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Meet Our Guides
Lisa Nantais
Children's House Guide
Lisa is a Montessori and state certified educator with more than 20 years of experience serving children and families. She spent 18 years at a Montessori school, where she also served as Director for nine years—experience that shaped her into a natural leader, trusted mentor, and steady guide for both students and fellow educators.
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Lisa brings a strong academic foundation to her work, including an Associate Early Childhood Credential, a Montessori credential, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She believes children learn best when they are given time, trust, and meaningful opportunities to discover through hands-on work. She especially loves how the Montessori environment allows each child to chart their own learning path, while the teacher thoughtfully follows the child’s lead.
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One of Lisa’s favorite parts of teaching is watching children light up with pride when they accomplish a task independently. She also enjoys creating classroom materials and is always searching for fresh Practical Life activities that build confidence, coordination, and independence. Families appreciate her kind, heartfelt attention to every child who walks through her classroom door and the way she helps each student feel seen, supported, and capable.
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Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her two grown daughters and exploring her new home state of Texas with her husband.
Lynette Pinvises
Lower Elementary Guide
Lynette is Montessori trained, certified teacher and brings over 20 years of experience working with young children across a wide range of learning environments, including public schools, private schools, and microschools. Her teaching career also includes time in international schools overseas, giving her a global perspective and a deep appreciation for diverse learners and communities.
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Known for her warm, creative approach, Lynette loves designing hands-on lessons that spark curiosity, build independence, and invite meaningful exploration. She also enjoys bringing learning beyond the classroom—incorporating the outdoors whenever possible to help children connect with nature and the world around them.
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Lynette is deeply aligned with the Montessori philosophy, believing that children lead the way and the teacher’s role is to thoughtfully guide and support their growth. This will be her third year teaching in a Lower Elementary Montessori classroom, where she is passionate about helping students develop confidence, responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning.
Edna Preston
Upper Elementary Guide
Edna is a state certified teacher and has been part of the educational system for over 33 years, including 11 years as a paraprofessional, 12 years teaching in elementary school, and 10 years in middle school.
She is a proud graduate of the University of Houston–Downtown, where she earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Instruction and Curriculum. Her teaching certification covers 1st–8th grade, with a specialization in Mathematics and ESL, and she also holds a certification in Gifted and Talented Education.
Throughout her career, Edna has received multiple awards and recognitions, but she believes her greatest rewards come from building meaningful relationships and being a positive force in the lives of her students.
Edna joined MindSprout because she was drawn by the strong alignment between her personal teaching philosophy and the Montessori method.
Edna’s favorite subjects are mathematics and science. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her husband and two adult children.
Maia Mennell
Teaching Assistant/Sprouts Outdoors Teacher
Maia has spent the past three years working in a Montessori environment as an assistant teacher, where she discovered her deep appreciation for the Montessori method and its child-centered approach to learning.
She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Sam Houston State University. Her passion for working with young children continues to guide her academic and professional journey.
Maia believes that the greatest joy in teaching comes from witnessing children learn, grow, and explore the world with curiosity and confidence. She loves fostering creativity in the classroom and is always eager to incorporate art, hands-on activities, and opportunities for imaginative exploration.
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She joined MindSprout Montessori because she is inspired by its nurturing environment and strong alignment with her own educational philosophy.
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Outside the classroom, Maia enjoys crocheting, tackling DIY projects, and spending time with her mom as they explore the city of Houston together.
Stacie Gurske
Co-Teacher
Stacie Gurske is a certified teacher and brings 18 years of teaching experience to MindSprout Montessori, having worked across multiple grade levels and with a wide range of student needs, including special education. Her extensive background has shaped her belief in meeting each child where they are and supporting them with patience, encouragement, and individualized attention.
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She is a proud graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, where she earned her degree in education. Over the years, she has continued to grow her expertise by working with diverse learners and developing a deep understanding of how to support students with varying abilities and learning styles.
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Throughout her career, Stacie has been known for her warm classroom presence, strong communication skills, and her commitment to helping children feel seen, capable, and confident. She believes that every student has unique strengths waiting to be discovered and nurtured.
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She joined MindSprout because she is inspired by the community’s focus on child-led growth and its alignment with her belief in hands-on, meaningful learning experiences.
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Outside the classroom, Stacie enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring new hobbies, and staying connected with the community she loves.
Danielle Hillman
Office Administrator
coming soon
