Our Team
“A child is truly a miraculous being and this should be felt deeply by the educator.”
— Maria Montessori
NIA House Montessori Staff 2022-2023
Sonceria Radford, Co-Founder, Director, Lead Lower Elementary guide
As an educator and visionary with nearly 20 years of experience working with persons of all ages, Sonceria has served as a teacher at the collegiate, high school, and primary education levels. Sonceria has extensive experience in parent/child engagement and child advocacy. Mrs. Radford’s passionate proficiency in math appears in both the classroom and administration.
Darlene Neely, Co-Founder, Academic Dean
Darlene Neely has 30 years of experience working with young children. She has experience identifying exceptionalities in African American children in the New York area. Darlene has over a decade of experience as a Montessori professor, training teachers and developing curriculums for schools nationwide. Mrs. Neely also serves as a parent guide by setting up Montessori-inspired areas in the home.
MarQuita Holt, Co-F, Director of Marketing & Admissions, Aftercare
This Nashville native began in theater arts and discovered the beauty of the Montessori Philosophy in 2011. With almost a decade of admissions experience, MarQuita’s passion for building community cultivates recruiting new families, serving as parent support, and collaborating with nearly 100 organizations to partner with the school. Ms. Holt also facilitates special programming, including cooking, Spanish, theater, and music.
Kelley Taylor, Upper Elementary Lead, STEM Farm Guide
Velithia Pendergrass, Lower El Co Directress
Arjae Thompson, Art Director
Pam Fields, Pre-Primary co-directress
Jamia Williams, FLoater
William Radford, Strategic Developer
Currently develops multi-use facilities across the United States. He is a former licensed teacher in Metro Nashville Public Schools. William also has over 20 years of experience working in youth and young adult education. Will also has extensive experience in design, construction, marketing, and fundraising. Recently, Will received the Nashville Business Journal’s highest award, 40 under 40.
TREMETA NORMAN, exceptional learning ADVOCATE
Bronx native Tremeta Norman has dedicated over half of her life to educating students. Whether in the classroom or serving as a Family Engagement Specialist, Tremeta retains the experience needed to connect families. Mrs. Norman also provides training, education advocacy, and forums for families to learn about children with exceptional needs.