Staff — Sea Pines Montessori Academy

Our Faculty & Staff

Administrative Team

Marie Lorenzo

Office Manager

Mrs. Lorenzo moved from Fairfax, Virginia, and is loving life by the water! She graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from George Mason University and loves to spend her free time on the boat with her husband and their daughter.

Erika Morgan

Director of Operations

Mrs. Morgan has been involved in the Sea Pines Montessori community for nearly ten years after relocating to Hilton Head Island from Northern Virginia where she worked as a Business Manager for a Montessori School. She first served on the Board of Trustees as both Treasurer and Secretary while working for a local CPA firm. In 2017, Erika became the school’s Director of Operations. Erika and her husband, Daryl currently reside in Sea Pines. She enjoys nature, gardening, and her love of animals.

Clarissa Lesnak MSW, LMSW

Admission Director & Guidance Counselor

Clarissa moved to Hilton Head Island in 2018 after graduating from Emory & Henry College with her B.A in Sociology. She went on to complete her Masters of Social work at the University of Tennessee in 2021 and obtained her LMSW later that year. She currently lives on Hilton Head with her husband, two little boys, and their dog.

PrePrimary Team

Cherie Dellinger

Light Purple Lead Teacher

Mrs. Dellinger is from Ohio and moved to Hilton Head Island in 1999. She holds her Infant Toddler Director Training from MEPI and is currently finishing her Primary Training. She worked at SPMA from 2007-2011 as an assistant teacher in Pre-Primary and Primary. She has two sons who attended SPMA. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, traveling with her children, and watching her oldest son play lacrosse.

Sarah Kernan

Light Purple Room Assistant Teacher

Sarah was born on Hilton Head Island and grew up mostly in Bluffton with a couple of years in Ireland where all of her family lives. She holds her degree in Early Childhood Education. Sarah’s two children also attend SPMA. She enjoys spending time with her family by exploring new places near and far.

Kerry McKinney

Light Green Room - Lead Teacher

Ms. McKinney was born and raised in Charleston, SC and moved to Hilton Head Island in 1997. She has been at SPMA since 2006. Ms. McKinney is passionate about working with young children and embracing their individualities. Ms. McKinney has her Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Child Development. She also holds her Preschool/Kindergarten Montessori Teacher Training from North American Montessori Training Center and her Infant Toddler Director Training from Montessori Educational Programs International. In her free time, Ms. McKinney loves to go camping, kayaking, biking, and playing at the beach with her family.

Alissa Lazor

Light Green Room Assistant Teacher

Mrs. Lazor is from Sabah, Malaysia (Island of Borneo) and lived in Sicily, Italy for 8 years before moving to the United States in 2012. Prior to SPMA, she was teaching at a traditional pre-school for three years and one year with a Reggio Emilia inspired school.

During her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, gardening, yoga and traveling with her husband and their two children.

TBD

Light Green Room Assistant Teacher

Primary Team

Lauren Kelley

Red Room - Co-Lead Teacher

Mrs. Kelley is from New Jersey and moved to Hilton Head Island in 1989. She graduated from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. This is her 20th year at SPMA teaching Primary. She has a daughter who attended SPMA until she was in Kindergarten. In her free time, she loves to practice yoga, go to the beach, read, and bake.

Meg O'Brien

Red Room - Co-Lead Teacher

Ms. O'Brien is from New Jersey and attended William Paterson University. She has been Montessori trained since 1980. She worked at Montessori Gardens School for 7 years and this will be her 31st year at SPMA. She has a daughter who attended SPMA from age 2 through Kindergarten. She loves to cook, garden, and spend time with her two grandsons.

Ashley Schilling

Blue Room - Co-Lead Teacher

Ashley Schilling is from Chapin, South Carolina. She graduated from Presbyterian College in 2010, and soon after, moved to HHI with her husband whose hometown is the island. Ashley went on to receive a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education when she became a believer of the Montessori method of education. Ashley is MEPI Certified through the Institute of Guided Studies as an Early Childhood Montessori Director and has taught at Sea Pines Montessori Academy for 7 years. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, Liam, and Scarlett, interior design, and exercise.

October (Tobee) Labbe

Yellow Room - Lead Teacher

Mrs. Labbe joined the SPMA family this year after relocating to the island from Maine in 2023. She graduated from Clark University in 1992 and received her Master’s Degree in social work from Boston College in 1995. She worked as a child and family therapist in a school based program for 15 years. Tobee fell in love with the Montessori philosophy after her two children attended Montessori school. She received her AMS certification in 2009 and was the owner and teacher of a Montessori Primary School for 14 years. In her free time, she loves being with her family, biking, golfing, and going to the beach.

