Staff bios: Learn more about our highly-qualified and experienced staff.

James Farwell, jfarwell@msfortmyers.com

Mr. James grew up in Woodbury, MN attending several Montessori schools throughout childhood including Woodbury Montessori (3-4 years old), Nokomis Montessori School (Kindergarten), J.J. Hill Montessori (1st grade) and Valley Crossing Community School (5th – 6th grade).  A lifelong learner and teacher, Mr. James has served for three years as a Sunday school teacher (1st - 3rd graders), six years as a snowboard instructor (11 – 13 year olds), one year as a teaching assistant at the University of Florida, has served as an occasional guest speaker at Florida International University several times from 2009-2013, and taught financial analysis courses.  Mr. James enjoys finding ways to better serve our students, families, and staff.  In his free time, he enjoys working on the school facility, playing soccer, weight lifting, growing fruit trees, reading, and discussing self improvement. 

Credentials

• Head of School since 2013.
• Montessori Administrator Credential - September 2016.  Seton Montessori Institute, an American Montessori Society (AMS) affiliated teacher education program.
• B.S.B.A. in Finance and minor in Spanish - University of Florida.  Significant college coursework in early childhood education at Nova Southeast University.
• Florida Department of Children & Families - Staff Credential, Director Credential, Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Director Endorsement, 40 hours of child care training, numerous continuing education courses
• Certified Instructor of 15 Hour Redirecting Children's Behavior Course
• Published contributor to Montessori Leadership magazine published by the Montessori Foundation.
• Infant and Child CPR and First-aid certified

Terri Shippey, administrator@msfortmyers.com

A native of Houston, Texas, Ms. Terri began her career in Montessori right after high school. She worked in a small Montessori school as a summer job. This summer job lasted 10 years. During those 10 years, she obtained her Montessori Diploma.  Ms. Terri was given the opportunity to become a Director of a Montessori School in Amarillo, Texas. It was there that Terri gained experience managing a Montessori school. She moved to Fort Myers, Florida in 2008, where she and a few of her co-workers spent the next 8 years transforming a small childcare center in the Dunbar area into a beautiful Montessori school that offered quality education to lower income families.  Ms. Terri loves the outdoors and spending time with her horse, Bexar and photography. She enjoys all sports. She loves the Houston Astros, Rockets and Texans. 

Credentials

• 10+ Years school administration experience
• Spent a summer at the University of Texas 
• Montessori Diploma – Texas Montessori Education Center
• Florida Department of Children & Families - Staff Credential, Director Credential, Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Director Endorsement, 40 hours of child care training, numerous continuing education courses
• Certified Instructor of 15 Hour Redirecting Children's Behavior Course
• American Heart Association - Infant & Child CPR, AED, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen training
• ALICE training
• A.S. in Early Childhood Education- Rasmussen College
• B.A. in Early Education- Rasmussen College
• Infant and Child CPR and First-aid certified

Clare Klitenic, 

officemanager@msfortmyers.com

Ms. Clare was born and raised in England. She moved to the States 25 years ago. She worked and lived in Atlanta for 22 years where she taught  preschool. She moved to Fort Myers in 2021 and started working with us in our Toddler West classroom. In her free time she enjoys walking her dog and working out.

Credentials

• Bachelors degree in Sports Science
•  15+ years experience in Early Childhood Education
• 15 Hour Redirecting Children's Behavior Certificate
• Credentials for Florida Department of Children & Families 
• American Heart Association - Infant & Child CPR, AED, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen training
• Fire Extinguisher Trained

Jerry Nowak, 

maintenance@msfortmyers.com

 Jerry was born and raised in Wisconsin. He is a retired 29+ year U.S. Army veteran who has always had a passion for carpentry and the building trades in general. He is a part time building construction technology instructor for a community technical college, and moved to the Fort Myers area with his wife, Jill, 3 years ago. Jerry loves spending time with his three daughters' families, and has seven grandkids. He is an avid golfer and loves to go boating and fishing as well. 

