randilynn tucker, head of school
RandiLynn Tucker graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BS in Family and Child Studies. She completed her Montessori training through Montessori Educators International and is certified from age 3 years old through sixth grade. RandiLynn began her teaching career at LMS and has also taught in Montessori programs in Louisville, KY and Alpharetta, GA before returning to LMS in 2007. She became the Head of School in 2008. RandiLynn enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends in her free time.
Dr. abigail prang, school administrator
Dr. Prang has been either teaching or tutoring ages 4 through adult for over 20 years. She completed her PhD in English at Howard University in 2016. She has a background in writing, anti-oppression work, policy analysis, and administrative leadership. At LMS, she provides administrative support in a broad range of areas, as well as organizing our service learning program and grant writing. In her spare time, she enjoys writing and editing, chairs a local Citizen Foster Care Review Board, engages in anti-poverty advocacy, and spends time with her family.
april dixon, primary / kindergarten
April Dixon has been a Primary teacher since 2002 and has her Montessori Certification through Montessori Educators International. While she currently teaches children in preschool and kindergarten, April has previous experience teaching first and second graders. April takes great joy in watching a child succeed at something they have worked so hard to master. As our most tenured teacher, April is a wonderful resource to our other faculty and LMS families.
mackenzie Herting, primary/ Kindergarten
Mackenzie Herting is a 2012 graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in Special Education, focusing on learning and behavior disorders. She earned her Montessori certification in 2016 from North American Montessori Center. Mrs. Herting began her time with LMS while she was a student at UK as an After School Teacher. Now, she is a teacher in the Primary and Kindergarten programs. She lives in Lexington with her husband, Andy, and their goldendoodle, Rupp. She loves traveling, reading, and working with students at LMS.
Olivia Pederson, Primary
Olivia Pederson attended Montessori schools beginning in first grade until she graduated from the Montessori High School of Kentucky. She went on to receive her Bachelor's degree in Montessori Education from Xavier University and earned her credentials for teaching ages 2.5-6 from the American Montessori Society. After teaching at the Xavier University Montessori Lab School in Cincinnati, Ohio for two years, she moved back home to Lexington, Kentucky to continue her passion for educating children through the Montessori Philosophy.
KatyJoy Heisler, Primary
KatyJoy Heisler joined Lexington Montessori School in Summer 2024. She comes with over 10 years of experience working with young children around the country and abroad. She studied Early Childhood Education at Bethel University and received her Primary Montessori certification from the American Montessori Society at the Mid-America Montessori training center in Omaha, NE in 2011. She has 7.5 years experience in teaching and directing Montessori programs in both the private and public sectors. She is passionate about developmentally appropriate practice, teaching practical life skills, music and movement, and language and speech. She is over the moon to be part of the LMS community.
kellY Padgett, Lower elementary
Kelly Padgett joined the LMS team in 2023, and is currently earning her Montessori certification from the North American Montessori Center. She is beginning her 20th year of teaching with a mix of private and public school experience at several grade levels. She also has several years of experience with English Language Learners. Mrs. Padgett graduated from the University of Kentucky and received her Master's Degree from Georgetown College. She lives in Lexington with her husband, Eric, and their two children, Allie (16) and Gavin (13), as well as their dogs, Sammie and Bandit. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, and spending time with family, mostly at band competitions and baseball games.
karen mcdaniel, Lower elementary
Karen joined LMS in 2021 as an Elementary teacher. As a graduate of William and Mary with a degree in Psychology, Karen has spent her life enriching the lives of students. Her own five children were homeschooled as the family lived in various countries. Mrs. McDaniel also spent time as a Children's Library Assistant, teaching a pod of students during the COVID pandemic, and coaching Rock Steady Boxing. Outside of school, Mrs. McDaniel enjoys tutoring, baking, her book club, and planning trips and gatherings for her family. Mrs. McDaniel values community and helping young students become engaged learners.
emese galne, Upper elementary
Emese Galne holds Master's Degrees in Education for Spanish, Italian, and Ethnology from her home country, Hungary. She discovered the Montessori method during her Italian studies and has been drawn to Montessori education ever since. She started teaching Spanish for primary and elementary students at LMS in 2010. She is now the Upper Elementary teacher, since earning her Montessori certification from the North American Montessori Center. To unwind and find joy, Emese reads, tends to her garden, and travels with her family.
jill coldiron, art
Jill Coldiron has worked at Lexington Montessori School for nearly 30 years. She holds a Fine Arts Degree from the University of Kentucky and has more than 30 years of experience teaching art to children in Lexington. In addition to teaching at LMS, Jill teaches Ceramics in the Art Department at the University of Kentucky and owns Main Cross Gallery in downtown Lexington.
Kathryn Johnston, Music
Kathryn Johnston is the PreK–6 music teacher at LMS. She is currently finishing her bachelors degree in Music Education at the University of Kentucky. Kathryn has been the music assistant at LMS for two semesters, and you might also recognize her as an After School teacher! She has a passion for sparking joy and connection to music at a young age. Outside of music, Kathryn enjoys reading, trying new recipes, and game nights with friends!
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.”