Faculty | Primary

Amy loves working in the primary program because she enjoys closely observing and guiding children as they explore and discover in the classroom. She also brings her interest and knowledge of American Sign Language into fingerplays and songs during circle time.

Outside of the classroom, Amy enjoys spending time with her family and running. She has two boys, both of whom had the opportunity to develop their foundation in Montessori environments.

Amy received a BA in Psychology from Rutgers University, NJ and a Master of Arts in Teaching through The College of New Jersey, and holds an American Montessori Early Childhood credential through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ. She is an instructor and a field consultant for PCTE.

Teresa enjoys supporting the Primary children in their role of learning and their pursuit of self-discovery. Because she is dyslexic and became a proficient reader at a later age, she is in tune with the internal process of learning to read. From her extensive background in psychological studies and research, she brings a unique perspective and deep appreciation of child development to the Primary program.

When not at school, Teresa volunteers for a NJ ballet foundation that she co-founded. She also enjoys creating ballet costumes and reading.

Teresa received a BA in Psychology and Communications from Rutgers University, NJ; an MA in Psychology from the New School for Social Research, NY; and holds an American Montessori Society Early Childhood credential through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ. She also holds an American Montessori Society Early Childhood Reading credential and is an instructor for PCTE.

Shazah joined Princeton Montessori School in 2012 and is a Master Teacher in the Primary program. Along with teaching her students and conferencing with their families, she mentors teaching interns in their practicum years, leads parent education events at the school, and presents at Montessori conferences. Additionally, Shazah is a Field Consultant for the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE). She is an avid linguist who speaks multiple languages. She teaches the French Language and Culture Club in the Upper School.

Shazah is fascinated with Dr. Montessori's research and writings on how children best understand abstract concepts through their experiences with and manipulation of concrete materials first. This is especially evident in her love of the Math and Science areas of the Early Childhood classroom. One of her favorite things to share with her students is her love of bald eagles. The classroom follows a local eagle nest every year from the time the eggs are laid in the winter until the eaglets fledge in the late spring. She has created an extensive unit of study around this annual phenomenon. The children learn about the life cycle of an eagle, nomenclature for the parts of the eagle, and the success of conservation efforts in the United States.

Outside of the classroom, Shazah enjoys spending time with her family -- particularly her young son, who is an alumnus of the PMonts Infant, Toddler, and Primary programs. She enjoys reading and traveling, and she has also written and edited for various publications over the last two decades.

Shazah received a BA in Psychology, with a concentration in Community Psychology, from Syracuse University. Prior to joining Princeton Montessori School, Shazah worked with an organization that conducted federal policy research to advocate for students with learning differences. She holds an American Montessori Society Early Childhood credential through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education.

Missy loves the Primary children’s enthusiasm for learning, observing the children making new discoveries each day and being a part of the wonder that takes place during the Primary years. She brings her positive attitude, sense of humor and creative mindset each day to enhance the lives of the children and their families.

When not in school Missy enjoys exercising, swimming, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Missy received a BA in Health Education and Athletic Training from Marshall University, WV and holds an American Montessori Society Early Childhood credential through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE).

Ursula enjoys getting to know each child’s individual personality and sense of humor. She shares her creativity and artistic talents with the children in the development of materials and is known by her colleagues as a calm, nurturing teacher. She enjoys collaborating with her peers in the Primary program.

When not at school, Ursula enjoys cooking, gardening, and yoga. She also spends time working with her husband at the restaurant they own in their hometown of Lambertville.

Ursula received a BFA in Illustration from the Parsons School of Design, NY, and studied at the American University in Paris. She holds an American Montessori Early Childhood credential through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ. She serves as an instructor for all levels in fitness education for PCTE. Ursula has experience at Princeton Montessori School in all programs as an educational support and has led Sports Club for Elementary students as well as Faculty Fitness programs.

Ursula is a certified Yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance.

Carla is passionate about early childhood education. She is a Mother of two and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and discovering new cultures.

She holds an AMI Montessori Diploma(3-6yrs) from the institute de formation Maria Montessori in Geneva, Switzerland.

Alexis find immense joy working with the children in the Primary program. Her nurturing, lighthearted personality guide her focus and energy educating the children and helping them feel at home in the classroom. Alexis loves to witness each child’s individual transformation as they explore and learn about the world around them. She loves reading to the children, singing songs and learning about each child’s family values and individual interests.

Outside the classroom, Alexis enjoys being active; snowboarding, hiking and taking various workout classes. She has two children who are involved in gymnastics and hockey. She also enjoys volunteering at her local church, caring for the babies in the nursery.

Alexis holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Rider University and an Early Childhood Credential from PCTE.

Mira is a full-time classroom assistant with over seven years of experience in the education field. She has a true passion for working with young learners, and she works to create an inspiring and engaging learning environment in which children feel safe and secure, providing what students need in order to become lifelong learners.