Kira Stroh

Extended Day Room Teacher & CREW

Mrs. Stroh is from New Jersey but moved down to Hilton Head Island 12 years ago. She is currently studying for her BS in Early Childhood Education. She has been with SPMA for 3 years in the blue room. She also has three children attending SPMA. In her spare time she loves to spend time outdoors with her family, go on weekend beach trips, read and catch up on good TV shows.

Sandy Cochran

Floater

Sandy Cochran relocated to Hilton Head Island from Delaware in 2019. She received her BS in Accounting from Goldey Beacom College and went on to receive certification for Early Childhood Education. Sandy was an assistant director at a learning center for seven years and taught pre-kindergarten for ten years. She has two daughters - Courtney and Shelby. Sandy enjoys visiting her daughters, coaching volleyball, and going on beach trips.

Siobhra Sullivan

Blue Room - Asst. Teacher

Siobhra (pronounced Sheefra) Sullivan is from Middletown, New Jersey. She attended The Catholic University of America and Monmouth University. She moved to Hilton Head in 2020 with her husband. She has 2 daughters working in New York City but visit Hilton Head often. She enjoys biking, golf, pickle ball and walks on the beach.

Shannon Tonger

Yellow Room - Assistant Teacher

Mrs. Tonger is originally from Western New York, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at SUNY Fredonia in 2009. Shortly after, she relocated to Hilton Head Island. It wasn't until her first son was born that she was introduced to Maria Montessori. She fell in love with this philosophy and started her Montessori Early Childhood Certification with the Authentic Institute of Montessori. While her three children keep her busy, Mrs. Tonger enjoys working out, sunrises on the beach, being with friends, camping, and traveling with her husband and children.

Ann Ward

Extended Day & CREW Assistant Teacher

-Ann Ward is a Teacher’s Assistant in the Extended Day and Crew Programs. She joined SPMA last academic school year after relocating to the island with her husband in 2022. Ann holds a Bachelors of Art in English with a concentration in Economics from the University of Virginia. She grew up in Richmond, Virginia and later lived throughout the Carolinas. Ann previously worked in both bank retail and workforce management, later transitioning to positions within private Human Resources consulting and recruiting companies. She supported her sons’ schools and recreational pursuits by serving as PTO President, divisional soccer coordinator, and School Improvement Council board member. When not at SPMA, Ann enjoys hiking, fishing, and visiting her sons in Colorado. She stays busy at home with remodeling projects and outdoor adventures in the beautiful low country.

Elementary Team

Priscilla Kelly Barton

Mudpuppies - Lead Teacher

Mrs. Barton grew up on Hilton Head and attended Sea Pines Montessori as a child. She has been teaching at SPMA for 14 years in the Lower Elementary. She had previously worked as a summer camp aid for 7 years through her high school and college years. PK graduated from Belmont Abbey College with a degree in Elementary Education. She finished her Lower Elementary Montessori Certification in the summer of 2009. PK enjoys coaching travel volleyball and spending time with her family. Her son Hudson is in the Light Green Room at SPMA.

Greg Bednarsh

Mudpuppies Assistant Teacher

Born in Bolivia. Raised in New York City. BFA from North Carolina. Almost a decade of experience in education. Throughout my life and career I have had many mentors that have sparked and ignited my passion for teaching and storytelling. A passion that drives curiosity, that sees things differently, that allows for all voices to be heard. If I can be even a fraction of the kind of inspirations I have had, even to a single child, then I believe I have accomplished a truly wonderful thing. Igniting that spark is at the foundation of education, and I am on a journey to help everyone find theirs.

Kathy Midkiff

Manatees Lead Teacher

-Kathy Midkiff joined SPMA three years ago and is originally from northern Maryland. She completed her bachelors at West Virginia Wesleyan University. Originally she received a BS in Marketing and Economics, but decided teaching was her passion. She returned to Towson State U, Southern Illinois University and East Carolina to achieve multiple certifications - from birth to 3, Kindergarten to 3rd, Elementary, Reading Recovery, Gifted and Talented K-12 and Montessori Lower and Upper Elementary. She has lived and taught in IL, MD, NC and SC. This is Kathy’s 35th year teaching. In addition, she has owned an antique store, a large bed and breakfast and worked as an office manager. She is married and has one daughter that lives in Charlotte, as well as four adult stepchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys living near the water, gardening and her 6 dogs and granddogs.

Beth McCune

Moonshells - Lead Teacher

Mrs. McCune joined the SPMA family in 2009 after relocating to the island. Before pursuing her Montessori training, Mrs. McCune was a Special Education teacher in Charleston, SC. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a major in K-12 Exceptional Student Education from the University of North Florida. In 2015 she received her Elementary I Montessori certification. She, her husband, and 11 year old twin daughters enjoy spending time outdoors enjoying the beautiful Lowcountry.