Ms. Madison

Ms. Madison is  from Lebanon, New Jersey but moved to Bonita Springs three years ago with her family. She has been working in the field of early childhood education for 6 years. She has worked with all ages from three months to eight years old. She also attended a summer camp for ten years where she worked with children from the ages of six to sixteen. In her free time, she likes to spend time with  family and friends, go on adventures, and hang out with her cat. 

Credentials

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Administration 
• American Montessori Society (AMS) Primary Credential - Summit Montessori Teaching Training Institute (expected June 2022)
• Florida Department of Children and Families - 45 hours Child Care Training
• 15 Hour Redirecting Children's Behavior  Course Certificate
• Infant and Child CPR and First-aid certified

Ms. Ana 

One of our most experienced staff members, Ms. Ana completed her Early Childhood (3-6 years) Montessori Teacher Training in 1984 and taught for several years at Alexander Montessori School in Miami, FL.  She then opened her own school, Christian Montessori Children's House in Miami, FL,  for 3-6 year old children which she ran for 10 years.  She moved to Cape Coral and soon began work as a lower elementary school lead teacher (grades 1-3) from 1996-2001 at Michigan Montessori Elementary School, the first public Montessori school in Fort Myers, FL.   After Michigan Montessori Elementary School shut down, Ms. Ana worked as an elementary school teacher at James Stephens Intentional Academy, an international baccalaureate school, before joining Renaissance Montessori school in 2010 where she was an elementary lead teacher until 2015.  After a short retirement, Ms. Ana rejoined the Montessori community at our school.

Credentials

• AMS Early Childhood (3-6 years old) Montessori Teacher credential, Montessori Teacher Training Institute (MTTI), Miami, FL
• AMS Lower Elementary Teacher  credential, Barry University, North Miami, FL
• Master of Science Degree in Montessori Education, Barry University 
• Bachelor Degree in Human Resources and Management, Trinity University, Miami, FL
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Miami-Dade Community College, Miami, FL
• Primary Teacher (PreK-grade 3) Certification, University of South Florida
•  Florida Department of Children and Families- 45 hours Child Care Training 
• Infant and Child CPR and First-aid certified
• 15 Hours Redirecting Children's Behavior Course certificate

Ms. Emma

 Ms. Emma was born in Springfield Illinois but moved down to Cape Coral Florida with her family in 2006. She graduated from North Fort Myers High School. Has always wanted to peruse a career in Education and is currently working towards getting a degree in childhood education at Florida South Western. In her free time loves to read and spend time with friends and family. 

Credentials

• Department of Children and Families- 45 hours Child Care Training.
• Fire Extinguisher Trained
• 15 Hours Redirecting Children's Behavior Course certificate

Ms. Briana

Ms. Briana was raised in the Chicago area. Prior to joining our school, she volunteered at a child care center in Northfield, IL. She is an Early Childhood Education major at Rasmussen. In her free time, you'll find her either adventuring  on her stand up paddle board or spending time with her pup, Ares. 

Credentials

•  American Montessori Society (AMS) Infant/Toddler Credential (0-3 years old) - Summit Montessori Teaching Training Institute
•   American Montessori Society (AMS) Primary Credential (3-6 years old) - Summit Montessori Teaching Training Institute
• Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (In progress)
•  Florida Department of Children and Families- 45 hours Child Care Training
• Infant and Child First Aid, AED, and CPR certified
• Certified Instructor of 15 Hour Redirecting Children's Behavior Course 
• A.S. in Early Childhood Education- Rasmussen College

Ms. Magda

Ms. Magda was born and raised in Poland. At the age of 15yrs she moved to Melbourne Australia with her mom. After 2yrs they moved to Chicago Illinois to be closer to family. While there she graduated high school and continued her education earning a Associates Degree in Early Childhood and Development. She has worked in education for over 20yrs. In 2022 Ms. Magda and her husband decided to move to Fort Myers to enjoy the sunshine and the FL beaches. In her free time Ms. Magda likes to walk on the beach, do yoga, read, listen to music and spending time with her family.

