Sea Star Classroom

Lead Guide: Kate Barrow 

Originally from New York state, Kate has been living on the Dutch Side of Sint Maarten since 2002 teaching various subjects and age groups from Kindergarten to medical students, and was Directress of the Upper Elementary Program at the St. Maarten Montessori School for 10 years. It was on St. Maarten that she grew to appreciate the beauty, and hardships, of tropical island life and looks forward to discovering the wonders of Key West. 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.”

Classroom Assistant: Jennifer Portier 

Jenn came to Key West in 2009, originally from New Jersey. She received her Bachelor or Arts in Corporate Communications from Elon University, North Carolina. For many years Jenn has been very involved in May Sands Montessori School – as a MSMS parent, additionally she was on our Charter Board of Directors for 4 years when she lead the school’s fundraising committee, and in 2019 she joined our team as an Upper Elementary Classroom Assistant. Jenn and her husband, Grant, love to spend their down time boating, kayaking and paddle boarding with her son, Finn, and her two step-daughters, Lily and Kate. She says “Here’s to another great school year!”