In her free time she enjoy reading, cooking, music, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

Mira received a BA in Arts and Education from Egypt and holds a Collins workshop certification for best practices of teaching Math, reading and writing inside the classroom. In 2016 she completed the Cambridge Global Learner training conducted by Cambridge International Examination.

Priya was a Montessori student so the philosophy is second nature to her. She believes in bringing out the best in a child through compassion, care and freedom within limits, which makes the child independent and confident in their learning.

In her free time Priya practices yoga and meditation. She loves to spend time outdoors with her family and four legged fur baby/ Leo. Priya has a passion for music and is trained in Hindustani classical music.

Priya holds a Bachelor’s in Accounting and Marketing and is pursuing a Masters in Mass Media Communication. She also holds a degree in travel management from Middlesex county college. Priya earned an Early childhood Montessori certification in 2010 from NAMC, as well as her AMS Early Childhood certification in 2020 from PCTE.

Prisca taught art for 7 years and has enjoyed seeing the growth in children, appreciating their differences and bringing their individuality in the form of artwork. Each child is unique in his or her creative thinking.

In her free time she enjoys painting, cooking and baking, swimming and hiking. Prisca loves to travel with her family, She volunteers at church where she has served at a Soup Kitchen, harvested crops in a farm for homeless, taught refugees art, and joined many functions where she can spread love.

Prisca graduated from University of Waterloo (Ontario, Canada) with a Masters of Accounting and Honorary Bachelor of Arts/Chartered Accountancy degrees. She holds an American Montessori Society Early Childhood credential through Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE).

Alyssa enjoys the primary program because she loves to observe the children discover their interests, develop their own style of creativity and explore the Montessori environment.

Outside the classroom Alyssa rides horses at a farm close to her home, enjoys spending time with her family and painting with watercolors.

Alyssa holds an American Montessori Early Childhood Certification from PCTE. She received a degree in education and is furthering her studies in child learning and development

Mary Ellen has over 20 years of experience working with children, the majority of them in Montessori environments. She takes tremendous care and consideration for the needs of the child, and creates a classroom atmosphere of calm and peace, where their inherent worth is reflected and understood and a place where they could arrive happily and count on the familiar rhythm of the day.

In her free time Mary Ellen enjoys reading, art and sewing, spending time with family and cultural experiences. She is very interested in nutrition, design, and spiritual growth.

Mary Ellen received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in English from Rosemont College, Rosemont, PA. She holds a Montessori Early Childhood teaching credential from Montessori Centre International and an International Teaching Diploma Certification for Preschool/Kindergarten from NAMC. Mary Ellen has taken Advanced education classes through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education in Early Childhood Development and Montessori Philosophy. She is a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator through the Positive Discipline Association.

Sophia has a calming demeanor and is known for being personable, patient, and reliable. She hopes to pass on her excitement for learning and is eager to learn more about Montessori philosophy.

In her free time Sophia loves to bowl, enjoys drawing and painting, as well as baking. She gives back to the community through volunteering at food drives and pet shelters.

Sophia graduated with honors from Hamilton High West and is learning ASL at Katzenbach School for the Deaf.

Caroline is excited to share her love of anatomy and physiology, cooking/baking, and yoga with the students.

In her free time she loves to read, cook/bake, travel with her family, walk, ski and spend time at the beach. She also loves teaching yoga and volunteering with many local organizations with her children.

Caroline holds a MS Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University, and a BS in Chemistry with Math Minor from St. Michael's College. She has completed the PCTE Montessori Philosophy Course and YogaDharma RYT 300 Teacher Training Program.

Anila enjoys observing the innocence and inquisitiveness of young children and supporting them in their development of confidence and independence. She is organized, creative, patient and nurturing by nature.

Outside the classroom Anila enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, getting together with friends and traveling. She also enjoys cooking, crafting and meditation.

Anila holds a Bachelors Degree in Fine ART from Staffordshire University, England and an American Montessori Early Childhood credential through Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE) NJ.

Christina is a Princeton Montessori School alum; she attended the toddler through elementary programs. She loves the Montessori philosophy and is excited to be back working in the same community, which inspired her love of learning.

Christina has experience working with children ranging from kindergarten through 9th grade. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, playing tennis, and swimming.

Christina holds a Bachelors in American Studies from Manhattanville College and a Masters in Early Childhood, Special Education. She holds an American Montessori Society Early Childhood credential through Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE).

Areeba is passionate about children and loves connecting with them. She believes all children are unique in their own ways and by observing and building strong connections with the child you can help them craft their skills. Areeba is a creative person and brings creativity, calmness and togetherness to the classroom. She feels pure joy seeing the happiness on a child's face after accomplishing a task, and the confidence and freedom they experience at such early age.

Areeba loves spending time with her husband and twin sons. She likes to travel and explore, cook, enjoy good music and spend time with friends.

She earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and Marketing, and an AMI orientation course certificate (3-6). Areeba holds an American Montessori Early Childhood credential through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE).