Guiding Our Community
Emma Broadfoot Co-Founder, President, & Head of School
Olivia Culley Board Secretary & Elementary Guide
Emma Broadfoot Co-Founder, President, & Head of School
Ms. Emma is a co-founder of Two Roots Montessori and serves as President and Head of School. She holds her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Boston University and brings over 14 years of experience in education, including work in public schools, private schools, and Department of Defense programs. She has spent eight yea
Ms. Emma is a co-founder of Two Roots Montessori and serves as President and Head of School. She holds her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Boston University and brings over 14 years of experience in education, including work in public schools, private schools, and Department of Defense programs. She has spent eight years in the classroom, but leadership roles is where she found her stride. Throughout her career, Emma has been recognized for her ability to mentor teachers, dream big, support families, and build programs that balance academic excellence with emotional well-being.
Her leadership style is grounded in warmth, consistency, and a strong commitment to child-centered education.
Emma has a strong vision for building Two Roots, ensuring that the school’s philosophy is lived daily in classrooms, curriculum, and community relationships. Creating a positive workplace and school culture of community is critical to making this vision come to life. For Emma, Two Roots is more than a school. It is a place where children are trusted, families are supported, and educators are empowered to do the most meaningful work of their lives.
Outside of school, she can be found singing ABBA songs with her daughter, hemming a pair of pants on her sewing machine, or browsing at McKay’s to add to her vinyl collection. Emma loves trying new coffee shops, and hunting down deals at thrift stores. Be sure to visit the office to see what she’s wearing today too— she is known for her bold and stylish choices.
Elle Meadows Co-Founder & Director of Finance
Olivia Culley Board Secretary & Elementary Guide
Emma Broadfoot Co-Founder, President, & Head of School
Ms. Elle is the Co-Founder and Director of Finance of Two Roots Montessori. She holds certifications in Nonprofit Finance and Montessori Fundamentals and is currently completing an expedited master’s program in Psychology with a focus in Biopsychology.
Elle brings over a decade of experience in schools and management, along with a deep pas
Ms. Elle is the Co-Founder and Director of Finance of Two Roots Montessori. She holds certifications in Nonprofit Finance and Montessori Fundamentals and is currently completing an expedited master’s program in Psychology with a focus in Biopsychology.
Elle brings over a decade of experience in schools and management, along with a deep passion for building systems that truly support children, families, and educators. She is also a mom to two young daughters who inspire her daily and shape her commitment to creating safe, supportive, and joyful learning environments.
Outside of school life, Elle enjoys art, writing, fitness, event decorating and planning, and brings that same sense of balance and intention into her work, helping build a school where strong systems support calm, thoughtful, child-centered classrooms.
Olivia Culley Board Secretary & Elementary Guide
Olivia Culley Board Secretary & Elementary Guide
Olivia Culley Board Secretary & Elementary Guide
Ms. Liv is a Montessori educator who believes children learn best when they are trusted with meaningful work, given time to explore big ideas, and supported in developing independence and responsibility. Her goal is to help guide children to a “help me to do it myself” mindset as Maria Montessori stated.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in E
Ms. Liv is a Montessori educator who believes children learn best when they are trusted with meaningful work, given time to explore big ideas, and supported in developing independence and responsibility. Her goal is to help guide children to a “help me to do it myself” mindset as Maria Montessori stated.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Cultural Anthropology from The College of Wooster and is Montessori trained through the North American Montessori Center. Olivia began her teaching career with Metro Nashville Public Schools before transitioning into Montessori education as an Upper Elementary Guide in 2023.
Outside of school, Olivia enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Eli, are Nashville natives and are raising their son Everett while preparing to welcome their daughter, Margaret, in April. In her free time, Olivia enjoys sewing, visiting Disney parks, traveling, and trying new food around Nashville.
Behind the Prepared Environment
Ms. Carleigh - Operations Lead
Ms. Carleigh serves as the Operations Lead where she helps support the daily operations of the school, family communication, enrollment coordination, scheduling, and creating a welcoming environment for both students and staff. Carleigh's talent lies in assisting families in meaningful and supportive ways.
A recent graduate of Belmont University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, Carleigh brings over seven years of informal childcare experience to her role and a strong understanding of early childhood environments.
Outside of school, Carleigh enjoys spending time with friends, cooking and baking, crafting, and being outdoors.
Ms. Emily - Nido Lead Guide
Ms. Emily has been a preschool teacher for nine years and brings a deep love for early childhood education into her work with children. Through her years of experience she has developed a strong appreciation for the Montessori method and is passionate about creating environments where children are encouraged to explore, grow, and learn at their own pace. She believes that nurturing independence from a young age helps children build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self.
In the classroom, Emily focuses on supporting children as capable and curious learners. She values thoughtful guidance, consistency, and respectful communication, and enjoys observing children as they develop new skills and discover their interests.
Outside of school, Emily enjoys practicing yoga, creating arts and crafts, spending time outdoors on nature walks, and connecting with friends. These interests reflect her calm, creative presence and her appreciation for balance, creativity, and connection, which she brings into the classroom each day.
