Administrative Team
Our administrative team brings a wealth of expertise in Montessori education, child development, psychology, and business administration. Explore the profiles below to learn more about each member of our team!
Julie Schroer
Head of School
Email address: [email protected]
Julie was born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. She moved to the U.S. in the mid 1980s and settled in Palm Springs, CA, where she became a live-in nanny while studying for a major in physics. Julie then trained as an assistant physical therapist and worked in a rehabilitation unit caring for patients with critical injuries.
In the early 1990s, Julie moved to North Carolina where she attended UNC at Chapel Hill. Knowing her calling was to work with children, Julie switched majors and earned a BA in psychology with a minor in African American Studies. She also worked part-time on a research team in the clinical psychology department at UNC studying parental disciplinary models and behavioral disorders. Julie then went on to earn an MS in educational psychology.
In 1992 Julie began working with The New School in the Children’s House program. After falling in love with the philosophy of Montessori and recognizing it as an extension of her studies in developmental and clinical psychology, she began her Montessori training. Julie earned her AMS certifications at the lower and upper elementary levels.
Julie taught lower and upper elementary and middle school for a total of 14 years, then moved to an administrative position for another five years before assuming her current role as Head of School. In addition to her classroom teaching, she has tutored in many levels of mathematics and science. She has also coached judo and fencing.
On a part-time basis, Julie serves as treasurer of an international environmental organization that promotes sustainability education. She is also a PADI Scuba Dive Master who enjoys leading underwater tours and participating in reef preservation projects. Her other interests include traveling, art, photography, chess, and caring for her saltwater aquarium.
Favorite Educational Quote
Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
∼ William Butler Yeats
Julie Schroer
Head of School
Jonathan Schroer
Executive Director
Email address: [email protected]
Jonathan was born in Illinois and raised on Long Island, New York. His first introduction to Montessori was through his mother, Ceres Schroer York, a life-long Montessori professional who founded the The New School in 1984. He attended Montessori school as a young child, which is also when he began his very successful chess career.
Jonathan graduated from Stony Brook University with a double major in Russian and political science. After Stony Brook, he attended Columbia University and earned a degree in law. He then went on to pass the bar in California, Washington D.C., and North Carolina.
He practiced law for a few years in California and then moved and settled down in North Carolina. After a year of practicing law in Raleigh, he decided to pursue Montessori training and join The New School to assist in its development. He attained his certification in Children’s House and gained invaluable classroom experience before assuming administrative roles and eventually becoming the Head of School in 2000.
Jonathan continues to play and coach chess, both privately and at other local schools. In addition to at one time being the third youngest international chess champion in the U.S., he also holds the record for winning the NC state championship the most times (in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2009). In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys listening to music, playing cards, and tennis.
Favorite Educational Quote
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.’
∼ Dr. Maria Montessori
Jonathan Schroer
Executive Director
Dawn McKlusky
Operations Director
Email: [email protected]
Originally from Staten Island, NY, Dawn lived there her entire life before making the big move to Holly Springs in 2018—and she’s loved every minute of it! As it turns out, the move was meant to be: it’s where she met her partner and best friend, Mark. Now, they’re getting ready to embrace the exciting “empty nest” chapter of life!
Dawn is a proud mom of four amazing kids who have filled her life with energy, stories, and pride. Her sons, Andrew and Justin, are thriving in their careers back in Staten Island. Her daughter Amanda is heading off on a big adventure to Italy with her partner, who is serving in the U.S. Army. And Kara—whom many of you might remember—worked at TNS for four years before moving to Peoria, IL to begin her teaching career and support her partner, who recently joined Caterpillar.
Before joining the TNS family, Dawn spent 13 years working with two major companies in New York City, gaining valuable experience in payroll, billing, accounts payable/receivable, and administration. After that chapter, she made the decision to stay home and raise her children—one of the most rewarding roles of her life. During that time, she also embraced her entrepreneurial side, launching an at-home online business that she still enjoys today as a hobby.
Working in a school setting has always been a dream of Dawn’s, and she finally found the perfect fit at TNS. She began as a Billing Specialist (numbers have always been her thing!) and is now honored to serve as Director of Operations—still happily handling the billing, too! No two days are ever the same, and she feels incredibly fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated, passionate team.
Fun fact about Dawn:
“I absolutely love to cook! Whether it’s a big family dinner or a holiday feast, you’ll always find me in the kitchen. I even started the first-ever cooking club here at TNS, and this summer we launched our very first cooking camp—it was a huge hit! Sharing my love for food with the TNS community has been one of the most joyful parts of my journey.”
Dawn McKlusky
Operations Director
Roger Harris
Development Director
Kristen Cullen
Program Director
Email: [email protected]
Kristen is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified Montessorian with a passion for creating inclusive, supportive learning environments. With years of experience working with neurodivergent children, she brings a compassionate, individualized approach to her role as a program and student support director at The New School Montessori Center. Kristen is deeply committed to helping every child thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
When she’s not at school, Kristen loves spending time with her family, which includes her husband and their three children. She finds joy and tranquility in the mountains, enjoys hiking, and is an avid reader who’s always looking for a new book to explore. Her dedication to students and love for the outdoors bring a grounded, nurturing presence to the school community.
“Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity is for life in general.” – Harvey Blume
Kristen Cullen
Program Director
Lori Deach
Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
Email address: [email protected]
Lori started working with young children during high school with an early education program that connected her with local childcare centers. After graduating with her associate’s degree from Suffolk College in 1998, she was introduced to the Montessori philosophy where she worked as a toddler assistant at Computer Associates International where she worked for six years. It was during that time that she was offered a scholarship to attend the Association Montessori Internationale in Denver, CO, and completed her AMI certification in 2003.
In 2005, she moved from Long Island NY to North Carolina where she continued to gain Montessori experience as a lead toddler and Nido teacher. Lori joined the TNS family in 2009 as the lead early years teacher. After over 20 years of teaching in a classroom, she has truly enjoyed shifting her role into the administration realm of the Montessori world over the last few years. Maintaining relationships with children and families, while helping to contribute to their experiences here at the school is a newfound passion for her.
In her spare time, Lori enjoys relaxing at the lake and traveling with her husband and her two teenage daughters (who also attended TNS when they were younger). She also enjoys playing her ukulele, riding ATVs, and supporting her children’s lacrosse adventures!
Favorite Montessori Quote:
“Of all things, Love is the most potent” -Maria Montessori
Lori Deach
Marketing Director
Taylor Gannon
Administration
Email address: [email protected]
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Taylor was born and raised in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. She went on to attend NC State University and receive a degree in Applied Education Studies. During her schooling, Taylor focused on individualized and differentiated learning for middle grades math students. Her combined love of education and math led to spending several years working at a math learning center, where she gained valuable experience in fostering a supportive learning environment.
In her spare time, Taylor enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her rescue cats at home. She also enjoys watching different sporting events and experimenting with new hobbies.
Favorite quote:
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all” – Aristotle
Taylor Gannon
Administrative Assistant
Meg Straight
Admissions Director
Email address: [email protected]
Meg was born in Wilmington, North Carolina. She and her family moved around the state and finally settled in Sanford, NC during her High School years. Meg then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Child Development at Meredith College. As an NC Teaching Fellow when the program was active, her thesis was on “The Status of Pretend Play in the Montessori Method. ” She chose this to research the myth she had of Montessori not cultivating the child’s imagination sufficiently. What she found was the exact opposite. Meg has always loved working with children and was happy to discover that the Montessori philosophy allows us to focus on what’s important in a child’s development.
One summer Meg studied abroad with the Danish Institute of Studies in Copenhagen, Denmark, on the Nordic approach to children with special needs. She then taught Pre-K for four years and was Curriculum Specialist at Creative Schools of Apex for almost three years.
After working in the preschool world for seven years, a chance meeting in the park one day of a retired Montessori teacher opened up a whole new understanding of Montessori for Meg. That serendipitous encounter helped her realize that this method was truly the best fit for her.
Meg accepted a job at TNS in the summer of 2021 and worked with our Children’s House program for three years. In the fall of 2024 she transitioned into administration and is now serving as the Administrative Coordinator.
In her spare time at home, Meg enjoys spending time with her daughters, husband, and their rescue dog, Norman. They like to travel to Wrightsville Beach to spend time with Meg’s extended family and go hiking in the mountains.
Favorite educational quote:
Kids don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.” -Jim Henson
Meg Straight
Admissions Director
Thomas Edwards
School Security
Email: [email protected]
Thomas brings a unique and passionate perspective to our MAP History classroom, having himself been a Montessori student from Children’s House through the Adolescent Program at Sterling Montessori. This personal experience deeply informs his approach to guiding students through their historical journeys. Thomas further solidified his commitment to Montessori education by earning his Montessori teaching certification in 2023, following an intensive program that began in 2021.
Academically, Mr. Edwards holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Campbell University, awarded in 2011, with a specialized focus on Colonial History and 19th-Century American History. His historical expertise extends beyond the classroom; he previously served as a dedicated museum educator at Mordecai Historic Park and other local museums, bringing history to life for diverse audiences. Thomas joined The New School community in 2021, and he is dedicated to fostering an inquiry-based, engaging, and relevant historical exploration for his students.
Favorite educational quote:
“Lastly, hang tough. Never, ever give up regardless of the adversity” – Richard D. Winters
Law Enforcement Bio:
Thomas brings over a decade of dedicated public safety and specialized law enforcement experience in his role as Chief of Police for TNS Company Police. Beginning his public safety career in 2013, Thomas has cultivated a wide range of expertise, having served in various capacities including patrol, detective, supervisor, and as a Field Training Officer. Thomas has worked as a law enforcement officer for local, private and state agencies and proudly accepted the 2020 CIT Officer of the Year while serving with NC Central University Police Department.
His commitment to professional excellence is underscored by numerous certifications, including Background Investigator, First Line Supervision, Active Attack Response Instructor, and Crisis Intervention Officer. Thomas also holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certification from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards Commission, demonstrating a high level of proficiency and dedication to law enforcement best practices. In his capacity as a campus police officer, Thomas is deeply committed to fostering a safe and secure campus environment, bridging law enforcement principles with the unique needs of an educational community and ensuring the well-being of all students and staff at The New School.
Thomas Edwards
Campus Police Chief
Erick Sippel
Site Director
Email: [email protected]
Hailing from New Jersey, Mr. Erick started his own landscaping business that he ran for 20 years. After moving to North Carolina, he purchased the Healthy Vending Machine company, which he still runs as a family business.
He particularly enjoys any outdoor activity, especially golfing, biking, hiking, jogging, and sports. He’s even been bungee jumping and would love to go skydiving someday!
Erick Sippel
Site Manager