Staff

Head of School and Elementary Teacher
Lisa Nguyen Baldwin M.Ed., is the Founder of and Head of School at Island Montessori Academy, Inc. She has nine years of Montessori education experience including classroom instruction, admissions recruiting, staff development and training, crisis intervention planning, affinity groups, diversity education, and strategic planning. She has a curriculum and instruction degree in Conflict Resolution and Peaceable Schools from Lesley University. As an AmeriCorps volunteer, she worked with at-risk youth in the Pinellas County Schools as a tutor and mentor. She was an intern with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, was employed with a quasi-state agency which developed programs for at-risk and out of school youth, and has attended a number of diversity, Montessori, and private school conferences. Her passion is teaching children about equity and justice, and their role as members of a diverse and interdependent society. She is the mother of two beautiful and wonderful children.

Primary Head Teacher
Vanessa Pacheco Larkin is a bilingual, certified Montessori (3-9) teacher with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has experience working in a variety of roles at daycares, preschools, and Montessori schools. Her dedication to Montessori education and philosophy, along with her love of children, make her a perfect fit for IMA. She is trained and certified to teach YogaKids, which she implements into our daily routine. Her previous experiences and/or education include a variety of philanthropic areas such as Music and Movement, SLD Teaching, Domestic Violence, and Education and Computer Technology.

Toddler Head Teacher
Mary Oliger joins us from Iowa with years of experience in Montessori education and (2.5-6) AMS certification. She has worked with Toddlers and children through Elementary in a number of roles including after school and summer programs. She has a number of academic achievements and is dedicated to working with young children. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of the Montessori method and philosophy make her a wonderful addition to our school family.

Primary Assistant
Jennifer Pascale

Toddler Assistant
Linda Newman

Office Assistant
Daphne Moss has lived in the area for nine years and brings with her years of web design, computer, and database experience. She is a mother of three, bilingual (German), and is thrilled about the arrival of Montessori to Marco Island. Daphne is excited to be a part of the IMA team and looks forward to helping the school grow.