SAMS Faculty and Staff
Michele King, Director
Michele first came to SAMS to teach in 1997. After eight successful years working in the classroom, Michele was appointed Director of the school in 2005. She is dedicated to maintaining the excellence of SAMS program and its teaching staff. Michele decided to pursue her Montessori credential after learning about the Montessori philosophy and its recognition of children as unique individuals. She believes that Montessori education can foster confidence and independence in students as young as three.
Michele is the mother of two young boys and enjoys traveling with her family and spending time outdoors. She received her AMS credential from San Francisco Bay Area Montessori Teacher Training Center and also holds a BS from Prescott College.
Sherie Shughart, Office Manager
Sherie began working as the SAMS office manager in 1988 when her daughter was attending the school. Sherie keeps SAMS operations running smoothly, working on communications, the auction and other school business. Before joining the SAMS staff, Sherie managed a specialty dental practice in San Francisco. Her two grown children, who are sixth-generation Californians, and her grandson live in California. Her favorite past times are playing tennis and spending time with her family.
Britta Butler, Kindergarten Teacher
Britta has been teaching at SAMS since 1987, during which time she took 4 years off to travel and start a family.
Britta's longstanding interest in contemplative practices attracted her to Montessori's holistic and child centered educational principles. She is passionate about nourishing a child's innate curiosity, playfulness, creativity, wonder, and delight for learning. Britta holds a BA in fine arts and a Masters of Education with a Primary Montessori certification. She enjoys photography, hiking, travel, reading, yoga, and knitting.
Denise Collins, Head Teacher
Denise joined SAMS in 2010, bringing 10 years of experience teaching children between the ages of two and five in Montessori classrooms. Her interest in Montessori was first sparked during an observation at a Montessori school. When she saw the students demonstrating their love of learning, self-confidence, and independence while they worked, she knew that she wanted to be a part of their world and learn more about the Montessori educational philosophy.
In addition to her Montessori Teaching Certificate, Denise has an extensive background in early childhood education. In her time away from teaching she enjoys hiking, reading, sewing, camping and adventures with her family and friends.
Karen Payne, Greenhouse/Garden Teacher
Karen has taught at SAMS for 10 years and currently runs the Greenhouse and Garden programs which she has expanded with such activities as wood working and hands-on science experiments that maintain the Montessori focus on learning through creativity and exploration. Karen cherishes the exuberance, love of learning and passionate curiosity of the 3- to 6-year-old children that attend SAMS. Karen was born in England and completed her Montessori training in London. She has two children and enjoys trips to the beach, hiking and gardening.
Debra Robinson, After Care Head Teacher
Debra joined SAMS in 2007 to run the school's After Care Program. Debra devotes her creative energy to keeping afternoons at SAMS fresh and exciting for her students. She continuously updates the program's activities, which include cooking, art projects, drama and story telling, with new ideas that keep the children engaged and excited about learning.
Debra has 18 years of teaching experience and holds a BS in early childhood education as well as a Montessori Teaching Credential. She has two sons and lives in Napa. During her free time, she enjoys movies, live theatre, fitness and dance classes, and cooking.
