Toddler (18 months – 3 years) Lead Instructor – Ms. Gretchen

Hi! I’m Gretchen! It’s been my honor to work with the youngest children who begin their Montessori journey. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, my passion for working with the littles started when I observed The Children’s center at Burke in New York – almost 20 years ago! My training began at The Center for Montessori Teacher Education in New York. Once I received my certification as a Montessori instructor from The American Montessori Society, I’ve had the pleasure of opening “from scratch” Montessori Toddler programs on pre-existing Montessori campuses in the state of Virginia, as well as two in the state of Tennessee and now, Peridot’s current Toddler program in Alabama. I took a short break to obtain my nursing degree and precept in the Neonatal Intensive Care at Huntsville Hospital. After passing my nursing boards, I switched gears and went back full swing into the operation at Peridot. I love helping children acclimate to the classroom and get ready for Primary. I put my whole heart into making sure every single child has the best entrance into Montessori. It is not uncommon to find me helping a child acclimate on a Saturday or Sunday. I use special tips and tricks to allow my Toddlers to be as independent as possible.

“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”

– Maria Montessori

Primary (3 – 6 years) Lead Instructor – Ms. Janaki

My name is Janaki Barakam and I have had the privilege of being a part of Peridot Montessori since 2018. After spending 4 years as a Montessori assistant and 16 years as lead Montessori primary teacher in Huntsville Montessori school, I decided to move closer to where I live. I have a bachelors degree in accounting from India. I have early childhood credentials from Athen’s State and Received early childhood Montessori credentials from Memphis Montessori. When I was working as an assistant in a Montessori school, I fell in love with Montessori philosophy. Through Montessori teachings I am able to provide the prepared environment and guidance that cultivates the child’s independence and desire for a lifetime learning. I treasure the natural process that occurs in the Montessori classroom.

“Help me to do it myself. Let us give a child the gift of freedom through independence.”

– Maria Montessori

Elementary (1st – to 6th grades) Lead Instructor – Ms. Brandi

Hello, I am Brandi Harris, the Director of Elementary at Peridot Montessori, where I bring a deep commitment to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional growth of every child. With a dual bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology, I combine a strong scientific foundation with a keen understanding of human development.

I hold credentials from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in 6 to 12 years and am currently pursuing an M.Ed. with a concentration in Montessori, further expanding my expertise in child-centered learning. My professional niche lies in phonetic and reading support, particularly in working with children with dyslexia, where I integrate evidence-based strategies with Montessori principles to empower learners and foster confidence in the 6-12 prepared environment.

Beyond my professional life, I am a wife and the proud mother of five children, an experience that continually informs my perspective as both an educator and leader. My work reflects a passion for creating environments where every child can thrive, discover their strengths, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. My multiple years of experience in building communities and working with families helps lay the foundation for each child to have healthy self-esteem, a love for learning, and healthy interpersonal relationships.