Daggett Montessori
Elementary Teachers
Patricia Castillo - Kindergarten/First Grade
Education: Bachelor’s degree in elementary education at UTA
Experience: Over 25 years of experience teaching 3-6 year olds in Montessori schools in Fort Worth, two years as a third grade teacher, one year as a first and two years in Kindergarten only
Fun Fact: I’m originally from a small island in the Caribbean called Trinidad & Tobago. My family and I moved to Texas in 1994. I am married to a wonderful man, Harold and I have four wonderful children. I love to travel.
Crystal Robinett - Kindergarten
Education: B. S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M
Experience: 16 years as an educator; 14 years in Montessori - 10 years as a 1/2/3 teacher and 4 years in Kindergarten
Why I Teach: I teach to make a difference in students' lives. I want to ignite a passion for learning for a lifetime. I want to help students believe they can do anything.
Fun Fact: I lived in Italy for 2 years. I have gone scuba diving with sharks in the wild.
crystal.robinett@fwisd.org
Kristin Westhoff - Kindergarten
Education: I graduated from Midwestern State University. I have a BS in inter-disciplinary studies a minor in English and an endorsement in early childhood. I am GT certified. I am ESL endorsed. I completed my 2+ years of Montessori 3-6 training at Southwestern Montessori in Southlake.
Experience: I have taught Montessori for 33 years. I did my first eight years at Como Montessori before transferring to DMS.
Why I Teach: I love inspiring curiosity, confidence, and kindness in my students - planting seeds that will grow far into their future.
Fun Facts: I am fueled by coffee, sunshing, and love for my two amazing kids. If I am not at the beach, you'll find me reading or at Pilates!
Alexis Ball - 1/2/3 Teacher
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education from Charleston Southern University; M.Ed. with a specialization in Montessori and Gifted and Talented Education from Southern Methodist University.
Experience: I taught 5th grade for 1 year. This is year 8 in 1/2/3 Montessori!
Why I Teach: I want to be a safe place for students. The growth I am able to witness over the three years I have my students is a constant happy feeling for me.
Fun Fact: Mrs. Gonzales and I have taught next door to each other at 2 different schools and for 8 years!
alexis.ball@fwisd.org
Hanan Fares - 1/2/3 Teacher
Education: B.S. from Texas A&M University, Masters from Texas Wesleyan University, 0-6 Montessori Certification (AMI) St. Nicholas University of London, 6-9 Montessori Certification (AMS) Montessori Education Center of the Rockies, Gifted and Talented Certification FWISD
Experience: 34 years in Montessori education
Why I Teach: Education is the surest way to world peace.
Fun Facts: When I was 11 years old, I traveled to Germany with my family and got lost in the Black Forest when we went on a day hike. I love horses and to throw pottery.
Tabitha Ferguson - 1/2/3 Teacher
Education: I hold a BA in Business Administration and an MS in Developmental Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Development.
Experience: I bring nearly ten years of experience in public education, beginning my career as a reading literacy aide before transitioning into the role of teacher.
Why I Teach: Whe I entered education almost a decade ago, I quickly discovered my passion for helping others reach their highest potential. I find great fulfillment in supporting young minds as they overcome barriers, build resilience, and learng to bounce back from adversity. I firmly believe that every child has the ability to learn and grow, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Fun Facts: I love exploring different cultural cuisines - Indian, Mediterranean, and even hidden local gems. My favorite color is orange, and I've always loved butterflies - they remind me of transformation and growth, which is why I connect so deeply with teaching and mentoring.
tabitha.ferguson@fwisd.org
Sarrah Friend - 1/2/3 Teacher
Education: B.A. in Sociology from McMurry University
Experience: This is my first year in Montessori, but I have 5 years of second grade, 1 year of Kindergarten, 2 years of Special Education, and 6 years of early childhood.
Why I Teach: I became a teacher because I was the student who was behind in school, I was the student with several learning disabilities and a poor home life. If it wasn't for my amazing teachers pouring into me I can not imagine where life would have taken me. I teach to help normalize the idea of learning 'differences' and to be that person a student can see who has a learning difference like them but is successful and proud of what they are doing; even if it took me extra work to get here.
