Meet our Staff | The Montessori Academy of Arlington

ADMINISTRATORS


			
						
				   
				      
				      					         
				        				         
				         					            
				               Pam Dunbar
				               Head of School and Latin Specialist
				            
 
				            
				                Started at TMA: 1995  |  Began Teaching: 4-6th Latin teacher—1999; 3rd Greek & Latin Roots—2001
				            
 
				            				         
				      
				      
				   
				
							
				   
				      
				      					         
				        				         
				         					            
				               Amanda Rainey
				               Assistant Head of School
				            
 
				            
				                Started at TMA: 2009
				            
 
				            				         
				      
				      
				   
				
							
				   
				      
				      					         
				        				         
				         					            
				               Lynette Engelke
				               Director of Marketing and Admissions
				            
 
				            
				                Started at TMA: 2017; 2007-2010 as Marketing Communications Specialist
				            
 
				            				         
				      
				      
				   
				
							
				   
				      
				      					         
				        				         
				         					            
				               Ashley Carroll
				               Office Assistant
				            
 
				            
				                Started at TMA: 2018; Teacher Assistant: 2015
				            
 
				            				         
				      
				      
				   
				
							
				   
				      
				      					         
				        				         
				         					            
				               Melanie Henshaw
				               Accountant
				            
 
				            
				                Started at TMA: 1996
				            
 
				            				         
				      
				      
				   
				
							
				   
				      
				      					         
				        				         
				         					            
				               Linda Martin
				               Office Coordinator
				            
 
				            
				                Started at TMA: 1995
				            
 
				            				         
				      
				      
				   
				
							
				   
				      
				      					         
				        				         
				         					            
				               David Reyes
				               Business Manager & Computer Lab Specialist
				            
 
				            
				                Began Teaching: 2016 | Started at TMA: 2011

INFANT PROGRAM

Mary Frances Nelson
Lead Infant Teacher

Began Teaching: 2015 | Started at TMA: 2016

D’Shay Alexander
Infant Teacher Assistant

Began Teaching: 2016 | Started at TMA: 2016

Aubrey Wooden
Infant Teacher Assistant

Began Teaching: 2017 | Started at TMA: 2017

TODDLER

Elaine Marshall
Lead Toddler Teacher

Began Teaching: 1996 | Started at TMA: 2013

Amanda Zarbock
Lead Toddler Teacher

Began Teaching: 2003 | Started at TMA: 2015

Terry Hidalgo
Toddler Teacher Assistant

Began Teaching: 2010 | Started at TMA: 2017

Nakenya Jones
Toddler Teacher Assistant

Began Teaching: 2002 | Started at TMA: 2019

Zahra Khosravi
Toddler Teacher Assistant

Began Teaching: 2012 | Started at TMA: 2018

Sylvie Leblanc
Extended Day Coordinator/Toddler Teacher Assistant

Began Teaching: 1997 | Started at TMA: 1997

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Mallory Boyette
Lead Early Childhood Teacher

