Menu
Autumn Palma is an educator dedicated to fostering social justice and inclusivity within the classroom. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies, with minors in Arabic and Sociology, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Justice. With six years of experience in education, Autumn began her career as a student assistant administrator before transitioning to teaching. She has worked as a lead teacher for young children and currently serves as an assistant guide in the Nido environment at WMS. Autumn’s motivation to pursue a career in education stems from her commitment to representation and the desire to create positive impacts within her community. A significant highlight of her career was being selected as one of three students on the hiring committee for her institution’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator, reflecting her dedication to these crucial issues.
In her spare time, Autumn enjoys reading—having completed 52 books last summer—as well as crafting and sewing, where she often designs her own clothes. A passionate cellist for over ten years, she has shared her love of music with younger students through lessons and performances. Guided by the belief that “anything is possible,” Autumn strives to create a supportive learning environment where children can develop confidence and joy. Through her work, she aims to grow as an educator and continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of her students. She joined WMS in September 2023.
Stephany Wanza is a vibrant and creative individual who brings her passion for expression to the Nido community. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Stephany embodies the spirit of an island girl, with a love for music and dance that influences her teaching style.
Her journey at the Montessori began as a dance teacher, where she quickly showcased her diverse talents. Over the years, she has also taken on roles as a theater teacher, camp counselor, social media manager, and babysitter. Now, as the Nido Assistant Guide, Stephany is dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of young learners.
Stephany is grateful for the opportunity to be the caring and gentle adult she needed while growing up. She finds joy in witnessing the remarkable ways children learn, grow, and express themselves in such a short time. Her commitment to fostering creativity and individuality makes her an invaluable member of the Nido community.
Inspired by her mother’s remarkable journey from Montessori education to becoming an ABA therapist, Kenniesha made a profound decision to transition her career towards shaping the lives of young children. Kenniesha has worked for seven years in toddler classrooms, and most of them have been in Montessori settings. Originally hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, she moved to the United States, where she completed her high school education before earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York. At just 18 years old, she embarked on her childcare journey with babysitting roles that blossomed into positions at daycares, ultimately leading her to a Montessori school in Jersey City. Her experience as a lead teacher in a private school further enriched her understanding of child development and deepened her passion for preparing children for their future.
Her work with children fills her heart with joy and purpose; their limitless curiosity and genuine enthusiasm inspire her each day. Each interaction with their imaginative minds—whether through play, learning, or exploration—serves as a reminder of the beauty in simplicity and the vital importance of nurturing creativity. Witnessing their growth, discovering their unique interests, and sharing in their laughter creates a profoundly rewarding experience that fuels her dedication to fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. Characterized by an adventurous spirit, kindness, and an easy-going demeanor, she believes that these qualities cultivate a nurturing and stimulating learning atmosphere for young minds. For her, working with children is not just a job; it is a cherished privilege that she embraces wholeheartedly.
Candice Russell joined Williamsburg Montessori in July 2024, where she serves as the Program Assistant for the 1’s Community. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in early childhood education, equipping her with a solid foundation for her educational journey. Throughout her career, Candice has had the privilege of working with children ranging from six weeks to sixteen years old. Her diverse experience includes directing two after-school programs, teaching in group family daycares, and early education centers such as Bright Horizons, where she dedicated six years to instructing two-year-olds. Additionally, she has taught first and second grades and has provided ABA therapy to a neurodivergent learner, further enriching her skill set and understanding of child development.
Candice’s passion for teaching is rooted in her innate desire to help and educate others. Outside the classroom, she enjoys podcasting and cherishes moments of rest. As a strong advocate for herself and others, she firmly believes in the significance of community, embodying the motto, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Her commitment to fostering a supportive environment reflects her dedication to nurturing the growth and development of every child in her care.
Kermichelle holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Marketing from St. John’s University and a MACTE Montessori Diploma for ages 0-3 from The Prepared Montessorian. She has also completed specialized training, obtaining her Montessori Diploma Certification for the same age group. With nearly three years of experience in education, Kermichelle began her career as an assistant guide at Long Island Montessori, working with children aged 3-6. She later joined Williamsburg Montessori, initially as an assistant in Casa Birch and Nido, and currently serves as the lead teacher in Casa Maple for two-year-olds.
