Tara King

Lead Teacher

Miss Tara is passionate about the Montessori Method. She discovered the Montessori philosophy and method of learning while working at a K-8 IPS magnet school. She believes that the Montessori Method allows teachers to reach students at their level. It also fosters independence and instills confidence in every student. Previously, Miss Tara has been a Montessori classroom assistant, a behavioral interventionist and a special education paraprofessional.

An Indianapolis native, Tara is married with one child who is an alum of Village Montessori. In her free time, Tara enjoys discovering the natural world with her family, visiting museums and exploring national and state parks

Alyssa Dyar

Assistant Teacher

Alyssa attended a Montessori school for eight years and is passionate about the Montessori philosophy and methods of learning.

Alyssa graduated from Indiana University in 2012 with B.A. degrees in math and linguistics. After graduating and roaming the country she returned to Bloomington, IN and began teaching preschool at Bloomington Montessori School. She moved to Indianapolis to serve in Americorps at Herron High School in 2016. She is grateful to have found the Village Montessori community and has enjoyed working here since 2017. She continues to apply the compassion and life skills she learned through Montessori education to other life experiences, big and small.

Maya Colmenero

Assistant Teacher

Maya was first introduced to Montessori when she was looking for ways to engage and cater to her child's development. When her daughter started Montessori kindergarten, Maya joined the teaching staff at Village Montessori. Maya has always enjoyed being around kids, but truly discovered her passion for working with children while volunteering at her daughter’s co-op preschool. She has always admired children’s curiosity and love for the world and thinks that as adults we can learn so much from children. She has really enjoyed learning more about the Montessori philosophy as well as witnessing how it facilitates a love for learning.

Maya hopes to pursue degrees in Art Education, Anthropology, and Ethnomusicology in the future as she is passionate about the arts/culture from around the world.

She enjoys being outside and holds a high regard for getting in touch with nature! A goal of hers down the line is to host events or programs focused on getting children outdoors to explore the world around them.

Maya lives on the East side of Indianapolis with her daughter and dog Luna.

Sarah Poynter

Assistant Teacher & Aftercare Teacher

Sarah was introduced to Montessori while in college and fell in love with the philosophy.

Sarah graduated from Bluffton University and received her teaching license in early childhood and special education.

In 2016 she started teaching 2nd grade in the United Arab Emirates and was able to start her own inclusion classroom. While living there she was able to travel to Egypt, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tanzania, and Greece. After a few years she moved to China to teach kindergarten. While in China she was able to learn some Mandarin, visit the Great Wall, and hike in the Yellow Mountains.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to the states right before they closed the borders and decided to move back home to Indiana.

Sarah enjoys traveling, reading, learning new magic tricks, and playing the guitar.

Erica Brantingham

Assistant Teacher & Aftercare Teacher

Erica always knew that she wanted to be a teacher. During her first year of college in 2019, she learned about the Montessori method. However, when the pandemic hit, she had to move back home and began working as an assistant preschool teacher at a private school, teaching in a traditional style classroom. She continued to do this until May 2023 when she realized that she needed a different environment.

Ever since she learned about the Montessori method, she has wanted to work in a Montessori setting. So, when she came across Village, she was excited to apply. She now continues to discover more about the Montessori method every day, and how she can best support children.

Currently, she is pursuing an associate degree in early childhood education at Ivy Tech, but is undecided as to where she will continue her education.

Aside from teaching, she also has an intense passion for music. She loves being outdoors, hiking, and kayaking."