Faculty | Middle School

Meet the Middle School teachers
Program Coordinator, Spanish, Design, Individuals & Societies

Nuria Perez

Nuria Perez joined Princeton Montessori School in 2014 and currently teaches IB MYP Design, Individuals & Societies, and Spanish. She is a conference teacher in the Middle School and also serves as the educational coordinator for the Middle School program.

Nuria greatly enjoys teaching language and culture. Her goal is to have students participate actively in class and she strives to develop a love of discovering other cultures through experiential activities, and real-life connections.

When not teaching, Nuria enjoys spending time with her son and husband, exercising outdoors, and traveling.

Nuria received a BS in Sociology from the University of Barcelona (UB), Spain, a Postgraduate Degree in Marketing from New York University (NYU) and studied Montessori Philosophy and Child Development through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ. Her IB MYP training levels and areas include Spanish (Category 1 & 2), and Design (Category 1 & 2) and has her MMUN training certification.

Classroom Volunteer

Sinead Browning

Sinead Browning joined Princeton Montessori School in 2022 and currently volunteers in the Middle School.

Sinead enjoys working with children and young people of all ages, from infants to undergraduates. She loves the capacity adolescents have for independence and self-determination, as well as their loyalty and care for each other’s well-being. As a Mathematics and Science teacher, she strives to create a supportive, inquiry-based learning environment where students can problem-solve and pursue their own interests.

In her free time, Sinead likes learning new things, especially languages (she speaks German and French and is learning several more). She believes it is important to try to live sustainably and enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, swimming and growing food to cook with her family.

Sinead studied in the UK, first in Engineering Science at Oxford University before training at Bristol University to be a teacher. She is working towards a Masters in International Education (MA), and holds an AMI Montessori 12-18 Orientation Certificate (AMI Prague) and 6-12 Assistants Certificate (AMI London), and is nearing completion of the IB certificate in teaching and learning (IBEC). She is also a qualified Forest School leader.

Environment and Sustainability

Gery Juleff

Gery Juleff joined Princeton Montessori in 2021 and is the Environment and Sustainability Educator for Middle School.

Gery teaches MS Environmental and Sustainability Studies, using the NWF Ecoschools program as a framework. Gery loves the outdoors and nature and classes will involve lots of hands-on work, visits to farms and the Sourland Mountain, and a focus on project work. Gery also teaches Ecology to LE and UE students, takes After School and is the school Sustainabiloity Manager.

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.

Health

Amy Krupa

Amy Krupa joined Princeton Montessori School in 2004 and is the Middle School Health Teacher.

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 a level 1 & 2 IB Middle Years Program certification for Physical and Health Education and an American Montessori Society credential in Elementary I through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ.
Music

Alex Mitnick

Alex Mitnick joined Princeton Montessori School in 2000 and currently teaches music to students in Elementary through Middle School and is the Rock Band Advisor.

Alex loves sharing his passion for music and music making with children of all ages. His unique approach to music education combines singing, movement, percussion and songwriting in a stimulating and fun way that leaves students energized and inspired.

In addition to teaching music at Princeton Montessori School, Alex is an Emmy® Award winning children’s performer with six albums of original music and his very own TV show “Alex & The Kaleidoscope.”

Alex received a BA in Jazz Performance from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, and has received multiple awards for excellence in children’s entertainment including the New York Emmy® Awards, The Parents’ Choice Foundation, The Film Advisory Board and the American Library Association. Alex's IB MYP training levels and areas include Arts (Category 1 & 2), and Global Contexts for Teaching and Learning training.

He is an instructor for the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE).

Secondary Placement Coordinator

Dr. Amanda Rose

Dr. Amanda Rose joined Princeton Montessori School in 2019 and is the Secondary Placement Coordinator for the Middle School.

Dr. Rose brings over 20 years of experience in working with students to prepare them for the SSAT and other standardized tests. She has also worked with Montessori Schools to ensure their students receive the very best preparation for the high school application process. Previously, Dr. Rose served as executive director of Stanford Coaching Inc. (now Inspirica), New York’s premier SAT and academic one-on-one tutoring company.

In her position at Princeton Montessori School, Dr. Rose will work to prepare students for the SSAT and possible independent high school interviews and support parents with the high school admissions process. She will provide a balance of instruction and guided practice to allow students to master fundamental test-taking techniques.

