Dedicated to Success
The team at Wheatley Montessori School is dedicated to the success of your child’s education. While every team member works toward a common goal, each brings a unique array of skills and knowledge to our curriculum.
Meet Our Team
Learn more about our team members, below.
Colin Blassengale
Colin is Wheatley Montessori School’s lead primary Montessori educator. She is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and African-American studies. Colin received her primary Montessori AMI certification from the Greenville Montessori Institute. She is the co-owner of Wheatley Montessori and a former lead guide at Pines Montessori School in Houston, Texas.
Sylvia Collins Blassengale
Sylvia Blassengale is director, co-owner and primary guide at Wheatley Montessori School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and education from Spelman College, a M.Ed. in guidance and counseling from Clemson University, and a certification in primary Montessori education at the Montessori Live Educator Training Program. She is fundraising chairperson for the Greenville Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board, a South Carolina Montessori Alliance board member, and chairperson of the Associates Group for the Greenville chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc.
Kestlyn Blassengale
Kestlyn Blassengale is the assistant director and primary assistant at Wheatley Montessori School. She is a graduate of Wofford College with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and English. Kestlyn received her master’s degree in fine arts in film at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She is the co-owner of Wheatley Montessori School.
Bessie Downs
Bessie Downs serves as a classroom assistant and shares 41 years of expertise as an early childhood teacher, supervisor and director. During her career she has earned several state and national early childhood education certifications. Bessie loves children, and our students adore and welcome her kind, gentle and nurturing spirit.
Danielle Matthews
Danielle Matthews is our toddler class teacher. She gained extensive experience working with children 5 and younger as a volunteer with The Coop, a local homeschool co-op. In addition to teaching the Montessori/Waldorf based curriculums, Danielle organized activities with play based outdoor learning activities and assisted with the coordination of the homeschool co-op’s art show and science fair. Danielle attended the College of Charleston and will be completing her early education degree in the South Carolina T.E.A.C.H. program. In addition to her duties as toddler classroom teacher, Danielle will also coordinates our garden and farm education programs.
Deborah Pitts Collins
Deborah Pitts Collins is Wheatley Montessori’s music education teacher. Deborah earned a Bachelor of Arts in music performance from Spelman College, a M.Ed. in music education from the University of Minnesota, and a M.Ed. in integrated teaching through the arts from Lesley University. She is a national board-certified teacher with more than 40 years’ experience on the elementary, middle and high school levels of music instruction. This is Deborah’s first opportunity working with preschoolers, and she finds them delightful, intelligent and energetic.
Elissa Sanchez
Elissa Sanchez is a primary class assistant teacher. She is a graduate of Grand Canyon University and holds a B.S. degree in sociology. A native Californian, she has worked extensively with vulnerable homeless populations. After moving to Greenville, Elissa transitioned into the field of early intervention, specializing in work with children with developmental delays. In addition to her primary role, Elissa offers Spanish instruction and Montessori-based art lessons; and fosters students’ exploration of different languages and cultures.
Maryann Huang
Maryann Huang is a primary classroom teacher. She is a graduate of the University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India, with a degree in psychology and English. She earned her Association Montessori Internationale Primary Credential from the RTI Montessori Training Course (Mumbai, India) and the AMI Early Elementary Credential from the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. Maryann has 20 years of experience in teaching the Montessori Method to primary (3–6) and elementary (6–12) students.
Juanita Davis Smalls
Juanita Smalls is a teacher assistant. She is a retired teacher with over 30 years experience on the primary and middle school levels. She received her B.A in early childhood education from Francis Marion University and an Master’s in Education from Cambridge University in Massachusetts. Juanita has been employed with Wheatley Montessori since the school was founded in 2015.
Barbara Pelzer Martin
Barbara Pelzer Martin is a teacher assistant. She is a retired military nurse and has been employed with Wheatley Montessori since the school was founded in 2015. Before joining the military, Barbara attended North Carolina A&T State University. Her sweet spirit and calming nature is well received by our parents and students.