool to high school. Outside of school she loves all things related to food, travel, and art. Caroline is so excited to be back in the Pines, and to be a part of the MMCS community.

LAURA DEGANGE-Raugh

Director of Student Support & Assistant Coach

Laura has an undergraduate degree from Penn State and she earned a Masters in Social Work from Boston University. She worked as a child and family counselor until she decided to stay home with her children. Now that her children are older, Laura is finding a second-wind career in Montessori education. She comes to MMCS after two years at The Garden with the toddler program and is Primary Lead Certified with Age Of Montessori. Laura loves being in the Dandelion Community and is also the Instructional Coach for the Assistant Guides.

Porsche Hollis

EC Assistant

Porsche has over 10 years of experience in childcare, including six years at Moore Montessori Community School as a Montessori Assistant Guide. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong passion for supporting the individual needs of children and creating inclusive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

She is a dedicated advocate for autism awareness, inclusion, and acceptance and is passionate about supporting children of all abilities. Committed to lifelong learning, Porsche continues to expand her knowledge and professional skills to strengthen her work with children and families.

She takes pride in her continued growth as an educator and looks forward to building upon her experience while making a meaningful impact within the Moore Montessori community.

ARIADNE DEGARR

Theater, Music & Creative Expressions Instructor

Ariadne and her husband are both proud Bronxites, born and raised in New York City by North Carolinian mothers. Spending a third of each year with family in her mom’s hometown of Southern Pines heavily influenced her upbringing. So that makes her a little bit country and a little bit rock n’ roll!

Ariadne’s family has always instilled in her the value of children, education and community—it truly “takes a village!” She holds a masters degree and, as a product of both Montessori and public school education herself, is a testament to the importance of a solid educational foundation. To that end, she believes whole heartedly in MMCS’s mission and the strength of its vision.

Ariadne cherishes her family (both born and chosen) and is rarely seen outside of the school day without her son, Christmas (aka her “shadow”). She spends much of her free time working in the community. Now, in her third year as a school parent and second as staff, it is clear that MMCS was the right village for Ariadne and her family to call home.

CAMERON BROWN

Outdoor Specialist & Nautilus Support

Cameron is a graduate of Pinecrest High School. He has 6 years of experience working with children and young adults at the Boys & Girls Club and as football coach. He is passionate about mentoring young athletes to build sustainable training habits and supporting healthy lifestyles. When not working at MMCS, he is an artist and small business entrepreneur, creating custom art work on shoes.

KEEGAN ATHERTON

Guidance Counselor

Keegan is originally from Northern Michigan. He works with students and families to help each child develop confidence, handle challenges, and succeed in school. His goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where every student feels encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

marie french

Exceptional Child Teacher

Marie French has spent over 13 years teaching in Florida, Texas and now the Sandhills.

Having her children educated in Montessori when they were young sparked her children’s love of learning and curiosity about the world.

Marie enjoys hiking, nature, traveling, the creative arts, reading and most especially spending time with her girls.

CHRIS EVERETT

EC Teacher

Chris Everett was born and raised here in Moore County, North Carolina. Fun fact: Chris actually attended elementary school at MMCS' current location/building. Chris is a graduate of Pinecrest High School, Sandhills Community College, and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K-6). Chris worked as a teacher assistant and substitute teacher during his five years of college, now serving as our Lead EC Teacher.

WANDA GARRIS

EC Coordinator & Reading Coach

Wanda Garris is a native of North Carolina. Mrs. Garris earned her BS degree majoring in Special Education, with a certification of Birth-12 grade, from UNC-Pembroke. After teaching several years in Special Education middle school grades and Developmental Day Pre-K Classes, she became Director of a Development Day Program serving children with both atypical and typical development. During this time, Mrs. Garris served as the President of the NC Development Day Association and was active in promoting services for young children with developmental  disabilities at the state level. She and her husband have two sons and her hobbies are traveling, hiking, kayaking, and gardening.

alliSON ANDERSON

Upper Elementary Apprentice Guide

Allison Anderson has been a North Carolina resident for a little over 8 years. Originally from Washington State, has spent 4 years in education. Allison graduated Fayetteville Technical Community College with her Associate’s Degree in Teacher preparation and is a current Junior at the University of North Carolina- Wilmington. Allison is completing her degree in K-5 Elementary Education with a Focus in Behavioral Studies. When not in the building Allison enjoys participating and coaching athletics. 

Diana Martinez- mata

Primary Assistant

Lucy barabas

Primary Teacher Assistant

James Thompson

Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher

chinarose stayskal

Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher