Salem Montessori Staff
Administration
Patrick Velde
Patrick Velde - Head of School
Patrick has a Bachelor’s Degree in History from UNC Chapel Hill, a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Western Carolina, a Graduate Certificate in School Leadership from Appalachian State, and he is Montessori Trained with Secondary I and II Licensure from the Cincinnati Montessori Teacher Education Program. He has served as an Assistant Principal in the WSFCS system and assumed the Head of School role in 2022.
Patrick has extensive experience working in Montessori programs at the middle school level, and he is delighted to be returning to a Montessori setting after several years working in non-Montessori institutions. Patrick believes the Montessori approach provides the space for a student to develop a genuine appreciation for learning and the skills that will allow them to thrive in a variety of settings. The holistic nature of the method, the respect afforded to students, the development of invaluable skills along with acquisition of content, and the embrace of the natural world are just a small bit of what has continually brought him back to this as the most effective means of working with students.
Catherine Greene
Catherine Greene - Associate Head of School & Director of Preschool
Catherine began teaching at Salem Montessori School in 2012, although she first came to SMS in 2009 as a parent with two children enrolled. As a parent she joined the Mindful Parenting class and felt transformed as a parent. Learning more about Montessori’s respectful approach toward young children and the grace and courtesy modeled, she was inspired to teach in the younger toddler classroom in 2012 and completed her Montessori Infant Toddler training in 2015. Catherine is honored to spend time with young children, creating joy in learning, laying the foundation for respect of self and others and working with parents as partners in their children’s education. Prior to starting at Salem Montessori, Catherine worked for almost 20 years as a massage therapist and yoga teacher. In 2018, Catherine paused her career as a massage therapist and yoga instructor to assume the role of Associate Head of School & Director of SMS Preschool. Catherine has called Winston Salem home for most of her life and is an active member of Home Moravian Church. She relishes time with her family, loves reading, dancing, singing, traveling and spending time in nature.
Catherine graduated from Davidson College with a degree in Political Science and a concentration in Gender Studies. In 2020, Catherine completed her Masters of Education with a focus on Montessori and multicultural, non-bias education from St. Catherine University.
Misty Brecht
Misty Brecht | Administrative Assistant
Misty joined Salem Montessori School in 2017 as a teaching assistant while also beginning her journey as an SMS parent. She spent many years working with children in both the preschool and elementary programs before transitioning to the role of Administrative Assistant in 2024. She enjoys supporting the daily operations of the school and helping families feel welcomed, informed, and connected to the community.
One of the things Misty appreciates most about Salem Montessori School is its strong sense of community and commitment to respecting each child as an individual. She loves being part of a team that values curiosity, creativity, and meaningful relationships, and she enjoys helping create an environment where students, families, and staff can thrive.
In her free time, Misty enjoys working in her art studio, raising monarch butterflies, unwinding with a board game or cozy video game, and spending time with her family.
Katie Brackney
Katie Brackney | Full Day Toddler Teacher
Katie earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan and then moved to Asheville, North Carolina to open a sculpture studio. After coaching and working with young children, she decided to earn her teaching license at the University of North Carolina-Asheville. Katie taught Visual Art in middle school and high school in Davie County for 8 years.
After starting a family, she was inspired to learn more about early child development and Montessori. She earned a 0-3 Nido and Toddler Montessori Diploma through the Prepared Montessori Institute.
Katie was drawn to Montessori because the concepts and practices demonstrate respect for the child and allow the child to become independent while still keeping their individual gifts and voice.
Salem Montessori is a school that shows kindness and respect. While she visited, she saw a lot of happy children eager to work and explore. She is honored to join a community that celebrates nature, diverse backgrounds, and human connections.
She enjoys going for hikes with her family. Together, they explore, camp, bike, and swim in creeks or lakes. She finds peace while gardening or painting in the studio.
Miho Kurosawa
Miho Kurosawa | Full Day Toddler Teaching Assistant
Miho Kurosawa began teaching at Salem Montessori School in 2015. Her two children attended Salem Montessori and she saw how her children thrived in the environment. Miho values how the Montessori method helps children be independent and confident.
Miho loves to cook and garden. She is from Japan and met her husband, a native of Winston-Salem, while she was teaching Japanese in Taiwan.
Betty Hastings
Betty Hastings | Half Day Toddler Teacher, Design & Technology Specialist
Betty graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in Fine Arts, specializing in Graphic Design. After more than 20 years in the design field, she chose to pursue a more meaningful career. Following a few years as a substitute teacher in local schools, Betty began her Infant Toddler Montessori certification and became a lead toddler teacher in the fall of 2013. She is passionate about Montessori education and appreciates the opportunity to support young children in their self-discovery and exploration of the world around them.
Betty began her teaching journey as a substitute teacher at Salem Montessori School and various local schools in 2012. While at Salem Montessori, she observed a positive atmosphere where both the children and teachers thrived. She experienced a sense of tranquility as she walked through the classrooms, which was notably different from her experiences at other schools. As a former graphic and web designer, she was drawn to the aesthetic beauty and order of the Montessori environment, but it was the profound respect for children inherent in the Montessori philosophy that she found truly transformative.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Betty utilizes her design skills to maintain the school’s website, manage social media, and create internal materials. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with her husband, two young adult children, and their beloved pets—a spicy cat and an energetic dog. Betty also enjoys reading, kayaking, traveling, and being in nature as often as possible.
Sara Barnes
Sara Barnes | Toddler Classroom Assistant
Sara attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, studying classical ballet. Her love for dance led to a love of teaching when she began teaching ballet classes to children ages three and up.
Julie Long
Julie Long | Full Day Toddler Teaching Assistant
Julie has a BA - Magazine Journalism, University of Georgia and a BA- Graphic Design Savannah College of Art & Design.
Natalie Bartholomew
Natalie Bartholomew | Full Day Toddler Teaching Assistant
Natalie graduated from the University of Georgia - BA in Human Development and Family Science.
She always knew she wanted to be a teacher and worked with children since an early age. She was been drawn to Montessori because it promotes the child's independence and exploration. As a preschool teacher already, she was drawn in and introduced to Salem Montessori by a friend who showed her how her teaching methods already in place aligned very closely to those of Montessori. After learning more about Montessori practice, exploring the Salem Montessori campus, and meeting the staff, she felt strongly that Salem Montessori was a school community she wanted to be a part of.
Natalie moved to Winston-Salem from Atlanta, GA and she still misses her friends and the big city from time to time but has definitely grown to love Winston-Salem. In her free time she loves doing anything outdoors - from hiking to swimming to just reading a book outside. She also loves spending time with her funny little kitty Eloise, or traveling with her husband. She loves crafting and especially enjoys working with clay and pottery.
Cece Byrom
Cece Byrom | Full Day Toddler Morning Assistant
Cece has her Bachelors in Criminal Justice, and a Masters in Criminology.
Montessori Education emphasizes on the core values of child development which aligns perfectly with my passion for watching students grow. I enjoy building relationships through student learning with students, staff, and support staff.
I am a Winston Salem native who has a passion for sports. I have had the pleasure of playing basketball professionally overseas in Europe for two years. I enjoy spending time with friends and family as well as traveling. This is my 5th year teaching and my first year here at SMS. My wife and I are expecting our first child in March of 2027.
Laurie Valentine
Laurie Valentine | Full Day Toddler M-W Morning Flex Assistant
Laurie grew up in Daytona Beach, FL and is a graduate of Stetson University in Deland, FL with a B.A. in Political Science. She received a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological
Seminary in Decatur, GA.
After serving for 16 years in ordained ministry in a variety of capacities, including as a solo pastor, Laurie felt a pull in a different direction in 2017 and explored her interest in working with young children. She had prior experience leading a children’s Sunday School program and teaching in VBS programs.
While working in a traditional preschool environment in 2019, Laurie observed in the older toddler classroom at SMS and was mesmerized! While her own children had a wonderful experience in a traditional preschool, Laurie was eager to learn more about the Montessori approach to child development, how to treat children with dignity, and how to guide children to being more independent even at very young ages. She was eager to accept a position at a local Montessori “inspired” preschool as the toddler assistant where she served for 2 ½ years. She often quotes one of the teachers with whom she worked who said, “Independence fosters confidence!” She has seen this proven to be true many times.
Laurie lives in Kernersville with her husband, twin college-aged daughters, and 2 spoiled rotten cats. She enjoys baking, historical documentaries, and getting to the beach any chance she can!
Hannah McKinnis
Hannah McKinnis | Full Day Toddler Th-F Morning Flex Assistant & Full Day Afternoon Assistant
Hannah attended Emerson Waldorf school from kindergarten through twelfth grade, and then graduated from Guilford college with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Education and Spanish. She's always known she wanted to work with children but took a bit of a break during the pandemic before going to work at Emerson Waldorf school.
Carmen Claybrooks
Carmen Claybrooks | Full Day Toddler Afternoon Assistant & Full Day Afternoon Assistant
Carmen attended Guildford Technical Community College.
She loves the practicality of the Montessori method. She loves the notion that all children are capable [of whatever] if you just let them. It fosters so much creativity, individuality, independence and critical thinking. It teaches kids how to learn as opposed to how to memorize. She likes SMS because of how small and community-based it is.
Born and raised in Winston-Salem. She tries to workout 4-5 times a week. She recently learned how to crochet, and loves it. She loves being a mom! It's one of the hardest, most rewarding jobs you can ever have. Carmen says she's a kid at heart, so she loves singing songs from Moana and Frozen with (and without) her daughter, haha.
T’Jyra Cherry
Children's House
Brandi Anderson
Brandi Anderson | Children's House Lead
Brandi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a minor in Dance from Missouri State University and has completed Montessori training for Primary 3-6 through the Hope Montessori Educational Institute.
Her favorite quote is: "What if this child knows nothing of the end he will achieve? If he is allowed to use his spontaneous activity in a tranquil environment without interference or unasked-for help, he is indeed engaged in a most important work: he is building the [person] he will one day be." Maria Montessori, Maria Montessori Speaks to Parents
She has 4 cats, enjoys trying new restaurants and walking through new cities.
Mary Louise Callaghan
Mary Louise Callaghn | Children's House Morning Teaching Assistant
A native of Chapel Hill, Mary Louise joined Salem Montessori School in 2022. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Skidmore College, and earned her Master of Library and Information Science from UNC Greensboro in 2025.
With a background in alternative education as both a student and educator, Mrs. Callaghan is deeply passionate about child-centered learning. She believes classrooms and libraries should be places of curiosity, belonging, and joyful discovery.
As Salem Montessori School’s librarian, she is guided by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop’s Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors, which reminds us that books can help children see themselves, understand others, and imagine lives beyond their own. She believes every child deserves access to stories that both affirm their own identity and expand their understanding of the people and communities around them.
Mary Louise lives in Winston Salem with her wife, Mallie, and their cat and two dogs. When not at school, she fills her days reading, crafting, trying new recipes and restaurants, and surrounding herself with laughter and good friends.
Hannah McKinnis
Hannah McKinnis | Full Day Toddler Th-F Morning Flex Assistant & Full Day Afternoon Coordinator
Hannah attended Emerson Waldorf school from kindergarten through twelfth grade, and then graduated from Guilford college with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Education and Spanish. She's always known she wanted to work with children but took a bit of a break during the pandemic before going to work at Emerson Waldorf school.