Began Teaching: 2012 | Started at TMA: 2017

Ramona Jaber
Lead Early Childhood Teacher

Began Teaching: 2006 | Started at TMA: 2006

Letty Marquez
Lead Early Childhood Teacher

Began Teaching: 1988 | Started at TMA: 1988

Wesley Gunselman
Early Childhood Teacher

Began Teaching: 2015 | Started at TMA: 2019

Dakota Montet
Early Childhood Teacher

Began Teaching: 2018 | Started at TMA: 2014

Bruna Fortune
Early Childhood Teacher Assistant

Began Teaching: 2015 | Started at TMA: 2019

Shannon Oldenburg
Early Childhood Teacher

Began Teaching: 2006 | Started at TMA: 2018

Joanne Punongban
Early Childhood Teacher Assistant

Began Teaching: 2017 - Started at TMA: 2019

LaShanda Scott
Early Childhood Teacher Assistant & Extended Day Staff

Began Teaching: 2009 | Started at TMA: 2019

Walt Montet
Movement and Outdoor Enrichment Specialist

Began Teaching: 1991 | Started at TMA: 2001

Amy Teetzen
Librarian

Started at TMA: 2018

ELEMENTARY

Price Barnes
Upper Elementary Teacher

Began Teaching: 2013 | Started at TMA: 2013

Robin Dotson
Upper Elementary Teacher

Began Teaching: 2006 | Started at TMA: 2006

Grant Harrison
Lower Elementary Teacher

Began Teaching: 2017 | Started at TMA: 2019

Heidi Holguin
Lower Elementary Teacher

Began Teaching: 2013 | Started at TMA: 2010

Candy Proctor
Lower Elementary Lead Teacher

Began Teaching: 2002 | Started at TMA: 2007

Takako Kusayanagi
Science Specialist/Elementary Extended Day Curriculum Coordinator

Began Teaching: 1987 | Started at TMA: 1990

Kelle Carrington
Extended Day Staff

Began Teaching: 2014 | Started at TMA: 2014

ENRICHMENTS

Jennifer Clarkson
Music Specialist

Began Teaching: 1996 | Started at TMA: 2010

Pam Dunbar
Head of School and Latin Specialist

Started at TMA: 1995 | Began Teaching: 4-6th Latin teacher—1999; 3rd Greek & Latin Roots—2001

Cindy Honeycutt
Drama Specialist

Began Teaching: 1991 | Started at TMA: 2009

David Reyes
Business Manager & Computer Lab Specialist

Began Teaching: 2016 | Started at TMA: 2011

Denisse Sanchez de la Barquera
Art & Spanish Specialist

Began Teaching: 2015 | Started at TMA: 2015

Kate Faggella-Luby
Conflict Resolution Specialist

Started at TMA: 2019

Upcoming Events

Labor Day Holiday - No Class or Holiday Care September 2, 2019 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

Grandparents' Day September 6, 2019 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA Details forthcoming.

Peace Day September 20, 2019 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA Details forthcoming.

Annual Meeting September 26, 2019 at 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA Please join us for the 2019 Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 26, from 5:30-7:00 pm. Pam will provide an overview of the successes of the last year. Dinner and free childcare will be provided; please RSVP to Ashley so we can plan accordingly.

Journey of Discovery September 28, 2019 at 9:00 am – 1:00 pm The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA We invite our parents to join us for a powerful experience where you will be immersed in Montessori philosophy, from the Nido class through Upper Elementary. Parents will first be asked to experience the classroom as a silent observer, refraining from touching materials or speaking to others in the room. After this observation, you will…

Columbus Day Holiday October 14, 2019

Parent/Teacher Conferences - Student Holiday October 14, 2019 at 8:00 am – 3:30 pm There are no classes this day. Childcare is provided for Early Childhood and Elementary students between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm in the Multipurpose Room. No care is available for the Infant or Toddler programs; please feel free to bring your child to your conference with you.

Individual Portraits October 14, 2019 at 8:00 am – 4:00 pm The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA Additionally, LifeTouch will be here between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm for individual portrait sessions, which provides a perfect opportunity for your child to pose for great photos with you nearby. Please arrive early, before your scheduled conference time, to have the photos taken. After pictures, drop off your child on the other side of…

Individual and Group Portraits October 15, 2019 at 8:30 am – 11:00 am The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA If you were not able to have your child's picture taken on Parent/Teacher Conference Day, your child will have his/her picture taken during class on Tuesday, October 15. Additionally, group portraits will also be taken this day.

Daylight Saving Time ends November 3, 2019

Backyard Bash November 9, 2019 at 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA The Backyard Bash is a TMA community event that invites everyone to have a great time. Details are forthcoming.

Veterans Day November 11, 2019

Early Childhood Thanksgiving Feasts November 25, 2019 at 10:45 am – 1:45 pm The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA The Early Childhood Classrooms gather in the Multipurpose Room for Thanksgiving Feasts on Monday, November 25. Details forthcoming.