Her passion for Montessori education stems from her belief in its transformative power to shape the world through children. Kermichelle is also a recognized Montessori content creator with a significant online following, contributing to the Montessori community. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her family, homemaking, and reading both Montessori-related materials and fiction. Guided by the philosophy of Maria Montessori, she believes that “The children of today will make all the discoveries of tomorrow,” emphasizing the importance of nurturing the potential of future generations. In her current role, Kermichelle aims to make a positive difference in the lives of every child she encounters, helping them to follow their own internal compass. An interesting fact about her is that she has seven sets of twin cousins, both maternal and paternal, and her mother is also a twin, adding a unique twist to her family dynamic.
Katherin Pineda holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Science from Queensborough Community College. She is currently pursuing personal development courses, including topics such as observation principles, positive phrasing, and toilet learning. With over five years of experience working with children as a babysitter for ages 3 to 10 and at a gymnastics camp for kids aged 3 to 7, Katherin is now embarking on her first role in a school/daycare setting at Williamsburg Montessori, where she has been for over two years.
Her inspiration to pursue a career in education came from a kind and patient elementary teacher who supported her while she was learning a new language. Katherin aspires to emulate that passion and understanding as a bilingual teacher herself. In her work, she incorporates fun outdoor activities during aftercare, such as tunnels, bowling, and target games. She also suggests food preparation activities based on animal figures to engage the children creatively.
Outside of her professional life, Katherin enjoys dancing, traveling, working out, and staying active. Her personal motto, inspired by Maria Montessori, is “Help me to help myself,” reflecting her commitment to fostering independence and self-directed learning in her students. Katherin hopes to encourage her students to be independent, kind to one another, and to embrace their uniqueness. Originally from Colombia, she moved to the USA at the age of 12, bringing a rich cultural background to her teaching approach
Franchesca Morillo, affectionately known as Fran by her students, has been making a positive impact in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for the past three years, working with children of all ages from toddlers to high schoolers. She has a deep passion for observing children as they grow, learn, and develop essential skills that they can apply in their daily lives. Currently, Franchesca is on the verge of graduating from Brooklyn College with a bachelor’s degree, further enhancing her expertise in education. Her goal is to create a supportive, engaging, and structured environment where children can thrive. As a bilingual teacher, she is particularly excited to incorporate Spanish into her lessons, enriching her students’ learning experiences.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Franchesca has a keen interest in art therapy, a unique skill she looks forward to sharing with her students at Montessori. She is eager to work closely with families to help each child reach their full potential.
Dayana Santos holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Hunter College. She has obtained her Montessori certification from the American Montessori Society (AMS) and has dedicated over
12 years to working with children, specifically those aged 10 months to 4 years. Dayana has always been captivated by the minds of children and their remarkable ability to flourish regardless of their circumstances. Her passion for teaching deepened after
the birth of her daughter, solidifying her commitment to this fulfilling career.
Outside of her professional life, Dayana enjoys tending to her houseplants, creating beautiful flower arrangements for her home, and baking. She is inspired by the words of Maria Montessori: “He learns everything without knowing he is learning it, and in doing
so he passes little by little from the unconscious to the conscious, treading always in the paths of joy and love.” Dayana hopes to inspire the minds that will change the world for the better. Originally from New Jersey, she spent seven years in the Dominican
Republic, where she learned to care for her family’s farm animals and cultivate various fruits and vegetables, further enriching her understanding of nature and growth.
Melanie Tavarez is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, complementing her dedication to understanding child development. She has completed professional development through the Early Childhood Education and Training Program (ECETP), focusing
on areas such as early intervention, school-age child care, and infant brain development. Additionally, she continuously receives training from her lead guide.
With around four years of experience in education, Melanie has served as a lead teacher in a toddlers community, working with children aged 11 months to 3 years. In her previous roles, she has contributed to lesson planning and classroom management, successfully
promoting language development among her students. Melanie’s passion for education is driven by her desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives. She finds joy in helping students discover their potential and fostering a love of learning, while also valuing
the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and their families.
In her free time, Melanie enjoys visiting museums, exploring bookstores, and painting—hobbies that provide her with peace of mind and a chance to recharge. She is guided by the belief that “Be the change you wish to see,” emphasizing the importance of educators
modeling the values they wish to instill in their students. As she began her journey at Williamsburg Montessori in May 2024, Melanie aims to create a safe and nurturing environment where toddlers feel secure and develop a positive attitude toward learning.