Lilirose Caty
Adriane Shoaf
Adriane Shoaf | Children's House Teaching Assistant
Adriane graduated from CGMS to become a certified Montessori Guide. She was a teacher's assistant for Guilford County Schools for the past 4 years and also worked as an after school teacher for 5 years before that. She started working with children as a camp counselor at Camp Keyauwee Girl Scout camp. She then became a certified lifeguard and certified swim instructor giving lessons to infants all the way through adulthood, while attending UNC Pembroke then transferring to UNC Greensboro.
She loves how Montessori Education allows children to choose their own learning path based on their interests and needs. She's also drawn to the aspect of teaching Community and Global studies as well as Geography, Zoology, Botany, Practical life, Art, Language and Mathematics. Adriane says Salem Montessori is so welcoming and accepting that it truly gives you the family and community feeling created through common interests and goals.
She enjoys being in nature exploring new trails or creating her own while Geocaching, fossil/sharks teeth hunting, sea shelling, mudlarking, rock hounding and gem hunting. She enjoys outdoor gardening and collecting tropical house plants, succulents and cacti. She finds painting and other arts and crafts, relax her after long days. She loves going to the beach and spending time with her friends and family and most of all her cat, Mr. Kitty.
Maggie Hinshaw
Maggie Hinshaw | Children's House Morning Teaching Assistant
Maggie has her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University and has 5 years of experience in K-1 classroom.
Maggie was drawn to Montessori Education after researching and weighing school options for her daughter. She was familiar with a few Montessori principles but had never been in a Montessori style school or classroom until she came and toured SMS. She loved the way classrooms are set up in Montessori Education to allow students to independently interact will all aspects of learning.
Throughout this past school year she had the privilege to spend time in the classroom as a parent volunteer as well as a substitute teacher. She was delighted with each opportunity to experience classrooms filled with independent, enthusiastic students that were working and learning through play.
Maggie and her husband have a young daughter, and a dog named Dottie. Both sets of their parents live locally, so they spend lots of time with family. She's currently looking for a new hobby. She wants to learn how to play a new instrument! Otherwise, she loves food, crafting with her daughter, and going for long walks.
J Jeffries
J Jeffries | Children's House Morning Flex Assistant
J has a BS in Human Development & Family Studies w/concentration in Child & Adolescent Development from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
He previously worked at Family Services as a Family Advocate with the Head Start Program. Later changing hats and transferred into Safe Relationships divisions working with domestic violence abuser treatment program. He also spent time with Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks as a Recreation Leader in local recreation centers. Most recently his time has been spent outside of the traditional 9-5 workforce and he's had the pleasure of being a full- time dad.
What he thinks is most fascinating about Montessori is the idea of following the child. The Montessori approach to seems to naturally bring about the inquisitive nature of the children and allows them to think of new ways to do things which he feels opens up the child to learn for the themselves. It teaches the child how to discover, but doesn’t give a step-by-step direction. Observing children in their innocence as they work to figure out solutions and witness them develop confidence after conquering a challenging task brings a particular joy to him that is unmatched. Being in a space that affords the opportunity to experience those moments daily was definitely a big draw for him to Montessori. As a former Montessori parent of two children and one who currently attends SMS, he has seen first hand the excellence this program provides.
Jay has spent many hours on different ball fields and courts as a coach at the little league and high school athletic levels. Interest in Holistic healing modalities, he enjoys learning new “THINGS.” Sporting events, traveling and experiencing new cultures. A foodie; he enjoy good food and ethnic varieties and is aspiring to be a financial & real estate investor when he grows up!
Kindergarten
Jessica Feus
Jessica Feus | Kindergarten Lead
Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also holds an AMS Children’s House Montessori certification from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in New York.
Jessica loves that the Montessori classroom allows each child to progress through their learning journey at their own pace. She values the Montessori philosophy of educating the whole child, nurturing not only academic growth but also the social and emotional development that helps children become caring, confident, and capable individuals.
