Little Samaritan Montessori Center Leadership Team
Ms. Jessica Cimarrusti
DirectorJessica Cimarrusti is the Director of Little Samaritan Montessori Center, where she is deeply committed to supporting children, families, and educators within a strong and connected school family. She leads with integrity and grace, creating a culture where staff and families feel seen, valued, and invested in the continued growth of the center and the broader community.
As part of Midtown Partners Inc., Jessica believes deeply in the organization’s foundation of strengthening families and building a thriving community from the ground up. She is passionate about carrying that mission into the classroom each day.
Grounded in Montessori principles and informed by Conscious Discipline, Jessica fosters an environment that prioritizes connection, emotional awareness, and respectful guidance. She believes that when children and families are supported with intention and care, they are empowered to grow with confidence and purpose.
Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Leadership and Advocacy and holds credentials in the following areas: Director, Early Childhood, Infant-Toddler, and School Age Youth Development, reflecting her commitment to excellence across every stage of development. She also completed the Business Advantage Program through the Else School of Management at Millsaps College and is proficient in Spanish, allowing her to better support and communicate with diverse school families.
Amber Johnson
Lead Teacher/ Director DesigneeAmber Johnson joined Little Samaritan Montessori Center after experiencing its impact firsthand as a parent. With her children having attended, she felt called to become part of the very environment that had supported her own family so deeply.
Amber is a mentor to both children and staff, modeling what meaningful social-emotional development looks like in early childhood. Her presence is calm, intentional, and grounded in the principles of Montessori and Conscious Discipline, allowing her to guide with both clarity and compassion. She consistently demonstrates what it means to lead with empathy, helping children and adults alike feel safe, understood, and capable.
Recognized as a Model Teacher for the state of Mississippi in 2025 through the Mississippi Early Childhood Inclusion Center (MECIC), Amber exemplifies excellence in practice and leadership. She holds an Associate’s degree in Arts, along with endorsements in Preschool and Inclusion from MECIC, bringing both knowledge and a deep understanding of diverse learner needs to her work each day.
As the one who opens the center each morning, Amber sets the tone for the day with a gentle voice and steady presence. She is a consistent and reliable support for the entire school family, always available to listen, guide, and uplift. Whether supporting a child, encouraging a teacher, or greeting a family, she has a way of making everyone feel seen, valued, and cared for (like they’ve just received a hug to start their day!).
Kayla Butler
Lead Teacher/ Director DesigneeKayla Butler brings a thoughtful balance of structure, clarity, and care to Little Samaritan Montessori Center. With a focus on preparing children for their next steps—whether transitioning within our program or moving on to other educational settings; Kayla ensures each child builds the confidence and independence needed to thrive.
Her approach emphasizes strong self-help skills, consistent routines, and a sense of responsibility, helping children feel capable and secure in their daily experiences. Detail oriented and highly organized, Kayla creates an environment where expectations are clear and growth is intentional.
Kayla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from The University of Southern Mississippi, as well as an Inclusion endorsement from MECIC, grounding her work in both knowledge and practical application.
As a steady and dependable presence, Kayla closes the center each day, ensuring that safety, organization, and continuity remain a priority. Her direct communication style is one of her greatest strengths; families and colleagues alike value that when Kayla speaks, there is always clarity, honesty, and purpose behind her words.
Rooted in Midtown. Growing for Life.
