Meet the PTO Board

Now in her fourth year at May River Montessori, Janet’s family joined the school community in August 2022. Her daughter, Kelleher (6), is in the Palmetto Room, and her son, Thomas (3), is in the Magnolia Room. As PTO President, Janet loves bringing families, teachers, and the school community together through creative events and meaningful projects. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, she owned a small pet supply retail store. When she’s not working on PTO events or volunteering at school, she enjoys relaxing with her kids and pets at home, reading, and spending time outdoors with her family.

This is Felix’s second year in the Magnolia Room and he is loving it ! My oldest, now 17, also attended May River Montessori for six years in the Azalea and Palmetto Rooms. I was born and raised in Marrakech, Morocco, and have called the Lowcountry home for the past 26 years. With an educational background in psychology, art, and design, I run my own interior design business after spending a season in New York City working for a global hospitality firm. I joined the PTO to help build a fun, creative, and supportive community for our children and to connect with other parents. Outside of my two boys, I love spending time with my Harlequin Great Dane, traveling, dancing, reading, and writing poetry. 

A proud mommy to Eloise (5, Magnolia Room) and Henry (4 mos., future Cottage student), Jean is in her second year with the May River PTO as our Treasurer. Jean worked in medical collections and as an office manager before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Her past employment experience taught her the importance of sound financial practices and the importance of diligent record keeping but it is the opportunity to collaborate with other dedicated parents for the benefit of May River that inspires her work with the PTO. When she is not dreaming of quiet and relaxation, Jean is usually outside getting her hands dirty, working on a new art project with the little ones, or cheering on Ole Miss (Hotty Toddy!).

Originally from Colorado, Hillary lived in Southern California before settling in Bluffton two years ago. Her family has been at May River Montessori for 2 years.  Hillary’s son Hayes is currently in the Sunflower room.  She works for Montage International, supporting sales and IT systems, and brings strong organization and communication skills to the PTO team. Outside of work, Hillary loves doing Pilates, watching NFL games, and spending time with her family. Her family recently welcomed a new baby girl, Willa, in September 2025!

Jessica and her husband Frank have called the Lowcountry home for 20+ years. Starting in Charleston, then Hilton Head and now Bluffton. This is their first year with May River and their 3-year-old son Leo is in the Jasmine room. She has worked in Radiology for the last 10 years and helps her husband with his family business. As a family they have thoroughly enjoyed it here. As the communications coordinator, she is proud to help get all the fun activities and fundraiser information out to our May River family. When not busy with Mom stuff, Jessica enjoys to read, craft and a good glass of wine. 

Originally from the mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Courtney has called Bluffton home for the past four years. Her family is enjoying their first year at May River Montessori, where her daughter Sutton is in the Bungalow Room. Courtney spent nine years teaching upper elementary students—first in Philadelphia, then Savannah, and most recently at River Ridge Academy in Bluffton. She is currently pursuing her Master of Education in Global Education Policy and Learning Design & Technology through Arizona State University. With event planning and fundraising experience from her college years as Philanthropy Chair, Courtney is excited to bring her creativity and community spirit to the PTO. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, gardening, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes and New York Rangers. 

Mary has called the Hilton Head area home for the past 20 years. Her family joined the May River Montessori community three years ago, and both of her daughters have loved growing up in the school’s nurturing environment. Isla (5) is in the Jasmine Room, and Adalyn (3) is in the Sunflower Room. As PTO Staff Appreciation Lead, Mary enjoys finding creative and heartfelt ways to celebrate the amazing teachers and staff who make May River Montessori such a special place. When she’s not serving as a room mom or organizing appreciation events, she loves baking, spending time with her family, and soaking up the sunshine around the Lowcountry.