STAFF 2025-26
Nancy Fowler, Head of School
Nancy Fowler comes to CTMS from nearby hometown of Hilton Head Island. It was there that she was first introduced to the Montessori method at the age of 9. After graduating from Dartmouth with a degree in Psychology, she spent her summer participating in a Montessori 3-6 year old training program in Boston. She returned home to Hilton Head to begin her career in Montessori.
Driven by her commitment to education, Nancy pursued a Master's in Education at Lesley University, specializing in Conflict Resolution and Peaceable Schools. Her professional path led her to manage Montessori schools in Georgia and Boston, until she found herself enriching young minds at Hilton Head's local children’s museum. A stint as Head of School back in Hilton Head preceded her latest adventure: leading CTMS as Head of School in Charleston.
Nancy is a proud mother of four adult children, each benefiting from a Montessori education. Her youngest is embarking on college life in North Carolina this fall, while her oldest daughter applies Montessori principles in aiding Dementia patients in NYC. Meanwhile, her two sons thrive in Boston in the fields of hospitality and medical patent law. At home in Charleston, Nancy is accompanied by her beloved fur babies, Tatum and Oscar.
Beyond her role in education, Nancy embraces a vibrant array of interests. When not enthusiastically supporting her daughter's lacrosse games, she delights in running, beach outings, immersing herself in captivating reads, and cheering on her favorite sports teams., Her unwavering dedication to Montessori principles enriches her leadership at CTMS
Shardae Gamble, Office Manager
Shardae brings over 8 years of joyful dedication to education, working with children from toddlers to elementary age. She holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and first joined Charles Towne Montessori as a beloved floater, quickly becoming an integral part of the team.
Shardae now lives in Charleston with her daughter, where they enjoy exploring all the Lowcountry has to offer.
Luke Jones, Property Manager
Mr. Luke moved to Charleston from Pennsylvania in 2018. Before getting into property management, Luke gained years of experience working with youth as a former youth director and after school volunteer. Luke is also a multi-disciplinary artist and works out of his art studio on Johns Island. He enjoys utilizing all of his skills to keep Charles Towne Montessori a beautiful place!
Clarissa Lesnak, Admission Coordinator
Clarissa obtained her undergraduate from Emory & Henry College and her MSW from the University of Tennessee. She formerly served as the Director of Admissions at a Montessori school in Hilton Head where she lives with her husband and two little boys.
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In her down time she enjoys running marathons and spending time at the Disney parks with her family.
Greg Bednarsh, Lead Elementary Teacher
B.F. A. North Carolina School of the Arts, AMS Elementary I & II Adult Learner Gulf Coast Montessori Training Center
Born in Bolivia, raised in New York City and now living in South Carolina, my journey has been full of a variety of experiences. The common thread throughout my life has been building and helping to maintain community. By engaging a child’s sense of natural wonder and understanding of the world, they become questioners, and recognize the limitless power their voice and sense of self hold. With over a decade of experience in education, I know that a spark of inspiration can be the fire that ignites someone farther than they’ve ever gone. I continue to aspire to offer that spark.
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Greg has nine years of experience working elementary children in both lower and upper elementary as well as in his alma mater Manhattan Country School. He will complete his full Elementary I & II certification December 2025.
Chloe Eidson, Lead Primary Teacher
AMS certification for Primary, Northeast Montessori Institute
Chloe was born in Charlotte and raised in Charleston, where she developed a passion for teaching, inspired by her mother’s career as an educator. She pursued Early Childhood Education through the bridge program at the University of South Carolina. In the summer of 2019, Chloe joined Charles Towne Montessori as a summer job and quickly realized her affinity for the Montessori method, leading her to stay and build her career with CTM. She later completed her Primary certification at the Northeast Montessori Institute in Boston.
Outside of school, Chloe enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active with her dog, Boone. She also loves traveling and exploring new places with her friends and family.
Mary Margaret McKinnon, Lead Primary Teacher
B.A. Hunter College, M.Ed. Loyola University, AMI certification for Primary, Washington Montessori Institute
Charles Towne Montessori is thrilled to welcome back an experienced and passionate educator! With over 23 years of Montessori teaching experience across Maryland, Tennessee, and South Carolina, Mary Margaret brings a wealth of knowledge and warmth to the classroom. From 2003 to 2009, she was a beloved member of the CTM team—and now, she’s delighted to return "home."
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She’s the proud mom of three incredible teenagers/young adults: a daughter currently attending Wofford College and twin sons entering their senior year of high school. All three are CTM alumni! Her Charleston home is full of love—and animals—including a dog, cat, turtle, leopard gecko, and fish. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and long walks on the beach. She is excited to reconnect with the CTM community and looks forward to a joyful year of learning and growth.
