:: Meet Our Staff

The role of the Montessori teacher (commonly referred to as a “Directress” or “Guide”) is one of guide and observer whose ultimate goal is to intervene less and less as the child develops. The teacher builds an atmosphere of calm, order, and joy in the classroom and encourages the children in all their efforts, thus promoting self-confidence and discipline.

Additional staff includes two assistants who oversee the activities of the Afternoon Enrichment Program. A Board of Trustees, which serves without monetary recompense, oversees the management of the school. Finally, as a parent-owned cooperative, parent involvement plays a vital role in MSOR’s ongoing success.

Nafis Ally - Administrator
MSOR's Administrator Nafis Ally joined the school in 1999. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in education and English literature. Ally is also certified AMI (American Montessori International) teacher, having completed her training in her native Pakistan. She moved to Oak Ridge with her family in 1985. She has four children of her own and enjoys interacting with the children and parents at school.

Amanda Swiger - Primary Guide
MSOR would like to welcome our new primary guide, Amanda Swiger. Amanda is originally from East Tennessee and comes to us directly after completing her training at the Montessori Institute of Atlanta, where she received her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma. Previous to her training in Atlanta with renowned AMI trainer Joen Bettmann, Amanda completed her Bachelors degree at the University of Tennessee with a major in Studio Art and Art Education. She is also in the process of completing her Masters of Education Degree from Loyola college in Maryland with the anticipated graduation this fall. Amanda enjoys creating handmade materials for the classroom and is excited about this first year of her teaching career.
"I enjoy the Montessori approach to education because of immense respect for the child and I see education as the most effective way to change the world."

Candi Taylor - Assistant Guide
Candie has been at the MSOR since 2000. She has two children Laura, sixteen, and Cody, twelve. "I enjoy working with children. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your child."

Kathy Bates - Enrichment Program Director
Kathy is a native of Michigan, but has lived in East Tennessee for 17 years. She and her husband have three daughters and 5 grandchildren. Because of her love for children she has worked with them for most of her adult life. This is Kathy's third year at the Montessori School of Oak Ridge, second in the capacity Director of Enrichment. "I look forward to every new school year and meeting all the new children and their families. Life is nothing without children around you."

Jutta Brands - Enrichment Program Assistant
Miss Jutta Brands came from Germany (Bonn-Cologne on the River Rhine) to the United States in April 2004 when her husband was transferred to Oak Ridge. During her last 14 years in Germany she worked as an educator in two separate group homes and one kindergarten. She has been with the Montessori School of Oak Ridge since August of 2006.
"My first school year of 2006/2007 was exciting and I enjoyed working with the young children, sharing my love of art with them, and learning about the new field (for me) of pedagogy."