Elementary Assistant Directress | Birch & Oak Classrooms | Absorbent Minds Montessori School
Sarah Oliver serves as an Elementary Assistant Directress in the Birch and Oak Classrooms at Absorbent Minds Montessori School in Stow, Ohio. With a background in both early childhood and special education, Sarah brings classroom teaching experience, an understanding of individualized learning, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping children grow. She joined the AMMS community in 2024 and is currently pursuing her Montessori teacher certification while supporting students throughout the elementary program.
Education & Teaching Experience
Sarah is a graduate of Woodridge High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania.
After college, Sarah moved to Florida, where she spent three years teaching first and second grade. Her experience in both general and special education helped shape her understanding that children learn in different ways and benefit from instruction that responds to their individual strengths and needs.
Eventually, Sarah returned to Ohio to be closer to her family and continued her journey in education.
From Administration Back to the Classroom
Sarah joined Absorbent Minds Montessori School in 2024 as an Administrative Assistant. In that role, she became an important part of the daily operations of the school while supporting students, families, teachers, and administrators.
Working within the AMMS community also gave Sarah the opportunity to experience Montessori education from a new perspective. She saw firsthand how Montessori classrooms encourage independence, responsibility, curiosity, and individualized learning.
In 2025, Sarah began pursuing her Montessori certification and transitioned back into the classroom. Today, she brings together her traditional education background, special education training, classroom experience, and growing Montessori knowledge as she works alongside the Lead Directresses in the Birch and Oak Elementary Classrooms.
Supporting Individualized Learning
Sarah’s background in special education complements the Montessori approach particularly well. Both experiences have strengthened her appreciation for meeting children where they are and recognizing that students may take different paths toward mastering a skill or concept.
As an Elementary Assistant Directress, Sarah supports students during lessons, independent work, small-group instruction, and the many routines that make up the Montessori school day. She enjoys helping children build confidence while developing the academic and practical skills they need to become increasingly independent learners.
Her previous experience teaching first and second grade also provides a strong foundation for supporting children during the important transition into the elementary years.
Growing as a Montessori Educator
Sarah’s decision to pursue Montessori teacher certification reflects her commitment to continuing to grow as an educator.
Through her training and daily classroom experience, she continues to deepen her understanding of Montessori materials, child development, observation, individualized instruction, and the role of the prepared environment.
Sarah is excited to continue learning alongside the experienced Montessori educators at AMMS while building meaningful relationships with the students she serves.
Beyond the Classroom
After spending several years in Florida, Sarah is happy to be back in Northeast Ohio and closer to her family. Her warm personality, educational background, and willingness to support wherever needed have made her a valued member of the Absorbent Minds Montessori School community.
Interested in learning more about Montessori elementary education at AMMS? Visit our Elementary Program page or schedule a tour.