Our Faculty & Staff
Why are our teachers so beloved?
They put the needs of children first.
They understand that each child is unique and deserves respect, care, and attention. They listen to their students, observe their interests, and challenge their abilities. They foster a sense of curiosity, wonder, and joy in learning. It is their experience, wisdom and passion for children that guides them, each day, to create the warmest, most vibrant learning experiences. They are not just teachers, but mentors, role models, and trusted allies. They inspire our students to grow, learn, and thrive.
A deep committment to the Montessori philosophy
Our teachers embrace the Montessori philosophy, which is a child-centered, developmentally-based approach to education. Our teachers respect each child’s individuality, interests, and abilities. They create a prepared environment that offers a variety of materials and activities that foster curiosity, wonder, and joy in learning. They use Montessori materials that are designed to help children explore concepts and skills in a concrete and self-correcting way. Our teachers also foster a sense of independence, self-discipline, and social responsibility in their students. They guide them to ask their own questions, discover their own answers, and become lifelong learners. Our teachers are not just instructors, but facilitators of learning who follow the child’s natural development.
Administration and Staff
Lourdes Buenaflor
Administrative Director, Director of Child Care
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John DeMarchi
Head of School
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Blanca Hernandez
Custodian
David Nguyen
Accountant
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Vipada Musick
Business Manager, CFO
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Kimberly Sandridge
Assistant Head of School for Academics and Programs
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Kara Stegeman
Director of Admission and Community Engagement
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Courtney Tydings
Rockville Campus Coordinator
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Silver Spring Campus
Toddler Faculty
Elizabeth Duncan
Toddler Lead Teacher
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Lynn Lyles
Toddler Assistant Teacher
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Ruvani Dissanayake
Toddler Lead Teacher
Stephany Paz
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Primary Faculty and Specialists Teachers
Roxana Berrios
Primary Assistant Teacher, Spanish Teacher
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Caitlin Garry
Music Program Director, Librarian
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Luna Fuentes
Assistant Teacher
Breea Gordon
Lead Teacher
Sara Graef
Assistant Teacher
Derek Heckman
Primary Lead Teacher
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Amanda Kates
Primary Art Teacher
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Katie Mettam
Assistant Teacher
Thes Perrin
Primary Lead Teacher
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Nick Roberts
Primary Lead Teacher
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Elementary Program Staff
Felicia Hatziyannis
Elementary Teacher
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Fiola Van Der Meer
Elementary Teacher, Art Teacher
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Extended Day Staff
Ana Marquez
Eday Staff
Zachery Mcfarlane
Eday Staff
Rockville Faculty and Staff
Toddler Program Staff (Pre-Primary)
Jennifer Mena
Toddler Lead Teacher
Amel Yakoub
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Primary Program Staff
Ranu Dua
Primary Lead Teacher
Corinne Kasura
Primary Lead Teacher
Stella Kalepe
Primary Assistant Teacher
Rikki McLean
Primary Assistant Teacher
Extended Day Staff (PM Care)
Oscar Berrios
Extended Day Teacher/Primary Helper
Grease Carhuaz
Extended Day Teacher/Primary Helper