Celia Parga
Toddler Community Assistant

Celia was born in California but spent most of her childhood in Mexico where her parents are from. Celia studied Criminology and has worked with children since she was a teenager–babysitting and nannying.

Celia has been in a Montessori environment since 2018. She joined the MIT community in 2023. The hands-on approach reminds her of her childhood, but what is more appealing to Celia is the respect for the child in terms of allowing them to work and learn at their own pace while treating them as people. She has two daughters, both of whom attend Montessori In Town, and a teenage son.

Sandra Cruz
Toddler Community Assistant

Sandra was born in Georgia, she went to Georgia State University and studied Applied Linguistics to receive a TEFL Certificate. Sandra began working with children in the midst of the pandemic. She learned about Montessori through a conversation with a co-worker, the more she learned the more the philosophy made sense to her. After working with toddlers and Primary-aged children for two years Sandra joined MIT in 2022.

Sandra enjoys going to festivals and visiting family in Mexico. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering in the Latin community and spending time with family and friends.

Jennifer Ray
Toddler Community Assistant

Jennifer was born and raised in Chicago and moved to Georgia in 2018. Jennifer was working as an office assistant at a Montessori school when she was asked to help in a classroom. She loved it so much, they asked her to stay in the classroom.

Jennifer, who has always loved working with children, has worked with children for seven-plus years and joined Montessori In Town in 2023. She has taken many online courses to learn more about early childhood development. She has three children; Joseph (15), Jiselle (9), and Jada (8). Jennifer loves to read and bake with her girls.

Shannon Watson
Toddler Community Guide

Shannon’s educational background is in the medical field, she received a BS in Respiratory Therapy. However, Shannon quickly realized her calling was working with young children. For the past twelve years, she has worked in Montessori classrooms and she received her Assistance to Infancy (A to I) Diploma in 2018 from the Montessori Institute of Atlanta. Shannon has been with Montessori In Town since 2022. She is currently taking an online course to become a doula to complement her Postpartum Doula Certification.

Outside of work, Shannon enjoys camping with family and friends in the beautiful state of Georgia. She also enjoys crafting, working in her garden, and listening to podcasts while walking her dogs. Shannon volunteers once a month at a women's and children’s center.

Mari Carmona
Toddler Community Assistant

Mari was born in San Diego, CA, and came to Atlanta in 2005 When Mari’s first son was born a good friend introduced her to Montessori by giving her a basket of Montessori materials. Soon after, Mari observed a Montessori Toddler classroom, she was amazed at how independent the children were–at that point, she fell in love with the Montessori method.

Mari began as an assistant teacher in a Toddler classroom in 2016 and has since worked in both Toddler and Primary classes. Mari enjoys hiking, running 5ks, taking care of her chickens, and doing arts and crafts. Mari has three children who attend MIT.

Renata Cassemiro Dickerson
Toddler Community Guide

Renata was born in Brazil and moved to the U.S. in 2001. Renata has always loved children. When her first daughter was born, she enrolled her in a Montessori school. Renata volunteered as the room parent, and then became a substitute, shortly after she was employed as an assistant. Inevitably, Renata enrolled in the AMI Toddler training.

In the 20 years Renata has worked with children, she has never stopped being amazed, and amused with the way human beings are in the process of developing and constructing themselves. Renata loves the curiosity and power of observation of the children. Renata has been with Montessori In Town since 2022.

Presently, Renata is completing her M.Ed in Montessori Early Learning. In her free time, she loves to hike in the woods and spend time on the beach. She enjoys painting with watercolors and working with felt.

Dixita Shah
Primary Guide

Dixita is originally from India and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2010, and her AMI Primary Diploma in 2011. Working with children has always been her passion. After completing the AMI training Dixita taught in India, Australia, and Albuquerque, NM, before arriving at Montessori In Town in 2021.

Dixita’s global perspective and depth of experience are tremendous assets in the classroom. She believes there is nothing more rewarding than teaching and being a part of a child’s learning journey. Dixita appreciates the outdoors and relishes the time spent with her family and friends. Dixita’s son also attends MIT.

LaVern McKnight
Primary Classroom Assistant

Lavern joined MIT in 2016. She came with more than eight years of Montessori classroom experience. As a mother to four sons, one daughter, and a proud grandmother to fifteen grandchildren; LaVern knows children! She enjoys spending time with her family, taking long walks and naps in the sunshine.

Missy Richardson
Primary Classroom Assistant

Missy is the proud owner of Two Assured Hands, who cater to variety of people, including the elderly, disabled, and autistic. Missy stumbled across Montessori education as an expecting mother and feel in love with the interaction between the guide and child, as well as the independence and the freedom that the child has in the classroom. She has taken assistant training at the AMI institute. We are so glad to have her with join us this year. Missy has one son who is now a welder, she enjoys long hikes with her hubby, singing, and a mug of hot cocoa.

Lala Ahmed
Remote Elementary Guide

Lala holds both AMI primary and elementary training, a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Karachi, Pakistan, and a Masters in Education from Loyola College, Baltimore, MD. She has served on the board of directors for peace organizations, Women's Action for New Directions and South Asians for Unity. Throughout her adult life Lala has been committed to promoting peace through education. She is married and a mother of two grown children.

Lala had worked as a primary guide in the Atlanta since 2007. She joined MIT in 2011 after completing her elementary training. She created a thriving lower elementary classroom that speaks to the imagination of the child and sets them up for a lifelong voyage of learning and discovery.

Taniya Banerjee
Upper Elementary Assistant

Taniya holds a Master of Arts in English Literature and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan (one of the most prestigious institutes in India!) Following this, she earned a second Bachelor’s in Education. Taniya has also taught English and Environmental Science to Grades 1-5.
Her philosophy is to treat every child as individual and unique. She aims to make sure every child is valued, successful, and always encouraged to do their best.

Rosa Ayala
Spanish Teacher

Rosa is originally from Puerto Rico. She was a theater major and loves the arts. She utilizes her performing skills to engage children. Teaching her language and culture has been more than a job for Rose–it is her passion and mission.

Rosa has been working in Montessori schools for the past eight years, first with the Toddler community and then as a Spanish guide. She joined the MIT community in 2021.

Rosa enjoys exercising regularly because it brings her peace and purpose.