MONTESSORI
ASM
CURRICULUM
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
ASM FACULTY & STAFF
2007-2008
Peg Roberts
Head of School for ASM
As Head of School, Peg Roberts brings a strong administrative and financial background to the position, having been the founding Executive Director at Hill View Montessori Charter Public School in Haverhill; Statewide Director, Community Health Training Institute, YWCA of Greater Lawrence; Senior Vice President, United Way of Merrimack Valley and Interim Executive Director, YWCA of Haverhill. She is also an educator and former business owner.
Ms. Roberts holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in School Administration from Salem State College. She resides in Atkinson, NH.
Having started her position in July 2007, Ms. Roberts stated, “It is clear from speaking and working with the staff, board members and families that ASM is a school where children always come first. At ASM ‘Prepare Your Child for Life’ is not just a phrase; it is the passion of the school. Leading an institution where exceptional education for pre-school through middle school children is a reality, is a privilege. I am excited about the future and look forward to being part of this vibrant educational organization. I have fond memories from the years that I spent in the classroom. Working with children is an educational experience in and of itself. Sometimes, I wonder who learned more, the children or me.”
Melanie Wilson: Elementary/Middle School Director for ASM
Melanie Wilson is the full time Elementary/Middle School Director. In this new position, she provides support to all elementary and middle school faculty, develops parent education opportunities and works with staff to explore curriculum options.
Ms. Wilson holds AMI certification for Lower and Upper Elementary from the Toronto Montessori Institute, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Art from the University of Texas, and a Master of Education degree with a specialty in Montessori Curriculum and Instruction from Cleveland State University. Ms. Wilson taught at the Upper Elementary level for twenty years and has been a curriculum coordinator and head of school. She is also experienced in curriculum writing, standardized testing and independent school accreditation. She began her position in July and resides in Hopkinton, MA.
Ms. Wilson asserts, “Montessori philosophy teaches that the trust and respect held between child and teacher is critical to learning. The same holds true when working with teachers. It involves good listening, thoughtful consideration and decision-making based on sound reasoning. Supporting teachers as they seek to meet goals, improve skills and change the lives of their young charges is of paramount importance in my role as Elementary/Middle School Director. Likewise, I seek to inspire parents—to give them a clear understanding of the school’s mission, philosophy and methods and to assure them that they have chosen a school where their child will be safe, respected, and motivated to learn using sound pedagogical practices. I am proud to be a part of ASM and grateful for the opportunity to work with such a knowledgeable and dedicated group of teachers.”
Susan Burns Children's House Program Director
8th year at ASM, she began here in 1999. Susan was first introduced to the world of Montessori in 1986 while seeking a unique learning environment for her children. She has been working in different capacities in the field of Montessori education ever since. Susan has taught in both toddler and preprimary classrooms. Additionally, she has experience as a co-owner and administrator of a Montessori school with Mrs. Constantine (UE). Susan has her Montessori Infant/Toddler certification (birth-3yrs) and also her Montessori Preprimary certification (3-6yrs). Susan is also MACAR (Montessori Applied to the Child at Risk) trained. She is currently working toward completion of her undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts.
Evelyn Baratham
CH 4
Teacher
Began at ASM 2005. Mrs. Baratham's involvement in the Montessori learning institute began in 1991 while she was working as a parent volunteer in her children's school. She subsequently obtained her Montessori Certification (3-6) from New England Montessori Teachers Education Center. She has taught in both Oak Meadow and Cambridge Montessori Schools. Evelyn also has credentials in pianoforte playing and theory in music from The Royal School of Music in Great Britain and worked as a piano instructor in Malaysia and Canada prior to her Montessori career.
Claire Bradley
Children’s House 4 AM
Teacher
24th year at ASM, she began here in 1982. Mrs. Bradley has over 30 years of classroom experience, both as a Montessori and as a public school educator. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a degree in Elementary Education, Claire also received her Montessori credentials from St. Nicholas College in 1989. Mrs. Bradley is joined at ASM by her granddaughter Katie Colwell. Her other granddaughter, Emily Colwell, graduated from the CH program in 2003.
Jonathan Cabrera
Math
Teacher
Christopher
Dellea
Middle School
Teacher
5th year at ASM, he began here in 2002. Chris is a graduate of Bradford College with a BA in American Studies. He is a Master’s candidate for dual majors in Education and American Studies from UMass-Boston. Mr. Dellea conducted his internship teaching practicum at Haverhill High, as well as two long-term substitute teaching positions. He is completing training in the Montessori Approach to Adolescence and participated for six weeks in trainings with an international group in Ohio this past summer. The training was conducted by the North American Montessori Teachers Association. Chris is a resident of Haverhill and joins his grandson, Simon (MS), at ASM.
