Our Team

Pritesh Patel is the Founder and CEO of Blossom Peak Montessori School, bringing over 27 years of entrepreneurial leadership and operational expertise. Since 1997, he has grown and managed a successful portfolio of family-owned businesses across South Carolina, including convenience stores, grocery stores, and hotels. With a strong track record in scaling operations, managing teams, and driving long-term growth, Pritesh is known for his strategic mindset and results-driven leadership. Together with his wife, Toral Patel, he co-founded Blossom Peak Montessori School with a shared vision to create a nurturing, high-quality Montessori environment that supports the holistic development of every child. Pritesh applies his business acumen and commitment to excellence to ensure the school operates with structure, integrity, and purpose. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pritesh is dedicated to community service and regularly volunteers at the BAPS Temple. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball and pickleball with a close team of friends each week and enjoys watching comedy shows.

Ms. Wendy Burris brings over 16 years of experience working with toddlers and a deep love for early childhood development. She finds joy in the wonder and independence of young children and is continually amazed by their capabilities at such a young age. Her nurturing presence and patient guidance make her a cherished part of the Blossom Peak Montessori team. Though new to Montessori, Wendy is deeply inspired by the method and is currently undergoing Montessori training to further her knowledge and practice. She is excited to blend her experience with the principles of Montessori education to support each child’s growth. Wendy is a proud mother of four daughters; Samantha, Kendell, Addison, and Layce, and a loving grandmother to Harper. Outside of school, she enjoys fishing, horseback riding, playing horseshoes, collecting decorative cows, and spending quality time with her close-knit family.

Toral Patel is a dedicated Montessori educator and founder of Blossom Peak Montessori School. Her journey into Montessori education began fifteen years ago when she discovered the profound impact of the Montessori method while searching for a school for her son. This discovery sparked a lifelong passion for child-centered learning and development. Over the past twelve years, Toral has tutored students using Montessori principles, with a strong focus on individualized and experiential learning. Her classroom experience spans four years as both an assistant and lead teacher, giving her deep insight into child development and the importance of fostering independence, curiosity, and confidence in children. Toral holds the AMI Primary Diploma for ages 3–6, awarded by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), which represents the highest international standard in Montessori training and is guided by the authentic principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. She also holds an AMI Assistants Certificate for ages 0–3, further broadening her understanding of child development in the earliest years. Toral proudly serves as a volunteer on the AMI Human Rights and Social Justice (HRSJ) Advisory Team, supporting global efforts to advance equity, inclusion, and access within Montessori education. Currently, Toral is pursuing a Master’s in Montessori Advocacy and Leadership from Loyola University, with a personal and professional goal of providing strong support to her teaching team and creating lasting value across the entire school community. Outside of education, Toral is a professional Indian classical vocalist. She has taught Hindustani Classical Vocal music through distance learning, launched her own music, runs two YouTube channels with children's and classical music, and has authored a book of original compositions. Toral also serves for BAPS, offering selfless volunteer service and community leadership. She is a proud mother of two children, Parth and Vedi, and finds immense joy in spending time with her children, family, and being in nature. With her rich blend of educational expertise, artistic talent, and commitment to service, Toral is uniquely equipped to lead Blossom Peak Montessori School in offering a nurturing and holistic learning environment for all children.

Shaderia Thompson brings over six years of experience working with children across therapeutic and early childhood settings. Her background includes supporting older children in a psychiatric hospital, many of whom had experienced trauma or behavioral challenges, and later guiding toddlers at a Child Development Center, where she developed a deep passion for early education. Shaderia holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and is committed to lifelong learning in the field. She looks forward to participating in the Montessori training provided by Blossom Peak Montessori School and is excited to continue advancing her knowledge and practice in Montessori education. She finds joy in watching young children grow, learn, and thrive. Her nurturing and empathetic nature allows her to create a safe, supportive environment where children feel reassured and encouraged to explore at their own pace. Shaderia believes in fostering strong connections with each child and providing the consistency they need during their most formative years. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with family, watching movies, shopping, dining out, and taking time for self-care. She approaches each school day with thoughtful preparation to ensure it is meaningful and successful for her students. At Blossom Peak Montessori School, Shaderia is excited to guide children through the early stages of their development using the Montessori approach. She values strong communication with families and collaboration with her colleagues to create a peaceful, consistent, and engaging environment where each child can thrive.

Yasheika Smith brings over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, having served in various roles including assistant teacher, lead teacher, and assistant director. A natural leader and mentor, she has trained fellow educators in a wide range of topics, always guided by a passion for nurturing young minds. Inspired by the Montessori approach, Yasheika is now expanding her knowledge of Montessori pedagogy and actively dedicating time to align herself with the core values and educational philosophy of Blossom Peak Montessori School. She is committed to growing in her practice and bringing Montessori principles to life at Blossom Peak Montessori. Outside of her professional role, Yasheika cherishes time with her four children, Eric Jr., Cire, Aidan, and Sky,and her grandson, Ezri. She enjoys reading, relaxing in nature, and spending time outdoors with her family, whether it's cookouts or vacations at the beach. Yasheika is committed to upholding the core values of Montessori education and fostering the welcoming, nurturing culture of our school. In her role as the Assistant Director, she will support both children and staff in creating a respectful, inclusive environment where every child can thrive. She looks forward to being an integral part of the Blossom Peak community, helping to bring our mission and vision to life each day.

Areli Rubio is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and brings a strong work ethic, a passion for education, and a growing interest in child development to her role as Assistant to the Primary Guide at Blossom Peak Montessori School. Her journey in education began during high school, where she volunteered as a tutor for two primary-aged children, supporting them daily with schoolwork. This early experience sparked her interest in working with young learners and laid the foundation for her ongoing dedication to education. In addition to her academic pursuits, she worked for over two years as a part-time server, where she honed her communication skills in both English and Spanish. At Blossom Peak Montessori, Areli plays a vital role in our bilingual Spanish program, supporting language development through everyday interactions, lessons, and storytelling. As a fluent Spanish speaker currently learning French, she brings cultural richness and language diversity into the classroom environment. She believes children are natural explorers, curious, imaginative, and eager to learn. She is honored to be part of their developmental journey. She also sees children as teachers in their own right, reminding adults to stay present, humble, and open to wonder. Outside the classroom, Areli enjoys reading educational books, spending time outdoors, painting, cooking, and crafting pottery figures. She also loves exploring new cuisines and discovering local places with her loved ones. With creativity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to growth, Areli is excited to contribute meaningfully to the Blossom Peak Montessori community and to support every child’s learning experience with care and enthusiasm.