We are Lifelong Learners

Amy Henderson

Head of School

Amy is our current Head of School, a position she has held since 2003 and is the immediate successor to Joy Sheffield, the founding Head of School. She served as the Head of the Elementary program since 1997 and has been a teacher at MSFW since 1984.

Amy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Texas Wesleyan University, a Master’s Degree in Education from Texas Christian University, an American Montessori Society (AMS) Teaching Credential for ages 6 to 12 and an AMS Administrator’s Credential from the Houston Montessori Center. Currently, she is a faculty member of the Houston Montessori Center and engages in field consulting, mentoring and presenting to teacher education centers both nationally and internationally. Amy is an active member of the AMS. She served on the AMS Board of Directors for eight years, first as the Vice-President for Professional Development and then as President.

Currently, Amy serves on various committees and supports Montessori professional development opportunities through presentations and writing. As an educator, Amy strongly believes in learning communities and is known for her own quest of knowledge, observation skills and leadership qualities. Amy enjoys family time with her grown children (MSFW alumni) and two grandchildren(both current MSFW students), traveling, reading, cooking and outdoor activities.

Catherine Fredian

Office Manager

Catherine received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. She is the mother to three sons who have all experienced a Montessori education. Catherine has been a part of MSFW beginning in 2003, serving in multiple roles in the Montessori Parents’ Club, including President. Managing the school office since 2006, Catherine enjoys the daily interactions with the parents, faculty and students of MSFW. She is an avid runner and enjoys cooking, biking, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Catherine is a detail-oriented office manager, a welcoming voice on the phone and an enthusiastic supporter of all MSFW activities.

Judy Duke

Administrator

Judy has worked at MSFW since 1982 and with the toddler community since 1984. Along with her extensive experiences as a teacher, she holds an American Montessori Society Teaching Credential for ages 0-3 from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies.(MECR). She served as a MECR field consultant supervising and supporting student teachers while in training and found it very rewarding. Judy currently manages office responsibilities as the admissions director, advises the other teachers and is a keen observer of students.

She has a reputation for her inner calmness, nurturing manner and extensive knowledge of child development. Judy enjoys being with her grown children and grandchildren, gardening, reading, visiting art museums and walking her dog.

Rebecca Joines

Office Assistant

Rebecca attended the Montessori School of Fort Worth as a student from kindergarten through 8th grade, where she graduated with the first middle school class. She is a graduate of the DigiPen Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation. Rebecca has now returned to MSFW to help out in the office and is looking forward to reconnecting with the school.

She enjoys artistic pursuits of all kinds, from painting to crochet. In her free time, she makes games with the goal of creating immersive experiences that entertain and challenge people of all ages.

Amy Brimberry

Toddler Teacher/Toddler Admissions

Amy, a Fort Worth native, graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Her journey into Montessori education began as a parent. In 2012, she received her American Montessori Society teaching credential for ages 0-3 from the Houston Montessori Center and subsequently joined MSFW. Amy is also an Infant/Toddler Instructor and Field Consultant for adult learners at the Houston Montessori Center.

Since joining the MSFW family she feels like she has found her “home”. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog, walking in nature, reading, and following Formula One racing.

Helle Calhoun

Toddler Teacher

I became involved with Montessori education as a parent and assistant toddler teacher in 1999. I received my American Montessori Society Teaching Credential for ages 0-3 from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (MECR) in 2001 and have enjoyed the company of toddlers ever since. They live in the moment, and I am always learning ways to appreciate life from them.

I enjoy the challenge of supporting the many aspects of toddlers as they go through an unbelievable change in a short period of time. Also, the Montessori approach with respect for the whole child speaks to my particular sense of logic.

My free time is spent with my grown children, walking my dogs, gardening, and reading.

Joni Flowers

Toddler Teacher

Joni received her Bachelor of General Studies degree from Texas Christian University in 2013, emphasizing in Religious Studies and Sociology. In 2026, she earned her Infant/Toddler AMS credential through the Houston Montessori Center. She initially discovered Montessori as a parent looking for an educational approach that could bridge the gap between her own home-schooling background and a traditional learning environment. Watching her own children thrive in the Montessori classroom made the choice to become a substitute teacher easy. After two years serving the Toddler and Primary levels, it was clear that toddlers were her true calling. Joni officially joined the Toddler community in 2024 and has come to work with enthusiasm and a smile ever since. She considers it an honor to witness the tremendous growth her students undergo each day. She approaches being part of their learning, development, and daily adventures with gratitude and joy. Through her experience as both a parent and a teacher, Joni believes wholeheartedly in Montessori philosophy and its particular respect for the smallest human beings.