Elementary Thanksgiving Feasts November 26, 2019 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA The Elementary Classrooms hold their Thanksgiving Feasts in their respective classrooms at 11:00 am for Upper Elementary, and 11:30 am for Lower Elementary. You should receive a note from your classroom teacher, which includes information for signing up to bring a dish. Once again, all leftover food will be donated to the Arlington Life Shelter,…

Thanksgiving Holiday - No Class or Holiday Care November 27, 2019 – November 29, 2019 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

Thanksgiving Day November 28, 2019

Community Service Hours Due December 13, 2019 at 8:30 am – 5:00 pm The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA Fall Community Service hours must be logged by Friday, December 13. Community Service Opportunities and directions for logging hours can be found on the Parent Portal under the ParentsWeb heading.

Festive Wear Day December 19, 2019 at 8:30 am – 3:30 pm The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA Come to school wearing something festive to celebrate the season on Thursday, December 19! Parents, children, and staff are all invited to wear sweaters, leggings, or other items of clothing that celebrate this special season.

Winter Solstice Celebration December 20, 2019 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA Early Childhood classrooms celebrate the winter solstice. Details forthcoming.

Last Day of Classes and end of Fall Term December 20, 2019 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

Elementary Young Author's Conference December 20, 2019 at 8:30 am – 11:00 am The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA Each year, elementary students write a story which is presented to the class.

Winter Break - No Class or Holiday Care December 23, 2019 – January 3, 2020 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

New Year's Eve December 31, 2019

New Year's Day January 1, 2020

Spring Term Begins and Classes Resume January 6, 2020 at 8:30 am – 3:30 pm The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

MLK, Jr. Day - Student Holiday, No Class or Holiday Care January 20, 2020 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

Math Journey of Discovery January 25, 2020 at 9:00 am – 1:00 pm The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA Experience the genius of Maria Montessori though hands-on use of the math materials your children use every day. Please join us to learn how the Early Childhood through Upper Elementary materials provide a strong math foundation for your independent and self-motivated learner! Lunch and childcare for currently enrolled students will be provided free of charge…

Valentine's Day February 14, 2020

President's Day Holiday February 17, 2020

Parent/Teacher Conferences - Student Holiday February 17, 2020 at 8:30 am – 4:00 pm The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA There are no classes this day. Childcare is provided for Early Childhood and Elementary students between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm in the Multipurpose Room. No care is available for the Infant or Toddler programs; please feel free to bring your child to your conference with you.

Daylight Saving Time starts March 8, 2020

Spring Break - No Class, Holiday Care Available March 9, 2020 – March 11, 2020 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

Spring Break - No Class or Holiday Care March 12, 2020 – March 13, 2020 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

Student Holiday - No Class or Holiday Care April 10, 2020 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

Professional Development Day - No Class or Holiday Care April 13, 2020 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

Inclement Weather Make-Up Day - No Class or Holiday Care May 1, 2020 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

Mother's Day May 10, 2020

Last Day of Class and End of Spring Term May 15, 2020 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

Staff Work Week - Holiday Care Available May 18, 2020 – May 22, 2020 The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA Please contact David to sign up for Holiday Care.

Memorial Day May 25, 2020

Summer Term Begins May 26, 2020 at 8:30 am – 3:30 pm The Montessori Academy of Arlington, 3428 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA

Father's Day June 21, 2020

Independence Day July 4, 2020

ADMINISTRATORS

Pam Dunbar

Amanda Rainey

Lynette Engelke

Ashley Carroll

Melanie Henshaw

Linda Martin

David Reyes

INFANT PROGRAM

Mary Frances Nelson

D’Shay Alexander

Aubrey Wooden

TODDLER

Elaine Marshall

Amanda Zarbock

Terry Hidalgo

Nakenya Jones

Zahra Khosravi

Sylvie Leblanc

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Mallory Boyette

Ramona Jaber

Letty Marquez

Wesley Gunselman

Dakota Montet

Bruna Fortune

Shannon Oldenburg

Joanne Punongban

LaShanda Scott

Walt Montet

Amy Teetzen

ELEMENTARY

Price Barnes

Robin Dotson

Grant Harrison

Heidi Holguin

Candy Proctor

Takako Kusayanagi

Kelle Carrington

Walt Montet

ENRICHMENTS

Jennifer Clarkson

Pam Dunbar

Cindy Honeycutt

Takako Kusayanagi

Walt Montet

David Reyes

Denisse Sanchez de la Barquera

Amy Teetzen

Kate Faggella-Luby