Credentials

• Associates Degree in Early Childhood and Development.
•  Florida Department of Children and Families- 45 hours Child Care Training 
• Fire Extinguisher Trained
• Infant and Child CPR and First-aid certified
• Working towards her American Montessori Society (AMS) Primary Credential (3-6 years old) - Summit Montessori Teaching Training Institute

Mr. Nate

Mr. Nate was born in Atlanta, GA and lived there for the first part of is life. He move to Fort Myers with his family in 2021. He is currently a senior at South Fort Myers High School and is interested in pursuing a career in health and fitness. In his free time he enjoys working out and spending time with his family.

Credentials

• Department of Children and Families- 45 hours Child Care Training.
• Fire Extinguisher Trained
• 15 Hours Redirecting Children's Behavior Course certificate
• American Heart Association – Infant & Child CPR, AED, First -Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen training

Ms. Denise

Ms. Denise was born in Gainesville, Florida. After spending many years living in Michigan, Alabama and South Carolina her family moved to Central Florida. 

Ms. Denise has worked in the healthcare field, primarily with children, for over 10 years. In 2018, Ms. Denise and her husband relocated to Fort Myers. Their family was extended with the birth of twin girls in April 2022. She enjoys spending time with family, the beach, traveling, arts and crafts, and listening to music in her spare time. 

Credentials

• Florida Department of Children and Families- 45 hours Child Care Training.
• Fire Extinguisher Trained
• 15 Hours Redirecting Children's Behavior Course certificate
• American Heart Association – Infant & Child CPR, AED, First -Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen training

Ms. Livia 

Ms. Livia has a long career in teaching starting with first lamaze (childbirth) classes from 1987-1993, as a certified substitute teacher and teachers aide in the early 1990’s working with elementary, special needs, and high school students, in 1991 as a Head Start program working with 4 and 5 year old's, in 1992 as an administrator in a early education childhood program, in a preschool classroom from 1994 – 1997, and since 2000, Ms. Livia has served the Montessori School of Fort Myers where she earned her Infant/Toddler Montessori Credential.  Ms. Livia loves spending quality time with her family and her grandchildren.  She likes reading, gardening, trying new foods, and is very active with her bible classes.

Credentials

• American Montessori Society (AMS) Infant/Toddler Credential (0-3 years old) - Summit Montessori Teaching Training Institute
• North American Montessori Center – Infant/Toddler Montessori Credential, 2004
• Florida Department of Children and Families – 45 hours of childcare training, many years of continued education
• American Heart Association – Infant & Child CPR, AED, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen training
• 15 Hour Redirecting Children’s Behavior Course certificate

Ms. Pam

A life-long Montessori teacher, Ms. Pam began teaching at Florence Foster Montessori School in Chicago, IL in 1986 where she taught until 1989 when she moved to Fort Myers.  Ms. Pam has taught at Montessori School of Fort Myers since 1990 as an assistant teacher and is a strong presence in the classroom.  She loves working with our children and is very skilled in keeping her classroom running in good order.

Credentials

• Florida Department of Children and Families – 45 hours Child Care Training
• 25+ years of in-service training courses in a variety of early childhood education topics
• American Heart Association – Infant & Child CPR, AED, First -Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen training
• 15 Hour Redirecting Children’s Behavior Course certificate

Ms. Brittany

Ms. Brittany was born and raised in Florida. She has always wanted to be an elementary school teacher since she was young. She is currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education at FSW. In her free time she likes to crochet and play volleyball.

Credentials

• Department of Children and Families- 45 hours Child Care Training.
• Fire Extinguisher Trained
• 15 Hour Redirecting Children’s Behavior Course certificate

Ms. Melanie

Ms. Melanie studied in Michigan prior to relocating to Cape Coral, Fl.  She has previous experience working with infants and children in Michigan. In her free time, Ms. Melanie enjoys spending time with her three teenage children and her husband, boating and going to the beach.

