Our Staff

Originally from South Africa, Susanna Myburgh moved to the Chicagoland area during high school and has since built a dynamic career in education spanning over two decades. She earned her degree in Elementary and Middle School Education and began teaching history and English in Southern California. Her journey later took her to Taiwan, where she played a key role in growing a K–12 international school and supporting a major campus expansion.

After returning to the U.S., Susanna served as director of another Montessori school before joining the May River Montessori community. She is passionate about creating a positive, professional work culture for staff and supporting initiatives that enhance student learning. She also values building strong connections with families and contributing to the broader community.

Outside of school, Susanna enjoys traveling, wildlife photography, and spending time with her family.

Originally from Richmond, VA, Jeremy Hodge moved to Bluffton in 2019 after spending 15 years in Florida. He is the co-founder and owner of HD Web Developers, an online business development company focused on supporting small businesses. Prior to that, Jeremy taught Computer Animation and Visual FX at Full Sail University in Orlando for five years.

Since 2020, Jeremy has been both a parent and the IT Specialist at May River Montessori, where he supports families, teachers, and staff with their technology needs. With sons Cruz and Knox attending the school from 2020 to 2024, Jeremy is deeply invested in the MRM community. He is passionate about enhancing the school’s communication, encouraging family involvement, and using technology strategically to help the school continue to thrive.

Amanda brings a wealth of experience in social work, administration, and organizational leadership, paired with a deep passion for creating safe, structured, and thriving environments for children and families.

A summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University, Amanda holds a B.A. in Social Work and has worked in both public and private sectors. She previously served as a Financial Administrator, overseeing payroll, invoicing, and financial systems with precision. Earlier in her career, she was a Case Manager for the Indiana Department of Child Services, where she supported children and families through care planning and advocacy.

Amanda is known for her clear communication, attention to detail, and ability to lead with empathy and efficiency. She is well-versed in tools like QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, Canva, and project management platforms.

After spending recent years raising and homeschooling her children, Amanda is excited to return to full-time leadership. She brings not only strong professional expertise but also a heartfelt commitment to our mission and community. We’re honored to have her on board!

Originally from Venezuela, Daraiza—affectionately known as “Miss D”—has been working with children since she was 18, beginning with summer camps and specialized programs for children with special needs in her home country. After moving to the United States, she continued her work with young learners at Sea Pines Montessori in Hilton Head, where she earned her Infant-Toddler Montessori certification.

Miss D also served as a bilingual liaison at the local high school, supporting families through front desk coordination, Spanish interpretation, and collaboration with BabyNet services. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Management and brings both warmth and professionalism to every role she takes on.

Now a proud member of the May River Montessori team, Miss D is deeply passionate about the Montessori method and is thrilled to be part of a school community she truly loves.

A Lowcountry native, Ms. Kayla brings many years of experience in Montessori environments and is certified in both Infant/Toddler and Primary Montessori education. She began her Montessori journey in 2014 at Sea Pines Montessori Academy, earning her Infant/Toddler certification, and joined MRM in 2023.

Ms. Kayla is deeply passionate about being a Montessori guide, finding great joy in observing and nurturing each child’s unique growth and development. Beyond the classroom, she supports the school by assisting with fundraising efforts and managing social media.

Ms. Kayla and her husband, John, are blessed with six children. In their free time, they enjoy camping, backpacking, hiking, and escaping to the mountains. She looks forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and joy for all the students at May River Montessori.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Paula Hawkes moved to Hilton Head with her family in 1978. She discovered her passion for working with young children during high school and has dedicated her career to early childhood education ever since. Ms. Paula holds an Associate of Arts degree and a Montessori Diploma in Early Childhood.

For the past 16 years, she has been a beloved toddler teacher at May River Montessori. Ms. Paula finds great joy in watching her young students grow in self-confidence, independence, and friendships each day.

Ms. Monique brings a rich and varied background in early childhood education, youth development, and caregiving to our community. She has served as a Preschool Lead Teacher, substitute teacher, and track coach—roles in which she consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting children’s physical, emotional, and academic growth.

With over a decade of experience as a trusted private nanny, Ms. Monique is known for her professionalism, focus on safety, and ability to build meaningful connections with the families she serves. Her leadership skills have also been recognized through honors such as a Senate of State recognition and her service as an ROTC cadet leader.

Ms. Monique’s dedication, warmth, and well-rounded experience make her a valuable addition to any team working to support and inspire young learners.

A Bluffton native since 1974, Ms. Jen Zimmerman was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but has called the Lowcountry home for nearly her entire life. She holds a degree in Banking and Finance and previously worked at Palmetto State Bank before discovering her true calling in early childhood education.

Ms. Jen earned her Infant/Toddler Montessori certification in 2004 and has been a dedicated member of the May River Montessori team since 2014. She has a special interest in Sensory Processing and Feeding Therapies and brings deep care and insight to her work with the youngest learners. She especially loves witnessing the “ah-ha” moments that come with growing independence in the Montessori environment.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Jen enjoys time by the May River or the ocean. With three teenagers involved in sports like football, ice skating, and horseback riding, you’ll often find her reading a good psychological thriller in the quieter moments.