Ms. Sarita - Young Toddler Lead Guide
Ms. Sarita was born in Colombia and raised in the U.S. and speaks both English and Spanish. She has been working professionally with children for over 10 years, with the majority of that time in a Montessori environment. Sarita has a deep passion for creating safe spaces for children to explore, grow, and learn about themselves and their environment. Watching children grow their confidence, independence, and bodily autonomy sparks great joy for Sarita. She values creating a calm and nurturing environment for each family and child that steps in to her classroom and cherishes meeting each individual where they are.
Ms. Sarita stands firm that one of the best ways to support a child as they progress is through observation, modeling the behavior that is expected of them, consistency in the everyday routine, and constant communication.
Sarita is the proud mom of one spunky girl with another one on the way. She loves being by the water, cooking and spending time with her family. Outside of the classroom she enjoys thrifting, crafting, and exploring farmers markets.
Ms. Allie - Toddler 1 Lead Guide
Ms. Allie is a Toddler Guide at Two Roots Montessori with experience across a variety of early childhood programs. Through this work, she discovered Montessori and found a teaching approach that truly felt like home. Allie loves supporting toddlers as they build independence through hands-on learning in a calm, nurturing environment where each child feels safe, capable, and confident. Ms. Allie is passionate about meeting children where they are and honoring their individual development.
Outside of the classroom, Allie enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, exploring local parks, enjoying a good cup of coffee, and working on puzzles, with an exceptional talent and passion for baking.
Ms. Nikki - Toddler 2 Lead Guide
Ms. Nikki brings extensive experience in early childhood education and a deep commitment to supporting young children during their most important developmental years. After many years working with children in a variety of early learning environments, she discovered Montessori education and quickly found a philosophy that aligned with her values and teaching style. She has now been part of the Montessori community for over a year and continues to grow in her practice and understanding of the Montessori approach.
Nikki is the mother to her one-year-old son. When she isn’t at school, she can be found spending time with her little one, making memories, and sewing children’s clothes!
Ms. Kaylan - Children's House Lead Guide
Ms. Kaylan has worked in various childcare settings over the years but when she found Montessori in 2021, she knew that is where her heart belonged. She values the Montessori approach because she has seen firsthand that with the right tools and a prepared environment, children flourish and their confidence skyrockets, leading them to realize they are capable.
Kaylan believes in helping children reach their potential by providing a safe and calm space to make mistakes. Kaylan is Montessori trained through the North American Montessori Center in the Primary (3-6 years old) age group.
Kaylan enjoys spending time with her family and her husband, Quinton. Every Sunday from September to February you will find Kaylan on the couch (or in a stadium) cheering on the Los Angeles Rams. She also enjoys going to the zoo, traveling, and reading.
Ms. Grace - Assistant Guide
Ms. Grace is a passionate educator with several years of experience working with children in both childcare and preschool settings. She loves helping children develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning through meaningful relationships and hands on lessons. As a mother to a spirited three year old daughter herself, Grace knows the importance of the trust you put in her to guide and love your own little ones. She believes children learn best when they feel safe, respected, and encouraged to explore. She is also pursuing further education in healthcare and has a lifelong love of learning herself. Grace is so thrilled to be part of the Two Roots family and is excited to learn, grow, and build community here.
When she’s not in the classroom, you can find Grace reading, working on her own fantasy novel, exploring local restaurants, enjoying live music, and spending time with her daughter.
Ms. Laura - Assistant Guide
Ms. Laura is an experienced early childhood educator with over five years of experience working with young children. She has found a true passion in Montessori education and loves supporting children as they build independence, confidence, and a sense of pride in their work. Laura is especially drawn to creating calm, nurturing environments where children feel safe, respected, and encouraged to explore at their own pace.
She is a proud mother to her daughter, Emily, who inspires her daily. Originally from Mexico, Laura brings her cultural background into her life with warmth and creativity.
Outside of school, Laura enjoys cooking, trying new recipes, and expressing her creativity through art in her free time.
Ms. Maddi - Assistant Guide
Ms. Maddi has been working in childcare for over three years. It started as a side job, but quickly she found that she loved helping children grow and learn. Maddi is a recent college graduate with her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. While she is experiencing a Montessori school for the first time, Maddi is passionate about bettering herself as an educator to become better equipped to care for young children. She is mostly experienced in caring for toddlers up to pre-k age, but truly enjoys caring for children of all ages.
When she’s not in the classroom, you can find Maddi reading, going to the movies, or hanging out with her cat named Vienna.
Ms. Ashleigh - Floating Guide
Ms. Ashleigh is a floating guide with over two years of experience working with children and over 20 years of experience watching her six siblings! Through generations of teachers in her family, Ashleigh is no stranger to the classroom, and her introduction to Montessori education has only strengthened her passion for watching children grow into the best versions of themselves. She is a firm advocate of the delicate balance of nurturing dependence and autonomy in children, and feels proud to have even the smallest part in shaping the next generation of leaders.
She is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Trevecca Nazarene University. When she is not working, she loves being a nanny for many families. In her free time, you can find Ashleigh dancing, listening to music, cooking, going on long drives, exploring new food places, and spending time with her husband.
Ms. Bre - Floating Guide
Ms. Bre's bio is coming soon!
Ms. Molly - Assistant Guide
Ms. Molly's bio is coming soon!