Faculty | Administration

During her tenure, Andrea has led professional development initiatives for administrative teams, focusing on interpersonal skills, and is a frequent presenter at local and national conferences on leadership topics. She has also served on several school reaccreditation teams for both independent and Montessori schools, and sat on the executive board of the New Jersey Montessori Administrators’ Corporation (NJMAC) from 2018 to 2020. Prior to joining Princeton Montessori, Andrea worked at an international management consultancy before founding her own graphic design company while remaining at home to raise her four children.

Andrea believes that the Montessori approach to education allows all children to reach their fullest potential, without limits. Each child is unique, and needs a secure, carefully-prepared and purposefully-designed environment in which to grow emotionally, academically, and socially. Education should be a joyful experience for the child. Learning is not about rote memorization or the ability to perform well on a test. Instead, education should focus on the excitement of a new discovery, the thrill of improving one’s self, and the idea of finding success and contentment in whatever one chooses to do. Her goal in education is to have the opportunity to shape an environment where teachers are respected for the critically important work they do to allow the innate love of learning to unfold in each child.

Andrea holds a MA in Education, specializing in Montessori Studies, from St. Catherine’s University, MN, and a BA in Graphic Design from The College of New Jersey, NJ. She also holds an American Montessori Society (AMS) Administrator credential through Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ; has participated in the AMS Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist (ABAR) Professional Development Course; and completed the International Baccaleuarate (IB) Head of school - Middle Years Programme (Cat.1) training.

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.

Jennifer's work includes supporting teachers in obtaining resources needed to meet the needs of students as well as being a liaison for Dr. Noble's team and other service providers. She also administers reading screenings for all students in Kindergarten through 8th grade and is looking forward to maintaining a connection with all students.

Outside of the classroom, Jennifer enjoys reading, hiking, running, and visiting the beach. She loves to see and experience the world around her, and she aspires to travel the globe.

Jennifer is a doctoral candidate for an Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership through Rutgers University. She earned a Masters in the Art of Teaching & a BS in Early Childhood Education & Psychology from The College of New Jersey. She is certified by the state of New Jersey to teach Early Childhood (P-3), Elementary Education (K-5), and Students with Disabilities. Jennifer also holds an American Montessori Society credential in Elementary I through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ.

Betty has extensive knowledge working for non-profits and expertise in accounting, finance, and business administration. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Public Accountancy from Baruch College, CUNY and stays up to date with the latest trends and technologies in accounting and business administration.

Betty and her husband are proud parents to two lovely daughters. She enjoys walks, cookouts, and spending time with her family and friends. In her downtime, Betty enjoys reading, taking in nature, and doing craft projects.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Public Accounting from Baruch College, CUNY, and stays up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in accounting and business administration.

Bushra brings experience in purchasing and accounting. She works with the business office and is responsible for supporting the Finance Director with all business office functions. She handles the accounts payable, accounts receivable, and purchasing for the organization, along with other business office responsibilities.

In her free time, she likes to paint, exercise, go hiking, and spend time with her family.

She has an Associate's Degree in Accounting/Business Administration from Montgomery Community College.

Sonya brings her love of community to her role in the administration at the Princeton Montessori School. She finds great satisfaction in helping systems run more smoothly, and helping people navigate those systems with as much ease as possible.

Sonya loves to make things with her hands. Over the years this has taken the form of drawing, painting, and ceramics, but her current love is fabric arts/quilting. She is also a musician who has released 7 albums in total. She loves spending time with her friends and family, and swimming in natural bodies of water.

Sonya holds a BA from Vassar College, major: Studio Art.

Lori began her Montessori journey as a parent. Witnessing this unique educational philosophy through the development of her own children led her to pursue both her Infant/Toddler and Early Childhood Montessori credentials. Lori spent several years in both Toddler and Primary environments in a variety of roles; assistant, intern, lead teacher, and mentor. Lori treasures working with children during their early years of life to witness and support their tremendous growth and development. Lori is also passionate about supporting and collaborating with adults who are also on their own Montessori journey.

Lori enjoys reading, the outdoors, and spending time with her family. She and her husband have two children who attend universities in New England and two furry friends who keep them company at home! Lori spends a considerable amount of time continuing her own learning whether it be through reading, course work, or just embracing life’s daily lessons. Learning is for life!

Before beginning her Montessori journey, Lori spent a significant number of years in a corporate environment focusing on process improvement initiatives, implementation of best practices, and employee development. In addition to her Montessori credentials, she holds degrees in Accounting and Human Resources.

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.

Kelly worked in the Toddler Program for many years. She loves the curiosity of the toddler mind and the enthusiasm they have to learn. She enjoys taking walks with the children and talking about nature, and creating new activities for them, especially with each changing season.

In her free time Kelly loves to travel, cook, attend concerts, take nature hikes, meditate, and spending time at the beach. She particularly enjoys spending time with family and friends and creating fun and educational projects for her young grandson.

Kelly holds an American Montessori Society credential in Infant/Toddler through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), and an Associate Degree of Applied Science (AAS) from Mercer County Community College.

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.

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.

Dorothy began her Montessori career in 1987 here at PMonts before relocating to Florida where she taught for 23 as a Primary teacher in both private and public Montessori and worked with various teacher training programs. Most recently she has 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 holds two Master’s degrees in Montessori Education from Barry University in Miami, Florida, at the Early Childhood and Elementary levels, and a BS in Nutrition from the University of Rhode Island. She holds two 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 has audited the Secondary Teacher Training Program and the Administrators Course from Houston Montessori Center and is a frequent presenter at the AMS and other Montessori conferences. She has recently served on the AMS Board of Directors and on various MACTE verification teams in the US and abroad.

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.

Brianna brings a strong commitment to best practices in school nursing and has the ability to communicate with people and to explain things clearly in both technical and non-technical ways. Her caring and nurturing demeanor is a benefit when working with young children. In her free time, Brianna loves to vacation and travel with family and friends, but above all she enjoys being a mother and spending time with her children.

Brianna attended Interim Healthcare for her Certified Nursing Assistant and Certified Medication Aide certifications. She attended Tulsa Community College in OK where she received her License as a Phlebotomist. She is a Graduate of Lincoln Institute of Technology Nursing school and holds a NJ licensure as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Javier provides daily technology support and training to faculty, staff, and students to ensure their needs are being met and issues are resolved in a timely manner. He is also in charge of the educational technology needs of the organization.

In his free time he loves to read, hike, play with his dog, practice yoga and create websites.

Javier holds a BA in Information Technology and Informatics from Rutgers University. He holds a minor in Sociology, and a minor in Digital Communication, Information, and Media (DCIM). He is certified in Cyber Security and plans on getting more certifications to incorporate what he learns into the school.

Katie is passionate about the Montessori philosophy and is honored to serve as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Princeton Montessori School. In addition to leading and guiding the school's high level marketing and communications strategy, she also manages multiple social media accounts for both Princeton Montessori and PCTE, writes and distributes press releases/articles, oversees print and digital ad placement, and coordinates website updates. 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 give 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.

Katie graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Public Relations and a minor in Cinema-Television.

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.

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.

Lawrence brings experience working in independent schools in athletics as a coach and has worked as a warehouse supervisor and, most recently, as a security officer. He studied criminal justice and holds a security officer license.

In his free time, Lawrence likes to exercise, coach basketball, and spend time with his family.