Our Team
Hanan Salim, Director
Ms. Hanan brings over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and a rich multicultural perspective to her work with children and families. Born in Venezuela and of Spanish-Lebanese heritage, she has lived in Venezuela, Lebanon, Spain, Italy, and for more than 25 years in the United States, including Miami, Florida, and Mebane, North Carolina.
She holds degrees in Early Childhood Education and Child Development, is an AMS-Certified Montessori Lead Guide, and holds North Carolina Early Childhood and Administrator Credentials. Throughout her career, she has worked in various educational environments, including traditional, Reggio Emilia, and the Montessori method, with children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. In addition to her classroom experience, she served as a Montessori Mentor for five years, supporting new and developing preschool teachers. She also worked as a freelance translator and interpreter for the Durham County Courthouse, and supported families through social service programs in Florida.
As a mother of five children ranging from young child to adult, Ms. Hanan understands the importance of building strong relationships with families and creating nurturing environments for child-centered learning where children can thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and staying active through adventures such as skydiving, skiing, white-water rafting, ziplining, belly dancing, and riding her sportbike on racetracks. Her love of learning, exploration, and personal growth reflects the same enthusiasm and energy that she brings to her professional life.
Ms. Hanan is passionate about creating nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environments where children, families, and educators can thrive. She brings warmth, dedication, cultural awareness, and a wealth of knowledge and experience to every Montessori School she serves.
Georgia Marshall, Office Administrator
Georgia Marshall joins The Giving Tree Montessori School with over forty years of experience in education, specializing in early childhood education. She spent nearly half of that time as a classroom teacher, covering a range of grades from early elementary school to high school. In her later years, Georgia transitioned to roles as an elementary and middle school principal, followed by various central office administrative assignments. During this time, she focused on overseeing the district's policies, discipline, transportation, and overall operations, all while emphasizing child-centered learning. The assignments that involved working directly with children and families have been the most rewarding for her. She is excited about the opportunity to serve families in our community through the Montessori method.
Amy Myers M.Ed., Lead Primary Teacher
Ms. Myers is an experienced educator with a strong background in general and special education, complemented by her Montessori training and certification. She has taught in both private and public-school settings, where she embraces child-centered learning principles. Her passion for early childhood education and the Montessori method shines through as she enjoys teaching and watching young minds grow at The Giving Tree Montessori School.
Jessah Logan-Magnusson, Lead Toddler Teacher
Mrs. Magnusson is an experienced educator with 9 years of teaching in both Montessori School and public-school settings. With her background in early childhood education and family studies, she has extensive experience working with toddlers, fostering a nurturing, child-centered learning environment that aligns with the Montessori method.
