Cherry Hill Montessori

Miss Karen has worked in our schooli for 18 years and is the Co-Director/Head of School.  She has a Montessori degree and regularly attends early childhood education workshops.  Miss Karen encourages the children to build upon their own unique road to independence.   She has three grown children who attended Montessori Learning Center, and enjoys the beach, cooking and spending time with family and friends.  "I love it when a child feels happy and safe in our school and classroom,  and that I am the first person to influence their academic learning."

Born and educated in Singapore, Miss Elinna worked for a pharmaceutical company before owning her own food market.  Miss Elinna has three children, all of whom attended Montessori Learning Center.  Her passion, energy and happiness light up the afternoons.    She enjoys sewing, cooking, tennis, crafts and dancing.  "I enjoy witnessing first-hand the children's imagination.   What inspires me about Montessori is that each and every child is unique and the curriculum enables them to progress at their own pace."  Miss Elinna is happy that her son, Dylan, a former Cherry Hill Montessori student, has joined our School Year staff this year.

Miss Nain has a Masters degree in Mass Communication, a Bachelor's degree in English Literature as well as her Montessori degree.  She started as an intern at Montessori Learning Center and has now been a teacher here since 2007.  Miss Nain sees inspiration in the freedom that the prepared classroom environment enables.   She likes to travel, experience other cultures, read and explore her creative side through writing, cooking, floral arrangement and decorating.  Miss Nain feels like she did a great job when a child says, "I can do it myself!" 

 

Miss Lauren is the morning and afternoon assistant in Miss Nain's class and a New Jersey certified elementary school teacher with a second Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies. In her free time, Miss Lauren pursues her photography, baking and movie-watching hobbies, and spends as much time as she can with her many nieces and nephews. Miss Lauren “loves working here” and looks forward to getting to know all of our new students and continuing her fun times with all.

Miss Neicy has worked in education for 27 years, and has been with Montessori since 1986.   She is Montessori certified and enjoys puzzles ,cross stitching, science projects, playing guitar, singing and dancing.   She has a 24-year-old daugher and a 19-year-old son, both of whom attended Montessori Learning Center!   "I feel like I did a great job when a child says 'I love school'."

Miss Usha has been part of our school for 15 years.   She has a Bachelor's Degree and Montessori training.   She has two children, one of whom attended Montessori Learning Center.  Miss Usha enjoys music, art, cooking, reading and shopping.   She appreciates the balance of freedom and discipline/self-correcting that the Montessori activities provide for the children.   "We literally see the children grow and bloom in every way.   Montessori is well-rounded with structured and free play as well as academics and social skills.    The children are constantly learning and exploring."

Miss Rita’s enthusiasm and creativity has inspired us to create a new position for her this year, that of Cherry Hill Montessori’s Special Projects Coordinator. This will allow Miss Rita to share her zest for life and extensive training in early childhood education and the Montessori method with the children in all four classes. After nine years here, she still “loves the independence of the children” and will present to them weekly enrichment classes involving music, stories, dance, crafts and other special events. In her free time, our new Special Projects Coordinator enjoys taking classes in dance, watercolor painting, massage and yoga.

Miss Aleta is the Administrative Assistant who "holds down the fort" in many invaluable ways.  She has a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education and recently retired after teaching for 33 years in the Cherry Hill public schools.  Miss Aleta has worked at Montessori for more than four years and is always there to lend a helping hand and words of encouragement.

Miss Donna has been our Head Afternoon Assistant for over 15 years.   Her loving and organized approach to the care of the children is a key component of our Montessori day.   You can always find her juggling a child or two on her lap, while playing a card game with another.  Miss Donna ensures that our afternoon dismissal policies are strictly enforced.   You can be sure your child will not be allowed to go home with "Grandmom" if she's not on your approved dismissal list!

Mr. David has been an Afternoon Assistant at Montessori for more than four years, and works in our Summer Camp program.   He currently attends Rutgers University and is studying to be a teacher.   Mr. David is a "gentle giant" -- he is soft-spoken, kind and always has a smile on his face.  The children love him.

Cherry Hill Montessori considers the safety and security of our students to be a number one priority.  We are fortunate that Chief William Malseed is assisting us in this regard.

Chief Malseed has over 28 years experience in law enforcement, working his way through the ranks and retiring with the rank of Chief of Police.  He is currently employed full time as Director of Security for a private community in South Jersey and his experience includes security consultations and planning with Local, State and Federal agencies.  Chief Malseed provides guidance to us on security and safety concerns and is always available with sound advice and big boxes of soft pretzels.  Thank you Chief Malseed!