Our Team
“A child is truly a miraculous being and this should be felt deeply by the educator.”
— Maria Montessori
At NIA House Montessori, our team is united by a shared passion for nurturing curious minds and confident learners. Each member of our staff is committed to creating a thoughtful, supportive environment where children feel seen, encouraged, and inspired to explore the world around them. Together, we bring energy, compassion, and a deep respect for the Montessori approach, guiding students as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally each day.
Sonceria Radford, Co-Founder, Board Member, Director, Lower Elementary Guide
As an educator and visionary with nearly 20 years of experience working with people of all ages, Sonceria has served as a teacher at the collegiate, high school, and primary education levels. Sonceria has extensive experience in parent/child engagement and child advocacy. Mrs. Radford’s passionate proficiency in math is evident in both the classroom and the administration.
MarQuita Holt Afotey, Co-Founder, Board Member, Director of Admissions, Marketing & ECLP (Aftercare)
This Nashville native began in theater arts and discovered the beauty of the Montessori Philosophy in 2011. With almost a decade of admissions experience, MarQuita’s passion for building community cultivates recruiting new families, serving as parent support, and collaborating with nearly 100 organizations to partner with the school. Mrs. Holt also facilitates special programming, including cooking, Spanish, theater, and music.
Darlene Abernathy Neely, Co-Founder, Board Member
Darlene Neely has over 30 years of experience working with young children. She has experience identifying exceptionalities in African American children in the New York area. Darlene has over a decade of experience as a Montessori professor, training teachers and developing curriculum for schools nationwide. Mrs. Neely also serves as a parent guide by setting up Montessori-inspired areas in the home.
Will Radford, Co- Founder
Currently develops multi-use facilities across the United States. He is a former licensed teacher in Metro Nashville Public Schools. William also has over 20 years of experience working in youth and young adult education. Will also has extensive experience in design, construction, marketing, and fundraising. Recently, Will received the Nashville Business Journal’s highest award, 40 under 40.
Tremeta Norman, Co-Founder, Board Member , Exceptional Learning Advocate
Bronx native Tremeta Norman has dedicated over half of her life to educating students. Whether in the classroom or serving as a Family Engagement Specialist, Tremeta retains the experience needed to connect families. Mrs. Norman also provides training, education, advocacy, and forums for families to learn about children with exceptional needs.
Kelley Taylor, Upper Elementary Guide, STEM Farm Guide, ECLP
Kelley Taylor is a dedicated STEM Farm Guide and Upper Elementary Guide at NIA House Montessori School, now in her 8th year of inspiring young minds. With a deep passion for all things science, she brings a joyful spirit of teaching and learning that energizes both her students and the school community.
Valentina Popova, Upper Elementary Guide
Valentina Popova is an Upper Elementary Guide in her second year at NIA House Montessori School. With a love for history and language, she inspires curiosity and thoughtful exploration in her students.
Velithia Pendergrass, Lower Elementary Guide
Velithia Pendergrass is a Lower Elementary Guide in her 11th year at NIA House Montessori School. She has a special gift for nurturing creativity, using writing, acting, and theater arts to help children find their voice and confidence.
Gina McLendon, Primary Guide
Gina McLendon is a Primary Guide in her third year at NIA House Montessori School. She brings vibrant energy and a deep sense of exploration, encouraging each child to discover the world with curiosity and joy.
Jamia Stark, Primary Guide, ECLP
Jamia Stark, now in her fourth year at NIA House Montessori School, began her journey as a floater and now serves as a Primary Guide. She brings a warm, nurturing presence to the classroom, fostering a sense of care and belonging for every child.
Kim Vesneski, Pre-Primary Guide
Kim Vesneski is a Pre-Primary Guide in her second year at NIA House Montessori School. She thoughtfully supports both students and parents, guiding children toward independence while emphasizing the importance of language and following the child.
Timberlake Pieper, Pre-Primary Guide, ECLP
Ms. Timberlake Pieper is a Pre-Primary Guide who transitioned from a floater role at NIA House Montessori School and has been an integral part of the team for the past two years. With her experience as a Montessori child and guide, she brings a gentle, joyful approach to teaching and a genuine love for learning.
Arjae Thompson, Art Guide, Floater
Mr. Arjae Thompson is the Art Guide at NIA House Montessori School, now in his fourth year. He embraces the Montessori philosophy of “following the child,” guiding students as they explore a variety of artistic mediums and express their creativity.
Caitlin Stonestreet, Floater, Substitute Teacher
Caitlin Stonestreet serves as a Floater and Substitute at NIA House Montessori School. She provides steady support to both teachers and students, helping to maintain a positive and nurturing learning environment.