Dr. Rose is a graduate of Princeton High School, and holds a B.A. in English from Cornell University, an M.A. in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and a doctorate in Organizational Psychology from Rutgers University.

Science, Technology, Mathematics

Sara Rove

Sara joined Princeton Montessori School in 2021 and teaches Science, Middle School Design, is a Conference teacher and provides Technology & Math support.
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Sara has most recently served as a lead Upper Elementary teacher at a micro school in Denver, Colorado, designing and implementing curriculum as a founding faculty member. She was tasked with personalizing curricular paths for each child through the lens of experiential learning. One of the highlights of her experience was engaging with NASA, SpaceX, universities, and the local community for learning opportunities and service projects. Her approach to education is founded in a belief that learning should occur holistically, using multidisciplinary approaches that accommodate diverse learning styles and model respect and appreciation for all. She also served as a mentor and partner to similar schools to improve educational practices on both sides.
Other roles include serving as an Adjunct Instructor in Early Childhood and Elementary Math Methods for Drexel University and a Bilingual Classroom Teacher/Math Intervention/Technology Representative in the Denver public schools system.
Sara holds a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction and a certificate in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Denver (Denver, CO) and a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology & Spanish Literature from Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ). She will be training this summer in IB MYP Sciences and IB MYP Leading the Learning courses.
Mathematics

Anne Marie Schur

Anne Marie is returned to PMonts in 2021, having served as a teaching assistant in the Elementary programs from 2004 to 2008.

Anne Marie is a graduate of our own Montessori teacher training program, PCTE. In addition to her Montessori classroom experience, Anne Marie has been an education consultant and math tutor in Princeton, providing mathematics instructional support for students in grades 6-11 in subjects ranging from Pre-Algebra to Geometry through Pre-Calculus. A true math specialist, she is adept at facilitating joy and engagement in the learning process through use of manipulatives, games, and tailor-made lessons. A former Johnson & Johnson executive and life sciences consultant, Anne Marie also brings her passion for healthcare and biotech to her teaching, with real world applications of math and science a major component of her teaching strategy.
Anne Marie holds an AMS Montessori certification at the Elementary I and II levels. She earned her B.A. in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) and holds an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is proficient in Portugese and French. She will be training this summer in the IB MYP Mathematics course.
Language & Literature, Literacy Specialist

Megan Skeuse

Megan joined Princeton Montessori School in 2019 and currently teaches Language & Literature. She is a conference teacher in the Middle School.

Megan leads the Language & Literature and Leadership components of our IB MYP Humanities program. She also serves as co-coordinator for Montessori Model United Nations.

Megan works with each Middle Schooler for all three academic years, refining their applications of formal writing mechanics across genres and honing their reading comprehension skills. She believes that literacy is a social practice; as such, she seeks to guide students in their critical thinking and ability to make connections while offering ample opportunity for multimodal and collaborative learning.

Megan’s aim is for our graduating 8th graders to think, analyze, argue and eloquently present (in both written and oral form) across curricula.

In her capacity as the school's Literacy Specialist, Megan serves as a resource for all of our programs. She also chairs our Library Committee, helping us to advance our DEIB goals through our literature and curriculum offerings.

Megan holds an M.S. Ed. in Reading/Writing/Literacy and a Reading Specialist Certification from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Colorado Denver. She is IB MYP trained in Language and Literature (Categories 1 and 2) and has her MMUN training certification.

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What Parents Are Saying

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!

Our Primary student is learning remotely this year due to the pandemic. He is really is enjoying all the works that come home to him. He tells me things like 'I love my Montessori works' and 'my works are beautiful.' My husband and I see him growing and learning so much even amidst our virtual constraints. Having tailored materials for him to work with makes all the difference in the world and we're grateful for the thought and care you put into curating them.

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!

Princeton Montessori is the very epitome of the principles of Maria Montessori. The School offers a nurturing, creative, academic, and well-rounded development for each child. As a parent, we cannot offer our daughter a more valuable first gift.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Thanks for a wonderful school year thus far and for doing such a wonderful job for our children during such a challenging year. Princeton Montessori has simply been the gold standard for pandemic education, in my mind.

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.

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.

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.

Princeton Montessori has done an exemplary job in keeping their classrooms open to children and young people during this challenging year. They are simply the gold standard for safely educating our children during the national pandemic.

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