Sea Star Class
Meet Ms. Samara
My name is Samara Pierce. I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and Montessori training from ages 0 – 9. When I was 23 years old, I moved to the United States of America to take the Montessori training and realized that Montessori is my true passion. I decided to join Island Montessori School because I wanted to be a part of a school that offered free Montessori Education to everyone. I have seen firsthand how children in a Montessori School learn; I believe it is the best teaching method.
I am married to a wonderful man named Jerry. I have two sons, two stepdaughters, one stepson, and five grandchildren and another grandson on the way. In my spare time, I love to read, go to the beach and relax. I also enjoy traveling and cooking too.
To this day, I am still in awe of how wonderful it is to see the children grow academically and emotionally. I love children and hope to touch my students’ hearts as they touch mine daily.
Meet Ms. Jodi
My name is Jodi Samples, and I was born and raised on Long Island. I graduated from Lyndon State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Health Sciences with a concentration in Physical Education. After college, I moved to the West Coast where I had the opportunity to work with children with disabilities as a one-on-one paraeducator in both elementary and high school settings. I also coached youth volleyball and basketball and taught swim lessons. After eight years, I moved to Wilmington, NC with my husband, two kids, dog, and cat. I started at Island Montessori 1.5 years ago as a teacher assistant in the charter school, and now I can join the Children’s School this year as Samara’s TA.
I am looking forward to an exciting new school year.
Meet Ms. Elizabeth
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Leonard. I was born in Greensboro, NC and was raised in Carolina Beach since I was three years old. I recently graduated magna cum laude from Ashley High School where I had the privilege of being Vice President of the National Honor Society. While I was in high school, I also competed with an all-star cheer team in Hampstead, NC that won many competitions. During my summers, I have been working at Riverview Restaurant in Kure Beach.This fall I am continuing my education at CFCC and then will later transfer to UNCW to complete their teacher education program. Last year I began assisting in Ms. Samara’s class with recess and lunch. I also supervise the nap room in the afternoons. I fell in love with working with children and decided to follow in my parents' footsteps to become a teacher. I am excited to start a new year at Island Montessori!
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns please email Ms. Samara.