Our Staff

Susanna was born in South Africa and moved to the Chicagoland area with her family during high school. She earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary and Middle School Education and began her teaching career in Southern California, where she taught history and English. Her journey then took her to Taiwan, where she worked at a K-12 international school. During her time there, she contributed to a building project for a new campus and helped expand the program to include a full high school. After returning to the US, Susanna served as the director of another Montessori school before joining the MRM community. With two decades of experience in education, Susanna remains passionate about fostering an engaging and professional work environment for staff, while supporting school initiatives that ensure the best possible learning environment for students. She also values connecting with families and giving back to the community. Outside of work, Susanna enjoys traveling, wildlife photography, and spending quality time with her family.

I am originally from Richmond, VA and relocated to Bluffton in 2019 after fifteen years in Florida. In 2019 I Co-founded and still own HD web developers, an online business development company specializing in small business. I am a former Full Sail University instructor where I taught Computer Animation and Visual FX for five years in Orlando FL. I am currently the IT specialist at may river Montessori, supporting families teachers and staff with their technology needs. I currently reside in Bluffton with my sons Cruz and Knox.

I am committed to helping may river Montessori thrive through encouraging greater family participation impactful communication methods, and the strategic use of technology.

I have spent most of my life in either Hilton Head or New York City. This is my 4th school year working at may river Montessori, but have been a part of the MRM family since 2014 when my daughter joined the sunflower room. I can say with deep gratitude that from our very first day MRM positively changed our lives. The educators who loved and guided my daughter hold a special place in my heart and I am now grateful to know them as colleagues and friends. A bit of my background I have 16 years experience in both for and nonprofit organizations with 10 years in educational settings. I hold a series 7 license I graduated from the University of Toledo with an honors degree in Asian art history and a minor in Asian studies, Magna Cum Laude. I love research and spent my early career authenticating Asian antiquities. More recently my research focus has been an outdoor and experiential program design in therapeutic and academic settings. I'm mission driven towards exceeding the needs of our children staff and parents with respect professionalism and understanding. We approach this in every school year with gratitude for the trust our families have placed in us and love for our communities strength and support. This fall I plan to further my education by earning a masters degree in Peace Education through the United Nations University for Peace. 

My name is Daraiza, but friends and family call me “D”. I am from Venezuela originally. I've been working with children since I was 18, starting with various summer camps and specialized programs for children with special needs in my home country. After moving to this beautiful and wonderful country I began working with children at Sea Pines Montessori in Hilton Head, where I earned my Infant - Toddler Montessori certification. I then worked at the high school as a bilingual liaison at the front desk and collaborated with baby net and the Spanish interpreter period in addition i hold a bachelor's degree of science and management i am grateful to have the incredible opportunity to be a part of May River Montessori,  which makes me extremely happy because of how deeply I love this school and the Montessori method. 

Teaching and learning has been my passion for close to two decades. My journey started in the classroom, with my most recent classroom experience being a Lower Elementary Teacher. I have a Master's of Education degree with a specialization in Early Literacy. I am a SC state certified teacher and an AMS certified Lower Elementary Montessori teacher. As a Learning Coach at MRM, I enjoy supporting teachers in the areas of curriculum, standards, and professional development as well as working with students. 

Hello, my name is Kayla Dogger, and I am thrilled to embark on another wonderful year at May River Montessori! With nine years of experience in Montessori environments, I am deeply passionate about being a Montessori guide. Observing and nurturing each child’s growth and development is incredibly rewarding.

I am certified in both Infant/Toddler and Primary Montessori education. My husband and I are blessed with six children, and we love spending our free time camping, backpacking, and hiking in the mountains. I look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and joy for all our students.

I was born and raised in New York, got my undergraduate degree from the University of San Francisco and received my Masters in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. I am one of 6, helped raise two children, and have been working in school settings for the past 38 years. Bluffton became my permanent residence 11 years ago when I left New York to build a home here. I fell in love with the Lowcountry, took a break from education and worked in local galleries where I displayed my own art. Wired to create, I have been a multi-media artist my entire life and am a founding member of the South Carolina Chapter of NAWA (National Association of Women Artists). It was during a walk on Calhoun Street that I spotted May River Montessori. After visits and interviews, I felt a strong desire to get involved. I taught in the Magnolia Room with Miss Cindy that first year, 2018, and got great exposure to the Montessori method. When I was invited to teach art the next year I jumped at the opportunity. This will be my 5th  year at MRM  -  and my first in the Bungalow. It’s a great fit and an awesome challenge! My mission is to be a loving knowledgeable and flexible guide in a safe, connected, creative space. 