Atarah Fish, Lead Primary Teacher
AMS Early Childhood Adult Learner, Sea Coast Montessori Training Center
Atarah’s love for Montessori began in childhood—she grew up in a Montessori environment, and it’s been close to her heart ever since. As a young girl, she also pursued a passion for ballet, studying at the renowned Joffrey School of Ballet in New York. After a career-ending injury shifted her path, she poured her energy into Montessori education, earning her 3–6 training and currently awaiting final certification.
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She first applied her Montessori knowledge in a unique setting—working with residents living with dementia and Alzheimer’s in private care facilities in New York. After returning to the Lowcountry, Atarah stepped in as a temporary teacher at Charles Towne Montessori—and instantly fell in love with the school’s vibrant community and mission. She’s now a cherished member of the CTM team, bringing creativity, compassion, and a deep respect for each child’s journey.
April Armentrout, Lead Toddler Teacher
NAMC Infant/Toddler certification, Adult Learner Authentic Montessori Institute
Ms. April, originally from California, grew up around the Charleston area and calls North Charleston home. Three years ago, she applied to become a Montessori floater teacher on a whim and fell in love with the method. She became a lead toddler teacher two years ago, receiving an infant/toddler certificate from NAMC, and is continuing her education to become MACTE accredited at AIM Montessori.
Outside of school, Ms. April loves to oil paint, wander around used bookstores, and catch an old movie at the theater.
Sam Lyons, Lead Toddler Teacher
AMS Toddler certification from Montessori of Alameda Teacher Education Program, Portland, OR
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Ms. Sam relocated to the East Coast in 2022 with her husband. She discovered her passion for early childhood education early on, earning her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Oregon State University in 2017 and beginning her AMS Montessori certification in 2018. With over a decade of experience in Montessori education, she is dedicated to fostering children’s growth through the Montessori method and is continually inspired by its holistic approach.
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Outside the classroom, Ms. Sam is an avid nature lover who enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, the beach- you name it! She also has a love for reading, her cats, and exploring new places through travel.
Kate Medlin, Lead Toddler Teacher
B.S. Plymouth State University in K-12 Art Education, AMS Credential in Infant and Toddler at Montessori Institute of New England
Ms Kate started her Montessori journey as a student and became a certified Montessorian at
the Montessori Institute of New England three years ago. Upon graduating college with a degree
in Art Education in 2015, Kate worked in the public school system for elementary and middle
school levels. In 2017, she began her life as a Montessori teacher at Winfield Children’s House
in her home state of Maine, where she has lived for seven years before moving to South Carolina.
Kate, her husband, Ryan, and their golden retriever, Mackworth, made the move to Charleston for a new adventure and for Kate’s position at CTM as a Lead Toddler Teacher. Kate is also a practicing
artist outside of school and is co-lead of the Maria and Me Program.
Terry McIntosh, Lead Toddler Teacher
AMS Infant/Toddler certification from CMTE, BSW and Spanish minor from Appalachian State University
Ms. Terry grew up in New Brunswick, Canada and moved to the states in 2006. She fell in love with Montessori education when she began work as a montessori toddler assistant in 2019 so she received her training soon after and has been teaching ever since! She moved to Charleston and began working at CTM in August 2024. Aside from teaching, Terry enjoys spending time outside, film photography, and sewing!
Brittany Gowder
Elementary Assistant
Lee Dragan
Elementary Support
Leslie Denton
Primary Assistant &
Primary Summer Camp Coordinator
Bryanna Fleming
Primary Assistant
Payton Moon
Primary Assistant
Kristyn Holding
Toddler Assistant
Tamekia Frazier
Toddler Assistant
Kira McHale
Florence Bromell
Toddler Assistant
Toddler After School Coordinator
Toddler Summer Coordinator
Toddler Assistant
Wendy Gee
Primary After School Director
Cameo White
After School Assistant
Robert Reed
After School Assistant
Jessica Deal
Floater and Staff Support
Marie Washington
Toddler Floater & Aftercare
TBD
Floater
Isaiah Washington, Music Teacher
ECE Certification - Trident Technical College, pursuing B.A in Music Composition - College of Charleston
Born on a Marine base in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in 1998, he grew up immersed in diverse culture due to his parents military lifestyle. His father served in the Marines for 24 years so he was always moving around. When he was young he spent 11 years of his childhood stationed on Kadena airbase in Okinawa Japan. After moving to California for a year then to Charleston South Carolina for the rest of his teenage years, he decided to join the Air Force to be an Aircraft Structural Mechanic. And to his surprise he was sent back to Japan for another 3 years for his first duty station.
Traveling and experiencing different cultures has shaped who he is. Last year he and his girlfriend went backpacking in Europe for 5 weeks, embracing every new culture and walk of life they came across.
Music has always been his passion, leading him to study Music theory and composition at the College of Charleston. Alongside his studies he has worked in early childhood education for almost 5 years, combining his passion for teaching with his deep appreciation of music.
Damian Elder, Physical Education
Coming soon
Bio coming soon!