My name is Maddison “Maddie” Szucs, and I am a lifelong resident of Gaston County and a passionate Montessori educator.

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I began my educational journey as a Montessori student, attending a nationally certified Montessori school during my elementary years. That early foundation shaped not only how I learn, but how I believe children should learn. I later transitioned into Gaston County Public Schools, where I eventually returned as a teacher after earning my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University.

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During my time teaching fourth grade in Gaston County, I was honored to be named New Teacher of the Year (2021–2022) and received recognition for ranking in the top 25% of test scores across both Gaston County and the state of North Carolina for two consecutive years. While I valued my experience in public education, my Montessori roots continued to call me back to a more authentic, child-centered approach to learning.

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That calling led me to pursue my AMI Montessori training, earning nationally recognized certification. For the past three years, I have taught at a Montessori school in Charlotte, where I have deepened my practice and commitment to Montessori philosophy. This past year, I also completed specialized training in Montessori school ownership and operations, preparing me to bring this vision to life.

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I believe our children deserve an education designed for them and by them. They deserve individualized instruction that meets their unique needs instead of a one-size-fits-all curriculum dictated by standardized expectations. They deserve daily one-on-one lessons, freedom of movement, ownership of their environment, and the opportunity to learn through meaningful, purposeful work.

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Montessori education goes beyond academics. It teaches children how to be good friends, responsible community members, and confident, independent individuals. It nurtures self-esteem, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Currently, there are no Montessori schools in Gaston, Lincoln, or Cleveland Counties. When I discovered this, I knew my life’s work was to bring Montessori education to this community.

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If you are new to Montessori, welcome!. I have so much to share with you.
If you are already familiar with Montessori, welcome! I am excited to build this community together and value your insight and partnership as we grow.

Hello! 
 

My name is Donna Russell and I am Maddie’s Mom! I have been a Montessori parent, school office assistant, and a Montessori classroom assistant.
 

When Maddie was 3.5 years old, We went in search of something a little more challenging than what the average pre-school was able to provide for her. While make believe, coloring, and building block towers are certainly important in any child’s development, we could see that she yearned to learn and know more about the “what, why and how” that made up the world around her. We were introduced to the Montessori education method through some friends of ours, whose son attended a Charlotte school, and they encouraged us to observe a classroom in action. Needless to say, we were amazed to see what these 3-6 year olds were capable of learning and doing. So, Maddie began her Montessori journey that Fall, just as she turned 4 and we never looked back. As Maddie grew older and transitioned into the Elementary program, there was no question that our youngest daughter Sam would attend too, and she started in the Primary program as a newly 3 year old. Both of our girls stayed in the Montessori school until 4th grade, when they transitioned into traditional public school.
 

This early foundation of learning taught both of them that they were capable of great things! In addition to learning the basics of Reading, Writing and Math very early, they also learned respect, responsibility and accountability to themselves, their classroom and their family. All of these qualities have continued to serve them both well, into their adult lives and they still have a LOVE for learning.
 

While our girls were there, I also spent 2 years working in the Montessori school’s office as an assistant to the director. While in this role, some of my many duties included:
 

• Making phone calls/ returning emails

• Running school errands/ buying school supplies

• Helping to organize fundraisers

• Coordinating book fairs

• Scheduling building maintenance issues/ additions
  
  During the 2023-2024 school year, I had the pleasure of returning to be the classroom assistant for my own daughter! It was a special year for the 2 of us as we worked together each day. As the teacher assistant, some of my duties in the classroom were:
   

• Help with the set up of materials

• Restock of materials/Making copies

• Prepare/setup snack each morning

• Assist children with bathroom if needed

• Organize/ Teach Weekly Crafts

• Give LOTS of hugs!
   

I look forward to meeting each of you and your families, as we build a new community of Montessori enthusiasts!