ABOUT US
Our Team
Our staff are committed educators that understand the life of a child as an infinite and unique door into their soul, gifts and expressions. Many of our highly qualified teachers have been with us for years — as valued community members, they receive health and wellness benefits as well as retirement plans. We also support teacher training and continuing education.
We Have a Fabulous Team!
What Families are Saying:
“The teachers are clearly well trained as we witnessed our daughter thrive in her development and learning.”
— Megan L.
“We cannot thank the teachers and staff enough for showing our daughter so much love and guidance.
— Caroline S.
“The teachers are the best of the best... I am so confident that my son is nurtured and supported each day.”
— Carly J.
Meet the Team:
Jenna Atwood (She/Her)
Administrative Director
I started with MLC in 2022 and worked with the younger toddlers until my transition into leadership in 2024. I have always loved being around children, and after having my own son it has been even more of a joy fusing motherhood with teaching. MLC has been an amazing place to work and I’ve made lifelong connections with the staff and community here.
I grew up in Michigan, and spent some time at Michigan State University before transferring to smaller community colleges to receive my degree in Education. Since then I have worked with all ages from birth to 5th grade. I also have my Yoga Teacher certification and spent several years working in the mental health field. I enjoy spending time outdoors, seeing live music, eating at local restaurants, and seeing my son grow.
Sarah Roosa-Collins (She/Her) Lead Guide - Monarchs (East)
Sarah earned her B.A. in Global Studies from Warren Wilson College and began her career working with Asheville City Schools through AmeriCorps and Children First. In 2003, she earned her Early Childhood Credential (to teach ages 3–6) from the American Montessori Society. Since then, she has taught in Montessori schools in her hometown of Louisville, KY, Atlanta, and Asheville. Sarah joined the MLC community in 2021.
Sarah and her husband Chris live in Black Mountain and enjoy spending time with their three children (22, 19, and 16), three cats, and two dogs. In her free time, Sarah enjoys baking, gardening, hiking with her dogs in Montreat, and traveling as much as she can. She is a passionate Montessori educator and is excited to welcome new families and reconnect with returning ones!
Kimmie Tedder (She/Her)
Assistant Guide - Red Pandas (West)
Hi! My name is Kimmie and I have been working at MLC for 2 years. MLC is my first experience in a Montessori environment and I have absolutely fallen in love with the teachings and everything that MLC stands for. I graduated from college in 2022 with my bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in emergency and disaster management from Western Carolina University. In 2024, I obtained my Early Childhood Assistant Teacher credentials from the International Montessori Council, and I am thrilled to bring what I have learned into the classroom! I enjoy bringing warmth, understanding, and a calm demeanor into the classroom so that the children can feel comfortable and have the best experience possible. Ms. Kelly has done a wonderful job at making the classroom an inviting and comforting space, and I want to add on to her expertise to make the classroom a second home for these kids. My goal is to understand each child on a deeper level so they can always feel safe and understood at school. In my free time, I enjoy crafting, painting, and enjoying time with my loved ones.
Britni Toolan (She/Her)
Lead Guide - Honeybees (East)
Hello everyone, my name is Britni Toolan. I moved to Asheville 8 years ago with my husband, Sam. We have three children- Liam, Rhylan, and Talulah. All of my children attend or have attended MLC and cherish the memories and bonds they made with their friends and teachers. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, sewing, hiking, gardening, camping, going on adventures! I have always enjoyed working with children and have done so in some way whether it was through nannying, being a camp counselor or as a teacher. I have always been fascinated by the energy, curiosity, and immense growth and development that takes place in these early formative years. In order to learn more, I went to school to learn about early childhood development and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from George Mason University. While earning my degree, I was working as a preschool teacher in a traditional school setting and also had the most amazing opportunity to observe in a friend’s Montessori classroom. I fell in love with the experience and method of teaching. I went back to school and graduated with my Masters of Education and AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) Primary Diploma from Loyola University in 2015. Since then, I have enjoyed working as a Montessori teacher (or “guide”) and using Montessori principals in my own home with my children. Now, I am thrilled to be a part of the MLC community and have the opportunity to be a guide to your child over the next few years!
Janie Elliott (She/Her)
Co Lead Guide - Owls (West)
Janie grew up in Richmond, VA where she developed a love for teaching and art. She recently graduated from Warren Wilson College where she studied art and expressive art therapy. She has always loved working with children and is excited to utilize her skills in the classroom. She is passionate about creative learning and helping guide students as they learn and grow. In her free time she enjoys crocheting, bookbinding, and reading.
