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 four grandchildren. 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. Rita
I’m Rita McKinney
I am responsible for lunch and recess and am often considered the “nap whisperer”. This marks my 5 th year at IM School. I moved to Wilmington 7 years ago from Washington, D.C., where I worked and raised three children.
I received my B.A. in Education from Longwood University and an M.S. Ed in Early Childhood Education from Old Dominion University.
Before I arrived at IM School, I worked in education, interior design, and for the Department of Defense. I am an avid yogi; I enjoy time on our boat with friends, watching my son play professional hockey, and spending as much time as possible in my favorite city, London, England.
It’s a joy for me to be with your little ones. I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns please email Ms. Samara.