Credentials

•  American Montessori Society (AMS) Infant/Toddler Credential (0-3 years old) - Summit Montessori Teaching Training Institute (expected June 2021)
• Florida Department of Children and Families- 45 hours Child Care Training
• Fire Extinguisher Trained
• Infant and Child CPR and First-aid certified
• 15 Hours Redirecting Children's Behavior Course  certificate

Ms. Rebecca

Ms. Rebecca was born and raised in Union, SC. She moved to Lehigh Acres about a year ago. She is excited to work with us and pursue a long career in early childhood education. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her partner and her Great Dane, Scooby.

Credentials

• Florida Department of Children and Famlies-45 hours Child Care training.
• Fire Extinguisher Trained
• 15 Hours Redirecting Children's Behavior Course certificate
• American Heart Association – Infant & Child CPR, AED, First -Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen training

Ms. Shay

 Ms. Shay was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL and is currently in college to continue her teaching career. She found love in teaching while working with students with disabilities. In her free time she loves indulging in a good book or going to the beach. 

Credentials

• Working towards Florida Department of Children and Famlies-45 hours Child Care training.
• Fire Extinguisher Trained
• 15 Hours Redirecting Children's Behavior Course certificate

Ms. Cira

Ms. Cira is originally from Maryland. She has completed her Associate's Degree and is currently obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from FSW. She has always had a love for children and genuinely enjoys working with them. In her spare time she loves going to the beach with her family and playing fetch with her puppies.

Credentials

•  American Montessori Society (AMS) Infant/Toddler Credential (0-3 years old) - Summit Montessori Teaching Training Institute
•  Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Currently completing her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education
• 15 Hour Redirecting Children's Behavior Course Certificate
• Infant and Child CPR and First-aid certified

Ms. Gianna

Ms. Gianna grew up right here in Fort Myers. She is currently a senior at Fort Myers High School and wants to pursue a career in teaching preschool. In her free time she likes to read and draw. She loves spending time with her dog Karma and volunteering whenever she can.

Credentials

•  Florida Department of Children and Families –  Staff Credential, 45 hours Child Care Training.
• Infant and Child CPR and First-aid certified
• Fire Extinguisher trained
• 15 Hours Redirecting Children's Behavior Course certificate

Ms. Joyce 

Ms. Joyce was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil where she studied Bio medicine. Soon after moving to Florida she found her love of teaching at a small Montessori school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She joined our school in 2013. Her nurturing spirit and love of young children makes her a wonderful addition to our Infant program. In her free time Joyce enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Credentials

• Infant/Toddler Credential (0-3 years old), Summit Montessori Teaching Training Institute.  SMTTI is accredited by Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS).
• Bachelors Degree in Bio medicine from Centro Universitario de Maringa in Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Florida Department of Children and Families –  Staff Credential, 45 hours Child Care Training
• 15 Hours Redirecting Children's Behavior Course certificate
• American Heart Association – Infant & Child CPR, AED, First -Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen training

Ms. Leigha

Ms. Leigha was born and raised in Cape Coral. She attended Ave Maria University. She is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at Florida Southwestern College. In her free time she enjoys playing volleyball.

Credentials

• Fire Extinguisher trained
•  Florida Department of Children and Families- 45 hours Child Care Training 
• American Heart Association – Infant & Child CPR, AED, First -Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen training
• Working towards an American Montessori Society (AMS) Infant/Toddler Credential (0-3 years old) - Summit Montessori Teaching Training Institute

Ms. Cathy

Ms. Cathy grew up in Pennsylvania but moved to Florida in 1997 with her husband where she raised 3 children. 

Ms. Cathy has spent over 13 years in child care and is so excited to join the Montessori School of Fort Myers family. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching movies, traveling and spending time with her family.

Credentials

• Bachelor's of Arts in Political Science, Allegheny College in Meadville, PA
• Florida Department of Children and Families –  Staff Credential, 45 hours Child Care Training.
• Fire Extinguisher trained
• American Heart Association – Infant & Child CPR, AED, First -Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen training
• 15 Hour Redirecting Children’s Behavior Course certificate