She is especially passionate about the Kindergarten classroom, where she enjoys guiding children as they discover the world around them while also developing a strong sense of self and learning how to be thoughtful members of a community. Jessica particularly values being part of the Salem Montessori School community because of the shared commitment among the faculty to do what is best for every child. Whether that means drawing from Montessori principles or incorporating other evidence-based approaches, the staff works collaboratively with deep respect for one another and for the families they serve.
Growing up, Jessica had the opportunity to live throughout the United States and abroad, including five years in Spain. As a member of a Mexican family, these experiences fostered a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. She believes that teaching is a lifelong learning journey and feels fortunate to be in a profession that continually inspires curiosity, growth, and discovery.
Outside the classroom, Jessica enjoys organizing (perhaps one reason she appreciates the beauty and order of the Montessori environment), traveling, reading, and spending time with her two sons and her Standard Poodle, Max.
Laurie Ashley
Laurie Ashley | Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
For nearly ten years, Laurie’s passion has been guiding children as they discover the world around them and how they operate within it for the very first time. She held full time positions with several SMS families in the past, and exposure to the school through those roles is what first piqued her interest in the Montessori method. Laurie has been with SMS since 2024, working in both the Toddler and Children’s House programs, and is grateful to continue her time with your children as they grow into Kindergartners and beyond!
Laurie appreciates the respectful and intentional nature of Montessori education and the way it builds confidence in young children. She feels the Montessori method models independence that prepares children with practical and interpersonal skills that are essential to their development. Laurie loves the community of SMS and the way that every single child, parent, and staff member is treated with the greatest care and respect- a direct reflection of Maria Montessori’s Grace and Courtesy principle, come to life.
Laurie lives with her sweet pittie, Pip. In her free time she can be found working on her latest embroidery project, thrifting art for her home, making her way through an ever growing TBR list, tackling a new recipe, or playing D&D with her friends.
Lower Elementary
Cora Moss
Cora Moss | Elementary Teacher
Cora graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) with a BS in Elementary Education and a BA in French. She studied abroad at the University of Rennes in Rennes, France.
Cora became interested in Montessori after her niece and nephew attended Salem Montessori Children's House and her sister-in-law began working at SMS. Cora heard about the work her niece and nephew were doing and saw the way her sister-in-law communicated with them outside of school. Her niece and nephew had a confidence and independence she had seldom seen before in young learners. After observing Emy Wyatt's class in action, Cora decided she wanted to become a Montessori teacher.
She received her Montessori certification from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education - North Carolina. She believes being a teacher means helping students recognize the best parts of themselves and find the power within themselves to do great things.
Maria McNutt
Maria McNutt | M-W Elementary Teaching Assistant
Maria has a Bachelor's of Arts in Theatre Management, and experience cultivating the arts with young children.
Lauren Rust
Lauren Rust | Th-F Elementary Teaching Assistant
Lauren graduated from Salem College with a BA in Psychology and English. She attended University of Louisville for a Masters Degree in Educational Administration.
After her children were born she became interested in Montessori education. As an educator, she was drawn to the idea of child-led learning. She began practicing Montessori principles at home, including preparing learning environments, providing materials and opportunities that align with sensitive periods, and giving her children freedom of choice and movement. Both her children started in Children’s House at Salem Montessori in 2023. Lauren also began substitute teaching with SMS that year, including filling in regularly for spring teacher vacancies in the toddler program.
Originally from Nashville, TN, she worked in higher education for 12 years at institutions in Kentucky, Florida, and North Carolina, including Wake Forest University. After her children were born she began freelance project management, editing and substitute teaching.
Emy Wyatt
Emy Wyatt | Lower Elementary Lead
Emy Wyatt fell in love with Montessori in 2002 on a visit to Salem Montessori with her mother. Emy writes, “I feel as though I’ve come full circle as an educator. At the time, my mother was an Elder at Home Moravian Church and asked me to accompany her to observe a small school that was interested in renting space at the church. This school was Salem Montessori. Little did I know that this observation would have such a huge impact on my life. Within a month I enrolled in the Center for Montessori Teacher Education Program in Raleigh with a newfound purpose.”
