Our Head of School
Head of School/Lead Teacher: Theresa Joyce
Theresa first discovered Montessori when her oldest child was 3 years old and she fell in love with the philosophy. All three of Theresa’s children attended Montessori schools. By the time her youngest child entered a primary class, Theresa decided to become a Montessori teacher herself.
Theresa has Montessori certifications in both Lower Elementary (6-9 years) and Primary (2 ½ - 6 yrs). She has a BA in Psychology and holds certifications in Florida for Elementary Education K-6 and Special Education K-12. She has been teaching for over 20 years.
Sweetbay Staff
Ms. Kayra
Ms. Marquilla
Ms. Marquilla
Administrator
Ms. Kayra has been working with children for 10+ years. She holds an associate’s degree in general studies along with certifications in early childhood education. After years of working in both public and private schools, she saw first-hand that traditional early childhood education could go only so far, upon discovering the
Administrator
Ms. Kayra has been working with children for 10+ years. She holds an associate’s degree in general studies along with certifications in early childhood education. After years of working in both public and private schools, she saw first-hand that traditional early childhood education could go only so far, upon discovering the Montessori approach to developing the whole child she was inspired and sought to learn more about the Montessori Method. She joined Sweetbay Montessori School in 2021. She enjoys helping families learn more about Sweetbay Montessori School. In her spare time, Ms. Kayra enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and volunteering at her local church.
Ms. Marquilla
Ms. Marquilla
Ms. Marquilla
Associate Teacher
Ms. Marquilla has 6 years of experience as a substitute teacher in education. She is passionate about fostering a love of learning and discovery in her students through a holistic approach to educating the whole child. Ms. Marquilla is a wonderful mother to 4 beautiful children. She enjoys spending time with her family.
Associate Teacher
Ms. Marquilla has 6 years of experience as a substitute teacher in education. She is passionate about fostering a love of learning and discovery in her students through a holistic approach to educating the whole child. Ms. Marquilla is a wonderful mother to 4 beautiful children. She enjoys spending time with her family. You can find her at Freeport Football or Basketball games cheering her son on.
Ms. Britany
Ms. Marquilla
Ms. Britany
Associate Teacher
Ms. Britany has an Associate’s Degree in Psychology. She worked in a mental facility for 8 years and believes that patience and compassion go a long way when working with others. She is the oldest of 6 children. She has a passion for children and watching them blossom in the world around them. She is happily married and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Rae
Ms. Rae
Ms. Britany
Associate Teacher
Ms. Rae has 7+ years of experience in early childhood education. Throughout her years working with children she has earned numerous credentials with DCF, She also has completed Autism Awareness courses with FSU and FCCPC (Florida Child Care Professional Credential) with the Florida Institute of Training. In her free time
Associate Teacher
Ms. Rae has 7+ years of experience in early childhood education. Throughout her years working with children she has earned numerous credentials with DCF, She also has completed Autism Awareness courses with FSU and FCCPC (Florida Child Care Professional Credential) with the Florida Institute of Training. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two children, exploring nature, fishing, camping, hunting, Girl Scouts, and church.
Ms. Ann
Ms. Rae
Ms. Ann
Substitute Associate Teacher
Ms. Anne is a local art gallerist and writer who attended Montessori School in Selma, Alabama, as a child. Inspired by that formative childhood experience, Miss Anne pursued a Masters of Education with an emphasis in Montessori and Urban Education from Southern Methodist University, graduating in 2020. She hold
Substitute Associate Teacher
Ms. Anne is a local art gallerist and writer who attended Montessori School in Selma, Alabama, as a child. Inspired by that formative childhood experience, Miss Anne pursued a Masters of Education with an emphasis in Montessori and Urban Education from Southern Methodist University, graduating in 2020. She holds the Primary/Casa dei Bambini/Children’s House diploma from Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and earned her student teaching hours at Sweetbay Montessori School where she has continued on our team as a guide for The Children’s House.