Faculty | Elementary

Meet the Elementary teachers

(UE) Program Coordinator, Conference Teacher

Huma Kazmi

Huma Kazmi joined Princeton Montessori School in 2005 and is a conference teacher in the Upper Elementary program. She also serves as the educational coordinator for the Upper Elementary program.

Huma enjoys working with elementary-aged children because they have entered the plane of development where abstract thinking and analytical reasoning begins to unfold. She brings her innate love of science and math to excite the students to explore their new capabilities.

Outside of school, Huma spends time with her husband and two children and looks forward to traveling home to London to visit her parents, brother, and friends. Huma enjoys reading, cooking, and catching a quiet moment to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Huma received a BS degree in Chemistry from the University of London, England, and holds an American Montessori Society credential in Elementary I and an Elementary II through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ. She is also an instructor for PCTE as well as the PCTE Elementary Level Coordinator.

(LE) Program Coordinator, Conference Teacher

Amy Krupa

Amy Krupa joined Princeton Montessori School in 2004 and is a conference teacher in the Lower Elementary program.

Amy loves working with children in a Montessori environment, especially at this age. She enjoys watching students take pride in their accomplishments as their innate love of learning develops.

When not teaching, Amy enjoys fitness coaching, boating, camping and being outdoors with her three sons. She is also passionate about her role as a Scouting Cub Master for the Boys Scouts of America organization. She volunteers as a leader that aims to promote character development, life skills, and citizenship training among the youth in the organization.

Amy received a BS in Business Administration from Rider University, NJ. She holds IB Middle Years Program certifications for Physical and health education: Implementing the MYP curriculum (Cat. 1), Physical and health education: Delivering the MYP curriculum (Cat. 2), and Global contexts for teaching and learning (Cat.3) and an American Montessori Society credential in Elementary I through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ. Amy's IB MYP training levels and areas include Physical and Health Education (Category 1 & 2), and Global Contexts for Teaching and Learning training.

Conference Teacher (LE)

Robyn Elkholy

Robyn Elkholy joined Princeton Montessori School in 2023 and is a conference teacher in the Lower Elementary program.

Robyn is an experienced and dedicated educator with a passion for the Montessori method. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise in both education and Montessori, Robyn is committed to fostering a love of learning in every child she works with.

In her free time Robyn enjoys spending time with her two young sons, especially reading together, going to the library and playing at the park.

Robyn received her Bachelor’s Degree in General Humanities from Montclair State University, and has a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. She holds an American Montessori Society credential in Lower Elementary through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ. She was warded Teacher of the Year in 2014 by Senator Andrew Lanza.

Ecology Teacher

Gery Juleff

Gery Juleff joined Princeton Montessori in 2021 and is our Elementary School Ecology Teacher.

Gery is involved in hands-on and outdoor activities, planting in the vegetable garden and visiting a local farm. He also works as Environmental and Sustainability Educator with Middle School, and is the school Sustainability Coordinator.

Originally from N Ireland, Gery served as a British diplomat, mainly in Africa and Brazil, before coming to NJ with his family 10 years ago. Since arriving here, he has been a biofuels consultant, environmental radio show host, led and co-hosted a series of environmental discussions at the D&R Greenway Land Trust, worked as a farm manager and substitute teacher, taught history and environmental subjects as a volunteer tutor and been a Board Member of the Sourland Conservancy and the United Front Against Riverblindness.

Gery has a BA and MA in Modern History from Trinity College, Dublin.

UE Classroom Teacher

Laura Kiff

Laura Kiff joined Princeton Montessori School in 2024 and is a classroom teacher in the Upper Elementary program.

Laura has a passion for working with Upper Elementary students, who are always eager to ask questions and explore the world around them. She finds their curiosity and the joy they experience when discovering something new inspiring. Being a teacher also allows Laura to continue learning, both from the subjects she teaches and from the students themselves.

