Meet Director Crystal Gaston
I live in Mobile, Alabama with my husband Nick, two beautiful daughters, Amelia and Ansley, and our two dogs. I have always had a passion for teaching and have been working in early childhood education since 2007. I began working at Weinacker’s Montessori in 2016 and I completed my Montessori training through the North American Montessori Center. I have worked with many different age groups, as well as played different roles around the school. I look forward to continuing to serve as Director for many years to come. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, shopping on Amazon, and traveling.
Meet Assistant Director Lakeisha McCall
Hi, my name is Ms.Keisha and I was born in Tucson, Arizona and raised in Mobile. I am the proud mom of three beautiful children and the oldest of five siblings. Being the oldest of five, I found my joy of teaching and taking care of small kids at a young age.
At sixteen, I started volunteering at a local daycare center and after graduating from high school I began working at the center on a full-time basis. I worked in a few different centers before coming to Weinacker’s in November of 2021. I love working with children and have about twenty years of experience in child-care. I have tons of training and am currently enrolled in school to get my bachelor’s in early childhood education. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, shopping, and spending quality time with family.
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- Preschool – Practical Life
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- Preschool – Circle Time
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- Preschool – Math
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- International Festival
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- Preschool – Sensorial
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- Preschool – Language
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- Toddler – Practical Life
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- Preschool – Language
Ellen Montjoy
My name is Ellen Montjoy and I was born and raised in Mobile. I have worked in child care for over 25 years! I have worked in several public, private, and in-home centers, including home-schooling my own children as well as cooperatively teaching others.
I have had a passion for early child care development from the age of 16. I first learned about Montessori through some training classes I took in my younger years.
During my journey of home-schooling, I was required to do additional training courses. I was asked by a friend during that time if I was trained in Montessori, because apparently my teaching style was fairly in line with the philosophy. At that time, I was not. However, several years later I am currently working on my full Primary (3-6) Montessori Teacher’s Certification. I love planning new work for the classroom that coincides with my studies.
I have a rather large family and some of my favorite things include spending time with them. I enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors camping and fishing, and love trips to the beach. I have a true passion for cooking, especially for others, and gardening!
Aldona Ploplys
My name is Ms. Aldona. I was born in 1988 and I grew up here in Alabama. My greatest passion is working with children and guiding them through their development. At twenty-six years old. I had my first child and discovered this passion of mine. While looking for a preschool for him, I found Weinacker’s. I joined the team five years ago and worked as a substitute while also attending college. In 2019, I received my bachelors in early childhood education and was ready to join the team full time.
I have two beautiful children and enjoy spending my free time exploring the world with them. My son is eight years old and my daughter is three and we love doing anything outside. Apart from my family, I love music, animals of all kinds, and Dean Koontz books. My biggest fascination in the world is space in its entirety. I have a telescope at home and I can stare at the moon and stars for hours.
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Aaron Jones
My name is AAron, I am a 34-year-old happily married fur-mom. I love reading, crafting, junk food, and music. I collect refrigerator magnets from different places, rooster items, and have a Pinterest and Amazon addiction.
I have taken courses for early childhood care and business administration/ finance. I am taking Montessori guided courses to be a better educator to your little ones.
I love to see that spark in a child’s eye when they finally master that thing that they have struggled with.
JasiminMcCants
I grew up in Mobile, Alabama and began working at Weinacker’s Montessori – Hillcrest campus in October of 2020. I am typically a bubbly personality and genuinely care about the littles ones in my care. Children are a joy to my heart and make each day so much better. I am a proud mother myself of one son, Jhase who is currently seven years old.
We have a great team at the Hillcrest campus that truly feels like family. My goal is to make sure that each child receives the best care and love that they all deserve. I have always worked in the infant room, though I have helped out in every age group. Currently, I am the lead Infant teacher. Working with children has always been a passion of mine especially in the early stages of development. I am excited to have the opportunity to take a lead role in the classroom and within the company again this school year. I love my job!
