Meet The Staff
Laure Birchfield (Director)
My name is Laure Birchfield, and I am honored to serve as the Director for the 2025–2026 school year. Prior to this role, I was the Upper Elementary Directress and have been a part of CAM since its founding in 2019. I hold a B.A. in History from the University of Arkansas at Monticello and received my Elementary Montessori training through Montessori Educators International. With over 10 years of teaching experience, I am passionate about Montessori education and deeply committed to fostering a learning environment where students feel empowered, curious, and supported. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s degree to continue growing as an educator and leader. I’m excited for the years ahead and look forward to supporting our students, staff, and families in continuing CAM’s mission and vision.
Leslee Milner
My name is Leslee Milner. I am excited to be joining CAM this fall. I will be teaching 1st-2nd. I have been a Montessori teacher for 13 years.
I am married to a wonderful husband of 19 years and have 2 sons Jacob 18 and David 17. My sons were the reason I wanted to be a Montessori teacher. I was looking for an alternative of teaching for them and the Montessori Method was exactly what I was looking for.
I completed teachers college at the University of Windsor in Canada. From there I spent 3 years in South Korea as an English teacher. This is where I met my husband and started our life together.
My life has been an adventure and I can’t wait to see what this next year brings!
Caila Hare
My name is Caila Hare and I am part of the administrative staff. I fell in love with the staff and school the first day I toured and immediately enrolled my daughter. She has been with the school since 2020. I am excited to be a part of the CAM family not only as a parent but as a part of this amazing school and staff!
Lysa Montante
My name is Lysa Montante. I started with CAM in June of 2020 as a summer care assistant. I have found love in what I do and have decided to go forward to become a Directress through training at CAM.
I am the lead teacher in the Pre-K room. I have finished my Montessori trading and am now a certified Montessori teacher. I’m looking forward to an exciting school year!
Alexa Martinez
Hello! My name is Alexa Martinez and I am one of the two assistant teachers to Ms.Leslee in the 1st & 2nd classroom. I started working at CAM in fall of 2021 as an aftercare worker and am excited to start my journey working with the children full time. I love this school and staff and am very proud to be part of the CAM family.
Whitney Hargis
My name is Whitney Hargis and I am the director for the kindergarten/1 st grade class. I have a B.A. in History from LSUS and my two-year Montessori Certification from Montessori Educators International under Elvada Ward. I became a firm believer in Montessori when my son turned two and I picked up my first Montessori book. His attitude, curiosity, and excitement for everyday life inspired me and brought on my search for a true Montessori education.
I started working at CAM in January 2022. I worked as a lead director in the Transitional class from 2022-2023 and as lead director in Pre-K/kindergarten from 2023-2025. I am currently the director for kindergarten/1 st . I look forward to my journey with CAM as a teacher and as a parent.
April Volner
My name is April Volner. I started at CAM in January 2024. I’m a proud mom to three beautiful girls: Calliope, who is nine months old, Luna, who is almost five, and Sasha, who is nine. They are my whole world and my greatest joy.
I’ve been working with children for as long as I can remember, and I truly love helping them learn, grow, and discover the world around them. I have completed my Montessori training and currently serve as an assistant teacher in the Kindergarten and First Grade classroom alongside Mrs. Whitney. Seeing the look on a child’s face when they finally grasp something I’ve helped teach is one of my greatest joys.
I’m currently attending Pulaski Technical College to earn my associate degree, with plans to continue on to earn my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of the CAM family and excited to continue growing both as an educator and as a person.
Casey Williams
I’m proud to be a part of the Central Arkansas Montessori family! I wear many hats at CAM and enjoy being able to help wherever I’m needed. My roles include assisting in the office, floating between classrooms, helping with maintenance and school needs, and supporting our teachers, students, and families throughout the day.
No two days are exactly the same, and that’s one of the things I love most about working at CAM. I enjoy being part of a team that works together to create a welcoming, safe, and positive environment for our students. I’m always happy to lend a helping hand and do whatever I can to support our CAM family!
Debbie Poirot
My name is Debbie Poirot and I am a Dyslexia Interventionist. Previously, I was an elementary classroom teacher. I have been married to my wonderful husband for more than 30 years and have 3 adult children and 2 very spoiled dogs. I am excited to join the CAM family!
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of New Orleans and am a licensed educator in the state of Arkansas. I am certified in the Science of Reading and have completed over 150 hours of training in Take Flight Dyslexia Intervention. Currently, I am pursuing licensure as a therapist, with a strong passion for supporting students through evidence-based literacy and intervention practices.
Leann Biehslich
Ms. B brings a passion for education and a strong commitment to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. We are confident that her enthusiasm, experience, and love for teaching will make her a wonderful addition to our school community. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and families throughout the coming school year. I am excited for the year ahead and all the opportunities it will bring for our students.
Sarah Vilchez
My name is Sarah Vilchez and I will be assisting Ms. Lysa in the Pre-K class this year. This is my first year at CAM and my first year in a Montessori classroom. I have a daughter in the K-1st grade class and another one in the Pre-K class with me. I’m a California girl! Born and raised in So-Cal. I have a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Science from California Baptist University and an Associate’s in Occupational Therapy Science. I am certified as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and am working on transferring that to Arkansas. I worked in the schools with children with special needs for four years and am excited to use my training and passion in a Montessori setting.
Meet The Board
Zeke Gustafson
Board President
Drew Hearne
Board Member
Donna McNew
Board Member
Krista Ferguson
Board Member
Nathan Redd
Board Member
Heather Croslow
Board Member
Tranita Kelley
Board Member
