Charles Towne Montessori!
Welcome to the family experience at
The CTM Parents Association is open to all the adults who are important to the children enrolled here. The mission of the PA is to create a welcoming community for parents, relatives, and special friends of our children, and to offer strong support to the teachers and staff who create the loving and creative environments in which our children thrive. Please join us in this quest to prepare our children for a lifetime of learning.
Email our Parents Association leadership committee for information: ctmpa@ctmlife.com
Charles Towne Montessori’s parents association hosts several special events for our students and parents each year, as well as providing support for the school overall. All of the efforts of our group are intended to benefit the the students and the teachers at Charles Towne Montessori.
PA Leadership
Katie Turner Parent Association Chair
Katie Hochhausler Turner is a proud mother of two children, Sadie and Samuel, both currently in elementary school. Her children have been part of the Montessori community since infancy and joined CTM in 2020. Katie currently serves as Chairperson of the Parent Association, where she enjoys planning and coordinating events that bring families together and strengthen the school community.
A full-time working mom, Katie is a Commercial Underwriting Consultant specializing in aging services for a national insurance carrier. She is deeply involved in her community, having served on numerous committees and currently teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten Sunday School at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Katie is always ready to lend a hand in various support roles wherever needed. Volunteering has been a lifelong passion for Katie, rooted in her upbringing. She is dedicated to education, child welfare, animal advocacy, and community service—all while raising her two beautiful children with love and intention.
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Evan Murray Parent Association
Evan Murray, a native of Pittsburgh, PA, moved to Charleston in 2010 to attend The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and fell in love with the city. Upon graduating, he was commissioned as an Artillery Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After completing his service obligation with a final duty station of Camp Humphreys South Korea, he rejoined his wife in Charleston! Shortly after, Evan chose to embark on a career in real estate because he wanted to help people find their own piece of heaven here in the Lowcountry. He joined Sally Castengera, his wife’s grandmother and the first Realtor on Daniel Island. Evan and his wife, Melaina, live in Charleston with their daughter, Sterling. He enjoys running, playing hockey, and volunteering time with the Rotary Club of Daniel Island where he manages the Charleston Duck Race, which raises money for local charities. He is also a member of the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, and the Citadel Alumni Association.
Allison Breckheimer Parent Association
Allison has 2 children happily enrolled at CTM, Jane (toddler) and Quin (primary). She works full time in sales for a 3rd party logistics company. In her spare time, she enjoys being on the water with her family in any capacity be it beach, boat, pool or backyard sprinkler. Allison is really excited to be an official part of the PA this year and is eager to help strengthen the CTM community.
Luisa Villafranca Parent Association
Luisa is a Texas native and moved from Waco to Charleston in 2020 after completing grad school at Baylor University. Her children have been a part of CTM from the toddler through elementary programs. Her roles around campus have ranged from volunteering for a couple of hours to being a room parent and PA member. She enjoys being active in the CTM community and looks forward to helping around campus this school year!
Maren Trochman Parent Association
Maren Trochmann has one child happily enrolled at CTM (Vera - Primary). She works in government consulting and also teaches in an MPA program. In her spare time, she enjoys the beach with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs, a good workout, traveling, and reading. Maren is excited to be an official part of the PA this year to help strengthen the CTM community.
Amy Maddox Parent Association
Hi CTM Families! This is our first year at CTM and we are thrilled to enter into the CTM
Community! My children are Graham Maddox (age 5) and Amelia Mattox (age 3). I am a virtual Kindergarten teacher for an online public charter school. I’ve learned much about Montessori schools through my education in earning my early childhood degree. I’m looking forward to assisting the Parents Association this year and getting to meet you at school functions and events!
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Caroline Torino Parent Association
Caroline Torino is a former fashion executive from the northeastern United States. Her daughter Penelope is happily enrolled and thriving in her second year at the Primary program at CTM. As a former Montessori student, she has a special passion for the Montessori method and is very appreciative of the community at Charles Towne Montessori. As a West Ashley neighbor of CTM, she enjoys hosting events and meeting new people. The Torino family has traveled the world but found their home here in Charleston, and the CTM community has given them a home they’ve always dreamed of.
Jess Silveri Parent Association
This is my second year at Charles Towne Montessori, where my son Finn (3) is in the
Primary program. My older son (5) is in kindergarten at Oakland Elementary. My family
and I live in West Ashley with our two rescue dogs, and we love being part of this
community. I work in tech and enjoy finding ways to simplify and improve
processes—something I also bring to my involvement with the PTA. I’m excited to
support CTM this year and help continue building a strong, connected school
community. When I'm not working you can often find me biking on the Greenway with
the kids or out on the water.
Athena Coleman Parent Association
This is my families first year at Charles Towne Montessori, where my daughter Julietta
(7) is part of the Elementary program. My son Leonidas (7months) hopes to join his big
sister in school in the future. My family lives over in West Ashley and we are really
looking forward to joining the CTM community! Both my husband James and I have
been apart of the food and beverage scene for many years and have helped open a few
restaurants around Charleston. While he currently works at Halls I have taken a step
back to take care of our kids. You can often find us all together exploring restaurants,
taking trips, or enjoying some playground time.
Our Events
Holiday Shop
The parents association runs an annual Holiday Shop before the winter break that helps to teach the children about giving, thankfulness, and cooperation. This volunteer driven event is a favorite of the students and parents alike.
Spring Fling
Spring Fling Family Fun Day is our annual spring carnival. Parents run the show for the children on this special day. Students and friends come to enjoy food, fun, and frivolity on our campus.
Campus Cleanup
Campus Cleanup Days happen several times a year when the parents get together to make our campus a showplace! We clean, rake, and plant in the classroom gardens and playgrounds. These events are fun for the whole family when we come together to strengthen our community.
Spirit Night
Spirit Nights are social events at local restaurants who generously agree to host the event and donate a portion of their proceeds to our PA!
Tea Party
Tea Party is a brand new social event on campus. It was a hit!
