Faculty & Staff Directory

Karthi was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, traveled around the globe, and experienced various cultures, climates, and people. She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s in Computer Science at the University of Madras, India. She started her career as a project guide, computer teacher, and web developer. Her love for Montessori Education was rooted in her when pregnant with her first daughter, Aarrna. Karthi began her Montessori career at the Children’s School, obtained AMS credentials, and gratefully continuing her Montessori passion at our School.

Bio coming soon

Bio coming soon

Growing up in New York, Ms. Kate moved to the Dutch side of Sint Maarten in 2002. From 2002-2019 she taught various subjects and age groups from PreKindergarten to Medical Students on the island. Ms. Kate was the Directress of the Upper Elementary Program at the St. Maarten Montessori School for 10 years and spent the last year as the Lead Guide of the U.E. Sea Star Class here at May Sands Montessori School. With a Masters of Science in Education and her Montessori Elementary II credentials from the American Society of Montessori, Kate has worn many hats in her lifetime and says she is “looking forward to sharing these experiences along with… sparking joy and a love of learning within each student.”

Dr. Kama Cannon, Early Secondary Educator, directs DiveN2Life, a non-profit educational organization focused on providing non-formal STEM enrichment programs to children and educators. She is a K-12 Gifted Education Specialist with a background in Geography, Anthropology, Oceanography, Educational Leadership, Diving Safety, and Scientific Diving instruction. She completed her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction at The University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2020. Kama earned her B.A. in Geography with a concentration in Human Geography and a minor in Cultural Anthropology; her M.A.T. in Middle School Social Studies Education; and a Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education at UNCW. Kama also holds a graduate certificate in Oceanography and Meteorology from California University of Pennsylvania. She taught Education courses at the College of the Florida Keys from 2016 through 2021. Her research interests include science identity development in young adolescents, identifying and serving gifted learners of all ages, and using place and problem-based learning to engage students in STEM and Humanities disciplines.

Brooke graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology with a degree in Marine Biology and STEM education. She has lived in the Keys for most of her life and has a passion for teaching. She came to May Sands Montessori looking for a different approach to teaching and fell in love with the Montessori philosophy. When not in school Brooke spends time with her family, two boys Dillon and Andrew.

Susan holds a BFA from The Corcoran School of Art in Washington DC, an MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, and is Florida State Certified ESE K-12, Art K-12, and Elementary Ed K-6. Raised outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Susan relocated out West where she resided for over 20 years. In July of 2019, Susan decided to move to Key West to continue her work with ESE students and make her art. She blends her artistic background with her ESE work so that each student is will succeed and learn as an individual and to his/her own learning style. When not at school, Susan can be found making her art, out and in the water, riding her bike, and roller skating, all with her chihuahua Spike by her side.

Laura left her home in Lakewood, Ohio, bringing with her more than 15 years of experience in teaching. Much of her professional experience teaching Family and Consumer Sciences aligns with Montessori pedagogy – teaching life skills such as food and nutrition, career planning, and financial management at the middle and high school levels. Additionally, Laura has experience in Special Education in a variety of settings from elementary through high school. Here at May Sands Montessori School, she offers support primarily to students in our Upper Elementary and Early Secondary classes. Laura enjoys sharing with her students her passion for living a healthy lifestyle and building a love for learning. When not at school she tries to be outside as much as possible – running, walking her dogs, and getting out on and in the water. Laura, her husband Bob, their 3 dogs, and cat are happy to call Key West home.