Our Faculty Are the Heart of Mount Dora Montessori

Gerry’s roots in North Lake County run deep—his children are the sixth generation of his family to call this area home. After decades of serving on the school’s Board of Directors, he and his wife, Ann, became owners alongside their daughter, Savannah, who serves as Head of School. With their granddaughter now attending, Gerry sees his role simply: tending what Merry planted in 1983 and leaving it stronger for the next generation.

Savannah grew up in these classrooms—one of four Guenther children who attended the school—and now leads it as Head of School. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and advanced Montessori credentials, including AMI training. Above all, she believes every child deserves to be known, nurtured, and inspired, and considers it a privilege to honor the trust families place in her with their children.

Liz holds an MBA and brings more than a decade of executive leadership experience building and growing organizations. As Executive Director of Mount Dora Montessori, she is committed to building a school where children develop a lifelong love of learning. She and her husband are also proud school parents, making the school's mission one they live every day.

Merry founded the school in 1983 and led its growth for more than 40 years. An internationally trained AMI educator, psychologist, and Montessori leader, she has dedicated her career to nurturing generations of children through authentic Montessori education. Today, she continues to support the school's mission as an advisor and mentor.

Ms. May works with our infants and has extensive experience working with babies and small children.

Ms. Mirtha holds the AMI Montessori 0-3 certification and serves as a Lead Guide in our "Nest." She has extensive experience working with young children and has been part of our community the last three years.

Ms. Brinley serves as a Lead Guide for our Toddler program and is currently completing her AMI 0-3 Diploma training at MINT as well as her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Deeply passionate about developmental psychology and early childhood development, she loves supporting children during their early years.

Ms. Zoe holds the AMI 3-6 Diploma and brings nearly 30 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and spent many years as owner and operator of a successful childcare program herself.

Ms. Heather brings extensive experience caring for young children and is currently completing her AMI 3-6 Diploma with MINT. She served as Ms. Savannah's assistant before deciding to pursue her Montessori credentials and is deeply passionate about early childhood education.

Ms. Arantxa holds her AMI 3-6 Diploma and brings a number of years experience teaching young children. Bilingual in both Spanish and English, she views her role as a calling and is highly dedicated to the AMI Montessori philosophy.

Ms. Puqui holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and a Master's Degree in Education from Loyola College. She has completed AMI Diplomas in both Primary (3-6) and Elementary (6-12).

Coach Ford brings 33 years of teaching and coaching experience. He holds a BA in Public and Cultural Communication and a Master's Degree in Sports Management. Deeply passionate about the adolescent level, he has completed his AMI Orientation Certificate and plans to seek his AMI Adolescent Diploma.