Emy spent several years as a Children’s House teacher before going on to Barry University and earning a Master’s degree and certification for lower and upper elementary which encompasses grades one through six. She taught for 12 years in Montessori classrooms in Florida and North Carolina at a variety of grade levels. She moved back to Winston Salem in 2015 and taught at Summit as a first-grade assistant and as a Kindergarten teacher. She also has been trained in Orton Gillingham at the Associate Level. Emy is a native of Winston-Salem. She is an alum of Summit and Reynolds High School. She grew up attending Home Moravian Church. She received a BA in Environmental Education from Prescott College.
Emy is married and has two sons and they both have attended Montessori programs. Emy enjoys camping, spending time in the mountains and horseback riding.
Melissa Scott
Melissa Scott | Elementary Teaching Assistant
Melissa is currently completing the work for her Lower Elementary certification from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in Huntersville. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) in the 1900’s! More recently, she earned a Masters of Science in School Counseling from Hunter College, a City University of New York school.
Upper Elementary
Valencia Carmichael
Valencia Carmichael | Upper Elementary Co-Lead
Valencia has her Bachelor of Science Elementary Education, Masters Reading Curriculum and Instruction, and is currently enrolled in Montessori training.
Langdon Byrd
Langdon Byrd | Upper Elementary Co-Lead
Langdon (they/she) believes that every child is naturally curious, capable, and worthy of being heard. A passionate advocate for social-emotional growth, Langdon enjoys helping children build confidence, develop self-advocacy skills, and learn to express their needs with kindness and respect. Whether reading stories together, investigating history and science, or working through everyday challenges, Langdon loves building meaningful relationships with students and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Nova Cranmore
Nova Cranmore | Upper Elementary Assistant & Afterschool Program Coordinator
Nova completed one year of online college through Western Governors University, specializing in the field of education to align her career goals.
Initially, she was fascinated by the positive feedback about the educational approach offered for individualized learning for children and others wanting to adopt the Montessori Method. After doing her own research, she is even more excited to contribute to this century-long educational process.
In her free time, Nova loves to spend time with her two dogs. During these moments, she's usually reading mystery novels or crafting/ creating art of any medium. She is always taking on new hobbies.
Classroom Support
Nova Cranmore
Nova Cranmore | Upper Elementary Assistant & Afterschool Program Coordinator
Nova completed one year of online college through Western Governors University, specializing in the field of education to align her career goals.
Initially, she was fascinated by the positive feedback about the educational approach offered for individualized learning for children and others wanting to adopt the Montessori Method. After doing her own research, she is even more excited to contribute to this century-long educational process.
In her free time, Nova loves to spend time with her two dogs. During these moments, she's usually reading mystery novels or crafting/ creating art of any medium. She is always taking on new hobbies.
Mary Louise Callaghan
Mary Louise Callaghn | Morning Teaching Assistant & SMS Librarian
A native of Chapel Hill, Mary Louise joined Salem Montessori School in 2022. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Skidmore College, and earned her Master of Library and Information Science from UNC Greensboro in 2025.
With a background in alternative education as both a student and educator, Mrs. Callaghan is deeply passionate about child-centered learning. She believes classrooms and libraries should be places of curiosity, belonging, and joyful discovery.
As Salem Montessori School’s librarian, she is guided by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop’s Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors, which reminds us that books can help children see themselves, understand others, and imagine lives beyond their own. She believes every child deserves access to stories that both affirm their own identity and expand their understanding of the people and communities around them.
Mary Louise lives in Winston Salem with her wife, Mallie, and their cat and two dogs. When not at school, she fills her days reading, crafting, trying new recipes and restaurants, and surrounding herself with laughter and good friends.