Fun Fact: I was in Color Guard in high school and college and even after...tenish years... I can still do most of my tricks. Two summers ago my son and I traveled to 22 states on one very long road trip.
sarrah.friend@fwisd.org
Natalie Gonzales - 1/2/3 Teacher
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Why I Teach:
Fun Facts:
natalie.gonzales@fwisd.org
Leila Itani - 1/2/3 Teacher
Education: Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in math from the University of North Texas. Montessori Certified from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies.
Experience: Overall I have taught 13 years. 11 years in a traditional classroom ranging from 3rd to 10th grade. One year in a Montessori 1st grade classroom. One year of teaching in a 1-2-3 Montessori Classroom.
Why I Teach: I enjoy working with children.
Fun Facts: I have traveled to 3 different continents.
Kari Keith - 1-2-3 Grade
Education: I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of Kansas. Rock Chalk!
Experience: Before completing my alternative certification and starting my teaching career, I worked in advertising and marketing for ten years. This is my tenth year as a lower elementary teacher at DMS. Prior to that I taught four years of PreK and one year with Mansfield ISD.
Why I Teach: It's all about the kids! They bring me so much joy, and I hope I do the same for them. In addition to the academics, I strive to provide a safe learning environment for every student so they feel empowered to reach their full potential.
Fun fact: I was born and raised in Kansas. I have two teenagers of my own.
Sandra Stallings - 1/2/3 Teacher
Education: Texas Woman's University
Experience: 25 years
Why I Teach: I want to help shape our future. I always wanted to be a teacher.
Fun fact: I am married with two college-age children.
sandra.stallings@fwisd.org
Brooke Miller - 4/5 Teacher
Education: I doubled majored in Elementary Education and Anthropology with a minor in guitar from Guilford college.
Experience: I began teaching 23 years ago in North Carolina. My first job was at a public Montessori school where I taught lower elementary. After that, I taught 2nd and 3rd grade in traditional public schools until I moved to Fort Worth and found a job at DMS.
Why I Teach: I love seeing kids proud of themselves when they learn or master something.
Fun Fact: Because of my Anthropology major, I had the opportunity to work in other countries, such as Ghana in West Africa. I’m from Philadelphia and I love Philly cheesesteaks.
Patti Smithhart - 4/5 Teacher
Education: Bachelors of Science in Home Ec and Kindergarten endorsement; Masters in Education from TCU
Experience: 34 years
Why I Teach: I enjoy watching children learn as they grow.
Fun Fact: I have been married for 44 years with 3 children and 2 grandkids.
Heather Taber - 4/5 Teacher
Education: Texas Wesleyan University. Go RAMS!
Experience: I started teaching in 2004 in Fort Worth ISD. I have taught science, social studies, math, reading language arts, resource, and Special Education.
Why I Teach: I work in education to help students with their dreams and goals for their future so that we may all have a brighter tomorrow.
Fun Fact: I was a certified scuba diver when I was 16. I have 7 chickens, 2 cats, 2 dogs, and a rabbit.
Jacqueline Romero-Tilger - 4/5 Teacher
Education: I am a FWISD graduate of Arlington Heights, class of 2016. I graduated from the University of North Texas in 2021 with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a focus in Special Education! Go Mean Green! I have received my 9-12 Montessori education from Shelton Montessori Training in Dallas.
Experience: I began my teaching journey as a 2nd-grade teacher in Irving ISD. I came back home to Fort Worth and started teaching at Daggett Montessori in 2022 as a 4/5 teacher!
Why I Teach: Being the first in my family to graduate from college, I wanted to do something meaningful and helpful with my life. With the help of my AVID teacher in high school, I was able to find my way to teaching!
Fun Fact: I was a Montessori student from Kindergarten through 5th grade and I LOVE traveling!
jacqueline.romero@fwisd.org
Tiana Vick - 4/5 Teacher
Education:
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Why I Teach:
Fun Fact: Ms. Fares was my mentor teacher and Mrs. Castillo taught across the hall from me at East Fort Worth Montessori.
tiana.vick@fwisd.org
Kelli Williams - 4/5 Teacher
Education: TCU-BS in Elementary Education with a specialization in early childhood education, UTA- Masters in reading, math, and leadership
Experience: 28 years at Daggett Montessori teaching Kindergarten, 1st, 4th, and 5th
Why I Teach: I enjoy watching children learn and grow.
Fun Facts: I student taught at DMS, never taught anywhere else, and my own personal children attended DMS. I love watching sports but especially love playing golf.