Director and Primary (3 – 6 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.

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

Hello! I am Stephanie Jackson, the toddler guide here at Peridot. I moved to Alabama in 2024 and have been excited to be back in a classroom after a three year hiatus from teaching. I have Bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology along with a diploma in Assistants to Infancy from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) which is a focus on ages birth – three years old. I have almost 20 years of experience working with children, 15 of which was spent in the toddler program at a Montessori school in Dallas, Texas. I hold certifications in areas relating to emotional development, emotional regulation, and neurodivergent children, especially pertaining to ADHD and autism. I have spent time as an in-home therapist working with non-verbal children learning differences. I use my experience along with my education and training in my classroom to prepare and maintain an environment that promotes independence, secure attachments, and freedom for each child that I have the privilege of sharing the space with.

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.

Director and 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.

Elementary Guide – Remington Mace

My name is Remington Mace, and I am an Elementary Guide at Peridot Montessori. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and began my Montessori journey in a mixed-age Kindergarten and 1st Grade classroom at a Montessori-inspired charter school in southwest Colorado. This experience sparked a deep appreciation for Montessori philosophy and the power of thoughtfully prepared learning environments.

After the birth of my son, Theodore, I spent over two years as a lead teacher in an infant Montessori classroom, where I deepened my understanding of the foundational years of independence, curiosity, and discovery. These early experiences continue to inform my work in the elementary classroom, where I am especially passionate about nurturing early literacy, fostering independence, and cultivating a genuine love of learning.

Teaching elementary is especially meaningful to me because it is a time when children begin to ask big questions, form their identities, and grow into confident, capable learners. I feel honored to partner with families at Peridot Montessori and am excited to support each child’s growth with care, intention, and joy.