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.

Amy Brimberry

Toddler Teacher/Office Assistant

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.

Cheyenne Throckmorton

Toddler Teacher

Cheyenne began working at MSFW in 2020. She received a Bachelor of Science in General Studies with focuses in Music and Theatre from Tarleton State University. She holds her American Montessori Society Teaching Credential for ages 0-3 years (Infant/Toddler) from the Houston Montessori Center.

Her interests include performing in musicals, cooking, sewing, and caring for animals and children. She loves spending time with and singing with her husband and daughter, who also attends MSFW.

Cheyenne is known for her humble spirit and her enthusiastic nature. She believes that guiding a child and helping them to become a kind, caring, and compassionate citizen of the world is the most important work a person can do.

Joni Flowers

Toddler Teacher

Joni received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Christian University in General Studies with an emphasis in Religious Studies and Sociology. She discovered Montessori as a new parent looking for an educational approach that could bridge the gap between her own home-schooling background and the typical learning environment. Watching her own children thrive in the Montessori classroom made the choice to become a substitute teacher easy. After two years, it was clear that the Toddler classroom was her true calling. She loves the daily adventures that the toddlers’ ever-growing world presents. Joni is excited to begin earning her Infant/Toddler American Montessori S Teaching Credential in 2025.

An additional passion of Joni’s is teaching indoor cycling classes to adults at CycleBar. She became a fitness instructor in 2020 and eventually took over instructor training and administration in 2022. Joni strives in all classrooms to lead with kindness, patience, humility, and understanding that growth happens at a different pace for everyone. Outside of Montessori and fitness, Joni is busy with her two children, four animals, and tackling home improvement projects with her husband.

Kayla Chavarria

Toddler Teacher

Kayla was a student at a Montessori school from the young age of 18 months to 11 years old. The experience made an unforgettable impact on her throughout her life. In 2015, she decided to start working in Montessori as an assistant teacher in the toddler and primary classes. She loves watching children grow, thrive, and develop their independence. 

In her free time she enjoys time with family & friends, camping, fishing, music festivals/concerts, traveling, and outdoor markets. 

Kayla is thrilled to join the Montessori School of Fort Worth and to get to be a part of this amazing family of teachers all working together to enrich and nurture the lives of young children , helping to prepare them up for success for their future.

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.

Cecilia Aufiero

Primary Teacher

Cecilia received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois in Chicago and spent two years as the Motor Development Specialist in the Allegheny Valley School in Pennsylvania. She taught in Buenos Aires, Argentina for eight years prior to moving to the United States. Cecilia has been a part of Montessori School of Fort Worth since 1998, when her eldest son enrolled. As a parent, she served on the Montessori Advisory Group. She received her AMS certification at the Dallas Montessori Academy and has been a part of the primary learning community since 2006.

In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis with her family, reading and walking/hiking. Always positive, Cecilia brings both a positive energy to the learning community and an openness to new ideas.

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.

Cristy Lanford

Primary Teacher

Cristy began her relationship with MSFW through the enrollment of her children in 1992 and became a teacher in 1994. She is impressed with the children’s enthusiasm for learning, freedom of choice and the independence of the students.

Cristy enjoys gardening, fishing, camping, crocheting and reading. She is currently one of our primary teachers and also leads our primary Spanish enrichment program. Cristy, a fun-loving, caring, sensitive and creative person, is known for her love of nature.

Bianca Weir

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, Warren, daughter Rei, and family. Bianca enjoys going on walks, crafting, and traveling.

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.

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 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. She also has a passion for baking.

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 the Ridglea Hills area with her husband, Jordan, and is coming to MSFW with her two daughters, Brooklyn and Addi. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and loves to travel, read, and garden.

Frankie Taylor

Primary Teacher

Frankie has worked with children in entertainment over the course of six years and is passionate about child-led education. She discovered substitute teaching in 2021 which led her to obtain Early Childhood Montessori Education certification from the Houston Montessori Center.

In her free time Frankie enjoys learning new things, perusing antiques, and collecting vintage clothing. She enjoys being involved in a beautiful environment like MSFW, and observing children as they discover the world around them.

