Maria Montessori:
"Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence."
Shannon Bennett, Owner/ Lead Primary Teacher
Ms. Shannon began her Montessori experience in high school, taking a job as an after-school teacher where she fell in love with the philosophy. While attending Kennesaw State College for Special Education studies, she decided to also work toward her Montessori teaching degree. In 1994, Ms. Shannon received her Montessori Primary certification from St. Nicholas Montessori. Over the years, Ms. Shannon has taught in several area Montessori schools. She obtained her Elementary certification from North American Montessori Center in 2010. She is currently the lead teacher in LifeSong's Elementary classroom.
Ms. Shannon knew that the Montessori classroom worked well for all types of children. Upon receiving an autism diagnosis for her son, she experienced the effectiveness of the program first-hand where he began to flourish. He is now a thriving high school student!
She had always dreamed of owning a school, particularly one where God came first. In 2012, her dream became a reality when she partnered with Maggie Wertz in purchasing Montessori Children's World. They renamed it LifeSong Montessori School and expanded the programs to include elementary and middle school classes.
Ms. Shannon loves being with the LifeSong family. She is always happy to share her experience in Montessori and how she has seen its benefits both personally and professionally.
Ms. Shannon knew that the Montessori classroom worked well for all types of children. Upon receiving an autism diagnosis for her son, she experienced the effectiveness of the program first-hand where he began to flourish. He is now a thriving high school student!
She had always dreamed of owning a school, particularly one where God came first. In 2012, her dream became a reality when she partnered with Maggie Wertz in purchasing Montessori Children's World. They renamed it LifeSong Montessori School and expanded the programs to include elementary and middle school classes.
Ms. Shannon loves being with the LifeSong family. She is always happy to share her experience in Montessori and how she has seen its benefits both personally and professionally.
Michelle Gunter, Elementary Teacher
Ms. Michelle started her Montessori career while still in high school. While working in the local Montessori school's afterschool program, she met her mentor who helped her pursue her Montessori Primary certification. Ms. Michelle studied psychology and sociology at West Georgia College. She obtained her Primary Montessori Certification from the National Center for Montessori Education in 2001. Ms. Michelle has spent the last 30 years in early childhood education working in both Montessori and traditional preschools. She has held classroom and administrative roles in the schools. Ms. Michelle is currently pursuing her Upper Elementary certification and is co-teaching with Ms. Shannon in the Elementary classroom.
Upon joining Lifesong Montessori, Ms. Michelle returned to her true passion of being in the Montessori classroom. She believes in the Montessori method and its ability to reach every child where they are. Ms. Michelle brings creative energy to LifeSong and makes a priority to know each family enrolled.
Ms. Michelle started her Montessori career while still in high school. While working in the local Montessori school's afterschool program, she met her mentor who helped her pursue her Montessori Primary certification. Ms. Michelle studied psychology and sociology at West Georgia College. She obtained her Primary Montessori Certification from the National Center for Montessori Education in 2001. Ms. Michelle has spent the last 30 years in early childhood education working in both Montessori and traditional preschools. She has held classroom and administrative roles in the schools. Ms. Michelle is currently pursuing her Upper Elementary certification and is co-teaching with Ms. Shannon in the Elementary classroom.
Upon joining Lifesong Montessori, Ms. Michelle returned to her true passion of being in the Montessori classroom. She believes in the Montessori method and its ability to reach every child where they are. Ms. Michelle brings creative energy to LifeSong and makes a priority to know each family enrolled.
Courtney Croxton, Lead Primary Teacher
Ms. Courtney pursued her Montessori training in 2009. After devoting her time to raising her two daughters (who are now amazing teenagers) she joined the LifeSong team as a substitute teacher in 2022. Students and parents alike loved her so much that she decided to accept a full-time position with us as our lead Primary teacher.
Ms. Courtney exudes a kindness that the children gravitate towards. She loves all things Disney, where she and her family visit often. She is a welcome addition to the LifeSong family!
Ms. Courtney pursued her Montessori training in 2009. After devoting her time to raising her two daughters (who are now amazing teenagers) she joined the LifeSong team as a substitute teacher in 2022. Students and parents alike loved her so much that she decided to accept a full-time position with us as our lead Primary teacher.
Ms. Courtney exudes a kindness that the children gravitate towards. She loves all things Disney, where she and her family visit often. She is a welcome addition to the LifeSong family!
Marlyn Porter, Primary Assistant/ Spanish Teacher
Ms. Marlyn joined the LifeSong family in 2018. Originally from Costa Rica, Ms. Marlyn has experience working in many capacities with both adults and children. She has traveled the globe and loves sharing her adventures with the students. Ms. Marlyn is currently the Primary classroom assistant and school-wide Spanish teacher. Her gentle nature draws students to her.
Ms. Marlyn joined the LifeSong family in 2018. Originally from Costa Rica, Ms. Marlyn has experience working in many capacities with both adults and children. She has traveled the globe and loves sharing her adventures with the students. Ms. Marlyn is currently the Primary classroom assistant and school-wide Spanish teacher. Her gentle nature draws students to her.