Tara Dubin (She/Her)
Support Guide - Black Bears/Opossums (West)
Hi my name’s Tara. I've been working with little ones of all ages for about 10 years now and I love it. I studied social work with a concentration in children and families and I am passionate about tending to children’s emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. My favorite parts of working with children are hearing all of the imaginative and silly things they say, playing, and watching them learn and grow. I moved to Asheville four years ago to be closer to my family, and before that I lived in Hawaii and worked for a nanny agency. There I spent nearly all of my free time at the beach and in the ocean; I began learning to surf right before I left, and I absolutely loved it. Here in Asheville I’m obsessed with playing pickleball and also enjoy making art and connecting with friends and family. I love our MLC community and am honored to be here.
Kate Fisher (She/Her)
Lead Guide - Black Bears/Opossums (West)
Kate is starting her third year at MLC West. Kate came to MLC with a group of children from Asheville Primary School. She helps to lead the adventurers in the BBOP class with AJ.
Kate studied political science and political theory at Davidson College. She has taught children from 6 months through high school, largely through experiential and hands on education. Service, neighborhood, and community guide her work and play in the classroom and in life. Kate lives with a tall husband, too many cats inherited from a tall son, misses both of her kids (daughter in New Orleans, tall son in Wilmington), and is on the lookout for new dog loves to fill her tiny house with dog hair and love and somehow replace the 2 golden fuzzballs who she lost over the summer.
Maggie Frelinghuysen (She/Her)
Assistant Guide - Monarchs (East)
Maggie earned her B.A. in English from Sewanee: The University of the South and her M.A. from Middlebury’s Bread Loaf School of English. After watching her toddler enjoy his first year at MLC so much, she decided to dive into Montessori learning and joined the MLC East community in 2023. Recently, she earned her Early Childhood Assistant Certification through The Center for Guided Montessori Studies. Before working at MLC, she worked in an art gallery in downtown Asheville and then spent eight years teaching American Literature at a boarding school in Asheville, where she also lived as a hall parent in a dormitory, coached volleyball, and led whitewater kayaking trips. In her downtime she enjoys spending time outdoors, eating yummy foods, going to art museums and galleries, seeing family on the coast of Alabama and mid-coast Maine, and spending time with her two boys and husband.
Lindsay Harrison IMH-E (She/Her)
Lead Guide - Raccoons (West)
Lindsay is a certified Montessori toddler teacher and holder of the NCIMHA Infant Family Associate Endorsement (IFA). She has taught toddlers since 2019 and earned her NAMC 0–3 certification in 2021. Lindsay blends Montessori principles with expertise in social-emotional learning, family partnerships, and trauma-informed practices, creating a calm, nurturing space where children flourish. She introduced “looping,” a continuity-of-care model now embraced schoolwide to strengthen bonds among teachers, children, and families. Dedicated to professional growth, Lindsay is completing an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and regularly participates in professional development to deepen her understanding of child development. Outside the classroom, Lindsay loves hiking with her Plott Hound, getting lost in books, spending time with family, and exploring hobbies such as film photography and coloring. Her favorite Montessori moments involve inviting children into the classroom environment, especially multi-step projects like making play dough or food prep.
Emily Rowland (She/Her)
Otters Lead Guide (West)
Emily Rowland graduated from Western Carolina University in 2021 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre and has been working with children of all ages over the last 9 years in different settings. Emily also obtained her 3-6 Guide certification Center for Guided Montessori Studies in the fall of 2025. Her favorite part about working with children is watching them accomplish their goals and all the little laughs in between. Her teaching philosophy is to help children feel confident and competent in their own capabilities while also implementing a consideration for others and the world around them. She finds joy in plants, flowers, movement and yoga, hiking, and swimming.
Sophia Cathcart (She/Her)
I grew up in the mountains of Sylva, NC and have been happy to call this area home ever since. I am passionate about early childhood development and fostering healthy learning environments. In my free time I love reading, crafting, and going on hikes.
Sarah Johnston (She/Her)
Co Lead Guide - Fireflies (East)
Hi, I’m Sarah! My days are filled with adventure alongside my partner, Andy, our son, Roscoe, and our pup, Gus. We love calling Asheville home and spending our time getting lost in nature, listening to music, and soaking in the beauty around us. My background in education started with an undergraduate degree and a master’s in education with a reading specialist endorsement. After years in the classroom, I shifted my focus to working with students with reading differences, using a multisensory approach that reinforced my belief in individualized, hands-on learning. When I discovered Montessori, it felt like home—a philosophy that honors each child’s unique path, just as I always have. My own journey into Montessori became even more special when Roscoe joined the community alongside me.