Joni is a DFW native and continues to love living in Fort Worth with her husband, two children, and pets. In her spare time, she might be found reading, caring for her plants, tackling home improvement projects, or engaging in some kind of fitness activity. 

Ash Brimberry

Toddler Assistant

Ash Brimberry is an alumna of the Montessori School of Fort Worth, enrolling in the first grade. Following graduation, she enrolled at Western Hills High School where she graduated as the 15th-ranked student in her class. During her high school career, she interned at Waverly Park Elementary for two full school years and earned her Texas Educator Certificate and Educational Aide 1 certification. Since 2018, she has been an assistant in the MSFW summer program, and during the school year, she has filled in as a substitute at both the primary and toddler levels and worked as an Aftercare teacher.

In her free time, Ash enjoys reading, arts & crafts, and making stained glass art pieces. She is grateful to have been part of the Montessori family for many years and is excited to share the knowledge she has learned from it with others.

Dariella Hernandez

Toddler Assistant

With nearly a decade of experience in Montessori education, I have had the privilege of working with children ages 0-6, guiding them as they grow, explore, and develop a love for learning. The Montessori method has deeply shaped my approach, and I am constantly inspired by the curiosity and independence of young learners. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, reading, and taking walks with my dog. Family time is incredibly important to me, and I also love cheering on the Dallas Mavericks whenever I get the chance. I’m excited to be part of this team!

Lourane Rodriguez

Toddler Assistant

After interning in public school for 2 years and then having the amazing opportunity to be a substitute teacher and part of the aftercare program here at MSFW for the last 2 years, I have become passionate about how we teach and care for our students at MSFW. I have learned so much from both the students and teachers. Every Individual is creative and brilliant in their own way and through their growth so too have I learned beside them.

In my free time I enjoy exploring in my hometown of Fort Worth and on occasion going on adventures outside the city with my family and friends.

Every year at MSFW gets more exciting and as the new school year starts I am eager to see what the upcoming school year has to hold for me and our students!

Cecilia Aufiero

Primary Teacher

Cecilia was born and raised in Argentina, where she taught for eight years before moving to the United States. She received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and spent two years as a Motor Development Specialist at Allegheny Valley School in Pennsylvania.

Cecilia became part of the Montessori School of Fort Worth community in 1998 when her eldest son enrolled. As a parent, she served in a leadership role for the Montessori Parents’ Club. She earned her AMS certification through Dallas Montessori Academy and has been a member of the Primary learning community since 2006.

Cecilia is passionate about teaching young children and especially enjoys watching their growth and development throughout the three years they spend in the Primary classroom. She values fostering independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in each child.

In her free time, Cecilia enjoys reading, walking and hiking, and traveling with her family. Always positive and enthusiastic, she brings warmth, encouragement, and an openness to new ideas to the learning community every day.

Emily Pickell

Primary Teacher

Emily has taught in our primary environment since 2003. She graduated from Trinity University with a BA in Elementary Education and received her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin. For fourteen years she taught elementary and middle school students with learning and behavior differences in San Antonio, Highland Park, and Mississippi. She took some time off from teaching to stay home with her two boys when they were young and first became involved with MSFW in 2001.

Emily likes the collaboration amongst the teachers at MSFW. She loves teaching the children in the three-year grouping and working with them as they grow and mature. She enjoys reading, walking/hiking, and supporting her sons and their endeavors. Emily is dedicated, loving, and creative.

Stephanie Henderson

Primary Teacher

Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and an MBA from TCU. Prior to becoming an educator, Stephanie worked in the oil and gas industry for over a decade. After having children of her own, she made a heartfelt decision to change her career path and focus on her family, and it was during this time that she became passionate about Montessori education. Her husband is an alumnus of MSFW.

Experiencing the transformative impact of Montessori education had on her own children ignited a deep passion within her. Stephanie received her Montessori primary level (ages 3-6) teaching credential through Houston Montessori Center, further deepening her commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching learning environment for our students.

Outside of the classroom, Stephanie enjoys quality time outdoors with her husband, two boys, their dog, and their chickens.

Erin Barrett

Primary Teacher

Erin graduated from Texas State University with a B.S. in elementary education and from Lubbock Christian University with a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. Erin taught Kindergarten in Lubbock and started an afterschool program that brought science education to under-served communities in west Texas. Erin has a passion for early education and is excited to be back in the classroom. She holds a teaching credential for ages 3 to 6 from the Houston Montessori Center.

Erin lives in Ridglea Hills with her husband, Jordan, and their two daughters, both students at MSFW. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and loves to travel, read, and garden.