Originally from Bothell, Washington, Ms. Erin Rydell moved to South Carolina in 2022 and joined May River Montessori the same year. She holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and a bachelor’s degree in Child, Youth, and Family Studies. With over eight years of preschool teaching experience, Ms. Erin brings creativity and dedication to her work—whether it’s organizing hands-on parent nights, building enriching classroom projects, or supporting children’s individual growth.

At May River Montessori, Ms. Erin works with Lunch Bunch and the primary afterschool program. She is passionate about meeting children where they are, nurturing their independence, and fostering a love of learning at their own pace. Ms. Erin values strong relationships with both children and families and is inspired by the growth she witnesses throughout the school year.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Erin enjoys photography, animals, the beach, and spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends.

With over 20 years of experience in early childhood and Montessori education, Ms. Ashley brings a deep passion for child development and a compassionate, student-centered approach to learning.

Ms. Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from the University of South Carolina and is certified in both Primary and Lower Elementary Montessori education. She has worked extensively with children ages 3 through lower elementary, including several years as a full-time Lower Elementary Montessori  and Primary teacher. 

Known for her caring nature, strong listening skills, and team spirit, Ms. Ashley brings both expertise and a warm, collaborative presence to our school community.

Ms. Lily brings warm enthusiasm and a genuine love for working with children, along with valuable experience from a variety of roles that help her connect with young learners with patience and care.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Lily has cared for horses on a local family farm and contributed backstage at May River Theatre, showcasing her creativity, adaptability, and teamwork.

What makes Ms. Lily’s story especially meaningful is that she’s returning to the very school she attended as a child—now as a dedicated educator eager to give back to the community she has loved for years.

Originally from Long Island, NY, Ms. Cindy moved to Hilton Head Island with her husband, Jimmy, in 1991. She holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Farmingdale College (SUNY) and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology of Exceptional Children from SUNY Cortland. In 2003, she earned her Montessori Certification from the Montessori Institute of America.

With over 30 years of experience in education, Ms. Cindy has taught in both New York and the Lowcountry. She spent a decade as a Lead Teacher at Sea Pines Montessori and also served as Director of Providence Children’s Center. For the past 15 years, she has been a dedicated member of the May River Montessori team, teaching in the Sunflower and Magnolia classrooms. She currently serves as the Lead Teacher in the Magnolia Room alongside Ms. Helen.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Cindy enjoys traveling with her husband to visit their two adult children in Boston and NYC. She also loves reading on her porch, gardening, and hiking in the mountains.

Ms. Helen Yates, originally from Chatham, New Jersey, has lived across the U.S., following her passion for education and caregiving. She earned her Liberal Arts degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts and received her Montessori training and certification from St. Nicholas College of London.

Ms. Helen has spent much of her career in Montessori education, including ten years at Westmont Montessori School in New Jersey and five years at Southwest Montessori Preschool in Colorado. She also worked as a Full Day Coordinator at Williamsburg Montessori School in Virginia before moving to Bluffton, SC to be closer to family.

For the past 14 years, Ms. Helen has been a dedicated member of the May River Montessori team. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her four cats and visiting her children and grandchildren in Texas and Alabama.

Ms. Emma is a certified Montessorian and experienced early childhood educator who brings a warm, student-centered approach to her classroom. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Montessori Education and is a proud Honors College graduate.

Ms. Emma is certified in South Carolina Early Childhood Education, Georgia Elementary P–5, and holds a Primary Montessori Certification from the American Montessori Society. Her teaching emphasizes peace education, social-emotional learning, and individualized instruction—all grounded in strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

Known for her upbeat, patient, and nurturing nature, Ms. Emma is passionate about creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive. We’re excited to have her join our community and look forward to the positive impact she will bring to our school!

Ms. Katie Snyder grew up in the Northeast and moved to Bluffton in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology with a research concentration from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

After starting her family, Ms. Katie dedicated several years to raising her two children before stepping into the world of education. She began volunteering at May River Montessori in 2022 in the art classroom, which led to a role as an Assistant Teacher in the Jasmine classroom. She now serves as the Assistant Teacher in the Sunflower classroom, where she brings a warm, nurturing presence and a positive attitude. Ms. Katie is passionate about creating a welcoming environment that supports each child’s growth and development.

Ms. Kristi Fossbakk, originally from Michigan, brings a rich background in education with a focus on Special Education and Psychology. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Grand Valley University, a Master’s in Education from Marygrove College, and multiple certifications in Special Education.

Her career has taken her from Michigan to Norway, where she became fluent in Norwegian and was deeply involved in Montessori education. She has taught across all age levels, developed inclusive learning programs, and presented her work at educational conferences.

Ms. Kristi is passionate about early intervention, student success, and strong family partnerships. She is grateful to be part of the MRM community and enjoys spending time with her growing family and grandchildren.

Ms. Susan brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for Montessori education to May River Montessori. Originally from New Jersey, she holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with a focus on Early Childhood Development from Shippensburg University, along with an AMI Primary Diploma and an AMS Elementary I Diploma.