Hi, my name is Paula Hawkes. I have lived here in the Lowcountry for about 45 years. And yes, I have seen a lot of changes! I am married and have two grown  children, one grandchild and a dog. I have been teaching in Early Childhood  Education for over 25 years and here at MRM for 15 years. I was introduced to Montessori when my daughter was three and I enrolled her here at MRM. A few years later my son was enrolled and he continued through second grade. During that time, I was able to train with a wonderful teacher and work in the toddler room. Today, I’m still in the toddler room receiving lots of hugs and love from all the  children that I have been so blessed to get to spend each day with. I’m always amazed to watch your little ones gain self confidence, independence and develop new friendships. I know this is going to be a wonderful year full of learning and fun!

I grew up here in Bluffton, mostly in the salt water and pluff mud. My children at-tended MRM. I have been teaching Montessori since 2004 and have been at MRM for nine years. My mom is also Montessori trained and was on the Board of Trustees with Mary Vaux and Nancy Golson when they started the school. What I love most about Montessori is the independence and confidence it gives children. What I love most about teaching toddlers is seeing the “ah, ha” moment when they first discover they can do it all by themselves!

Hi! My name is Erin Rydell. I grew up in Bothell, Washington which is 30 minutes  outside of Seattle, Washington. I have been in education for 11 years, have an  associate degree in Early Childhood Education and a bachelor’s degree in Child, Youth, & Family Studies. I have a dog named Sonic. This is my third year at May River Montessori. I love teaching the toddlers and watching a child grow from the beginning to the end of the year. I love May River Montessori because we are a community and I hope we continue to grow this year!

Hi there, my name is AJ Wilson! I just moved to Bluffton this summer from Ashe-ville, NC, where I have been living for the past five years. I’m trading the mountains in for the beach. I am originally from Charleston, SC, though, so it really feels like I’m going back to my roots. I’ve been working as a Montessorian now for the past six years. I was an assistant teacher for four years and now these past two years I have been a lead teacher. The Montessori method is something I truly believe in and feel called toward. Being a guiding force for the three- to six-year-old growing mind is such a beautiful thing. I cannot wait to start my new journey here at MRM and get to know all of the children and families, and to be a part of this lovely community!

Hello! My name is Rebecca Brooks and I will be joining the MRM team as a primary assistant teacher. I am 29 years old and have been working in early child-hood education for the past three years now. My bachelor’s degree is in music and I love to incorporate my skills from that into instructional activities when possible! My primary instrument is the violin and I play the piano as well. I look forward to working with everyone!

Miss Cindy was born and raised on Long Island, NY. She and her husband, Jimmy, moved to Hilton Head the same year they were married, 34 years ago. She has a son  who is working for a company specializing in music and AI in Boston and a daughter who is teaching preschool in New York City. Both are Montessori children, having attended Sea Pines Montessori School. She has been teaching for over 30 years, having taught for the last 15 years at May River Montessori, 10 years at Sea Pines Montessori Academy and four years at Hilton Head Prep School. She was also the Director at Providence Children’s Center for three years.

Cindy has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from SUNY College at Cortland and her Montessori certification from The Montessori Institute of America. She likes to read, garden, bike ride around the island and spend time with her mother who lives in The Seabrook on Hilton Head Island.

Hi, my name is Helen Yates and I teach in the Magnolia Room with Miss Cindy.  I am a graduate of  Vermont College of Fine Arts and received my Montessori  certification from St. Nicholas College of London. I have taught in New Jersey (where I am from), Colorado, Virginia, and now South Carolina. I have a total of  34 years’ teaching experience. I have a daughter and a son along with four grand-children and four cats. I love MRM and am excited for a wonderful school year! 

This is Rosa Brown’s 21st year at May River Montessori and she is the lead teacher for her first year in the Sunflower Room. Ms. Rosa is a certified Montessori trained educator and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom.

Hello, I am Katie Snyder. I am a teaching assistant in the Sunflower 

classroom. This is my second year working at May River Montessori, but it’s my children’s third year attending. My daughter is in the Palmetto classroom and my son is in the Sunflower classroom. I love working with children and seeing all their beautiful and unique personalities. I wanted to work at May River Montessori because all the wonderful teachers and staff that work here, they are so loving and caring to all the children. 

