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.
Administrators
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Lourdes Buenaflor
Administrative Director, Director of Child Care
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John DeMarchi
Head of School
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Vipada Musick
Business Manager, CFO
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David Nguyen
Accountant
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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
301-762-2524
Facility Staff
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Blanca Hernandez
Custodian
Toddler Teachers
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Ruvani Dissanayake
Toddler Lead Teacher
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Elizabeth Duncan
Toddler Lead Teacher
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Lynn Lyles
Toddler Assistant Teacher
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Stephany Paz
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Primary Teachers
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Roxana Berrios
Assistant Teacher, Spanish Teacher
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Luna Fuentes
Assistant Teacher, PE/Movement
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Breea Gordon
Lead Teacher
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Sara Graef
Assistant Teacher
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Derek Heckman
Lead Teacher
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Katie Mettam
Assistant Teacher
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Thes Perrin
Lead Teacher
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Nick Roberts
Lead Teacher
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Elementary Teachers
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Felicia Hatziyannis
Elementary Teacher
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Fiola Van Der Meer
Elementary Teacher, Art Teacher
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Specials Teachers
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Roxana Berrios
Assistant Teacher, Spanish Teacher
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Luna Fuentes
Assistant Teacher, PE/Movement
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Caitlin Garry
Music Program Director, Librarian
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Amanda Kates
Primary Art Teacher
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Fiola Van Der Meer
Elementary Teacher, Art Teacher
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Extended Day/PM Care
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Marjorie Hernandez
Extended Day Staff
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Lynn Lyles
Toddler Assistant Teacher
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Ana Marquez
Extended Day Staff
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Zachery Mcfarlane
Extended Day Staff
Toddler Teachers
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Jennifer Mena
Toddler Lead Teacher
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Amel Yakoub
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Primary Teachers
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Ranu Dua
Primary Lead Teacher
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Stella Kalepe
Primary Assistant Teacher
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Corinne Kasura
Primary Lead Teacher
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Rikki McLean
Primary Assistant Teacher
Specials Teachers
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Caitlin Garry
Music Program Director, Librarian
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Extended Day/PM Care
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Oscar Berrios
Extended Day Teacher/Primary Helper
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Marisella Carhuaz
PM Care/Class Helper
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Grease Carhuaz
Extended Day Teacher/Primary Helper