E1
Having worked in the education field for 7 years, Erica joined the FMS faculty in 2006. Erica holds a BA in Psychology, an MS in Special Education and an M.Ed in School Counseling. She is also a teacher trainer for Thinking Maps and Write From the Beginning Thinking Maps. Erica’s passion for creating a classroom environment that is supportive and challenging is the hallmark of her teaching style. Ever ready to research and find ways to stimulate the learning process, Erica delivers a dynamic curriculum rooted in strong fundamentals. Says Erica: “I love the way the Montessori philosophy lends to independent and critical thinkers who take learning into their own hands.”
Caitie McCombs, E1 Language Arts Teacher
Caitie has been a part of the FMS community for 6 years as the Summer Camp Program curriculum writer and teacher, but now will join us full time as our middle school English Language Arts teacher. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English, she taught in the Clark County School District for two years. She is now working on her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Caitie loves to do DIY projects and decorate, which our community has seen firsthand with her transformation of E1 Petite. She feels that teaching is truly her purpose and loves seeing students succeed when they have the opportunity to discover and interact with literature. We feel incredibly lucky to have Caitie as part of our community!
Samia Freedman, E1 Support Teacher
Samia (“Sam”) joined the FMS faculty in Fall 2019. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Special Education. FMS was fortunate to employ Sam as a substitute teacher for the 2018-2019 school year and especially pleased she has joined our team as a full-time member. She brings a love of learning and enthusiasm for engaging interactions to her new position. Sam is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for fitness and movement. She can be found most weekends hiking the many beautiful trails Asurrounding our city.
Ashley, E1 Math Teacher
Ms. Ashley earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Nevada, LV, and a Master’s degree in developmental psychology from Illinois State University. Her experience includes instructing mathematics courses, psychology and psychology-related courses during her undergraduate and graduate career. While earning her degrees, she taught an adolescent and co-taught a statistics lab. She says, “ I love helping students discover their strengths, especially in math. Math tends to be a subject that some students fear, and I find it extremely rewarding to watch students conquer their fears and succeed.” Ashley loves to read and do puzzles, travel, and spend time with her family.