Joseph S. Bruno Montessori Academy

Theresa Sprain:
Theresa Bruno Sprain is the Head of School, and she co-founded it in 1982, with her father, Joseph S. Bruno. She has led the school from a starting class of four preschool children to now serving over 200 students, toddlers – eighth grade. Due to her strong desire for students to enjoy a natural environment rich in learning experiences and unique in the possibilities for personal growth, understanding, respect, and responsibility, she oversaw the campus expanding from 10 acres to 25 acres of fields, and outdoor classroom, wildlife, and gardens.
Theresa attended Birmingham-Southern College and received a Bachelor of Music in piano and a Bachelor of Arts in history and her teaching certification. She furthered her education at UAB where she earned a Masters in Special Education with an emphasis in gifted and learning disabilities in addition to her administrative certification.
Knowing she believed in the Montessori philosophy as the best approach to nurturing children to their fullest potential, Theresa went to the Memphis Montessori Institute to earn her Primary Montessori Certification. Since then, she has supported countless others in obtaining their Montessori educations in order that children can develop in a learner-centered environment focused on how they learn and what they understand.
Theresa’s passion and dedication continue to provide the foundation for a lifetime of learning for the students and teachers at JSB. Lastly, she is a member of The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, as well as JustFaith at Our Lady of the Valley.
Ms. Theresa
Ms. Theresa

Melinda Bray:
Currently, Dr. Melinda Bray is the assistant head of JSB, the head of preschool, and teaches English and history to our middle school students. Prior to starting at JSB in 2005, she had worked in various education positions since 1988 after conducting her student teaching in high school English, history, and sociology. Her first job after graduating cum laude from Rhodes College was teaching at the International School of Basel, Switzerland, where she continued her work with English and history for three years. During that time she earned her G-2 diploma in German from the Goethe Institute in Berlin. After returning to Vanderbilt University for her Masters in school administration, she taught English in Japan and Germany. She continued at Vanderbilt to earn her doctorate in general administrative leadership and received the doctoral dissertation of the year award for her work focusing on teacher learning communities. After serving as primary investigator on the DECAL grant for professional development, she worked with the Learning Technology Center at Vanderbilt on professional development for Nashville city schools. Over this time, Dr. Bray wrote three articles, served as a consultant for the Smithsonian as well as in Switzerland and Russia, and presented at several national and international conferences. In 2008, she received her Montessori Early Childhood certification.
Dr. Bray is married and her husband, Nathaniel, is an Associate Professor at The University of Alabama. Their two girls are currently enrolled at JSB. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and reading.
Ms. Melinda
Ms. Melinda