An interesting fact about her is that she was once part of a music band, playing both electric guitar and bass.
Katherin Pineda holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Science from Queensborough Community College. She is currently pursuing personal development courses, including topics such as observation principles, positive phrasing, and toilet learning. With over five years of experience working with children as a babysitter for ages 3 to 10 and at a gymnastics camp for kids aged 3 to 7, Katherin is now embarking on her first role in a school/daycare setting at Williamsburg Montessori, where she has been for over two years.
Her inspiration to pursue a career in education came from a kind and patient elementary teacher who supported her while she was learning a new language. Katherin aspires to emulate that passion and understanding as a bilingual teacher herself. In her work, she incorporates fun outdoor activities during aftercare, such as tunnels, bowling, and target games. She also suggests food preparation activities based on animal figures to engage the children creatively.
Outside of her professional life, Katherin enjoys dancing, traveling, working out, and staying active. Her personal motto, inspired by Maria Montessori, is “Help me to help myself,” reflecting her commitment to fostering independence and self-directed learning in her students. Katherin hopes to encourage her students to be independent, kind to one another, and to embrace their uniqueness. Originally from Colombia, she moved to the USA at the age of 12, bringing a rich cultural background to her teaching approach
Tayna is currently enrolled at LaGuardia Community College, where she is finalizing her Montessori certification. She has completed her assistant training at the Washington Montessori Institute, equipping her with the foundational skills necessary for her role
in education. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Tayna has dedicated 7 years to working in a Montessori school. Her journey began with a non-profit organization, where she worked with kindergartners and toddlers during her first two years in Montessori
before transitioning to the Children’s House, focusing on children aged 3 to 6.
From a young age, Tayna has been passionate about working with children, a calling she has been fortunate to pursue throughout her career. As an assistant, she developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the Montessori philosophy, which ultimately led
her to take on leadership training and the opportunity to lead her own classroom.
Outside of her professional commitments, Tayna enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking naps, visiting adventure parks, and dancing. Her love for dance extends beyond leisure; she learned to dance salsa professionally at the age of 15 through a
dance academy, showcasing her artistic side. Tayna is guided by the belief that her work in education is not just about preparing children for school but for life. Inspired by Maria Montessori’s quote, “The education of even a small child, therefore, does
not aim at preparing him for school, but for life,” she finds joy in knowing that she has made a positive impact on her students, no matter how small.
In her current role, which she officially began on August 30, 2021, Tayna hopes to foster learning and growth in her students through careful observation and engagement, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to thrive.
on areas such as early intervention, school-age child care, and infant brain development. Additionally, she continuously receives training from her lead guide.
With around four years of experience in education, Melanie has served as a lead teacher in a toddlers community, working with children aged 11 months to 3 years. In her previous roles, she has contributed to lesson planning and classroom management, successfully
promoting language development among her students. Melanie’s passion for education is driven by her desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives. She finds joy in helping students discover their potential and fostering a love of learning, while also valuing
the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and their families.
In her free time, Melanie enjoys visiting museums, exploring bookstores, and painting—hobbies that provide her with peace of mind and a chance to recharge. She is guided by the belief that “Be the change you wish to see,” emphasizing the importance of educators
modeling the values they wish to instill in their students. As she began her journey at Williamsburg Montessori in May 2024, Melanie aims to create a safe and nurturing environment where toddlers feel secure and develop a positive attitude toward learning.
An interesting fact about her is that she was once part of a music band, playing both electric guitar and bass.
Beatriz Sanchez is an aspiring educator with a strong commitment to early childhood education. She recently took a break from college, where she was nearing the completion of her bachelor’s degree at Queens College, with plans to return in 2025 to finish her
degree in psychology. Following this, Beatriz aims to pursue a master’s degree in school psychology.
With over 8 years of experience in early childhood education, Beatriz has served as a 1:1 paraprofessional and teacher assistant, working with children aged 3 to 12, including those with special needs as well as those in general education. Her passion for nurturing
and inspiring young children to recognize and celebrate their individual growth has been a driving force in her decision to become an educator.
