Faculty & Staff
Ms. Ashley Nguyen
Head of School, Dairy Ashford Campus
I have worked in Early Childhood Education and Montessori since 2014. I received my B.A. in Sociology from Texas A&M University and received my Director’s Credential in 2017. I have been with Smaller Scholars Montessori Academy since 2017.
I married my college sweetheart and have a beautiful daughter named Emily who has been a Montessori Student since she was 6 weeks old. I enjoy NCAA football on the weekends and in my spare time, I enjoy dancing, photography, traveling and crafting.
I love Montessori because it fosters independence and teaches children the ability to do things for themselves. Montessori boosts a child’s confidence and empowers the child as well.
I married my college sweetheart and have a beautiful daughter named Emily who has been a Montessori Student since she was 6 weeks old. I enjoy NCAA football on the weekends and in my spare time, I enjoy dancing, photography, traveling and crafting.
I love Montessori because it fosters independence and teaches children the ability to do things for themselves. Montessori boosts a child’s confidence and empowers the child as well.
Ms. Emily Jankowski
Head of School, Grisby Campus
I have been in the education field since 2006. After earning my BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M, I began my career teaching at a public school here in Houston. I spent 7 years teaching first grade (my first love), one year in kindergarten, and one year as a science lab instructor. After spending time caring for my young daughter, I spent two years teaching a three-year-old class before joining the Smaller Scholars Family in May of 2022.
My husband and I are both native Houstonians and Aggies. We have one daughter who is in the elementary program at Smaller Scholars Montessori Academy. In my free time I love spending time with my family and reading! My hobbies include paper crafting (and crafting in general), reading, doing puzzles, traveling, camping, and hiking/spending time outdoors.
I have fallen in love with the Montessori Method. The independence that is fostered in the classrooms is amazing to see.
My husband and I are both native Houstonians and Aggies. We have one daughter who is in the elementary program at Smaller Scholars Montessori Academy. In my free time I love spending time with my family and reading! My hobbies include paper crafting (and crafting in general), reading, doing puzzles, traveling, camping, and hiking/spending time outdoors.
I have fallen in love with the Montessori Method. The independence that is fostered in the classrooms is amazing to see.
Ms. Cassandra Jones
Assistant Head of Schools, Dairy Ashford Campus
I have been part of the Smaller Scholars Montessori Academy family since 2015 and a Montessori educator since 1998, earning my certification through the American Montessori Society. I also hold a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from the University of Phoenix and earned my Director’s Credential in 2019.
Working with children ages 3 to 6 is truly my passion. I love watching them discover new things, grow in independence, and build the confidence that will carry them through life.
As Assistant Head of School, I enjoy supporting our teachers and families while helping to create a warm, engaging, and nurturing environment for every child. When I’m not at school, you’ll often find me at the beach, listening to jazz, or spending time with my family. I believe in living life to the fullest—and I bring that same spirit into my work with our school community each day.
Working with children ages 3 to 6 is truly my passion. I love watching them discover new things, grow in independence, and build the confidence that will carry them through life.
As Assistant Head of School, I enjoy supporting our teachers and families while helping to create a warm, engaging, and nurturing environment for every child. When I’m not at school, you’ll often find me at the beach, listening to jazz, or spending time with my family. I believe in living life to the fullest—and I bring that same spirit into my work with our school community each day.
Ms. Teri Lloyd
Elementary Director, Dairy Ashford Campus
I have my B.S. Elementary Education and MSEd from Baylor University with an emphasis in Montessori and Technology. I am Montessori Certified for 1st - 6th grades. I have been the Elementary Director since 2007. Beginning in 1992 I developed and taught both Lower & Upper Elementary Programs at Smaller Scholars Montessori Academy. I also taught Gifted & Talented Programs.
My hobbies include dancing and dining. I enjoy football, culture, music and meeting new people.
My hobbies include dancing and dining. I enjoy football, culture, music and meeting new people.
Ms. Janet Branstiter
Curriculum Director, Dairy Ashford and Grisby Campuses
I began my journey in Early Childhood Education in 1990 as an assistant in a small Montessori school, where I quickly fell in love with the Montessori Method. Inspired to deepen my practice, I earned my AMS Montessori certification in 1995 and went on to join Smaller Scholars Montessori Academy in 1998.
For 17 years, I served as a lead teacher in a Primary classroom, creating a safe and nurturing environment where hundreds of children could learn and thrive. In 2015, I stepped into a leadership role as Education Director at Smaller Scholars. This position allowed me to support teachers, collaborate with administrators, and strengthen the Montessori program. In 2019, I earned my Director’s credentials, further expanding my ability to guide and grow our school community.
Today, I serve as Curriculum Coordinator and Enrollment Specialist for both the Dairy Ashford and Grisby campuses, working alongside the Heads of School to unify and enhance our Montessori programs. Outside of my professional life, I take pride in being the daughter of a retired U.S. Air Force serviceman. Though I was born in England during my father’s service, I’ve spent nearly my entire life in Texas and consider it home. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with family and friends, exploring new places, and making lasting memories.
For 17 years, I served as a lead teacher in a Primary classroom, creating a safe and nurturing environment where hundreds of children could learn and thrive. In 2015, I stepped into a leadership role as Education Director at Smaller Scholars. This position allowed me to support teachers, collaborate with administrators, and strengthen the Montessori program. In 2019, I earned my Director’s credentials, further expanding my ability to guide and grow our school community.
Today, I serve as Curriculum Coordinator and Enrollment Specialist for both the Dairy Ashford and Grisby campuses, working alongside the Heads of School to unify and enhance our Montessori programs. Outside of my professional life, I take pride in being the daughter of a retired U.S. Air Force serviceman. Though I was born in England during my father’s service, I’ve spent nearly my entire life in Texas and consider it home. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with family and friends, exploring new places, and making lasting memories.