About Us

I'm Kristen, proud mama of three wonderful IMO kiddos, lover of organized chaos, firm believer that coffee solves most problems, and someone who genuinely enjoys bringing people together. Since joining IMO in 2021, I've found so much joy in finding little ways to help our community feel even more connected and believe the best communities are built one small act of kindness at a time.

By day, I work in hospitality helping hotels create better experiences for their teams and guests. At heart, though, I'm simply someone who loves building relationships, solving puzzles, and turning big ideas into something people can actually enjoy.

I remain incredibly grateful to be part of the IMO community and excited to help create even more opportunities for every family to feel welcome, connected, valued and at home. 

Emily Calamanco is happy to be returning to the PTO as the Vice President after a year serving as the secretary, and two years as a general member. Emily has two children at IMO and the family is going into their fourth year at the school. Emily is the company manager for Opera Orlando. She started her career in theater as an AEA stage manager and holds a BA in Theater from Ramapo College and an MFA in Stage Management from The Yale School of Drama. Emily is focused on building a strong community and introducing children to art in all its forms. Emily enjoys reading medieval and 19th century literature, cross stitching, needlepointing, and crocheting.  

Bash Usmanova is a risk management professional who spent over ten years in public accounting, where she built extensive experience in audit and advisory services. She has proudly served as a member of the IMO PTO for nearly two years and is passionate about supporting the school community. Outside of work and volunteering, Bash and her husband enjoy raising their three beautiful daughters.

I’m Luciana, proud mom to Analu and Martin, entrepreneur, problem solver, and enthusiastic community builder. Originally from Brazil, I love bringing people together and finding ways to make great ideas happen. When I’m not helping businesses improve their financial operations, you’ll usually find me planning an adventure with my family or getting involved in projects that strengthen our school community.

Nicole Manvel Walls serves as Communications Chair of the PTO Owls at Innovation Montessori Ocoee, where she supports school events, community engagement, marketing, communications, and fundraising initiatives. 

With a background in marketing and communications, as well as event management, Nicole enjoys bringing people together, creating meaningful experiences, and finding creative ways to help the school thrive. She has a 4th and 1st grader at IMO this school year.

I'm Roberta, a proud mom of two IMO students and the Community Closet Chair for our PTO. I'm passionate about building community and creating opportunities for families to support one another. One of the things I love most about IMO is watching my children learn at their own pace in such a nurturing, caring environment. The school's setup and deep connection with nature make it a truly special place. I'm grateful to be part of a community that values kindness, collaboration, and helping the kids to thrive.

Kerry is excited to begin her fourth year supporting the PTO at IMO, and second year focused on the fundraising efforts. She was inspired by the spirit of giving highlighted on Principal Cathy's tour in 2022, and felt compelled to give back as so many parents and families have done to continue this legacy for our school. Her favorite way to spend her free time during the school year is volunteering in the classroom. 

My name is Shanna Elias, and I am excited to be part of the PTO this year helping support Kerry with our fundraising efforts. As a proud mom to a daughter in Upper Elementary, I know firsthand how important it is to feel connected to your child’s school experience.

 Although our family joined the IMO community just last year (we’ve been here since 2025!), I have already fallen in love with the spirit of this growing school.Outside of school, I work in product design where I tap into my passion for improving human behavior through designing more reliable and delightful interactions. I look forward to working with all of you to make this a fantastic year!

I’m Tori Ebanks, a proud mom to a wonderful daughter in Lower Elementary. Since joining IMO in 2023, I’ve loved volunteering and supporting our school community in any way I can. I’m excited to be partnering with Kerry and Shanna as Fundraising Co-Chair to help create engaging fundraising opportunities. Outside of IMO, I am a Contracts Manager with 14 years of experience across multiple industries.

I have been part of the Innovation Montessori Academy community since 2016. As Gardening Chair, I enjoy collaborating with fellow volunteers to create and maintain beautiful outdoor learning spaces for our students. In 2018, I helped design and build the original butterfly garden at the Elementary Campus, and I continue to organize regular garden workdays to care for the school’s gardens.

My daughter attended IMA from Pre-K through 8th grade, and my son joined in 3rd grade and is now a senior. Outside of school, I serve as a Master Gardener Volunteer with the Orange County Extension. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, grafting fruit trees, and propagating Florida-friendly plants for my backyard nursery.

Kerry is excited to begin her fourth year supporting the PTO at IMO, and second year focused on the fundraising efforts. She was inspired by the spirit of giving highlighted on Principal Cathy's tour in 2022, and felt compelled to give back as so many parents and families have done to continue this legacy for our school. Her favorite way to spend her free time during the school year is volunteering in the classroom. 

I’m Ryan Thomas, proud dad to two girls in IMO’s Primary Program and excited to serve as Membership & Storage Chair for PTO Owls.

My family has been part of the IMO community since 2025 and I’m passionate about helping families build connections, get involved, and feel part of our growing school community. Outside of IMO, I work in behavioral health and manage a team of Social Workers for a Medicaid insurance plan.

Meilyn Santana is originally from Brazil and has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector, with a strong focus on supporting immigrant and multicultural families. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

Meilyn is deeply passionate about empowering families from diverse backgrounds, countries, and cultures, and about fostering community and a stronger sense of belonging within schools and the broader communities she serves. She is the founder and Chair of the IMO PTO Multicultural Community and is excited to continue supporting all IMO families and the wider school community.

As a parent of two students at IMO, Talia is excited to serve as Co-Chair of the Multicultural Committee. With nearly 20 years of experience working in international education at U.S. colleges and universities, she is passionate about helping families from all backgrounds feel welcomed, connected, and engaged in the school community. 

Talia is committed to supporting global learning opportunities, celebrating the rich cultural diversity within the school, and highlighting the school's commitment to global learning and inclusion.  

I'm Mila Legere, mom to Ale and Leo, and I'm honored to serve as the Room Parent Chair at Innovation Montessori.

I am passionate about building strong relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating opportunities for families to connect and support one another. I believe children thrive when school, home, and community work together with a shared purpose.

What I love most about IMO is the genuine sense of community. It is a place where children are known, valued, and encouraged to grow into confident, curious, and compassionate individuals. We are grateful to be part of such a special community.