Meet Our Team

Jennifer Sewell

Head of School

Jennifer Sewell began her career in Montessori education in 2002. She received her Montessori primary certification from NAMTC and taught in a Montessori primary classroom for 12 years. Jennifer also served as Head of School of a local Montessori school for 8 years.

Jennifer has a BA in Music, Early Childhood Credentials and Early Childhood Administration Credential.

Jennifer is passionate about Montessori education and both of her children have attended a Montessori school.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time outdoors with her children, baking, reading, and is actively involved in her church and community.

Gabriela Bresciani

Toddler Teacher

Gabriela has 16 years of experience as a Montessori educator. In 2006 she obtained a degree in administration and was hired to teach Spanish at Cornerstone Montessori School in Colorado. There she met and fell in love with the Montessori method. In Colorado, Gabriela worked for 9 years as a Spanish teacher and assistant teacher for toddlers and primary children.

In 2014, she moved to NC and completed her early childhood credentials. In 2020, Gabriela completed her infant/toddler Montessori training at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in Charlotte, NC.

Gaby is a mother of two daughters and is a proud grandmother. When not spending time with her grandson and granddaughter she enjoys exercising and loves to dance.

Heather (Joy) Langley-Parsons

Toddler Teacher

Joy Langley-Parsons discovered her love of Montessori as a substitute teacher. She went on to assist in the development of the first toddler class at a nearby Montessori School, and lead their toddler program for 11 years.

Joy completed a self-directed internship and obtained her Infant/Toddler Montessori certification in 2012. She also has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, and is currently enrolled at the University of Georgia focusing on classes for Developmental Teaching for Students with Special Needs.

In her spare time, Joy enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends, as well as her two boxers, Ruby and Abby.

Brandi Austin

Primary Teacher,

Assistant Head of School

Brandi began her Montessori journey as an assistant toddler teacher at a local Montessori school in 2013. She wholeheartedly embraced the Montessori philosophy and in the years that followed, she taught as a lead primary teacher.

In 2014, Brandi obtained her B.S. in child development from Meredith College. Brandi completed a self-directed internship, obtaining her Primary Montessori certification from The Center for Guided Montessori Studies in 2016. In 2021, she began working as a field consultant for The Center for Guided Montessori Studies, guiding new interns in the program.

Brandi is the proud parent of a Montessori second-grader and credits her daughter's academic drive and scientific approach to the natural world to the Montessori method. In 2024 she welcomed a baby boy into her family and looks forward to his experience at CGMS in the future. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, crafting and spending time with her family.

Veronica Gordon

Assistant Primary Teacher

Veronica couldn’t be more excited to join the CGMS team. Veronica spent a lot of time researching childhood development and responsive parenting techniques when planning her own family. She found that the Montessori philosophies aligned with her values while she was a stay-at-home mom. She joined a traditional preschool in 2022 and was able to translate her parenting skills and developmental knowledge to the classroom with ease. Veronica has her Early Childhood Credentials as well as an Associates degree. She is incredibly excited to have the opportunity to teach at a Montessori school more akin with her teaching ideals and values: nurturing the whole child, and supporting their individuality.

When she isn’t at school, you can find her outside with her kids, at museums or play spaces, reading fantasy novels, dancing to Taylor Swift songs, swimming absolutely anywhere possible, or snuggling a furry creature. She also still spends time continuing to learn about human development and relational strategies for our kiddos.

Andrea Cook

Primary Teacher

Andrea Cook joined Children’s Garden Montessori School in 2023. She is a graduate of Winston Salem State University. In 2008, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and is currently enrolled at Ashworth College where she will receive her certification in Early Childhood Education.

She began her teacher journey as a substitute teacher, while completing studies at Winston Salem State University for Forsyth Public Schools. In 2011, she continued her journey at KidsRKids in RTP, transitioning from co-teacher to lead teacher of 4-year-olds. Later, she transitioned to owning and operating a successful nanny service, where she cared for 3 different families for over 6 years. Recently, she has worked at a nearby center and served as a Lead Teacher to 3-year-olds. She has developed an interest in Montessori philosophy and is currently working to obtain her Montessori certification with the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. Andrea is very passionate about teaching.

In her spare time, Andrea enjoys spending time with her family.

Kaylei Jones

Assistant Primary Teacher

Kaylei Jones has spent the majority of her life being around children and taking care of them. Kaylei enjoys working with preschool aged children and has a particular affinity for children with learning differences. Kaylei has worked in a Montessori School assisting in their summer camp program. She is currently working towards her Early Childhood Credential certification and plans to get a degree in special education.

In Kaylei's free time she enjoys spending time with her 10 puppies and attending car races with her family.

Haley Parsons

Office Manager

Haley has always enjoyed working with young children and has 8 years of experience with children of toddler and primary age. Haley recently obtained her Associates degree in Medical Assisting while

working part time at local Montessori School. Haley is excited to be apart of the CGMS team.

In her free time, Haley enjoys spending time with her family and going on trips.

Sydney Dietrich

After-School Teacher/Floater

Sydney has always enjoyed working with young children and has often served in her church nursery. This is her second year at Childrens Garden Montessori School. Sydney is looking to obtain her early childhood credential.

During her spare time, Sydney enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Brianne Gerritsen

After-School Teacher/Floater

Brianne discovered her love for children while working in childcare over 17 years ago. Starting in a small daycare, she knew she wanted to learn more. She enrolled in Durham Technical Community College and North Carolina Central University to understand how to best contribute to children's growth and development. She has experience in Traditional, Reggio, and now excited to add the Montessori approach to her life.

In her free time, Brianne enjoys volunteering, snorkeling, art, traveling, and shopping. She has two cool pups named Avocado and Brisket. Mostly, she loves working with children and watching them grow.

Rossana Borja

After-School Teacher/Floater

Gissela Maybi Romero-Tapia

After-School Teacher/Floater