“This is education… understood as a help to life”

Director & Lead Montessori Guide

Education is not simply the transfer of knowledge, it is the shaping of a child’s inner life. As the Director and Lead Montessori Guide of Growing Circle Children’s House, I am devoted to offering children an authentic early education rooted in independence, emotional security, and deep respect for childhood.

I earned my B.A. in Early Childhood Education & Sociology from SUNY New Paltz in 2017, where I discovered the Montessori Method and felt an immediate alignment with its philosophy. Montessori is more than an educational approach: it is a profound belief in the child as capable, worthy, and naturally driven toward meaningful work. In 2022, I earned my Primary Montessori Teaching Certificate through Age of Montessori while assistant teaching at Growing Circle Montessori.

Long before I stepped fully into my role as lead guide, I spent nearly ten years as a nanny, supporting children and parents inside the intimate rhythm of home life. That decade shaped my understanding in a way no textbook could. I witnessed the unseen layers of parenting: the devotion, the exhaustion, the constant decision-making, and the quiet hope parents carry as they try to raise good humans in a demanding world. Those years made one truth undeniable: in order for children to thrive, families must feel supported too. This perspective continues to influence the way I lead Growing Circle, with care that extends beyond the classroom and into the lived reality of the modern family.

This is also where our guiding philosophy was born: Where Wonder Meets Wisdom. It is not just a slogan, it is a commitment. Wonder is a child’s birthright: curiosity, imagination, awe, and the joy of discovery. Wisdom is what we intentionally cultivate: self-regulation, confidence, responsibility, and the ability to move through the world with respect and purpose. At Growing Circle, we protect wonder while building wisdom, creating an environment where children are free to explore, and equally supported in developing the strong inner structure that allows them to flourish.

In the prepared environment, children are trusted to lead their learning through hands-on work that supports concentration, independence, and a genuine love of learning. My role is to observe carefully, guide intentionally, and uphold the consistency and clarity children need in order to feel safe, capable, and empowered. I believe deeply in nurturing the “inner teacher” within every child and building the foundations not only for academic success, but for confident, resilient, and compassionate character.

I also believe a school should feel like a safe haven: a place of steadiness, beauty, respect, and belonging. A place where families are welcomed, supported, and connected, and where childhood is honored with the seriousness and reverence it deserves.

My aim is to contribute to a generation of children who know themselves, trust themselves, and move through life with both courage and kindness. In doing so, I strive to uphold Dr. Maria Montessori’s belief that education is ultimately a “hope for mankind.”

Assistant Teacher

In early childhood, the adults in the room matter just as much as the environment. My greatest joy as a teacher is being part of a child’s first school experience and helping them feel safe, loved, capable, and excited to learn.

After earning my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, I knew I wanted to dedicate my work to supporting young children in a way that honors their individuality. I believe every child deserves to be understood, respected, and guided with patience. One of my favorite parts of teaching is helping children build confidence and discover that they truly can do hard things, at their own pace and in their own way.

I also bring over 12 years of Montessori teaching experience into our classroom. While much of my early experience was in a more limited religious setting, it was always my dream to be part of a true Montessori preschool community, one where children are trusted to learn through hands-on work, independence is encouraged, and learning feels joyful and meaningful. Growing Circle has become exactly that.

At Growing Circle, I offer a calm, loving presence each day while also helping maintain a consistent and prepared classroom environment. I love bringing creativity into our daily rhythm, supporting children with kindness and clear expectations, and following through in the ways that help children feel secure and supported. Whether your child needs encouragement, gentle redirection, a listening ear, or a steady teacher nearby, I am here to help them thrive.

I’m honored to work alongside Ms. Alexis and to be part of a community where children are truly cared for, deeply respected, and free to grow into themselves.

Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Mrs. Angelina, and from a very young age I always knew I was meant to educate and guide those around me. My first “classroom” experience began at the ripe age of four in my grandmother’s living room, where I would gather my younger brother and cousins and enthusiastically teach them everything I had learned. From that moment on, my goal has always been to share my knowledge and experiences with others and make a meaningful, positive impact on their lives.

I first earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. After realizing that this was not the path I truly wanted to pursue, I returned to school and earned my Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education. It was then that I discovered my true calling. Since that time, I have spent nearly a decade working in early childhood classrooms with children ranging from birth to age five.

Teaching is an incredibly rewarding and purposeful career that I am proud to take part in. Reconnecting with former families and students who reflect on the impact I made in their lives brings me immense joy and reinforces my passion for this work. I now carry all of these meaningful experiences with me as I share my love of learning at Growing Circle. I look forward to building strong connections with you and your children and hope to make a lasting, positive impact during these important developmental years.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

— Maya Angelou

Founder of Growing Circle Montessori, Administrative Consultant