During her tenure with the Department of Education, Beatriz co-led a dance and step club with a colleague, which successfully encouraged students’ confidence, coordination skills, and personal expression through choreography. The popularity of this initiative
led to a significant increase in student participation each year, highlighting her ability to engage and inspire students.
In her spare time, Beatriz enjoys drawing, painting, and exploring new restaurants, allowing her creativity and love for culture to flourish. She believes that education is not merely a task performed by a teacher, but a natural process that develops spontaneously
within each individual.
Beatriz is dedicated to fostering students’ independence and inspiring them to become exceptional leaders, ensuring that they are equipped to navigate their own paths to success.
Hannah Shepard holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with a concentration in education from Long Island University and a master’s degree in education with a concentration in Montessori education from the University of Hartford. She also earned an AMI
Primary (3-6) diploma from the Montessori Institute Prague.
With over 15 years of experience in education, Hannah has served in a variety of roles including assistant, administrator, curriculum developer, mentor guide, and lead guide in the 3-6 classroom. Her journey in education began as a summer camp counselor for
an Audubon Society program, where she was inspired by children’s natural curiosity and desire to understand their world. The Montessori philosophy captivated her with its deep respect for human development, interconnectedness, and preparation for peace. Hannah
is passionate about fostering a sense of community among staff, families, and children in the school environment. She has initiated a parent-staff book club, led workshops on Montessori practices, and served as a mentor guide, training newer educators in curriculum
and classroom management.
Outside of her professional commitments, Hannah enjoys baking, reading, and exploring new crafts. She loves to travel with her husband and their two daughters, enriching their lives with diverse experiences. Guided by the belief that “The child is capable of
developing and giving us tangible proof of the possibility of a better humanity,” as Maria Montessori stated, Hannah aims to empower her students to create a learning community rooted in kindness and respect. She hopes to inspire a culture of excitement about
challenges and new discoveries.
An interesting aspect of Hannah’s background is her extensive travel before moving to New York, where she lived in various countries, including Mexico, the Czech Republic, and China, for several months at a time. Hannah began her journey at Williamsburg Montessori
in August 2023.
Madia holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Politics and Psychology from Wagner College. She recently completed her Montessori training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego, obtaining the AMI certification for ages 3 to 6. In addition to her formal
education, Madia has completed a certification from Loyola University in “Understanding Interventions and Therapies in a Montessori Setting,” a three-month course designed to equip educators with therapeutic tools and strategies to better support diverse children
with varying needs.
With over four years of experience as a Montessori guide, Madia has worked with children in various age groups. Before becoming the co-lead in Birch at Williamsburg Montessori School (WMS), she served as a guide in the 0 to 3 community and as an assistant guide
in the 3 to 6 community. Madia’s passion for education was inspired by her mother, a Montessori guide for over 20 years. After graduating, she worked alongside her mother as an assistant for several years before joining WMS.
In her previous roles, Madia has demonstrated her commitment by supporting her team through difficult transitions and stepping up to lead the class when the primary guide was absent. Outside of her professional life, Madia enjoys animals, swimming, and traveling.
As a child of immigrants, she is passionate about exploring different countries and cultures, a passion she shares with her students, who also possess a curiosity about diverse customs.
Guided by the belief that “We must respect the child and he must understand that he is respected,” as stated by Dr. Maria Montessori, Madia emphasizes the importance of treating children with respect. She believes that when children feel capable and valued,
they gain confidence and thrive as responsible members of their community. In her current role, Madia aims to create a peaceful environment where children feel safe and confident. She resonates with Dr. Montessori’s quote, “The children are now working as
if I did not exist,” and views her success as fostering independence in her students, enabling them to accomplish their goals without reliance on her guidance.
A unique aspect of Madia’s background is her connection to the first woman President of Liberia, a country in West Africa where her family hails from. She officially began her journey at WMS on September 1, 2023.
Xinru holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling from New York University (NYU) and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Calvin University. Currently in her second year in education, she is actively completing her primary Montessori training,
which aligns with her commitment to holistic child development.
Passionate about understanding and celebrating each child’s unique qualities, Xinru’s mission is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and empowered. She focuses on helping students view challenges as opportunities for
growth, fostering resilience, curiosity, and critical thinking. Xinru places a strong emphasis on social-emotional development, recognizing its importance in a child’s overall well-being and success.
