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Our Leaders

Ms. Elizabeth Dillenkoffer, Principal

     

Beth Dillenkoffer is a teacher and a learner and believes this is true of all of us, no matter our profession. She did not technically begin her career as a "teacher". After graduating from Mississippi State University with a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, Beth began working as a therapist at Charleston/Dorchester Mental Health.

In 2004 she began her education career as a special education teacher of students with emotional disabilities. Prior to joining James Simons as an assistant principal in 2018,  Beth served in Charleston County School District as a special education teacher, behavior specialist and an assistant principal for fourteen years. This is Beth's fourth year as James Simons' principal. 

Beth has three children, all of whom have had some Montessori education. Her son, Liam, a 2016 graduate of West Ashley High School, is a blacksmith/welder for Robert Thomas Iron Design. Her daughters, Lucy and Mary Alice, attend West Ashley High School and Montessori Community School in West Ashley.

When not working in school, Beth enjoys advocating for social justice issues, protecting the environment, and participating in local politics. At home, she enjoys collecting stamps, reading, dancing with her daughters, writing, and spending time outdoors.

It is Beth's firm belief that there is no such thing as "your child" or "my child", there are only children, and ultimately we are all responsible for them. Her motto for life is, "Work hard. Be kind."

Amy Conroy

Ms. Amy Conroy, Assistant Principal

Title IX Coordinator

Amy Conroy Cummings is thrilled to return to James Simons Montessori School as Assistant Principal for the 25-26 school year.  Amy joined the James Simons Montessori family in 2022.  Before James Simons, Amy was part of the Meeting Street Schools Network serving as assistant principal for six years at the Brentwood campus and then supporting the Meeting Street Schools network with certification, teacher evaluation, academic operations, and compliance for two years. Prior to joining Meeting Street Schools, Amy served in Charleston County School District as a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, and instructional coach for ten years.  This year is Amy’s 22nd year in education. Amy is committed to working with students, families, and staff to expand educational opportunities and student outcomes for all children. 

 Amy received her B.S. in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston and a Masters in Elementary School Administration from The Citadel. She is almost finished with her Montessori Administration program from The Shelton Montessori Training Center in Dallas, Texas. 

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Sam.  She also enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and playing with her dog, Winnie.  Amy has two older sisters who are educators in Charleston County School District. She has two nieces and a nephew who are Montessori kiddos. Amy enjoys stopping to visit her mom and dad every day after school to talk about the day.