Outside of school, Laura enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children. They love exploring new places outdoors, baking cakes and cookies, and reading stories together.

Laura holds a BSc in Pharmacology from the University of Southampton (UK). She furthered her education by completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Winchester (UK) in 2014. Before moving to the US in 2023, she worked as a Classroom Teacher in Oxfordshire (UK).

Teacher (UE) and US After School Teacher

Aleigha Lindstrom

Aleigha Lindstrom joined Princeton Montessori in 2022 and is an teacher in the Upper Elementary classroom.

Aleigha loves the curiosity and wonder 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders bring and enjoys helping them build confidence and independence. Her favorite part of teaching is getting children excited about learning about the world they live in.

Aleigha loves to crochet, bake, and spend time outside. She became engaged last July and they just adopted a big orange cat named Charles.

She holds a Bachelors in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan, with a focus in mathematics instruction. She holds an American Montessori Society credential in Elementary I and Elementary II through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ

Conference Teacher (UE)

Bridget Manley

Bridget Manley joined Princeton Montessori School in 2005 and is a conference teacher in the Upper Elementary program.

Bridget loves working with Upper Elementary children and watching their academic and social awareness unfold. She brings her counseling skills to the “gifts & challenges” class and enjoys empowering students to problem solve issues independently.

Bridget enjoys spending time with her immediate and extended family from the Midwest, keeping up with friends, exercising, and making her famous brownies for all.

Bridget holds an MS in School Counseling from Sage Graduate School, NY and a BA in Social Work from Siena College, NY. She holds an American Montessori Society credential in Elementary I and Elementary II through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ. Her previous experience includes counseling middle school and high school students.

After School Teacher

Destiny Ortiz

Destiny Ortiz joined Princeton Montessori School in 2024.

Destiny loves to create and learn. She is excited by the inquisitive creativity of the students of all ages. She feels it is an honor to be able to continually inspire and guide young minds and to nourish the seeds we plant to grow into greatness.

Outside of school, she loves exploration; hiking, learning about history, listening to different genres of music, and reading books. Destiny also has an interest in cosmetology.

Destiny is a graduate of Nottingham High School in Hamilton.

Conference Teacher (LE)

Anna Suh

Anna Suh joined Princeton Montessori School in 2021 and is a conference teacher in the Lower Elementary program.

Anna has over fifteen years of experience working with preschool and elementary children in Montessori and other educational settings. Before joining Princeton Montessori School, Anna led the STEM programs at Evergreen Montessori, formerly Montessori Country Day School. She finds pleasure in collaborating with students on STEM experiments and projects, where she can help cultivate their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

In her free time, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband, three sons, and dog Toby. She enjoys playing golf, listening to music, and watching K-Dramas.

Anna is certified as a K-6 teacher in NJ, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, a teaching certificate in STEM Education, and an American Montessori Society credential in Elementary I through Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE).

After School Teacher

Lekshmi Radhakrishnan

Lekshmi Radhakrishnan joined Princeton Montessori in 2022 and is a teacher in the After School program.

Lekshmi has experience as a teaching assistant in an Educational Network and most recently as a volunteer at a local public elementary school.

In her free time Lekshmi enjoys painting, baking, and doing DIY projects.

Lekshmi received her B.Tech in Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, India.

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“The other day I came downstairs and my 4-year-old son was listening to 'Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart' on Alexa. He told me that Mozart's dad was named Leopold and his sister was Nannerl (it took him a second to remember her name and it sounded made up, so my husband and I googled it. Sure enough he was right). We asked what else he had been learning and he rattled off Antonio Lucio Vivaldi’s full name and referenced The Four Seasons. I think my jaw is still on the floor. It turns out that the Primary children have been learning about composers this fall and listening to their music. What incredible exposure for these young children!”

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“I’m struck by how much better the Montessori toddlers are at playing and working peacefully with their peers than toddlers in other nursery school programs. I credit the gifted PMonts teachers, and the Princeton Montessori educational approach, for how confident, happy, and collaborative toddlers in the PMonts program seem.”

