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RSVP for our In-Person Open House on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 9:30 AM at our Rockville Campus

A Montessori School for Children Age 2 to Grade 3

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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

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x100


John DeMarchi

Head of School

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x105


Blanca Hernandez

Custodian

 

 


David Nguyen

Accountant

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x 102


Vipada Musick

Business Manager, CFO

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x102


Kimberly Sandridge

Assistant Head of School for Academics and Programs

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x101


Kara Stegeman

Director of Admission and Community Engagement

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x114


Courtney Tydings

Rockville Campus Coordinator

[email protected]

301-762-2524


Silver Spring Campus


Toddler Faculty


Elizabeth Duncan

Toddler Lead Teacher

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x109 

 


Lynn Lyles

Toddler Assistant Teacher

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x113


Ruvani Dissanayake

Toddler Lead Teacher

[email protected]


Stephany Paz

Toddler Assistant Teacher

[email protected]


Primary Faculty and Specialists Teachers


Roxana Berrios

Primary Assistant Teacher, Spanish Teacher

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x130


Caitlin Garry

Music Program Director, Librarian

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x127


Luna Fuentes

Assistant Teacher

[email protected]


Breea Gordon

Lead Teacher

[email protected]


Sara Graef

Assistant Teacher

[email protected]


Derek Heckman

Primary Lead Teacher

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x110


Amanda Kates

Primary Art Teacher

[email protected]

301-942-5979 


Katie Mettam

Assistant Teacher

[email protected]


Thes Perrin

Primary Lead Teacher

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x106


Nick Roberts

Primary Lead Teacher

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x100


Elementary Program Staff


Felicia Hatziyannis

Elementary Teacher

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x115

 

 


Fiola Van Der Meer

Elementary Teacher, Art Teacher

[email protected]

301-942-5979 x111


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

[email protected]


Amel Yakoub

Toddler Assistant Teacher

[email protected]


Primary Program Staff 


Ranu Dua

Primary Lead Teacher

[email protected]


Corinne Kasura

Primary Lead Teacher

[email protected]


Stella Kalepe

Primary Assistant Teacher

[email protected]


Rikki McLean

Primary Assistant Teacher

[email protected]


Extended Day Staff (PM Care)


Oscar Berrios

Extended Day Teacher/Primary Helper

[email protected]


Grease Carhuaz

Extended Day Teacher/Primary Helper

[email protected]