Princeton Montessori School
487 Cherry Valley Road | Princeton, New Jersey 08540
609-924-4594 | Email Us
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Faculty | Administration
Meet the School Administration
Tracey brings a passion for the Montessori philosophy having experienced it as a student and now as a parent. She is thrilled to lead Admissions, helping parents discover a Montessori education and building strong partnerships with families. When not at school, Tracey enjoys playing basketball and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Tracey holds an MS in Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University, NJ and a BA in Psychology from Franklin & Marshall College, PA. She has competed the Montessori philosophy course through PCTE and is currently pursuing a certification in Admissions and Enrollment Management through AISAP.
She brings her previous experience in PC support and software development at Bloomberg to her current role, and enjoys problem solving technology issues as they arise.
Ginger is a life-long, passionate gardener and avid music lover. When not at school, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons and their rescued pitbulls.
Ginger received a BA in Communications and Journalism from The College of NJ (TCNJ).
Banu is known as the “go-to” person in the Business Office. She brings her many years of experience in admissions, technology, student data, teacher training and business processes to the administrative team. She also leads the before-school program for Elementary students. Banu loves that her work enables her to be involved with the whole school community every day. She has constant communication with teachers, PCTE instructors and adult learners, as well as our parents and students.
Outside of work, Banu enjoys cooking and baking recipes from her native country Turkey, traveling, enjoying the outdoors and of course spending time with her family. Her son is a Princeton Montessori School alum who attended the Toddler-Middle School programs. He graduated from TCNJ and is currently working in New York City at a Science and Health Communications Agency.
She brings experience in banking, public relations, and fiscal responsibility to her position, along with strong organizational and diplomatic skills.
When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her son Andrew, loves to play golf with friends, and is passionate about dance, especially ballet. She is also an active volunteer in the community.
Patricia received a BA in Journalism and Public Relations from Temple University, PA.
Prior to her current role, Derry taught music in the Elementary and Middle School programs, directed chorus for 5th-8th grades, and led the annual operetta and theater productions. She assisted in the Infant center and has substituted at all levels throughout the school.
In her leisure time, Derry likes to explore the natural world, bird-watch, read, and go to the theater and movies. She loves singing, especially when her daughters join her in impromptu duets and trios.
Derry’s professional work includes performing with a New York-based theater company, teaching voice and improvisation, and working in cabaret and voice-overs. She received a BA in Literature and Performing Arts from Sarah Lawrence College, NY, and has an MS in Ecology from Rutgers University. Derry earned Orff-Schulwerk certification for Levels I, II, and III at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Whitney brings experience in providing care for children in a school setting, most recently at a federally-funded head start school. She appreciates the concerns that come with being a parent and works to promote an open dialogue with parents.
When not at school, Whitney enjoys spending quality time with her daughter. Her hobbies include travel, playing sports, singing, and reading to stay current on the latest health trends.
Whitney studied Psychology at Rutgers University, NJ, before graduating from Union County College as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). She has attended many pediatric seminars as well as NJ state-hosted webinars for school nurses.
She oversees the Admissions process, student records, Practicum visits and applying for final credentials. She instructs in the Toddler program and is an active field consultant. Lisa received a BA in Italian Literature from Rutgers University, NJ, and holds an American Montessori Society credential in Infant/Toddler through the Princeton Center Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ.
Andrea brings many years of business organization and operations experience to her current role. Prior to joining Princeton Montessori, she worked for an international management consultancy before founding her own graphic design company. Andrea frequently leads professional development initiatives for the administrative team, focusing on growth and interpersonal skills. She has served on several school reaccreditation teams and is the current President of the New Jersey Montessori Association Corporation (NJMAC). When not at the school, Andrea enjoys cooking, and spending time at the beach with her husband and four children.
Andrea received a BFA in Graphic Design from The College of New Jersey, NJ and holds an American Montessori Society Administrator credential through Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ. She is a frequent presenter at local and national conferences and is also an instructor for PCTE.
Dorothy began her Montessori career in 1987 and most recently served as the Director of Education at the Duhovka Preschool in Prague, Czech Republic and at the Amelia Island Montessori School in Florida. She developed the Duhovka Montessori Teacher Education Program (DMTEP), in Prague, Czech Republic. Her extensive experience as a teacher trainer has guided her work on pedagogy, curriculum, and program design.
Dorothy recently served on the AMS Board of Directors and on various MACTE verification teams in the US and abroad. When not at the School, Dorothy enjoys spending time with her two grown children as well as being an avid sports fan.