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.

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.

Crystal Apodaca

Lower Elementary Teacher

Crystal graduated from UT Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Her love of fitness and teaching led her to coaching and personal training. In 2013 she was introduced to Montessori when she began teaching after school fitness classes at the school. Crystal became the middle school PE coach in 2015 growing her interesting in the Montessori approach.

Drawn to the culture and environment she has experienced since the very beginning of being at MSFW that has been so positive, Crystal knew when she and her husband started a family that their child would have to attend MSFW! She welcomed her first child in 2021 and decided to teach in the lower elementary classroom. She is working on her teaching credential from the Houston Montessori Center for the 6-9 age group. Her hobbies are cooking, traveling, learning about different cultures and the great outdoors.

Sarah Skinner

Upper Elementary Teacher

Sarah Skinner found Montessori when she was looking for the right environment for her first child. She fell in love with the philosophy that emphasizes the dignity of every child, fosters independence and self-confidence, and to which respect, interconnectedness, and peace are foundational.  She has watched her own sons grow in this environment and has felt privileged to also participate in the growth of many children in her eight years in the South Lower Elementary. Sarah has recently completed her 9-12 certification and has been enjoying seeing the students blossom in the next plane of development.

Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma and her Master’s Degree from Northeastern University. She completed her 6-9 Montessori certificate in 2014 and her 9-12 certificate in 2024. After starting her teaching career at the middle school level, she has taught many age groups from first through ninth grade and has enjoyed the unique attributes of each stage.

Joan Ryan

Upper Elementary Teacher

Joan has spent the majority of her 40-year teaching career in Montessori education, teaching in both public and private Montessori schools in Houston, Arlington, and Ft. Worth. Credentialed by the American Montessori Society for ages 6-12, she has taught first through sixth grades over her many years of teaching.

Formally retiring as a Montessori teacher for FWISD in 2018, she has been a lower and upper elementary substitute teacher at MSFW since then. In 2021, she joined the upper elementary class as a part-time teacher.

Joan was a past member of the Board of Directors at the Houston Montessori Center, and has been a trainer for adult learners, field consultant, and mentor for new Montessori teachers for HMC.

Her love for Montessori education began as a parent when she enrolled her young daughter in a Montessori preschool. She was “hooked”, both as a mom and a teacher. Joan is now the proud mom of that daughter who is an elementary Montessori teacher in Houston.

What Joan has always loved about Montessori education is the respect for the child. She has always strived to incorporate the Montessori philosophy of nurturing the needs of the whole child – social, emotional, physical, spiritual, academic – into her teaching and believes that MSFW fosters the ability to do that.

Joan says, “I love teaching at MSFW because it just feels like ‘home’ to me. This school is such a nurturing place for students, families, and staff. For a retired teacher, it’s a wonderful place to continue my love of teaching.”

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, sewing, and trying to guess what new color of hair dye her teenage granddaughter will try next

Terri Szabo

Upper Elementary Teacher

Terri Szabo became interested in Montessori education when her children were young. In 2001, she took lower elementary training at the Dallas Montessori Academy and taught in a Lower Elementary Class for 12 years at the Montessori Academy in Arlington. She also taught Lower Elementary at the Westwood School in Dallas.

Previous to earning her credential from the Dallas Montessori Academy, Terri worked in an Upper Elementary Class as an assistant. She completed her training at the Houston Montessori Center to teach in the Upper Elementary class in 2014. She also completed her certification to be an Academic Language Therapist in 2015..

Terri is married and has two daughters. Her oldest daughter, Clare, attended Montessori school for upper elementary. She is now a college graduate and is working in the graphic design industry. Her youngest daughter, Kate, is a biomedical engineer working in surgical robotics and began Montessori school as a toddler and finished the 6th grade. Before children, Terri received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas at Arlington. She worked in the business field as an auditor and money manager.

Terri is passionate about Montessori education, collaborative learning and promoting a love of life long learning. On a personal level, Terri enjoys reading, exercising, and planning trips with her family.

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.

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.