Heather Simpson – Lower Elementary Teacher

I’ve been a Montessori teacher for 16 years. I attended Guilford College and transferred to Xavier University to complete my education degree and Montessori training. I have a 5 year old daughter, Eleanor, and a 3 year old son, Solomon.

Corey Nutting – Upper Elementary Teacher

I am excited to become a member of the Park Road Montessori team.  This will be my 17th year as a lead teacher, and my 6th as a lead Montessori teacher.  Public Education is always front and center at my house because my wife is also a teacher. We have 3 children (a 7th grade daughter, a 10th grade son, and a son that is entering his senior year) attending J.T. Williams.    My first introduction to Montessori was when my High School Cadet Teaching class took a field trip to Charlotte Montessori School in 1996.  I received my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education as well as my Master’s degree from UNC Charlotte. While I was getting my Master’s degree in 2014, Chantilly Montessori hired me to teach Upper El. During my Montessori I and II certifications and Master’s degree, I was mentored by then Chantilly Montessori School Ap: Melanie Francis, and former Park Road Upper El teacher: Cecelia McGloughlin.  I am the manager of a 3 time champion Adult Men’s Softball team named Bacon. Bacon is sponsored by: Markham Landscape Products, and Metro Greenscape, both based in Charlotte. I cannot wait to meet all of you and to work with you all to build on the success from years past.  

Sarah Flohr – Upper Elementary Teacher Assistant

I am excited to be a part of the PRM crew and look forward to learning every day. This summer I went to Italy where I snapped this selfie in the streets of Rome (after eating the best gelato!) I love books, travel, and being outdoors. My motto is “stay curious and be kind.” Thank you for welcoming me.

Ashley Simpson — Primary Teacher Assistant 

My name is Ashley Simpson and I graduated from High Point University in Education Studies. I am Orton Gillingham trained and am also looking forward to learning the Montessori method. In my free time, I love to run, workout, play tennis and spend time with my family and friends. One of my passions is helping children learn how to read. I look forward to meeting my new students and being a part of the Park Road Montessori team!

Gabrielle Sledge — Counselor

I am a Charlotte native and completed my Bachelor of Arts in Human and Community Services from Queens University of Charlotte and my Master of Arts in School Counseling and Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I have 10 years of school counseling experience in CMS and I am also a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of School Counseling. I have two children, Trey (5 and at PRM) and Grace (10 months). I enjoy taking walks, yoga and visiting the ocean. I am excited to join the PRM staff!

Christina Garay Lohry – Upper Elementary Teacher

Sooooo excited to join the Park Road family for my twenty-fourth year of teaching. Life has been rich with many adventures: traveling and studying in Asia, dancing for years in an African dance ensemble, and of course, teaching hundreds of children in traditional, Waldorf and Montessori schools. I love dance, yoga, hiking, gardening, singing, cooking … I suppose it would be simpler to list what I don’t like …. hmmmmm.

Sara Dorfner – Master Math Teacher

I am thrilled to return to public Montessori this fall. I moved to Charlotte from Charleston, SC a year ago because I love the area and all the opportunities the metro area provides. In my free time you might find me at the Whitewater Center or at Carowinds. I look forward to exploring into the mountains, too. I have two grown boys. My oldest, Thomas, is in the Air Force. My youngest, Matt, attends UNCC. Education is my second career (I was an industrial engineer prior to taking time off to raise my boys). I taught Upper Elementary in Charleston, SC for 10 years prior to moving to Charlotte. Last year, I was a 6th grade math teacher, and while I thoroughly enjoyed my time focusing exclusively on 6th grade math, I realize my passion is truly with Montessori. I look forward to working with the Park Road community this year.

(David) Michael Adams – School Psychologist

I am a graduate of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology where I obtained my education specialist degree. I will be entering my 10th year as a full-time school psychologist. I have mainly practiced in Illinois but I have also resided and practiced in Alaska for a year. My wife and I and our four children have lived in North Carolina for a year. I have a wide range of experiences working with students served in therapeutic day schools for individuals with severe disabilities, significant psychiatric and mental health disorders, severe autism and intellectual disabilities, etc. I also have a lot of traditional school psychology support from early childhood through high school aged students.  We enjoy the outdoors and we came to the area to escape long cold winters in Illinois/Wisconsin.