Dorothy holds a Masters degree in Montessori Elementary Education from Barry University in Miami, Florida and a BS in Nutrition from the University of Rhode Island. She holds AMS Early Childhood credentials from the Seton Institute (1990) and from Barry University (2007) and an AMS Elementary I-II Credential from Barry University (2005). She holds a Professional Educator’s Certificate from the State of Florida Department of Education and is a frequent presenter at the AMS and other Montessori conferences.
Mary enjoys taking photos of the events and connecting with the daily happenings in the classrooms throughout the school. She supports the inner workings of the school administrative team as well as the teachers. Given her longevity at the school, Mary often provides a historical perspective of the school’s past activities and maintains the school’s digital archives.
Each of Mary’s three children attended Princeton Montessori School, starting in the Infant Center. When not in the office, Mary enjoys baking, drawing, painting, and spending time with her large extended family.
Mary received a BA in Communications Design from Kutztown University, PA.
Dale brings over 20 years of experience in management and employee relations within the nonprofit industry to his position, most recently as the Director of Finance and Operations at the Speyer Legacy School in NYC. He is a proactive and results-oriented business professional with broad experience in financial and human resources management and financial strategic planning.
When not at the School, Dale enjoys playing basketball, table tennis and simply reading, especially about business, finance, and the economy. He actively supports his two son’s extracurricular activities and enjoys watching movies at home or in theaters with his wife.
Dale received a BS in Management as well as a BA in Psychology from LaSalle University in the Philippines. He has been a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) since 2006 and is a SHRM-Certified HR Professional. He regularly attends professional development classes and independent school management workshops.
Prior to her current role, Kathy worked for many years as a conference teacher in the Elementary programs. She loved to guide and support the Upper and Lower Elementary children through all the stages of their personal and academic development.
Kathy seeks to achieve balance in her personal and professional life. She loves using her hands for sewing and quilting as well as creative cooking and also finds time for yoga, biking, and walking daily.
Kathy received a BA in English Literature from Rider University, NJ and holds a NJ State teaching certification for grades K-6 through Rider University’s Graduate Level Teacher Certification Program. She holds an American Montessori Society credential in Elementary I and Elementary II through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ. Kathy is also a PCTE instructor.
Clara received certification as a Bilingual Secretary at the Centro Superior in Cali, Colombia and then continued her Business Administrator studies at ICESI in Colombia. She is a current member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Clara grew up in Colombia, South America and likes to continue many of her family traditions at home, especially during holidays. She loves to cook, bake, and be creative in the kitchen.
Clara received certification as a Bilingual Secretary at the Centro Superior in Cali, Colombia and then continued her Business Administrator studies at ICESI in Colombia. She is a current member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Katie is passionate about the Montessori philosophy and is honored to serve as Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator at Princeton Montessori School, a position she has held for the last several years. Katie writes and distributes press releases, builds and nurtures relationships with local and national media outlets, composes articles, assists with the school's website, and manages the social media accounts for both Princeton Montessori School and PCTE. Her background in sales and marketing spans across multiple industries, including entertainment and technology. Her corporate experience coupled with her current role as a school parent gives her the perspective needed to promote the school to both internal and external audiences.
Outside of work, Katie loves to travel, read, exercise, and spend time with family and friends, including her husband and two children. In her spare time, she blogs about her experience as a mother of children with food allergies and looks to raise awareness of this important issue. Katie spent a decade on the west coast and greatly enjoys taking trips back to southern California to see friends and visit her favorite places.
Katie graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Public Relations from the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and a minor in Cinema-Television from the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
Kristen brings experience in customer service, communications, performing arts and working with children to her role. Her attention to detail, strong organizational skills and professional demeanor make her an asset to the administrative team.
When not at the office, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, baking, singing, and continuing to pursue her passion for theatre. She performs frequently in productions in the NJ/PA area. She is a House Parent on campus at The Lawrenceville School and an active volunteer in that community.
Kristen received a BFA in Music Theatre from Elon University, NC.
Facilities
Ralph has over 25 years experience in the field of facilities supervision and machine repair, as well as coordinating contractors, performing building maintenance and managing small teams.
When not working, Ralph enjoys spending time in the mountains with his wife, daughter, two sons and five grandchildren.
He has a very calm temperament and has a strong ability to multi-task. Celso likes meeting new people and learning new things. When not at work he enjoys spending time with his family.
