Bus Drop-off times/Afternoon (leaving PHMS @ 3:15 PM)
Cinema (Ellijay)- 3:30 PM
Dollar General (Jasper)-3:45 PM
Welcome PHMS 2026/2027
Below you will find some crucial information to have on hand this year as well as links to required forms.
We hope this digital pamphlet will make the introduction to this year more convenient for you and your family. If you would prefer a paper copy please request a packet from your child’s lead teacher.
Let the learning begin!
School Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am–3:30pm
Phone
(706) 636-3354
Bus Route Information
Monday–Friday
Bus Pick-up times/Mornings
Dollar Tree (Jasper/near Walmart)-7:10 AM
Cinema (Ellijay)- 7:30 AM
Required Forms
First Day Reminders
All Form Links & Completion Checklist
PHMS Staff 2026/2027
Angela McClure
My name is Angela McClure. I am a proud graduate of Piedmont College, where I earned my degrees in Spanish and Psychology. I then pursued my Master's degree at the University of North Georgia, focusing on Early Childhood Education. Additionally, I earned a Specialist in Montessori Education from the United Montessori Association.
I am happily married to my best friend, Jeff McClure, and together we have raised a beautiful family. Our eldest son, Isom, is married to our lovely daughter-in-law, Haley, and they have blessed us with two wonderful children, Ellie Claire and Colter James, who are our pride and joy. We also have a cherished daughter, Anna, whom we adopted from China when she was eight years old.
In 2001, we founded Pleasant Hills Montessori School with just three students, one of whom was our own Isom. Over the years, we have grown to a vibrant community of 35 students. In addition to Pleasant Hills Montessori School, we opened Pleasant Hills Academy, which serves special needs children with ABA support and other therapies. I am proud of our PHMS family and excited about where we are headed in the future. Our philosophy emphasizes quality over quantity, and we remain dedicated to providing the highest standard of Montessori education and support for all our students and their families.Ms. Angela~
Owner/Director
Tara Knadler
Hello! I’m Ms. Tara, the Lower Elementary Lead Guide at Pleasant Hills Montessori School and Director of Pleasant Hills Academy. I am also the proud mother of two PHMS students, Russell and Mason :)
I experienced Montessori education firsthand as a child, and I cherish the opportunity to share this special approach to learning with both my own children and yours. I believe every child is unique and deserves an education that recognizes their strengths, encourages their natural curiosity, and gives them the time and support they need to reach their fullest potential.
While I have loved guiding Elementary Montessori students for many years, I have become especially passionate about helping children with learning differences thrive within the Montessori classroom. In my search for better ways to support our students, I began building relationships with the incredible therapists, specialists, and professionals in our community. Seeing how collaboration among families, educators, and a child’s care team can lead to meaningful progress across every environment inspired my work with Pleasant Hills Academy.
As the mother of a child with learning differences and special needs, I understand firsthand the challenges of searching for answers, advocating for your child, and continually working to support their well-being. Through Pleasant Hills Academy, I hope to help families feel less alone while connecting students with individualized resources and support. It has become my personal mission to help each child discover their strengths, develop their voice, understand the world around them, and experience genuine success.
Above all, I want your child’s school experience to leave them with confidence, joyful memories, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. I value open communication and a team-centered approach, and I look forward to working alongside your family to support your child academically, socially, and personally.
Academy Director/Lower Elementary Lead Guide
Primary Lead GuideLauren Martin
My name is Lauren Martin, and I’ll be the Lead Guide in your child’s Primary classroom. I have dedicated more than 15 years to Montessori education and am passionate about helping children develop independence, confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning through authentic Montessori practice.
Throughout my career, I have served as both a Montessori classroom guide and a teacher trainer with the Pan American Montessori Society (PAMS). While continuing to lead my own classroom, I also had the opportunity to train future Montessori educators and work closely with the late Dr. Feland Meadows. His mentorship deeply influenced my understanding of Montessori philosophy and strengthened my belief in honoring each child’s individual path of development. I believe the Primary classroom should be a peaceful, joyful, and engaging place where children feel respected, capable, and inspired to discover what they can do for themselves. I look forward to following each child, nurturing their natural love of learning, and partnering with you throughout their Montessori journey.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, exploring the outdoors, and continuing to learn and grow as an educator. I am so happy to be part of the Pleasant Hills Montessori community and look forward to getting to know each of your children and families.
Lauree Pierce
Hello! I’m Lauree Pierce, and I’m so excited to be part of this wonderful Montessori community and to serve as the second guide in our Primary classroom. For more than 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving students and families across a variety of grade levels and educational roles. Those experiences have shaped my belief that every child learns differently and thrives when given opportunities to explore, create, discover, and grow at their own pace. Over the last five years, one of my greatest joys has been spending time with my grandchildren. Together, we’ve crafted, experimented, imagined, built, explored, and embraced the wonder that comes from asking, “What if?” Those experiences have reminded me that some of the most meaningful learning happens through curiosity, hands-on experiences, and joyful discovery—the very principles that make Montessori education so special. I believe education is about nurturing the whole child while fostering independence, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. I look forward to partnering with your family, celebrating each child’s unique gifts, and helping create a classroom where every child feels known, valued, and inspired to grow. We Can't Wait to Meet You! Together, we look forward to creating a peaceful, welcoming classroom community where your children can learn, explore, build independence, make mistakes, ask questions, and experience the joy of discovery. We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is an important part of your child’s Montessori journey, and we are excited to begin that partnership with you.
Primary Guide/Reading Specialist
Moss Fountain
My name is Moss Fountain, and I am the newest staff member at Pleasant Hills Montessori School. Having previously taught Elementary, Middle and High School in public schools, I am so happy to be here, and I look forward to helping your child learn, grow and succeed! I have a bachelor’s degree from Reinhardt University and a master’s degree from Piedmont University.
A Pickens County resident since birth, my immediate family includes my wife, my daughter and myself. I enjoy making furniture and handmade gifts at home. Holidays are especially important to me, and I enjoy visiting family and friends whether nearby or far away.
Upper Elementary Guide
Occupational TherapistDr. Amy Holt
Dr. Amy Holt is an Occupational Therapist and Pediatric Specialist who is partnering with Pleasant Hills Academy. She has more than 30 years of experience in childhood development with a specific focus on disabilities and delays which impact children and their families. This experience includes outpatient therapy, home based therapy, school based therapy and parent/teacher training.
She sees our students on campus during school hours and collaborates with the staff to ensure your child receives optimal accommodations tailored to their needs.
