Dr. Melinda Harris

Melinda Harris joined Community Montessori (formerly Parkview Montessori and The Montessori School at Bemis) in 1997 following 9 years of teaching at Montessori Academy in Brentwood, Tennessee.  Melinda was the Curriculum Coordinator from 1997 to 2005 and became the principal in 2006. 

Melinda is originally from Henderson, TN and graduated in 1981 from Chester County High School.  She received her undergraduate degree from Lambuth College, her Master’s degree from Vanderbilt University, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Union University. In addition, she completed the National Institute for School Leaders (NISL) program.  

Melinda’s entire career in education has been in a Montessori environment and she believes fully in this philosophy for children, parents, and educators.  She is an active member of the American Montessori Society and has facilitated workshops at the AMS national conference for the last five years.  She believes that a peaceful school culture, established on consistent expectations and a collaborative and shared leadership perspective, is the key to creating a successful school.