Over the years, Ms. Susan has served as Head of Preschool and Head of Elementary, fostering learning environments where children feel supported, engaged, and inspired. She is deeply committed to the mission of the school and to nurturing each child’s growth and potential.

Ms. Susan is excited to be part of the May River Montessori community and looks forward to helping students thrive on their unique learning journeys.

Ms. Angela brings a strong background in English Language Arts and a deep passion for literacy and student growth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Creative Writing from Pfeiffer University, along with a Tennessee Teaching License.

Ms. Angela’s teaching experience includes working in both inclusion and honors classrooms, as well as serving as a Reading Intervention Teacher. Through her time with the Nashville Teacher Residency (NTR), she gained hands-on experience as an ELA Co-Teacher and Assistant Teacher, where she developed a student-centered, engaging teaching style rooted in strong instructional practices.

Ms. Angela is dedicated to creating a nurturing and dynamic learning environment that supports every child's voice and learning journey. We are so excited to have her join our community and look forward to the creativity, care, and expertise she will bring to our students and school. 

With over 36 years of experience in education, Ms. Kathy Midkiff brings deep expertise and a lifelong passion for teaching to her work. Originally from northern Maryland, Ms. Kathy began her academic journey in marketing and economics before discovering her true calling in education. She went on to earn a variety of certifications, including Montessori Lower and Upper Elementary, Reading Recovery, and Gifted and Talented, among others. 

Ms. Kathy has taught in multiple states and educational settings, and since 2001, she has been a dedicated Montessori educator. She is especially proud to have founded two Upper Elementary Montessori programs in the Lowcountry, showcasing her leadership in the field. 

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Kathy enjoys time by the water, gardening, needlecrafts, and caring for her six dogs and granddogs. She lives with her husband and has a daughter in Charlotte, along with four adult stepchildren.

Mr. Doray brings a unique blend of experience working with children and a professional background in business and entrepreneurship, perfectly suited to bring the Oak Room’s mission of experiential, real-world learning to life. His teaching approach centers on patience, creativity, and a genuine passion for guiding young learners.

Partnering with Farmer B, Mr. Doray will enhance the gardening program by integrating sustainability, planning, budgeting, and entrepreneurial thinking into hands-on, interdisciplinary projects. This combination of practical skills and academic concepts helps students connect classroom learning with the world around them, fostering critical thinking, independence, and creativity.

Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Farmer B moved to the Lowcountry in 2014 and brings over 40 years of experience in education. He has been married to his wife, Julie, for 41 years. Together, they have three children and four grandchildren. He also enjoys a close relationship with his three siblings and his mother, who is still living.

Farmer B’s greatest joy in teaching comes from the smiles, the hugs, and the moments when children leave his care feeling better about themselves. What he loves most about May River Montessori is the supportive staff, the wonderful families, and the sense of community that embraces and values what he brings to the classroom and garden. He often says this is the first time in his life he looks forward to coming to work on Monday mornings.

His wish for each school year is simple yet powerful: to make a positive difference in the life of even just one child. To him, that is the true measure of success.

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Ms. Kalen holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Massachusetts College of Art and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Education from Liberty University. She moved to the Lowcountry 20 years ago and has since built a rich and varied career in education and the arts.

Ms. Kalen has worked as an art teacher and program director for the Jasper County Boys and Girls Club, as well as a summer camp director for both Sea Pines Resort and the Beaufort Yacht Club. Her teaching experience spans all age levels—from Pre-K to high school—and includes more than a decade in Montessori schools, working with students from toddlers to eighth grade. 

A passionate and multi-talented educator, Ms. Kalen is dedicated to inspiring creativity through music, movement, fine arts, and theater. She has directed and choreographed ten full-scale musicals featuring students from kindergarten through eighth grade, including productions of Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, and Willy Wonka Jr. Her commitment to cultivating students’ artistic talents makes her a vibrant and inspiring presence in the classroom.

Originally from Zanesville, Ohio, Ms. Katherine's love for music began at age five with Suzuki piano lessons and grew to include voice, oboe, and tenor saxophone. She earned her degree in Organizational Communications with a minor in music from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

After relocating to Hilton Head in 2008, Katherine began teaching at Sea Pines Montessori Academy, where she played a key role in founding the Suzuki Piano program and served in multiple roles including music, drama, and toddler teacher. She directed and produced musicals for over 15 years and launched Music Together of the Lowcountry in 2017—a music program for young children and their caregivers. Her training includes Paraprofessional Montessori certification, Suzuki Piano Teacher Training (ECC and Books 1–3), Suzuki Voice (Book 1), and Music Together Teacher Training.

At May River Montessori, Katherine has taught music in both the Pre-Primary and Primary programs and Elementary programs as well as volunteering as the Music Director for The Little Mermaid Jr. (2024) and Willy Wonka Jr. (2025). She is passionate about inspiring children through the arts and building meaningful connections with families.

In her spare time she helps her husband run their construction company and enjoys being on the water with her family.