Gaby Rea

Primary Teacher

Gaby began her journey with the Montessori method upon relocating to Fort Worth in 1996. She developed a deep appreciation for this educational philosophy and subsequently earned her AMS Infant/Toddler certification through Mid-America Montessori Teacher Training. Her interests later expanded to encompass the primary level for ages 3-6, leading her to obtain her AMS certification through the Dallas Montessori Academy in 2010. 

Gaby graduated from Saint Catherine’s University in 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, specializing in Montessori Education, which provided her with the opportunity to gain insights into the latest research in the field. 

Gaby recognizes the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of each child, understanding that their development occurs at their own pace. Gaby is committed to her role as an educator, fostering an environment where students learn to respect one another. She aims to promote kindness as part of her efforts to shape responsible global citizens. 

In her free time, Gaby enjoys taking her dog, Panda, for walks with her children, Valeria and Greg, who are both Montessori graduates. She also has a passion for baking. 

Bianca Wier

Primary Teacher

Bianca started working at a Montessori school as a Primary Assistant in 2013 and fell in love with the Montessori philosophy. She encouraged herself to branch out and learn more about the other different age groups and became a Toddler assistant. Finding that she enjoyed watching the tremendous developmental growth that toddlers go through and achieve during their most sensitive period of life, Bianca decided to become part of that journey and pursued a credential in Infant and Toddler.

In 2024, Bianca enrolled in the Houston Montessori Center to complete her primary level (3-6) credential.

Bianca is a native of Fort Worth and loves the community and the atmosphere. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, a current MSFW student, and her family. Bianca enjoys going on walks, crafting, and traveling.

Pilar Reyes

Primary Teacher

I am so excited to be joining the Montessori School of Fort Worth as a full time teacher this year. I previously taught Spanish at MSFW and am thrilled to be back in the classroom.

I love working with children and helping them discover, learn, and grow every day. Watching their curiosity and confidence develop is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.

I’m married, and my family has a special connection to MSFW. My youngest daughter currently attends the school, and my two older daughters also attended MSFW.

When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy painting, drawing, dancing, and spending quality time with my family. I’m looking forward to a wonderful school year and getting to know all of my students!

Julie Sphar

Primary Teacher

Julie’s journey to becoming a Montessori teacher started when her son entered the MSFW toddler program in 1999. She immediately fell in love with the school and started volunteering. Over the years she has held many positions in the Montessori Parents’ Club, including President. Later she worked in the school office, and then became a lunch-bunch teacher and substitute teacher for the primary class. She enrolled in the local Montessori teacher education course in 2004 and received an American Montessori Society teaching credential for ages 3-6 from the Dallas Montessori Academy.

In her free time, Julie enjoys reading and genealogy. Julie says, “I feel very lucky to be able to work in such a wonderful place.” MSFW is very fortunate to have such a caring teacher that loves children and wants their education to be filled with positive experiences.

Sharon Hoffman

Primary Teacher

Sharon grew up near Houston and received her BBA from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. She worked for many years performing software testing and technical support, then took a long break to care for her 5 children. After substitute teaching at her children’s school, she felt the desire to teach. Her oldest two children attended a wonderful Montessori school in Houston, so she knew that Montessori would be the perfect environment for her.

She received her American Montessori Society teaching credential for ages 3 to 6 from The Shelton School in Dallas and joined MSFW in 2018. She loves the respectful and nurturing environment provided for the children, as well as the camaraderie and support among the faculty and staff.

In her leisure time she enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband, Greg, and their children, reading, sewing and very competitive family game nights.

Danielle Sohbatian

Primary Teacher

Driven by a lifelong passion for helping others, Danielle holds an Associate Degree in Health Information Management and brings a wealth of hands-on experience to her role at the Montessori School of Fort Worth. Having previously served as the school's Work Room Coordinator, she possesses a strong background in organizing classroom environments, designing individualized project materials, and supporting campus initiatives. Her decision to step into teaching full-time was a natural and easy choice, deeply inspired by her extensive volunteer experience and her perspective as a parent watching her own daughter thrive under the Montessori method.

Outside of the classroom, she loves spending quality time with her husband, David, their energetic three-year-old daughter, and their beloved pets—her dog, Baloo, and their two cats, Addy and KiKi. A creative at heart, you can often find her designing custom crafts on her Cricut machine, organizing beautiful custom layouts in her planners, or fueling her busy days with a perfect homemade cold brew. She is deeply committed to cultivating a supportive, prepared environment that honors the Montessori philosophy, and she looks forward to partnering closely with families to support each child’s unique growth and development.

