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.

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.

(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.

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.

Classroom Intern (UE) and US After School Teacher

Aleigha Lindstrom

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

Aleigha is very excited for her first year as an intern in upper Elementary. She 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 completed her Montessori certification classes and will be finishing her course work over the 23-24 school year. She holds a Bachelors in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan, with a focus in mathematics instruction.

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.

Conference Teacher (UE)

Aish Saminathan

Aish Saminathan joined Princeton Montessori School in 2019 and is a conference teacher in the Upper Elementary program.

Aish’s love for Montessori education began when she volunteered in her child’s primary classroom. She is empathetic by nature and finds she can connect with children who sometimes struggle with handling their emotions.

Aish also has previous experience working as a journalist covering school education in India. As a member of the Princeton Storytelling Circle, she participates in storytelling events in and around Central Jersey. In her free time, she enjoys playing veena, an ancient string instrument. She is an herbalist by interest and enjoys discovering how to use nourishing herbs in different ways.

Aish holds a Master’s in English Literature and a Bachelor in Physics from the Bhrarathidasan University, India. In addition, she obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, India. She holds an American Montessori Society Elementary I & II credential through Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE).

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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“The faculty are, bar none, the absolute best. The teachers are very knowledge both about the Montessori philosophy and the best ways to work with children. I ask for their advice and insight for any issues we’re having at home, quite often. They’re also incredibly warm and nurturing with the children in a way I have not seen at any other school.”

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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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“The school runs with one philosophy and so every faculty member and admin personnel share the same vision for the child. This consistency is unique in our area to Princeton Montessori. Combined with the integration of the teacher training program, we can proudly say that the spirit of Dr. Montessori’s principles permeates every aspect of our school. That’s what I value the most about our school!”

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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.”

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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.”

“Our daughter loves being at school. She confidently reported that she was happy with the safety measures in place, and that she felt “safe” at school. This was HUGE.”

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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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“We love the fact that your guidelines have been clear and appropriate, and impressing upon families how their role is critical in keeping the wider school community safe. Thanks also for sourcing materials and providing seminars on parenting during this particular time. The fact that the school has remained open all this time is a huge testament to you all.”

“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”