Our History
We are a Second Generation Montessori Preschool, and are overjoyed to be celebrating our 52nd year serving the community!
The building has a long history as an educational facility, originally gifted as a small community school when Gainesville was first founded. In the mid 20th century a woman named Ms. Flowers purchased the space and transformed it from an all ages learning center to a preschool, naming it Flowers Academy. In 1973 Carol Sussman purchased the school and building and transformed it into a primary Montessori school. Under her care, Flowers Montessori thrived and became known locally as one of the premium early education opportunities available to the Gainesville community. When Bridget Kelly Fik moved to Gainesville in the 90s, she began working here alongside Carol, eventually taking on ownership when Carol retired in 2000. Presently, Bridget has been a Montessori educator for over 40 years, and operates the school alongside her children, Samantha Van Wie and Lee Kreeger.
Our Staff
Front row, left to right: Mr. Austin, Ms. Samantha, Mx. Lee, Ms. Chellease
Back row, left to right: Ms. Bridget, Ms. Maria, Ms. Destiny
Bridget Kelly Fik (she/her)
Owner/Director
Bridget is grateful to have been a guide for 42 years, and is still as passionate today as she was on her first day. She loves and believes in the Montessori Method, and her mission statement is to be loving in all ways. She has a B.F.A from the University of Wisconsin, and has her I.M.C. Montessori Certificate from the North American Montessori Center. Outside of Flowers, she enjoys dance, running, and weight training. She is also the lead singer in the Bridget Kelly Band, a nationally touring blues rock band.
Samantha van wie (she/her)
Co-Owner/Lead Teacher
A staff member since 2015, Samantha has been immersed in Montessori since childhood. Originally a student at Flowers Montessori, and a volunteer teaching assistant in her teenage years, she planned from an early age to pursue the role of Montessori Guide. She has a B.A. from New College of Florida, with a focus in Art, and is finalizing her A.M.S Montessori Certificate from the Orlando Montessori Teacher Education Institute. She is passionate about fostering inclusive, diverse, and empathetic spaces, and loves vintage movies, dance, and pickles.
Austin Van Wie (he/him)
After School Director
Austin began working at Flowers in 2011 as an After School Assistant, intending on staying part time while working through his college education. However he quickly fell in love with the role of children’s guide, and has been a dedicated teacher and staff member ever since, eventually moving into the position of After School Director. His patience and goofy sense of humor make him a fan favorite among the children, always ready to engage the children with a quick joke or fun bit of knowledge. He has an A.A. in music, and is currently working towards his B.A. Outside of school Austin enjoys playing live music, spending time with his two large German shepherds, reading, and playing games.
Destiny Crandell (She/Her)
Morning Assistant Teacher
Destiny began working at Flowers in 2017 while beginning her undergrad. Her caring nature and desire to help others led her to the early childhood field, and she is loved by children and staff alike for her calm and loving presence. She has an A.A. in Marine Biology and is finishing up her B.S.W in Social Work, and hopes to earn a doctorate in the future. Outside of Flowers, Destiny enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing Magic the Gathering, reading and playing video games, and visiting amusement parks.
lee Kreeger (she/they)
Lead Teacher
Melissa attended Flowers Montessori School as a child, and has a deep appreciation for the Montessori method. They have worked various jobs over the years, but began teaching at Flowers in 2021 and haven’t looked back since. They are currently working towards an A.M.S Montessori Certificate from the Orlando Montessori Teacher Education Institute. Outside of school Melissa spends their time traveling, working on projects- anything from writing to woodworking- or spending time outside with their dog (Mouse) and cats (Sushi and Obi-Wan Catnobi). They are a part time student at Santa Fe and a full time student of life, wanting to live and learn and experience as much as life has to offer.
Maria camejo
Morning Assistant Teacher
Maria was first introduced to Flowers in 2021, when her daughter started attending. She joined our staff in the summer of 2023, and has enjoyed her time with these young incredible minds so much that she now hopes to further her career in teaching. She has an A.A. in business, and plans to return to school to obtain a teaching degree in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite activities with the students include art projects, playing music and dancing. She is a full time mom of two kids, plus a mixed pitbull cutie. Outside of school she enjoys going to the gym, hiking with her family, and going to the beach.
Chellease Cline
Afterschool Assistant Teacher