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.
kelly shouse, office administration
Kelly Shouse is a Kentucky native that currently resides in Versailles. Kelly moved back to Kentucky in 2018 with her husband and 2 children after living in St. Louis, MO for 5 years. Her son has been at LMS for 4 years and her daughter is in her second year. In her past career, she was a Director of the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge and has a background working in nonprofit management and fundraising. She loves being part of the LMS community and is enjoying getting to know all the students and their families. When not working The Shouse family enjoys camping in their home built shuttle bus camper!
Dr. abigail prang, school support services
Dr. Prang has been either teaching or tutoring for over 20 years, and 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 support in a broad range of areas, including operational, instructional, administrative, and community support. In her spare time, she chairs a local Citizen Foster Care Review Board, engages in Anti-poverty advocacy, and spends time with her family.
tricia morris, primary
Tricia Morris attended Kentucky Christian College and the University of Kentucky. She was hired by Susan Magedanz as an afternoon teacher in 1980 and fell in love with the Montessori concept and the children. She has completed Montessori training through St. Nicholas Training Centre for the ages 2 1/2 through 7, and Montessori training for 6-12 year olds through Montessori Educators International. Forty years later the love of the children still keeps her going!
april dixon, primary / kindergarten
April Dixon has been a teacher in the Primary Class since 2002 and has her Montessori Certification through Montessori Educators International (MEI). While she currently teaches children in preschool and kindergarten, April has previous experience teaching first and second graders. April receives great joy in watching a child succeed at something they have worked so hard to master.
mackenzie Herting, primary/ Kindergarten
Mackenzie Patton 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. Ms. Patton began her time with LMS while she was a student at UK as an After School Teacher and now is a teacher in the Primary program. She loves the Montessori method 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 then 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 (AMS). 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.
kellY Padgett, Lower elementary
My name is Kelly Padgett and I am very excited to be joining the Lexington Montessori School team this year! I am beginning my 19th year of teaching with a good mix of private and public schools education as well as grades. I also spent several years with English Language Learners. I graduated from the University of Kentucky and received my Master's Degree from Georgetown College. My husband, Eric and I live in Lexington with our 2 children Allie (16) and Gavin (13) as well as our 2 dogs, Sammie and Bandit. My hobbies include reading, traveling, and spending time with my family mostly at band competitions and baseball games.
karen mcdaniel, Lower elementary
Karen joined LMS in the 2021 school year as a teacher in the Elementary classroom. 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 a 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 the primary and elementary students at LMS in 2010, and is now the elementary co-teacher specializing in Science and Math. 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.
dr. martina vasil, music
Martina Vasil, PhD, is the PreK–6 music teacher at LMS. She is also an assistant professor of music education at the University of Kentucky, specializing in elementary and secondary general music education, qualitative research, and popular music education. She is thrilled to partner with LMS to stay current in her teaching practices as well as to offer collegiate students the opportunity to work with children.
“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.’”