Matty Umscheid-Martinez

Lower Elementary Teacher

Matty is a native to Fort Worth who graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a double major in Business Administration and Psychology. She has been a part of the MSFW family working with the students since 2000 in aftercare and as a substitute teacher. She received her American Montessori Society teaching credential for ages 6 to 9 from the Houston Montessori Center (HMC). She currently serves as a field consultant for mentoring new Montessori teachers for HMC and teaches adult learners at the Shelton Montessori Teacher Education program. She is especially impressed with Montessori’s ideas of following the child and fostering independence.

Matty is known for her compassion; she is a thorough and dedicated teacher. She characterizes MSFW as a second home because the environment is so welcoming. When not at school, Matty enjoys time drag racing, good books, playing with her dog, cooking and most of all spending time with her family.

Rachel Nordgren

Lower Elementary Teacher

Rachel joined the elementary teaching team at MSFW in 2007. Previously, she had 12 years of teaching experience in a variety of settings: public school, European bilingual school (in Italy) and private Montessori schools. She received her teaching degree from the University of Oklahoma and holds an American Montessori Society teaching credential for ages 6-9 from the Houston Montessori Center. She currently serves as a field supervisor for new teachers and teaches adult learners at the Shelton Teacher Education Center.

Rachel likes the underlying respect that people have for one another in a Montessori school, to see a child go as far as they can and not be tied down by the group. She loves the family feel at MSFW. In fact, it is the place she selected for her own children to grow up. Rachel enjoys traveling, reading, skiing, cooking and spending time with family.

Stacey Vazquez

Lower Elementary Teacher

Stacey discovered MSFW when she enrolled her son in 2009. She began working as an extended care teacher and substitute in 2017 when her daughter entered lower elementary.

Stacey earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kansas State University and worked as a Naturalist and Assistant Director of Education and Natural Sciences at River Legacy Living Science Center in Arlington. There she enjoyed sharing her love of the natural world with children from preschool through middle school and facilitating inquiry-based science workshops for teachers from around the metroplex.

She earned her American Montessori Society teacher certification for ages 6-9 from the Houston Montessori Center. Stacey is thrilled to be part of the MSFW community.

She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and loves to cook, read, and run with her dog. She can often be found at the soccer fields cheering for her children, Emerson and Eleanor.

Claire Trice

Lower Elementary Teacher

Claire graduated from TCU with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Claire attended the Montessori School of Fort Worth as a student from preschool until she graduated in 6th grade, and claims that returning to teach at MSFW is so exciting! She received her AMS Elementary 1 (6-9) teaching credential from the Houston Montessori Center.

Claire’s hope is to provide the same support and quality of teaching that she received as a young learner at MSFW. Her philosophy of teaching is a student-centered approach, and is based on how the student learns best. Educating the whole child, both social-emotionally, as well as how they perceive and process the world around them is important to Claire. She believes that the student should feel empowered to learn and grow in an environment that encourages exploration and collaboration among peers.

Joana Johnson

Lower Elementary Teacher

Joana found Montessori when looking for a place for her eldest daughter.  She started working lunch bunch and then shortly after began subbing, from the toddler class to Lower Elementary.  She really connected with how the children are met where they are at and able to grow at their own pace.  Her goal is to help each child flourish and have a love of learning.  Joana went to Baylor University and also the Culinary School of Fort Worth.  Joana has always wanted to work with children and Montessori School of Fort Worth has been a great fit.  In her free time Joana loves traveling with her family, walking her dogs, and being out in her garden with her chickens. 

Tali Jones

Lower Elementary Teacher

As a fun-loving mom of three, Tali brings a dynamic blend of experiences to the table. Having lived in Texas since the age of 6, Tali was an elite gymnast before taking on the challenge of becoming a nationally ranked diver during her college years at Northeastern University. Fueled by a passion for understanding human behavior and the intricacies of life, she pursued studies in biochemistry and psychology. Tali finds joy in the simple pleasures - whether it's immersing herself in a good book, riding the waves while surfing, or exploring new corners of the globe with loved ones. An integral part of her journey has been walking alongside her 11-year-old daughter as she dedicates herself to education projects worldwide. Her path eventually led her to discover the profound impact of Montessori education, prompting her enthusiastic decision to join the MSFW family. She is thrilled to embark on this new chapter, eagerly working towards lower elementary (6-9) certification and embracing the enriching experiences that lie ahead.

