ADMINISTRATION

Mary Smith

Mary Smith

School Director & Upper Elementary Guide
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M.S., Speech and Language Pathology, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins

Mary started Nature’s Way Montessori School in August of 1982 when she had young children to educate. She developed curriculum and taught in the Upper Elementary Community for twenty-one years before taking some time to direct full time. Staff changes sent her back to the classroom and the students whom she loves and is challenged by daily! She enjoys coming to work every day to work with intelligent, stimulating, and productive staff and children who have all contributed their special talents to grow the school from one preschool class in 1982 to the eight communities of today.

Terri Needham

Terri Needham

Office Manager & Admissions Coordinator
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B.S., Applied Organizational Management, Tusculum College, Greeneville, TN

Terri came to Nature’s Way Montessori in September 1996 when her daughter was a student in the Lower Elementary Community. She oversees a wide variety of administrative functions within the school and maintains our teacher/parent library. Her attention to detail and organizational knowledge have benefited the school on many levels. Terri enjoys working with the staff and families at Nature’s Way and is a strong supporter of the Montessori method and Positive Discipline.

Amber Engel

Amber Engel

Assistant Director
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B.S., Anthropology, Florida State University, Tallahassee
Early Childhood AMS credential, Houston Montessori Center

Amber began at Nature’s Way Montessori School in January 2008 . In college, she chose to combine her love of ancient history and scuba diving by studying underwater archaeology. Despite enjoying an interesting career, she found her part-time work in education to be far more satisfying and sought a new professional path. She came across an ad for a Toddler Community Assistant at Nature’s Way and eagerly applied for the position. As a former Montessori student herself, Amber quickly discovered that she had found the right fit. In 2009, she moved into the Early Childhood Community and spent the following summer at the Houston Montessori Center. After a year’s internship, she received her credential. She became a lead guide in 2012 and transitioned into the Assistant Director role in 2018. Amber can no longer imagine doing anything except working in a school and is grateful for the privilege to work in such an enriching environment. In her free time, Amber enjoys going on a variety of adventures with her husband and two young children!