Pegge Johns 
Director

While volunteering at her son's preschool, Pegge discovered how enjoyable it was to work with young children in a classroom setting. Soon afterwards, Pegge left her position in the Accounting field and pursued a career as an Educator. She completed a degree in Early Childhood Education and acquired American Montessori Society Certification for ages three to six.  Pegge has taught in preschool, kindergarten and Montessori classrooms.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Pegge's family relocated to North Carolina in 2003 for the warmer climate.  

Operating a Montessori School in Apex begins yet another chapter in life.  Pegge still loves teaching and the adventure each day brings as when beginning over 25 years ago.

​​Susan Bunnell
Co-Lead Teacher - Toddler Class

Susan was first introduced to Montessori while her niece was enrolled in a Children's House class. When her own son turned 3, she sought a Montessori education for him and was hooked!  After accepting an assistant's position at her son’s school and being involved in a Montessori classroom firsthand, Susan made the decision to obtain her American Montessori Society Infant/Toddler Certification. She graduated from Montessori Training in May of 2014 and she shared, “It was an incredible experience.”  Since completing training Susan has worked as a Lead Teacher in various Montessori classrooms.

Throughout her childhood, Susan lived in numerous states including New York, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana.  After graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, she then moved to New Mexico for the next 13 years. Most recently, Susan relocated from Colorado to North Carolina in 2010.  

Currently, Susan lives with her husband, two kids and their dog, Oscar, in Holly Springs. She loves to read, spend time outside with her kids, and work in the garden.

Yarilis Garces
Children's House

Born and raised in Cuba, Yarilis recalls one of her favorite childhood memories, "playing teacher." Years later, Yailis received her teaching degree in Cuba. When an employment opportunity arose, she moved to Portugal. While there, she continued her education and received her Master's Degree in Education while teaching High School Grammar and Literature. She moved to North Carolina in 2014 and she is proud to consider it "home".

Yarilis has been working in Montessori schools for the past three years and has fallen in love with the "practical application and logic" built into the Montessori philosophy.
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Along with Ronald, Yarilis lives in Garner. Her free time is spent on their current home remodel and enjoying a favorite past-time: watching movies.

Stacey Bartley 
Co-Lead Teacher - Toddler Class

Stacey discovered the Montessori philosophy when she enrolled her daughter in a Montessori class. Knowing this was an extraordinary way for children to learn, Stacey served as an Assistant in a Toddler classroom and completed the AMS training for Infant/Toddler certification. 

Stacey joined the Center for Montessori Teacher Education, teaching in the Toddler training program. Following a move to Dubai, where she continued to teach in early education programs, Stacey and her family returned to the United States, where she resumed her position at CMTE as an instructor and Toddler Coordinator before joining the staff at MCLS.

Stacey is passionate about working with young children and witnessing the success of the Montessori method.  In her free time, she enjoys hiking and kayaking with her husband, Jeff. ​

Tina Liao
Lead Teacher - Children's House

Tina started her teaching career in Taiwan in 2011 as a teacher for after-school programs. The following year, Tina studied abroad in Australia and received her Early Childhood Development certificate. She then moved to America where she had the opportunity to learn more about different teaching methodologies in Early Childhood Development. While living in California, Tina obtained her American Montessori Society Associate Early Childhood Teaching Credential.
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Tina loves how the Montessori teaching curriculum is centered around each child's unique abilities and focuses on developing strengths. With over 6 years experience working with children, she feels the most important thing is to provide a safe, calm, and effective learning environment for each child. Tina loves seeing the glow in children’s eyes when they learn new and exciting things!

​Recently moving to North Carolina from California where she met and married her husband, Tina is eager to explore and settle into this wonderful area!

Tiffany Hayman
Lead Teacher - Children's House

Tiffany attended college in Massachusetts where she received her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology.  She then moved to Orlando, Florida where she married her husband and taught in prekindergarten programs in several public elementary schools. Upon moving to North Carolina, she received her Montessori credential for 3-6 year olds and became lead teacher at a local Montessori charter school.  Through this experience, she fell in love with the individualized curriculum and concrete, hands-on materials that a Montessori education has to offer.  
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​Following a leave from teaching after the addition of two daughters to their family, Tiffany joined the MCLS staff. She loves working with all the sweet children while having the opportunity to help each child with her/his daily growth and development. 
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