The Guides BehindEvery Classroom
Montessori teachers guide more than they direct. Meet the educators behind each classroom.
Credentialed & Licensed
Peridot holds AMS member status and Alabama DHR licensing. AMS/Alabama DHR
Lifelong Learners
Our teachers keep learning through training, reflection, and observation.
Child-Centered
Our guides observe each child and prepare the next invitation.
Toddler & Primary Guides
Ms. Gretchen
Director & Primary Lead Instructor
AMS Certified Toddler Guide (0–3), CMTE/NY | AMS Certified Primary Guide (3–6) | Chaminade University of Honolulu Montessori Teacher Education Program | BS Human Development | Master's degree in Early Childhood Development in progress
Gretchen brings nearly 20 years of Montessori experience and deep training across Toddler and Primary communities. She pairs Montessori expertise with a background in human development and ongoing graduate study in early childhood development.
Areas of Focus
Ms. Stephanie Jackson
Toddler Lead Instructor
AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma (Birth–3 years) | BA English | BA Psychology
Stephanie holds an AMI Assistants to Infancy diploma. She brings nearly 20 years of experience with children. Her background includes toddler leadership, emotional regulation, and neurodivergent support.
Areas of Focus
Ms. Janaki Barakam
Primary Lead Instructor
Early Childhood Montessori Credentials, Memphis Montessori | Early Childhood Credentials, Athens State
Janaki has served Peridot since 2018. She brings 20 years of Montessori classroom experience. She focuses on prepared environments, independence, and lifelong learning.
Areas of Focus
Suneetha Kandiraju
Primary Lead Instructor
IMC Certified Primary Instructor | Master's degree in Zoology | BS in Biological Sciences
Suneetha has served at Peridot Montessori for the past 7 years in the Primary classroom setting. In the classroom, she focuses on creating a love and passion for learning, using a gentle teaching style and encouraging curiosity.
Areas of Focus
Elementary Guides
Ms. Brandi Harris
Director of Elementary & Elementary Lead Instructor
AMI Credential (6–12 years) | BS Biology | BS Psychology | M.Ed. in Montessori (in progress)
Brandi directs the Elementary program. She holds an AMI 6–12 credential and dual degrees in biology and psychology. She focuses on phonetics, reading support, and dyslexia support.
Areas of Focus
Remington Mace
Elementary Guide
BS Elementary Education
Remington holds a degree in Elementary Education. She began in a mixed-age Montessori-inspired classroom. She focuses on literacy, independence, and joyful Elementary learning.
Areas of Focus
Interested in Joining Our Team?
Montessori educators are welcome to introduce themselves. Learn more about future opportunities at Peridot Montessori.
Join the Waitlist for Future Openings
Our guides keep classrooms intentionally small. Submit a waitlist inquiry so we can follow up as openings become available.