Margaret Lowry

Upper Elementary Teacher

Margaret is originally from Austin and has lived in Fort Worth for over 25 years. She earned a B.A. in Comparative Literature from UC Davis and a Ph.D. in English from TCU, and she has taught readers and writers of all ages. Margaret has also helped develop reading and writing curriculum for students in grades K-5. Margaret first fell in love with MSFW when her son enrolled as a fourth grader. Her years as an MSFW parent and her time as a substitute teacher in the lower and upper elementary classrooms has demonstrated the many ways that MSFW is a great place for learners and teachers to grow and thrive. Margaret particularly loves the Montessori classroom’s centered, peaceful, organized environment and the students’ joy, enthusiasm, and growing independence.

In her free time Margaret enjoys hanging out with her husband and teenage sons, drinking great coffee, reading voraciously (she has a special love for young adult literature!), and snuggling with her family’s two Golden Retrievers.

Audrey Glaser

Upper Elementary Teacher

My introduction to MSFW’s Upper Elementary class last year was so special! I loved my time with the students and learning from our excellent team of teachers. After graduating with a degree in elementary education from Wake Forest University, I first taught at Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma City. My husband and I moved to the Bay Area in 2013, where I was the head teacher at a Montessori primary school for five years. I completed my Montessori Primary certification and a master’s degree in education before taking a break when my older son, Thomas, was born (now in SLE, with his younger brother, William, in NP).

My Upper Elementary training in Houston this summer has deepened my knowledge of and appreciation for Montessori education beyond the primary years, especially because of the independence, creativity, and confidence that children develop during this important stage of their education.

Outside of the classroom, I love cooking, spending time outdoors, reading, and playing tennis.

Zoë Price

Upper Elementary Teacher

Zoë is a graduate of the Montessori School of Fort Worth where she attended from kindergarten through eighth grade. Born and raised in Fort Worth, she is now back after graduating from Emory University, where she studied art history and architecture. 

Zoë is thrilled to return to MSFW as an upper elementary teacher. Having had so many supportive and inspiring teachers as a student at MFSW herself, she hopes to provide the same for the students now. She is passionate about the strong foundation a Montessori education provides, helping students to become more thoughtful and curious lifelong learners. 

Outside of the classroom, Zoë enjoys practicing yoga, going to art museums, and taking care of her two cats.

Brynn Cosgrove

Upper Elementary Teacher

Brynn’s connection to MSFW runs through her husband, Will, who attended MSFW from toddler through sixth grade, the highest level at the time, and their children, Graham and Caroline who are current students in the lower elementary classes. After spending the past three years as a substitute teacher across campus, she is excited to join the upper elementary community. 

Brynn graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. What draws her to Montessori education is watching children learn how to learn, rather than simply what to learn. Working with students she hopes to help build a curiosity and independence that stays with them long after they leave the classroom.

Shirley Willhite

Middle School Teacher

Shirley was born in Texas and grew up in a small town 35 miles south of Fort Worth. She received a BS degree in elementary education from Southwestern Adventist University. Her Montessori career led her to teach in the Primary classes of Montessori Children’s House (now MSFW) and the Upper Elementary class at Como Montessori Magnet School, both in Fort Worth. Because of her strong belief in the Montessori philosophy, her three children have attended Montessori schools. Her husband has also taught in Montessori classrooms. It really is a family affair!

After retiring from a public school teaching career that included elementary and middle school, she began to volunteer at MSFW. Soon she was substitute teaching in various classrooms and working part-time in Upper Elementary. In addition, she also taught geometry and tutored math students in the Middle School program. 

To her, the Montessori method of learning is one that not only addresses the different ways a child learns in a logical sequence, but also provides an atmosphere and community for growing into responsible, decision-making individuals. She recognizes middle school as the culmination of the Montessori levels of achievement.

Harry Cole

Middle School Teacher

Harry Cole is delighted to return to Montessori School of Fort Worth, where he previously taught middle school with his wife. MSFW is clearly a special place for their family in both a personal and professional perspective. The Coles are thrilled to raise their son in what they consider to be most academically and emotionally nurturing environment possible.

Harry is an alumnus of Tulane University where he studied Architecture and English Literature. He is credentialed by the American Montessori Society for Secondary I/II learning environments and has worked in classrooms with primary, elementary and middle school students. Harry has previously served as the Learning Specialist for Tulane University and Director of University Montessori School in New Orleans. Harry specializes in Universal Design for Learning and adolescent cognitive development through the lens of peace education and Montessori pedagogy.

Eryn Norris

Middle School Teacher

Eryn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Arlington and built a career in banking and public finance before deciding to stay home and raise her children. In college, Eryn tutored students across multiple subjects in both private school and home-school settings. This experience sparked an inspiration and interest in teaching, which would eventually lead her to serve as a substitute teacher at MSFW. She is excited to join the Middle School faculty at MSFW this fall.

Eryn lives in Ridglea Hills with her husband and three children. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, reading, and playing mahjong.