ATLANTIS MONTESSORI
Faculty and Administration
Atlantis Montessori Academy Teachers are AMI-Certified and Experienced in applying Montessori Methods.
Teachers at Atlantis Montessori Academy (AMA) have earned Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) certification based on rigorous and specialized training from centers in the United States and abroad.
Each classroom at Atlantis Montessori is remarkable for the atmosphere of calm, order, and joy, where children feel at ease and are encouraged to follow their intellectual curiosity. This atmosphere is created by experienced Montessori teachers who know how to prepare for and monitor the progress of individual children following their own paths of intellectual, social, and emotional development.
SERENA HARRISON
Executive Director
Lead Primary Teacher, AMI Trained
Serena is the founder of Atlantis Montessori Academy and serves as its Executive Director and Lead Primary Guide. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, an AMI Diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego, and holds Directors Credentials, Staff Credentials, and VPK Credentials from the State of Florida.
Serena and her three children have resided in Volusia County for over 30 years. All three of her children attended Montessori school in Deland from preschool until 5th grade.
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After enrolling her three children in a Montessori program, Serena fell in love with the Montessori approach to educating children. Serena has over 12 years of experience assisting and teaching in both Toddler and Primary Environments. Her dream to open her own Montessori School came to fruition when she opened Atlantis Montessori Academy in 2019.
ETZELL MEDRANO
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Etzell loves being at Atlantis Montessori because she is able to educate and inform the children about things they may not have been exposed to, like the solar system. She is fluent in both Spanish and English and brings this knowledge into the classroom. She speaks in Spanish to the children making the primary classroom dual language. Ms. Etzell is attending college, enjoys writing poetry, drawing, and painting. In her free time, she is considering joining a community theatre. She enjoys reading and works to find quiet moments for this.
ALYSSHA DE JESUS
Aftercare Teacher
Ms. Ally enjoys the friendly, healthy, safe, and peaceful environment that Atlantis Montessori provides for the children enrolled and the staff who work here. She appreciates the way Atlantis Montessori promotes learning for children by embracing each child's individuality. Ms. Ally has had experience working with kids for a long time, including taking care of her younger relatives. These experiences have inspired her to support and encourage the philosophy of learning according to the abilities of each individual child. This method promotes and guarantees effective learning while also respecting their cultural beliefs and values. When Ms. Ally is not working, she is studying for her bachelor's degree in Psychology. She is currently in her third year with a focus on applying these methods and knowledge bases to children.