Faculty and staff

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Head of School

Cheyenne is a Kansas State University graduate, and earned her AMI 6–12 diploma from the Montessori Institute of North Texas in July 2023, a credential that anchors her deep-seated belief in Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy.

Cheyenne’s journey at our school has come full circle. After serving as an Elementary Assistant and Lead Guide, she took a year away to welcome her son, Kai, before returning to step into administration. While she finds immense joy in nurturing the growth of children’s minds, her true passion now lies in empowering our educators. She is a firm believer that when teachers are fully supported, children’s potential is limitless.  When she isn't supporting our team, you’ll likely find her outdoors bike riding with her husband, Andrew, and son, Kai, or enjoying a quiet moment of creativity through coloring, crocheting, embroidery, and reading.

Lead Primary Guide, Magnolia Classroom

With a deep commitment to authentic Montessori practice, Elin Chang makes an incredible contribution to the lives of the children she so earnestly serves at Southlake Montessori. She embodies a gentle disposition and is naturally suited to meet the needs of young children. Elin graduated as a Certified Advanced Interpreter from the Simon Fraser University in April 2003 and with her Bachelor of Arts also from Simon Fraser University in June 2002. She holds her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Primary diploma from the Montessori Institute of North Texas. Elin also has a wealth of practical experience working with children in a variety of settings. She has resided on four continents and is conversational in Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and Spanish. Elin’s impeccable work ethic and joyful demeanor are valued among her Southlake Montessori team members and school community. 

Elin resides in Lewisville with her husband. She enjoys calligraphy, playing the piano, singing, and she has a love of giraffes!

Lead Elementary Guide, Sequoia Classroom

Breanna earned her AMI Elementary Diploma from the Montessori Institute of North Texas. She also has her Bachelor’s in Child Development from Texas Woman’s University. She has worked with children in various settings: public school, charter schools, after school programs, and early childhood education. She is an individual who is excited to learn new things and open to feedback from children and families. Breanna is an active animal caregiver;  in her home she has three fish tanks, one land snail tank as well as a family of yorkies that she has raised with her husband. 

Breanna lives in Fort Worth with her husband, two sons and four yorkie dogs. She enjoys needlework, reading books, camping with her family and enjoying a game night with family members often. 

Assistants to Infancy (Toddler) Assistant, 

Maple Classroom

Growing up, Allene had the joy of being a Montessori student. Her time in the classroom fostered her creativity, love of learning, care for others, and desire to explore the world, leading her across the country and the globe. Now, she is honored to return to her roots and continue her Montessori journey at Southlake Montessori. She has worked with children in both nonprofits and schools and is thrilled to pay forward the gift of Montessori that has so positively influenced her life. Her favorite pastimes include creative writing, art, music, traveling, and spending time in nature.

Primary Assistant, Magnolia Classroom

Dipti discovered Montessori through her children.  She received her AMI Primary Diploma from Montessori Institute of North Texas in May 2023, and she is excited to join and serve the Southlake Montessori community. 

Dipti lives in Grapevine with her husband and two boys.  During her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing the piano, writing, and finding any excuse to host a tea party.  

Elementary Assistant, Sequoia Classroom

Allec attended Texas A&M University and earned her diploma in Human Resources. Her goal is to empower children to learn and grow in academics and the 5 human values: truth, right action, peace, love and nonviolence. She has a passion for Montessori and is very excited to join the Southlake Montessori team. Allec recently got married and just moved to the DFW area. She enjoys working out, reading, gardening, and simply being outside. 

Founding Board Vice-President & Pedagogical Advisor

Debby Riordan is one of four women who founded Southlake Montessori in 2014 and served as the Founding Head of School through the 2017-2018 school year, returning to that position for additional years after that and now serving as the Director of Pedagogy.  She also is the current Vice-President of the Board.   Debby also is the Founding Director of Montessori360 supporting parents, faculty and administrators. Prior to this work, Debby worked diligently with the Association Montessori Internationale of the United States (AMI/USA) first as a board member and then as the Executive Director.  Debby has a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology, a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, her AMI Montessori Elementary diploma and, most importantly, has witnessed the gift of Montessori education in her four children.