Olivia Bush (She/Her)
Toddler Assistant (West)
I am originally from Michigan where I studied Anthropology at the University of Michigan! I have been working with kids for the past three years and it is a joy every day! I enjoy singing and playing instruments, making art, camping, and being in nature.
Talia Claudio (She/They)
Co Lead Guide - Fireflies (East)
Hello families! My name is Talia and I have been working in the early childhood education field for the past 10 years. In 2017 I received my NC Early Childhood Credential and in 2020 my Primary Montessori Certification from the North American Montessori Center, Summer 2024 I began my MACTE accredited Nido/Infant and Toddler certification from the Center For Guided Montessori Studies and I am so excited to continue learning and growing in this sacred practice. I adore serving the youngest members of our community and being a positive model of Montessori’s methods and important peace work. I began at MLC as a Support Guide in the Toddler Room in 2021 and led the Pre-Primary classroom in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 I worked in the Toddler classroom as a Co-lead. I am so excited to continue this journey with you all. In my free time I enjoy junk journaling/ scrapbooking, pottery, playing in nature, cooking, and learning new skills.
Laura Schlecht (She/Her)
Support Guide - Black Bears/Opossums (West)
Laura is originally from Atlanta GA and later moved to Boone NC to attend Appalachian State University. Before earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services, Laura enjoyed working in local daycare settings and interning at a non-profit children’s museum in Boone. After graduation from App State, she moved to Asheville in 2024. Laura is passionate about trauma-informed childcare and is a big supporter of Social-Emotional Learning. She is so excited to embrace the world of Montessori and work alongside the BBOP! In Laura’s spare time she enjoys going to the movies, going hiking with her friends, and hanging out with her cat Ziggy!
Megan Pittman (She/Her)
Co Lead Guide - Owls (West)
I'm Mrs. Megan and I am so excited to be your toddler co-teacher here at MLC West. I have a degree in culinary arts from AB Tech, which you might think is unusual, but it gives me a special way to bring fun and engaging sensory activities to our classroom. After being away for six years, I just moved back to Asheville, and I'm thrilled to be back. As a parent myself—my 4-year-old daughter is in the Red Pandas class—I know how important a caring and stimulating environment is for our little ones. I'm dedicated to making sure every child feels supported and excited to learn!
Alex Taks (He/Him)
Toddler Assistant - Raccoons (West)
Alex is from South Carolina and moved to Asheville shortly after college. Before joining MLC, he worked in a group home supporting teenage youth, sparking his deep commitment to helping youth grow and thrive.
Alex holds a bachelor's degree in Women's and Gender Studies and Communication from the College of Charleston, and he brings a thoughtful, inclusive approach to everything he does. He loves working with children because of the joy and insight they bring into each day.
Outside of the classroom you can find Alex hiking with his dog, going to concerts, or in SC visiting his partner. His love of music and nature often finds its way into the classroom, helping to create a fun and engaging learning environment.
Emily McNees (She/Her)
On-Site Director, East Campus
I began as a Toddler Lead Guide in 2022 and finished my toddler guide certification from The Prepared Montessorian in 2023 at our West location. I transferred over to our East location as the on-site Director for the 25/26 school year. I recently completed Circle of Security facilitator training and am looking forward to leading Circles within our community. I live in Old Fort with my husband, Vance, and our fur baby Brewski.
Sarah Harris McClure (She/Her)
Director of Community Outreach and Development
Sarah has been part of the MLC family since 2012, serving in just about every role the school has to offer — from substitute and aftercare teacher to Toddler and Primary Lead Guide, and now Director of Community Outreach and Development. Born and raised in Asheville, Sarah feels deeply connected to the families and community MLC serves. She holds a degree in Human Services and Development and Family Studies from East Tennessee State University and earned her Primary Guide Montessori Certification through NAMC in 2024. After years in the classroom, her greatest joy remains the same: watching children gain confidence as they master something new. In her current role, she loves bringing people together — connecting families with one another and with the broader community — to help our little school continue to do big things.
Mindy Lautner (She/Her)
On Site Director - West Campus
My name is Mindy Lautner, and I have been with MLC since 2010. I received my American Montessori Society infant/toddler credential from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies in 2009. After several years of teaching toddlers, I transitioned into administration and am now the On Site Director at our 1 School Road location. I was born and raised in Swannanoa, NC, where I still live with my husband, Bob, our dogs, Wyattand Josie, and our cat, Stone. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, fishing, and spending time with my grandchildren, Weston and Lyla.
Fun fact: my playground name is Captain Buttercup!