In her spare time, Xinru enjoys hiking, which allows her to connect with nature, and photography, where she can express her creativity and capture the beauty around her. Through both her professional and personal pursuits, she strives to inspire and uplift
those around her.
Jackie is an accomplished educator with a Master of Teaching in Elementary (PreK-6th grade) and Foreign Language (PreK-12th grade) Education from The University of Virginia, along with a certification in English as a Second Language and a bachelor’s degree
in French Language and Literature. She further enhanced her expertise by completing a year-long Montessori training to earn an American Montessori Society Early Childhood credential. Jackie began her teaching career in her childhood public school system, where
she taught high school French for a year before moving to Washington, DC, as a bilingual Spanish PreK teacher for three years. It was during this time that she discovered the Montessori approach, which deeply resonated with her passion for blending early childhood
education with language learning.
Over the next decade, she taught in various Montessori schools in New York City, focusing on Children’s House programs. Additionally, she proudly owned and operated a small in-home Montessori and French program, providing diverse children ages 1-3 in her Brooklyn
neighborhood with valuable educational opportunities. In the Fall of 2023, Jackie became a mother shortly before joining Williamsburg Montessori School in June of the same year. For her, Montessori represents not just an educational method but a way of life—an
“education for life,” as Maria Montessori described it. As a guide, she is dedicated to fostering peace education in a safe and nurturing environment that supports each child’s individual learning journey.
Outside of teaching, Jackie enjoys dancing and sharing her love of ballet with children. She is fluent in French and has a working knowledge of Spanish, enriching her educational practice with a diverse linguistic perspective.
Tara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Smith College and is currently working toward her Early Childhood Credential through the West Aide Montessori School-Teacher Education Program. This marks her fifth year as a classroom assistant in a Montessori
environment. After college, Tara ventured into farming and worked on an apple orchard. She discovered a summer camp focused on farming and gardening, which led her to a position at Amherst Montessori School. A former student of hers, who was just seven at
the time, served as her reference, helping her secure the classroom assistant role in March 2020. Tara is grateful for this opportunity, especially during the challenging times that followed, noting that spending time with children has made her a better person.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Tara proudly supported her students through an unprecedented period, and she takes pride in the impact she had on their lives as they continue to grow. In her free time, Tara enjoys reading fiction, dancing
(even if it’s not her strong suit), and riding the train. She is inspired by Maria Montessori’s belief that “Adults must defend children,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing the humanity in children to foster social progress.
Tara aims to cultivate a safe and supportive environment where children can be themselves, take on challenges, and enjoy the company of their peers. Originally from Kansas, she joined Williamsburg Montessori School in August 2023, bringing her unique background
and experiences to her role.
As an elementary teacher, Bella’s journey has been one filled with passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to nurturing young minds. From a young age, Bella always knew that she wanted to be a teacher. It was a calling that resonated within her, but it took some loops and detours to discover the approach and age group that truly felt like home. She’s grateful she never gave up on that dream.
Bella completed her bachelor’s degree in Adolescent Education with a concentration in Social Studies and pursued additional coursework to qualify for early childhood education, teaching from birth to 2nd grade. Her experiences teaching in the vibrant classrooms of New York City and Detroit were invaluable, yet she often felt that the traditional material didn’t resonate with the children in the way she had hoped. Bella knew there had to be a better way to engage and inspire young learners.
It was during her time assisting in the Children’s House at Elm City Montessori that Bella discovered the transformative power of Montessori education. This model opened her eyes to a holistic approach that aligns beautifully with the natural curiosity and individuality of each child. She realized that education should not just be about imparting knowledge but about fostering a love for learning, creativity, and critical thinking.
What Bella loves most about teaching is the opportunity to create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore the world around them. In her classroom, she strives to cultivate a space where each child can thrive, embrace their uniqueness, and develop a lifelong love for learning. Her goal is to empower students to become independent thinkers and compassionate individuals, ready to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and curiosity.
Yue holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language & Literature from MinZu University of China and a Master of Education from Loyola University of Maryland, along with AMI certifications in Primary (2.5 – 6 years) and Elementary (6 – 12 years) Montessori education.
With nearly a decade of experience, Yue has served as a Children’s House assistant guide and lead guide, and she now guides an Elementary classroom. Her passion for teaching, sparked in her own elementary years, drives her to nurture self-awareness and resilience in her students through the Montessori philosophy.
