Introducing Abintra's New Staff and Faculty for the 2014-2015 School Year!

Casey Nathan ECC Lead Guide Casey was a lead guide at Abintra between 1999 and 2006, after which she relocated to teach at New Gate Montessori in Sarasota, FL. When she returned to Nashville several years later, she was eager to reconnect with Abintra. She enjoyed serving on the board of trustees last year, and was thrilled when Sherry offered her the opportunity to be the lead guide in ECC. She is truly honored to again be a member of Abintra's educational team! Casey holds her Montessori certification for Birth to Three Years, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in psychology.

Carmen Sanchez ECC Assistant and Spanish Guide Born in Mexico City, Carmen studied in Philosophy at the Autonomous National University of Mexico (UNAM). In the final months of her university studies, she moved to a little village in the State of Chiapas in the South of Mexico, where she lived until she moved to the US with her three children. Teaching has been constant in her career, but she has explored other areas such as a librarian, news team member, and researcher. Working in the Early Intervention program for children with disabilities has been an enriching experience in her teaching career. Her interests have been focused on teaching, research, and community services for the immigrant community in the US. She loves to read and enjoys making jewelry as one of her favorite therapies.

Christine Ulrich Lower Elementary Guide Born and raised in southern Indiana, Christine moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 2009 to pursue a degree in Montessori education from Xavier University. She did her student teaching at Dater Montessori and Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori. Christine went on to work at Good Shepherd for one year after graduation as the dance teacher, assistant teacher, and an aide to a student with cognitive delays. She loved every minute but is excited to see what is in store for her at her new home, Abintra Montessori!  In her spare time, Christine loves to dance and has taught dance for the past five years. She also enjoys painting and being outdoors.

Jennifer Griffith Middle School Math and Science Guide Jennifer is from Lexington, Kentucky and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012 from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. She has always had a love for working with and getting to know students of all ages. Last year she taught Algebra II and AP Calculus at Hunters Lane High School. Jennifer is thrilled about the opportunity to teach math and physical science to the middle school students at Abintra. She is a lifelong learner and strongly believes in promoting that among her students. Jennifer's hobbies and interests outside of teaching include music (flute, piano, and singing), painting, running, hiking, and reading.

Anna Norris Early Childhood Support and Aftercare Guide Anna is originally from South Carolina and attended Greenville Tech, where she received her nursing assistant certification. Anna and her husband moved to Nashville in May, and they absolutely love it! She enjoys listening to great live music, spending time with friends and family, walking her dog, exercising, attending and teaching Sunday school at church, and working with kids! She worked as a teaching assistant at Woodlands Park in Chattanooga, TN the last two years, and has nannied for families for years. Working with children is her passion, and she is so excited for this school year!