Staff Introduction
At Christian Montessori School of Lake Norman, we are committed to providing children with an exemplary Montessori education grounded in Christian principles. We promote Montessori certification and continuing education for our staff and are proud of the experienced professionals entrusted to guide each child in our programs.
ADMIN
MISSI WHITE
Head of School
With more than 30 years of experience in education and seven years at CMSLN, Missi brings a wealth of experience to our community. She loves that CMSLN continually strives to reach a higher level, even when challenges arise, and values the encouragement and perseverance found within our school family. Her favorite Scripture is Hebrews 10:24–25, a reminder to encourage one another toward love and good works. A fun fact about Missi: she is also a certified yoga instructor!
HAZEL ARCHIE
Administrative Assistant
Hazel has spent four years in education at CMSLN. While she isn’t a classroom teacher, she especially enjoys teaching Bible and choir because of her love for spiritual growth and the harmony of voices coming together. Hazel treasures seeing children grow through the care of teachers who genuinely love them and values the bond, respect, and integrity that have developed throughout the CMSLN community. Her favorite Scripture is 1 Peter 5:10, a reminder that God strengthens and establishes us through every season. A fun fact about Hazel: she loves singing in the mirror like nobody’s watching!
KATELYN QUINN
Administrative Assistant
Katelyn loves being part of the CMSLN family and having the opportunity to watch children grow, learn new things, gain confidence, and allow their unique personalities to shine. She feels blessed to be part of a community that supports, encourages, and celebrates children every step of the way. Her favorite Scripture is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” A fun fact about Katelyn: she loves crafting, getting creative, and dancing!
PRIMARY
SONYA PHILLIPS
Primary 1 - Lead
Sonya brings more than 14 years of experience in private Christian education and is in her second year at CMSLN. She especially enjoys Sensorial and Language lessons, where she gets to witness children develop independence, concentration, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. Sonya treasures watching each child grow and take pride in what they can accomplish on their own. Her favorite Scripture is Philippians 4:13, which reminds her (as well as the children she teaches) that Christ gives us strength. Outside the classroom, Sonya loves writing, journaling, and creating spoken-word poetry.
HOPE FEELEY
Primary 1 - Assistant
Hope has spent seven years in education, all of them at CMSLN. She especially loves teaching art because it gives children an opportunity to express their feelings, creativity, imagination, and appreciation for beauty. Hope treasures the opportunity to work devotedly with children while helping them grow in their faith in the Lord. One of her favorite reminders from Scripture is Proverbs 3:6, which reminds us to put God first and trust Him to direct our paths and efforts. A fun fact about Hope: she once spent three months visiting Australia!
ELLIE SMITH
Primary 2 - Lead
Ellie is in her tenth year of teaching and has a special appreciation for the Montessori Math curriculum and the intentional way it makes complex concepts accessible to young children. She loves that CMSLN is a place where her passion for education and her faith come together alongside people who share those values. Her favorite Scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, reminding us to trust in the Lord rather than our own understanding. A fun fact: Ellie’s real first name is Mary! “Ellie” comes from her middle name, Elizabeth.
KUMARI GANGA
Primary 2 - Assistant
Kumari has four years of experience in education, including one year at CMSLN. She loves helping children learn new things and build confidence, especially when they experience the joy of realizing they can succeed. Kumari treasures the supportive and caring atmosphere at CMSLN, where everyone feels like family. Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Outside of school, Kumari enjoys relaxing at home and appreciating some quiet time.
SHAKYRLA LYMON
Primary 3 - Lead
Shakirla has 15 years of experience in education and has been a longtime member of the CMSLN family. Her favorite area to teach is Math, where she loves watching children discover numbers, build new skills, and gain confidence in themselves. What she treasures most about CMSLN are the relationships built with families and the trust they place in the school to love, guide, and care for their children. Her favorite Scripture is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” A fun fact about Shakirla: she loves to paint!
MARISSA ARAUJO
Primary 3 - Assistant
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CADENCE ELLIS
Primary Assistant
Cadence is beginning her journey at CMSLN with two years of experience in education. She especially enjoys Practical Life, where children develop everyday skills that will serve them for years to come. What she loves most about CMSLN is the shared values and kindness found throughout the community. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 37:5. A fun fact about Cadence: while living in Hawaii, she swam with sharks.. not once, but twice!
TODDLER
AUNDREA HUNSUCKER
Toddler 1 - Lead
Aundrea brings 28 years of experience in education, including an incredible 22 years at CMSLN. Her favorite lessons are Grace and Courtesy because they equip children with the skills to live peacefully and respectfully with others. Aundrea especially values the Christian beliefs and values at the heart of the CMSLN community. Her favorite Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, a beautiful reminder of God’s plans to give us hope and a future. A fun fact about Aundrea: she is also a licensed cosmetologist!
DAYSIA HUNSUCKER
Toddler 1 - Assistant
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ANNA McCRACKEN
Toddler 2 - Lead
Anna has five years of experience in education and loves bringing stories to life for children through voices and rhythms, as well as exploring nature with them outdoors. She appreciates CMSLN’s smaller, close-knit community and the opportunity it provides to truly know her coworkers and the wonderful families she serves. Her favorite Bible verse is John 3:30, “He must become greater; I must become less.” A fun fact about Anna: as a teenager, she spent five years serving as a counselor at a Christian camp in Asheville!
ZAMANI HAGANS
Toddler 2 - Assistant
Zamani has about a year of experience in education but has spent much of her life working with children. She especially enjoys Practical Life because it allows her to see everyday tasks from a child’s perspective while helping children develop greater independence. What she loves most about CMSLN is witnessing the incredible growth and milestones children can achieve, even in a short amount of time. A favorite biblical reminder for Zamani is Jesus’ teaching to focus on today rather than worrying about tomorrow, reflected in Matthew 6:34. A fun fact about her: she is very flexible, and absolutely terrified of owls!
SAMMY LADOWSKI
Toddler - Assistant
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INFANT
MORGANNE FRIANT
Infant - Lead
Morganne has three years of experience in education and has spent one of those years at CMSLN. Working with infants and toddlers, she especially loves creating sensory experiences and watching children discover new tastes, textures, and activities for the first time. She appreciates the close-knit CMSLN community, where staff work as a team and families are supportive and welcoming. Her favorite Scripture is 1 John 4:9–10, which speaks of God’s incredible love for us. A fun fact about Morganne: she has trained in both kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu!
AALIYAH OUNHEUAN
Infant - Assistant
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