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“Our son is so proud of being a third-year Primary. He has attended this incredible school since he was one year old. He had absolutely wonderful Toddler teachers and flourished under their care. Now, he is a third-year Primary and we know he will be more than ready for Lower Elementary. Thank you to all the Teachers & Staff!”

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“Education is both a gift and a right. I feel the teachers at PMonts help our children to appreciate the value of their education. Understanding the value involves looking beyond school and appreciating how education is a tool that will allow them to explore challenging goals, to grow as individuals and most importantly, chase their dreams.”

“This is our first year at Princeton Montessori and my daughter is in the toddler program. It’s been nothing short of amazing. Teachers are phenomenal and my daughter has learned so much already!”

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“I will never cease to be amazed at the capabilities of the young child. In the Montessori environment, the very youngest students show incredible independence and competence. At Princeton Montessori School the teachers truly help the children to “help me do it myself”.”

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“When I think about my personal philosophy on education I can check all the boxes with regards to the education my daughter is receiving at Princeton Montessori. I feel the teachers motivate the students by focusing on appreciating the value of education and the diversities of peoples around the world while stressing and leveraging the power of the uniqueness in each individual student. Ultimately, the role of an educator is to shape a new generation that will create a safer and better world for the future.”

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“Princeton Montessori School is a school that exceeds any expectations imaginable. The school follows each and every child on an individual basis and nourishes each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs. It is a school where teachers appreciate all unique qualities each child brings.”

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“Princeton Montessori School turned out to be the best investment ever. We made some sacrifices in our lifestyle in order to be able to afford sending both children all the way through 8th grade, but now we are proud to note that we have two capable, confident, well-mannered young adults who are a pleasure to be around and who continue to love to work hard in their studies.”

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“EXCEPTIONAL is the carefully chosen word to describe Princeton Montessori School. Our family has been part of the PMonts community from elementary through middle school. If I could give every child a gift that gift would be for them to experience the joy of learning every single day at PMonts. The multi-age classes provide the advantage of older students leading younger students and younger students watching the wonderful examples of the older children. The children recognize the strengths of others as being positive and not competitive. Princeton Montessori is much more than academic college prep - it is life prep!”

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“Our child previously attended a reputable public elementary school. During that time, she often complained that she was bored at school. I was concerned that the school's 'one-size-fits-all' education model was gradually dimming her thirst for knowledge. I wanted the flames of her engagement and curiosity to be fanned, not extinguished. She is now back at Princeton Montessori and I am happy to report that she is no longer bored. In fact, her inner flame has never been stronger!”

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“Our daughter has been in the infant center for only six months, but we believe it has been the most transformative and influential time of her life. The Infant Center teachers planted a little seed in our daughter’s heart, and it has grown and blossomed into a beautiful, resilient flower with their warm love and care. ...We have observed her world expanding astronomically, filled with beautiful memories of her teachers and friends. We have been thoroughly impressed and constantly reassured by the quality of education and care the teachers provide.”

“We have always been thrilled with our PMonts experience, and this fall term has sent us through the roof. We are in awe of the tireless work of the faculty and administration, who have made possible such an inspiring in-person program. I have always been broadly grateful for the PMonts education my children have been so lucky to receive; this summer and fall, I felt grateful each and every day.”

“As a parent (and faculty member), Molly and I are beyond grateful for PMonts. Our children are SO happy here. I am more of a believer than ever before. Miles was fine at his public school but the difference is really clear - here, he is not just fine - he is totally thriving and so happy! I'm amazed.”

“"Princeton Montessori School students are open to diverse backgrounds, curious to learn new things, strong in their leadership and presentation skills, and confident. Thank you for providing an educational environment that encourages a child's total development. We know it is an incredible gift." -Middle School Parent”

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