OUR FACULTY & STAFF

Administration

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Sarah Shafer

School Director

I am a passionate Montessori Mom of three beautiful children, my gifts from God, and have been entrusted with the great honor of being the Director at CMS. I hold a BA in Biblical Studies from Criswell College. I strive for excellence while gently giving myself permission to be human. I love connecting with people and learning their stories. I love serving our families and I believe that the Montessori-Method with its innate spirituality provides an enriching way to love and care for our children well.

We welcome your commitment to your child’s education and invite you as parents to become active participants in our community.

In Montessori Wonder

~ Sarah

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Sophie Anthony

School Administrator

I was raised in Dallas, TX and grew up in Montessori education, which I believe fostered a love of learning, curiosity, and creativity. I hold an MFA from the University of Chicago and a BFA in Studio Art and BA in Physics from Southwestern University, graduating summa cum laude.

I am so excited to support Montessori learning as the School Administrator at Cathedral Montessori School. In my free time, I love to paint and draw and I exhibit my work nationally.

Lead Guides

Keiko Byrnes

Lead Primary Guide

I am an early childhood educator with a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori Concentration from the University of Hartford. I also hold an AMI Primary (3-6) diploma from the Montessori Institute of North Texas. My training blends academic research with authentic Montessori principles, allowing me to support the developmental needs of young children through purposeful, child-led learning. I am passionate about creating nurturing environments that empower independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Claribel Rodriguez

Lead Toddler Guide

Hello! I’m Claribel Rodriguez, a mother of two beautiful children, Allie and Thiago, who helped me discover the love and passion for Montessori. I have been in Montessori education for 10 years. I am AMI 0-3 Assistants to Infancy certified from Montessori Institute of North Texas. I enjoy creating a positive, independent, nurturing, supportive, caring environment for the children where they can thrive and grow. I am super excited and proud to be a part of such a beautiful community at Cathedral Montessori and to have the privilege to be part of your child’s life.

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Lexus Wells

Lead Toddler Guide

Hello! My name is Lexus and I am an AMI 0-3 Assistant to Infancy certified educator through the Montessori Institute of North Texas. My Montessori journey began when I was just 13 years old—and I’ve never looked back! Over the years, I’ve had the joy of serving in many roles, including classroom assistant, guide, and Director of Administration.

I’m also a proud mom to three beautiful children who inspire me daily and remind me why I’m so passionate about the work I do. I believe deeply in the Montessori philosophy and feel honored to be part of a community that nurtures each child’s growth, independence, and natural curiosity. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the beautiful community here at Cathedral Montessori, and I look forward to supporting you and your child on this meaningful journey.

Melissa Turner

Lead Nido Guide

From working in the church nursery to being a counselor for teenagers at summer camp, I have been involved with the formation of children at nearly every stage of development. I was really first introduced to the fullness of Montessori method of education after becoming a member at St. Matthew’s and witnessing the formation of the children and youth in our community in a way where they were free to explore and wonder in an environment prepared specifically for them. I was excited to know that we would be extending this opportunity for families in East Dallas through early childcare. In the first few months of being with our youngest students in Nido, I had the privilege of watching many of them move from infancy to toddlerhood. I hope that as a Toddler guide I can assist students in developing skills and confidence that will be a foundation for life-long learning.

Assistant Guides

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Lincoln Anthony

Assistant Primary Guide

I’m Lincoln Anthony, and I’m an assistant guide for the Primary classroom. Growing up in Montessori, I learned the importance of education as an aid to life from an early age, and I am excited to be back in this environment. I went to White Rock Montessori for elementary and middle school, Booker T. Washington HSPVA, and St. John’s College in Santa Fe. I hold a 3-6 Orientation certificate from the Montessori Institute of North Texas. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, gardening, and watching old movies.

Katie Lipscomb

Assistant Toddler Guide

I learned about the Montessori Method while studying for a teacher's certification in traditional elementary education. Deeply inspired by Montessori's child-centered ethos, I decided to change course. I am honored to be the Assistant Guide in the Nido environment at Cathedral Montessori.

I have a BFA in painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia. Curiosity and play are central to how I approach making things in my arts practice and to how I approach life outside of the studio as well. I also enjoy spending my time running, going on adventures out in nature, and listening to music.

Deondra Walters

Assistant Toddler Guide

I have been working in Montessori Schools for six years. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree, as well as a Montessori Core Principles Certificate and a 0-3 Orientation certificate, both from the Montessori Institute of North Texas.

Gladis Guevara

Assistant Nido Guide

Hello, My name is Gladis! I have been working with infant rooms for 1 year. I love working with children and creating a safe environment for them to learn and grow. The best part of being an infant teacher is caring for babies who love me as much as I love them. This has been the most rewarding experience for me. I’m a mother of 2 beautiful daughters and I dedicate my whole life to them. I’m so excited to be a part of Cathedral Montessori School.

Afterschool

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Hannah Pretlove

Afterschool & Substitute

I am currently studying Christian Ministries and Theology at Criswell College and hope to work in Kids’ Ministry full time when I graduate. I have worked in childcare for a little over four years and love to see children learn and grow into who God created them to be. I am passionate about creating a welcoming and warm environment for children to flourish in. I am so excited to be apart of the ministry that is Cathedral Montessori School!

Kadence McGregor

Afterschool & Substitute

I’m so excited to be part of the Cathedral Montessori family. I am currently in my first year at Criswell College, where I am studying Biblical Theology and Psychology. Growing up, I faced challenges which inspired me to dedicate my life to helping children navigate their emotions and heal from difficult experiences. As a 7th Grade Girls Life Group Leader, I love pouring into the lives of kids, bringing warmth, energy, and joy wherever I go. In my free time, you’ll often find me with a good book and a cup of tea in hand. I’m truly blessed to support your child’s emotional and spiritual growth, and I look forward to accompanying them on this meaningful journey.

Afterschool & Substitute

Hello! I am so blessed to be a part of the Cathedral Montessori family. Currently, I’m in my first year at Criswell College, studying education and theology. I have always had a passion for nuturing and loving on children and am excited to work with your children in the afterschool program! In my free time you can often find me thrifting or practicing my photography skills.

Rylie McCullough

Afterschool & Substitute

Hi! My name is Lucy Castaneda and I am a psychology student at Criswell College with a big heart for kids and a passion for helping others grow. I've had the chance to work with children of all ages. From serving at summer camp to supporting teams at a major hospital. Each experience has deepened my love for working with young people. I'm especially excited about a future in pediatric social work, where I hope to continue making a positive difference in children's lives. I’m always learning, always listening, and always ready to lend a helping hand!

Lucy Castaneda

Afterschool & Substitute

Hello, my name is Kristen Sutton. I hold a bachelor’s degree from UNC Charlotte and have over 12 years of experience in childcare. I am deeply passionate about teaching and am particularly drawn to the Montessori method for its emphasis on fostering independence and a love of learning. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, spending time in nature, and embracing a holistic, natural lifestyle. Promoting a healthy body and mind is a priority for me, both personally and in the work I do with children. I’m excited to be a part of this community and look forward to nurturing each child’s unique potential!