About Us

"We're basically the Montessori version of a traveling circus, but with less face paint and more sandpaper letters."

Country Oaks Equestrian, LLC is a family-operated endeavor, established by the Draeger and Isly families on the historic Atherton property in Brooksville. This land, once celebrated for producing world-class quarterhorses, is now embarking on a new chapter, introducing Montessori parent-child programs and a diverse range of enriching experiences.

Our story is defined by a deep-seated commitment to education. Dr. J.H. Draeger is an award-winning Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, bringing a valuable perspective on child development to our understanding of learning. His wife, Vicki Draeger, PhD, holds AMS (American Montessori Society) certification and has cultivated a passion for Montessori education through the founding of multiple successful schools, including Countryside/Country Day in Florida and Montessori of Maui in Hawaii. Vicki's daughter, Tori, was a Countryside/Country Day student, immersed in the Montessori approach from an early age, before becoming a Montessori-trained lead teacher and assistant head of school at Clearview Christian Girls School on Maui.

This dedication extends to Donna Isly, who also holds AMS certification and established her first school in New Jersey. She later served as Director of Montessori Education at Bay Area Montessori in Florida before embracing the allure of Maui. On the island, Donna channeled her expertise into supporting her daughter, Danielle, in the establishment of Malama Montessori. Danielle, a former Countryside/Country Day student, having experienced the Montessori method firsthand, pursued a career as a Montessori teacher and is now also navigating the adventure of raising a Montessori toddler.

The family's Montessori legacy continues as Donna and Danielle return to Florida, leaving Donna's granddaughter, Samantha (a former Montessori student in Florida and now a Montessori-trained teacher), to steward Malama Montessori on Maui.