CTM STAFF | Charles Towne Montessori

STAFF 2024-25

Nancy Fowler, Head of School

Nancy Fowler comes to CTMS from nearby hometown of Hilton Head Island. It was there that she was first introduced to the Montessori method at the age of 9. After graduating from Dartmouth with a degree in Psychology, she spent her summer participating in a Montessori 3-6 year old training program in Boston. She returned home to Hilton Head to begin her career in Montessori.

Driven by her commitment to education, Nancy pursued a Master's in Education at Lesley University, specializing in Conflict Resolution and Peaceable Schools. Her professional path led her to manage Montessori schools in Georgia and Boston, until she found herself enriching young minds at Hilton Head's local children’s museum. A stint as Head of School back in Hilton Head preceded her latest adventure: leading CTMS as Head of School in Charleston.

Nancy is a proud mother of four adult children, each benefiting from a Montessori education. Her youngest is embarking on college life in North Carolina this fall, while her oldest daughter applies Montessori principles in aiding Dementia patients in NYC. Meanwhile, her two sons thrive in Boston in the fields of hospitality and medical patent law. At home in Charleston, Nancy is accompanied by her beloved fur babies, Tatum and Oscar.

Beyond her role in education, Nancy embraces a vibrant array of interests. When not enthusiastically supporting her daughter's lacrosse games, she delights in running, beach outings, immersing herself in captivating reads, and cheering on her favorite sports teams., Her unwavering dedication to Montessori principles enriches her leadership at CTMS

Alex Wolf, Director of Operations

Mr. Alex has over 25 years of experience as an IT Consultant and Technician, 12 years operating a Montessori school he co-founded in Atlanta with his wife, Heather, and he is a musician, songwriter and audio engineer for over 30 years. Mr. Alex, no stranger to wearing many hats, provides IT support for the CTM network and manages Transparent Classroom, our school database and communication software, admissions, account management, marketing, as well as, direct the music program for the student body. Mr. Alex and Ms. Heather have two lovely daughters; the younger is a CTM student.

Lauren Rodgers, Office Manager

Bio Coming Soon!

Luke Jones, Property Manager

Mr. Luke moved to Charleston from Pennsylvania in 2018. Before getting into property management, Luke gained years of experience working with youth as a former youth director and after school volunteer. Luke is also a multi-disciplinary artist and works out of his art studio on Johns Island. He enjoys utilizing all of his skills to keep Charles Towne Montessori a beautiful place!

Laura Kivett, Lead Elementary Teacher

B.A. Kent State University in Psychology, AMS Elementary Certification, Orton Gillingham Certification

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Laura Kivett grew up in Annapolis, MD. She obtained a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Art from Kent State. During the first 10 years of her teaching career, she worked with special needs children & adults as a therapeutic horseback riding instructor and an art therapist. For the past 11 years, she has worked at CTM in various positions and is presently the Elementary Lead teacher. During her employment at CTM, she earned her Orton Gillingham teaching certification. She is currently in the practicum phases of her AMS Lower and Upper Elementary certifications.

Laura strives to stay true to the Montessori philosophy. She has observed exceptional academic and social benefits for her students while in the Montessori environment. Laura’s favorite Dr. Montessori quotes is, "Our aim is not only to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his innermost core.”

In addition to teaching, she enjoys spending time with her horses and dogs, stand-up paddle boarding, boating, & sculpting. She enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, and going to church. Animals have always been a special part of her life. She had a very special dog named Lexi who actually introduced her to her husband while walking on the beach. Laura and Chad have been married for 9 years and live just outside of Charleston.

Heather Wolf, Lead Primary Teacher

B.A. Kent State University in Family Consumer Studies, AMI certification for Primary, Montessori Institute of Atlanta.

At a very young age, Ms. Heather became aware that her life's work would be to work with and nurture children. She has been working professionally with children since 1998 and has been teaching within the Montessori curriculum since 2000. After graduating from Kent State, she discovered the Montessori teaching philosophy and enrolled into the AMI Montessori Institute of Atlanta. Upon graduating, she taught at Old Peachtree Montessori for three years in Auburn, GA. Then, when her family moved to Atlanta’s west side where no Montessori schools were nearby, Heather founded Tallulah Montessori School in 2009. Heather and her husband, Alex, enjoyed much success running Tallulah together, however, due to the pandemic, were forced to shut the doors.

Fortunately, Heather and her family found their new home in Charleston and at CTM. Heather has two daughters, the younger is attending CTM in its Elementary Program.

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Chloe Eidson, Lead Primary Teacher

AMS certification for Primary, Northeast Montessori Institute

Chloe was born in Charlotte and raised in Charleston, where she developed a passion for teaching, inspired by her mother’s career as an educator. She pursued Early Childhood Education through the bridge program at the University of South Carolina. In the summer of 2019, Chloe joined Charles Towne Montessori as a summer job and quickly realized her affinity for the Montessori method, leading her to stay and build her career with CTM. She later completed her Primary certification at the Northeast Montessori Institute in Boston.

Outside of school, Chloe enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active with her dog, Boone. She also loves traveling and exploring new places with her friends and family.

Cosima Franke, Lead Primary Teacher

Bachelor of Science, Winthrop University in Family & Consumer Science, Master's in Education & AMS Montessori Certification for Primary, Lander University

Ms. Cosima has always enjoyed working with children. During her college years, she learned a little bit about Montessori, grew curious, and decided to take a job assisting in a primary classroom in Charleston when she was in college. She has worked in the Montessori setting for over 10 years now. After assisting in the primary classroom, she knew she wast destined to get her Montessori training. She received her Montessori Primary Certification at Lander University in 2016, along with her Master's in Education. She loves how the philosophy focuses on self-paced learning and independence.

Elizabeth McGuire, Lead Toddler Teacher

AMS Toddler certification from Center for Montessori Teacher Education, Raleigh, NC

Ms. Liz completed her American Montessori Society training in Raleigh, NC., in 1991. She began her teaching career with children by working in daycare centers and pre-schools until receiving her Montessori certification. She held a lead toddler position for five years at Charles Towne Montessori when she left to marry and start a family. She rejoined the Charles Towne Montessori faculty in 2009.

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Irene Howanyk, Lead Toddler Teacher

AMS Toddler certification in process

Ms.Irene came to Charleston in 2015 as an “au pair” from her native country, Italy, and she has lived here ever since. After having her son in 2019, she started to study the Montessori Method, practicing it at home. In 2021, she began work at CTM as an assistant teacher in Ms. Heather's Primary classroom. She learned so much! At the beginning of last summer, she began her AMS training and is completing her practicum year in the field this year.