My name is Kristi Fossbakk and my role at MRM is as an after school teacher. This is my 4th  year at MRM. My husband and I moved here in February of 2020. We chose the area after vacationing here for many years with our family. We have four adult children, three girls and one boy. I have been an educator for 30 years now. I have taught special education at Middle school, High school and Elementary, I have also taught pre-school when we lived in Norway both Montessori and in the Norwegian system. I have also taught ESL at the adult level and tutored. I feel fortunate to have had a variety of experiences with all the children and families I have met over the years. They have truly touched my life. May River Montessori has provided another wonderful experience in my life. It is truly a special place. 

Hello! My name is Susan Francese, and I recently relocated to South Carolina from New Jersey. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Development from Shippensburg University, an AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Teacher Training Center of Northern CA, and an AMS Elementary I Diploma from the Princeton Center for Teacher Education. Over the years, I have served as Head of Preschool for two years and Head of Elementary for five years. I am dedicated to contributing positively to the school community and fully supporting the school’s mission and goals. My primary focus has always been on creating an engaging and nurturing environment where each child can thrive.

I am excited to bring my expertise and passion for education to May River Mon-tessori, where I look forward to continuing to inspire and support students in their learning journeys.

Jennifer Zolezzi is returning to the Palmetto Room for her third year as the assistant teacher. Ms. Jennifer has over 30 years of teaching experience, most of which have been in Early Childhood Education. She has a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Scienc-es degree. Ms. Jennifer is a San Diego, California native and moved to Bluffton with her family in 2021.

Kathy is originally from northern Maryland. She completed her bachelor degree at West Virginia Wesleyan University. Originally, she received a BS in Marketing and Economics, but decided teaching was her passion. She returned to Towson State U, Southern Illinois University and East Carolina to achieve multiple certifications—from birth to three, Kindergarten to 3rd, Elementary, Reading Recovery, Gifted and Talented K-12 and Montessori Lower and Upper Elementary. She has lived and taught in IL, MD, NC and SC. This is Kathy’s 36th year teaching. She is married and has one daughter that lives in Charlotte, as well as four adult stepchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys living near the water, gardening and her six dogs and granddogs.

I’m from Cleveland, OH, and have lived just north of NYC for a bit, in Brecken-ridge, CO (~1 yr), Charleston, SC (~6 yrs), Lancaster, PA (~2 yrs), and Hilton Head Island, SC (~17 yrs) and now call Bluffton home with my wife Kayla and a subset of our collective six children. I’ve been involved with Montessori for the better part of 20 years—as a parent, volunteer, board member, coach, assistant guide, and lead guide. This is my tenth full year as a classroom guide to Secondary I. I received my Montessori secondary training from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies; additionally, I remain insatiably curious about numerous subjects and enjoy sharing that curiosity and joy of learning with students in a patient and kind manner. Within the Grove, I’m looking forward to weaving a path through Language Arts, Cultural World, and Science with numerous day trips throughout the state and a culminating trip to end the school year!

I moved here in 2014. My hometown is Louisville, KY. I’ve worked for 40 years in education. I’ve been married to Julie for 41 years. We have three children and four grandchildren, and I have three siblings and a mother still living. What do I love about children and teaching? “The smiles, the hugs, and when they leave me they feel better about themselves.” What do I love about MRM? The staff, the families, and the community that embraces what I am teaching. It is the first time in my life I look forward to coming to work on Monday mornings. Wishes and hopes for the year? That I positively influence one child and that I make a difference in their life.

I am from Newfields, New Hampshire, and have lived in Bluffton for three years. I moved here from New York where I was a physical education teacher. I love Mon-tessori education because students get to be who they are and we get to meet them where they are. 

I’m entering my fourth year of teaching at May River Montessori, bringing a wealth of experience in drama and music for toddlers through secondary students. Raised in New England and educated at the Massachusetts College of Art in Bos-ton, I have a deep passion for teaching and community engagement. I am excited to now be introducing Nature Based Process art programming to all of our students. I have created community art gardens and public art projects in Boston, and devel-oped the “Sharing Our Stories” program, combining literacy and art for elementary students, which continues today. With extensive experience as a camp director in South Carolina and New Hampshire, I am dedicated to fostering creativity and community spirit in our students.

Katherine was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio. She started Suzuki Piano lessons at age five and continued piano study until high school graduation. In addition to piano, she has studied oboe and voice. Katherine majored in Organizational Com-munications and minored in Music at Ohio University and graduated in 2005. She has shared her love of music and taught in Montessori schools for over 15 years.