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.  Blessed with an ever expanding family, Pegge enjoys spending time with her hubby of 44 years, four grown children, two daughter-in-laws and six grandchildren. 

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 30 years ago.

Shenithia Griffin
Lead Teacher - Toddler Class

Being introduced to Montessori at a young age, Shenithia was fortunate to attend a Montessori School beginning at 18 months through 5 years old. Fast forward to college, she returned to that same school where she was offered an internship. Eventually, she was hired full time working as a toddler teacher, a position she held for 21 years! During that time, Shenithia received her American Montessori Society Infant/ Toddler Certification.

Shenithia admires how the Montessori Philosophy is dedicated to individual growth and independence allowing children to learn at their own pace.
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Shenithia is a native of Apex ~born and raised and has watched all the changes in this area through her lifetime. She now resides in Fuquay Varina with her husband Joe and their two children Joseph (9) and Shania (6). On weekends you will find her cheering on her son at basketball games and spending time with family.

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.

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!

Shamira Rizmi
Lead Teacher - Children's House

Ms. Shamira was born and grew up in Sri Lanka.  After marriage, Ms. Shamra started her Montessori journey by creating her own school in the small town where she lived. Her family eventually moved to the United States, first living in Connecticut for fifteen years where she earned her Early Childhood Education Degree. Her family then moved to New Jersey where Ms. Shamira obtained her formal AMS Montessori Certification while working at a Montessori school. Relocating to North Carolina has brought Ms. Shimira to the MCLS teaching staff.
 
Using her 20 plus year of teaching experience, Ms. Shamira looks forward to creating a classroom full of discovery and meaningful learning experiences! 

Ms. Shimira resides in Apex with her husband and youngest son who attends high school. Their daughter and oldest son remained in New Jersey; her son working, and her daughter attending college. 
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