Since relocating to New York in 2019, Yue has successfully led three Children’s House classrooms, fostering joy and strong relationships with families and colleagues. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, cycling, and cooking with children, turning culinary activities into cherished classroom traditions.
Guided by Maria Montessori’s belief that “We must hold ourselves in humility and observe the individual child,” Yue aims to inspire her students to become responsible citizens filled with gratitude and empathy. Her journey includes a transformative exchange study in Dublin, where she discovered Montessori education, as well as a memorable solo trip across Europe, enriching her understanding of diverse cultures that she shares with her students and their families.
Nicole Stefan is an accomplished educator currently serving as an Elementary Assistant Guide and Early Literacy Teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities with minors in Education and Psychology from Villanova University, a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Elms College, and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at New York University’s Steinhardt School. With over a decade of experience in education, Nicole has worked with children across various age groups, from organizing summer programs in high school to fostering young learners in her current role.
Specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and early literacy development, Nicole has a proven track record of implementing effective behavior intervention plans and utilizing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to support children with diverse communication needs. Her hands-on experience as a speech-language pathology assistant and behavior analyst has equipped her with the tools to create individualized, child-centered approaches that promote both academic and psychosocial growth.
Driven by a passion for nurturing each child’s unique potential, Nicole believes in the power of joyful, engaging learning experiences. Inspired by Maria Montessori’s philosophy that education should activate a child’s natural desire to learn, she is dedicated to creating supportive environments where curiosity thrives, resilience is built, and a lifelong love of learning is instilled. Outside of the classroom, Nicole enjoys exploring the outdoors, cooking nutritious meals, and capturing the beauty of life through photography, all of which enhance her connection with students and families alike.
As an elementary teacher, Bella’s journey has been one filled with passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to nurturing young minds. From a young age, Bella always knew that she wanted to be a teacher. It was a calling that resonated within her, but it took some loops and detours to discover the approach and age group that truly felt like home. She’s grateful she never gave up on that dream.
Bella completed her bachelor’s degree in Adolescent Education with a concentration in Social Studies and pursued additional coursework to qualify for early childhood education, teaching from birth to 2nd grade. Her experiences teaching in the vibrant classrooms of New York City and Detroit were invaluable, yet she often felt that the traditional material didn’t resonate with the children in the way she had hoped. Bella knew there had to be a better way to engage and inspire young learners.
It was during her time assisting in the Children’s House at Elm City Montessori that Bella discovered the transformative power of Montessori education. This model opened her eyes to a holistic approach that aligns beautifully with the natural curiosity and individuality of each child. She realized that education should not just be about imparting knowledge but about fostering a love for learning, creativity, and critical thinking.
What Bella loves most about teaching is the opportunity to create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore the world around them. In her classroom, she strives to cultivate a space where each child can thrive, embrace their uniqueness, and develop a lifelong love for learning. Her goal is to empower students to become independent thinkers and compassionate individuals, ready to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and curiosity.
As the oldest of six very close cousins I have always enjoyed being around children. I have been working in early childhood education for six years and I love watching the children in my care grow and discover the different talents that they have. Their amazing ability to achieve independence and age appropriate confidence is an exciting thing to be a part of. Our children are the next generation and it’s my honor to be part of their everyday lives. My goal is to lay some of the ground work for them to discover who they are, what they can achieve, and to encourage them to be the best person they can be.
Linda holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a concentration on Childhood Education. She has a solid foundation in understanding human behavior and mental processes, along with core skills such as research, decision-making and communication. Linda has
leveraged this expertise to make significant contributions in both the medical and educational fields.
Linda’s professional journey began in education as an administrative assistant at a Montessori school. She developed an understanding of Montessori philosophy and gained appreciation for its impact on child development.
Inspired to further explore the intersection of education and health, Linda returned to school to study Pre-Med, preparing herself for a career in medicine. Before joining WMS, she was a medical director for a neurology practice.
Despite the rewarding experience in the medical field, Linda felt a strong pull back to education. Working in a school setting is particularly rewarding for Linda because she believes that children are the future, and this is one of the most impactful ways
to contribute to society.
A fun fact about Linda is that she loves to cook. She is in love with the creative process, trial, and error. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, tennis, and swimming.
