Meet Our Staff


	Jamee Emens ~Executive Director~ Jamee Emens has been running Montessori schools for over 15 years. She holds a bachelors degree from the University of Arizona and obtained a teaching credential in Montessori Education from University of California, Irvine. In 2002, Jamee successfully opened two Montessori schools in Orange County California. Both schools (Fountain Valley Montessori Center and Montessori of Ladera Ranch) are still in operation and boast two year waiting lists. Jamee is a long time member of AMS (American Montessori Society) and has served on many advisory boards. Jamee and her family moved to the Phoenix area in 2008 to open Montessori of Surprise.
	Jennifer Liles ~Center Director~ Jennifer Liles' love for education started long before her employment at Montessori of Surprise. Jenny holds a bachelors degree in Education and a Masters degree in Child Psychology. She then went on to get her teaching credential in Montessori Education from University of California, Irvine. She began her career in Montessori in 2006 at Fountain Valley Montessori Center in California. She taught for two years before switching her focus to the administrative side of education. Jenny and her husband moved to the Phoenix area in 2008 to open Montessori of Surprise.
	Katie Brown ~Lead Teacher~ This is Katie’s first year at Montessori of Surprise but certainly not her first year working with young children. She has been teaching 3-6 year olds for the past 10 years. Katie holds a Bachelors’ degree in Early Childhood Education as well as an AMS (American Montessori Society) teaching credential. On a personal note, Kate is from Omaha, Nebraska and moved to Arizona in October of 2010. She is happily married and enjoys reading, going to church, traveling and being with her family.
	Leesha Raymond ~Lead Teacher~ This is Leesha’s first year at Montessori of Surprise and working with our precious 1 year olds. Although this is her first year at the school, it is not her first year working with young children. She has been teaching young children for the past three years and has also been studying Early Childhood Education for many years. On a personal note, she is happily married and has two children, Zane who is three and Malea who is one. Zane currently attends Montessori of Surprise and is in Room 1 with Ms. Dana.
	Juliet Beguin ~Lead Teacher~ Juliet Beguin joined our team in 2008 as an assistant teacher. Juliet then pioneered our one -year old room. She had five darling one year olds in her care and they flourished under her supervision! Almost immediately, Juliet fell in love with the Montessori philosophy and decided to further her education. After two years of hard work, she completed her AMS Montessori Teaching Credential in May 2011. Although Juliet is not new to the school, she is our newest Montessori Lead Teacher.
	Nicole Faletti ~Lead Teacher~ Ms. Nicole joined our team in June 2010. Ms Nicole was born and raised in Arizona! She began her career in Montessori in 2007 at Adobe Montessori Center in Chandler. Over the past two years she has been working on her teaching credential in Montessori Education through AMS (American Montessori Society). She received her teaching certificate in May 2010! Way to go Nicole.
	Leisa Marcy ~Elementary Teacher~ Ms. Leisa joined our team in 2009 as a Lead Preschool Teacher. Although she taught preschool for 13 years, her real love is for Elementary Education. Ms. Leisa graduated Phi Theta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Ashford University. In 2002, she went on to obtain a teaching credential in Montessori Education from AMS (American Montessori Society). In addition, Ms. Leisa completed the Elementary Montessori Teaching Credential in 2010.
	Erika Radosevich ~Lead Teacher~ Ms. Erika, Ms. Erika recently came back to MOS this school year! She used to be an Assistant in our Toddler Program in 2010 but is now thrilled to be back and be the Lead Teacher of our amazing toddlers. Erika has almost seven years of experience working with children and a year with the Montessori Philosophy. She graduated in December with an Associates Degree and will now be starting her Bachelors’ program. Erika is also happily married and has an amazing 8 year old daughter named Bella.
	Dana Herlo ~Lead Teacher~ Dana has been working in the Montessori profession as a preschool assistant for three and a half years at MOS. Recently, she obtained her certificate as a Certified American Montessori Society Teacher from Seton Montessori Institute in Chicago, Illinois. On a personal note, Dana comes from a family of seven brothers and sisters, and has eleven nieces and nephews. She recently got engaged and is looking forward to her upcoming wedding!