Kathy Wilkinson: Lead Teacher

Kathy Wilkinson is from France and holds a Masters degree in Anglo-American Studies. Prior to her focus in language studies, she specialized in Biology.  She has taught English and French from elementary through undergraduate levels.  Kathy began working with IMS in the spring of 2009.  We were immediately impressed with her gentle and effective classroom management skills. She was hired as a full-time lead teacher in the fall of 2009 while continuing her Montessori training. She graduated from the 3-6 AMS program in June 2010 and is now a certified Montessori teacher.  She thrives to create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere in her classroom. Kathy speaks excellent English, conversational Spanish and basic German. She is also a yoga teacher. Her interests outside of teaching are the study of yoga, social work, art, nature and learning about different cultures and languages.

Carolyn McDaniel: Assistant Teacher

Carolyn grew up in Rabat, Morocco where she attended public French schools. She completed a certificate in Higher Level French as part of her International Baccalaureate program in high school. Carolyn graduated from Duke University in 2009 with a Bachelors degree in Theater Studies and International Comparative Studies.  She has extensive experience teaching French to children ages 5-16.  Carolyn is passionate about educating children, languages, and theater.

Mariana (Mira) Talpau Joos: Assistant Teacher in La Maison, and Movement Teacher

Mira Joos is a native Romanian and a French national.  She holds a Masters degree in Applied Foreign Languages and an undergraduate degree in French Linguistics and Literature.  Mira is currently completing her Montessori 3-6 AMS certification. She taught French in Sweden and Switzerland before she and her husband moved to Louisiana. For six years, she has worked as a French, Physical Education and Enrichment teacher in public schools. Besides her dedication to students, Mira maintains active involvement with the community which she views as a key contributor to its educational foundation. Mira loves yoga, contemporary dance, blues music and hiking. As an educator, she is continually learning so that her teaching is always fresh and dynamic.