Jennifer Muller

Moonshells Assistant Teacher

After many years of vacationing on Hilton Head with my husband and three children, I have recently moved from the Hudson Valley in Upstate New York and can finally call this island home. I have two boys, one in college this year and the other is in his senior year of High School in New York. My daughter will be joining me in October to attend 10th grade. I have been in public and private Pre-K-12 schools in New York for over 25 years as a School Psychologist and special education chairperson where I worked with students and collaborated with teachers, professionals and parents to support the academic and social emotional growth of those students. I have also taught graduate classes at Pace University for teachers preparing for NYS certification. I am excited to be a member of Sea Pines Montessori Academy and to be able to spend many months outdoors, without snow, to walk my dog and be active with my family. I enjoy bike riding, running races and practicing yoga as well as baking and attending my children’s sporting events.

Rachael Blystone

Manatees Assistant Teacher

Ms.Rachael moved from Massachusetts to Hilton Head Island 3 years ago with her husband and 2 sons. She has been teaching for 2 years at Sea Pines Montessori and enjoys watching the children grow. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach and visiting family.

Specialty Faculty and Staff

Bibiana Osorio

Spanish Teacher

Bibiana Osorio is from Colombia, South America. She has taught in diverse schools and methodologies both, in South America and in the United States. She joined the SPMA family in 2016 and she teaches the Spanish language and culture to all grade levels in school. In her free time Ms. Bibi likes walking, playing tennis, traveling with her son's soccer team and she loves watching videos of dances from around the world.

Taylor Kent

Music Teacher

Taylor Kent was born in the mountains of Virginia, where she lived with her family until they moved to Hilton Head when she was 10. Taylor attended Hilton Head Preparatory School before returning to Virginia to complete her Bachelors from Ferrum College. A music lover from a very young age, Taylor began to write her own songs and perform publicly at the age of 5. She has since been lucky to sing and play across the lowcountry for years with her instrument of choice, the guitar. Taylor has been teaching music in various forms since 2013. When she is not performing, Taylor is an avid yogi and enjoys spending time by the water. She is thrilled to be a part of the Montessori team, and is ever looking forward to spreading and sharing her love of music.

Katherine De Freitas

Suzuki Music Teacher

Katherine was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio. She started Suzuki Piano lessons at age five and continued piano study until high school graduation. In addition to piano she has studied oboe and voice. Katherine majored in Organizational Communications and minored in Music at Ohio University and graduated in 2005. She moved to Hilton Head in 2006 and started working at SPMA in 2008. She started the Suzuki Piano program at SPMA in 2010 and currently teaches General Music to all students in the school. Katherine is married to her husband, Ney and has two children Rei and Rita who attend SPMA. In her spare time she enjoys entertaining and going out on their boat.

Lukas O’Grady

Physical Education Teacher

Lukas grew up and was educated here in Hilton Head and is an avid soccer player. He attended and played soccer for both USC Upstate and Merrimack College where he received his B.S. in Health Science. He is currently finishing his M.B.A. in Healthcare Management. He has coached and refereed youth athletic programs for over 9 years. He continues to play and coach local youth athletic programs.

Debi West

Art Teacher

Debi is a Nationally Board Certified with 25 years of teaching experience in K-12 art education, arts integration, curriculum writing and project-based learning. I am beyond excited to share my knowledge because when we work together, the ultimate winners are our children – our most priceless asset!

I want to bring my innovative teaching and leadership styles and experiences to teachers, students, districts, art education associations and universities across the nation because I know first hand that:

Hands-on Learning = Authentic Retention!

Lauren Singer

School Nurse

Lauren Singer grew up in Tega Cay, South Carolina and moved to the area in 2006 where she graduated from the University of South Carolina Beaufort and received dual baccalaureate degrees in Nursing and Human Services. She currently has eight years of experience in Emergency Medicine as a Registered Nurse and is trained in both adult and pediatric trauma. She is very grateful for the knowledge she has gained at bedside as it has helped shape her role in caring for our students at SPMA. Her passions include cooking, photography, and exploring new places.

Stacey Howe

Suzuki Violin Teacher

Mrs. Howe recently moved to Hilton Head from Lexington, KY. She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1986. She had Suzuki Violin Teacher training at the Louisville Suzuki Institute, American Suzuki Institute in Stephens Point, WI, and ongoing teacher training with Craig Timmerman in Lexington. She taught Suzuki Violin for over 25 years and has also played in the Lexington Philharmonic since 1984. Stacey also recently got married and is excited to join the SPMA staff. In her spare time she loves to ride bikes, go to the beach and recently started playing pickle ball.