Susan M. Devine
Library Media Specialist
6th yr. at ASM, she began here in 2001. Ms. Devine holds a graduate certificate in media literacy from Wheelock College (2000), a Masters and a Bachelor of Arts in French from Middlebury College. Prior to coming to ASM, she was an elementary school library media specialist in Waltham, MA. She began her teaching career in the Holliston, MA public schools’ French Immersion Program where she also studied Montessori methods as that system instituted a Montessori program. She has extensive program development experience. She has been a state certified educator, K-5, 6-9 since 1980. She is pursuing additional state certification and a Masters Degree in Library and Information Sciences at Simmons College.
Jolie
Drury
Middle School
Teacher
3rd year at ASM, she began here in 2004. Jolie taught 4th grade in the Dover Public School system for four years after graduating from Lesley University. She left Dover after her son, Nathaniel, was born and moved to Andover with her husband and new baby. She returns to teaching fresh from a summer of marveling at the growth and development of her son. Jolie is a member of the Academic Committee and the Realignment Task Force. She co-teaches Middle School with Chris Dellea.
Linda Edmands
Children’s House 2
Teacher
She has been at ASM 20 years, she began here in 1987. Ms. Edmands began her career at ASM as a parent volunteer (her daughter, Hannah, is an ASM graduate and former After School Director), then as a substitute and later as a Teacher’s Assistant. A graduate of Keuka College with a degree in Psychology, Linda later received her Montessori teaching certificate from the Northeast Montessori Institute in 1996. She has been a Lead Teacher for ten years, as well as current Children's House Summer Program Director.
Joan Ellis
Art
Teacher
8th yr. at ASM, she began here in 1999. A graduate of Northeastern University and the New England School of Art, Joan has held various positions, such as Art Director, designer, and draftsman. When not working at ASM, Joan can be found showing her own work, volunteering at the Andover Senior Center and DownEast Maine, as well as her own graphics design business.
Janice Goldstein, Ph.D.
Psychologist
3rd year at ASM. Janice has been a part of ASM since 2004. Janice comes to ASM with over twenty-five years of experience working with schools as well as children and their families. Dr. Goldstein obtained her Ph.D from Boston College and has two Master's Degrees, one in learning disabilities. Her focus at ASM is consultation with parents and teachers to support the learning and emotional interests of children. She has helped to introduce the learning tutorial programs at ASM. In addition to her work at ASM, she is co-directing a private psychological practice in North Andover.
Peggy Gurman
Upper Elementary
Teacher
4th year at ASM, she began here in 2003. Although she thoroughly enjoys all areas of the Montessori classroom, she has a particular interest in mathematics, having taught and been a math specialist for several years in public schools. She has also taught kindergarten (Montessori and non-Montessori) and has done administrative work, both in Boston and Washington, D.C. Along with her Montessori training (ages 3 to 6), she has a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in mathematics.
Yvonne Howard
Admission Director
19th year at ASM, she began here in 1988. Yvonne began her career at ASM as a parent volunteer (both her sons are ASM graduates; Paul will graduate from University of Vermont in 2006 and Adam will graduate from Champlain College, Vermont. in 2007), Yvonne joined the staff in 1988 as a Children’s House teaching assistant. In 1996 she became the receptionist and a year later moved into the Administrative Assistant position. In 2003 Yvonne became Director of Admission for the Elementary Program. As of 2004 she is Director of Admission for the entire school. Her roots are in England, but she lives in Andover with her husband, Beau.
Janine Vecchia Leach
Childrens House 1 PM
Teacher
Janine's 2nd year at ASM as a teacher. Janine interned at ASM. Mrs. Leach began her Montessori journey in 1999 when researching pre-school options for her daughter, Olivia who is currently a third grader enrolled at ASM. At the time, Janine was a sales manager for the Italian national airline, Alitalia, where she worked for nearly a decade until 9/11. In 2004, she began a Master's degree program in education with a Montessori concentration and received her lead teacher certification in the summer of 2005. She performed her teaching internship at ASM in CH4. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Communications from the University of New Hampshire. Janine lived in Micronesia as a child and credits this experience with sparking her passion for international travel and exploring diverse cultures.
Ardian Mici
Upper Elementary
Teacher
Sarah O'Brien
Lower Elementary 1
Teacher
This is Sarah's second year at ASM. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She completed and received her 6-9 Montessori training certificate at Seacoast Training Center. Prior to coming to ASM, Sarah taught for two years at Kingsley Montessori School in Boston, MA and 8 years at Pincushion Hill Montessori School in Ashland, MA. Sarah has taught both children’s house and upper elementary. She lives in Portsmouth, NH with her husband and two cats.
Rebecca O’Hearn
Upper Elementary
Teacher
6th yr. at ASM, she began here in 2001. Rebecca has a Masters Degree in Reading Education and a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and Psychology with a concentration in Mathematics from Elmira College in Elmira, NY. She also holds a masters certificate in Psychology from Boston University. She completed her Montessori 9-12 training at the Seacoast Center in Stratham, NH. Prior to coming to ASM she was a 6th Grade Reading Specialist/Teacher and Team Leader at the Ernie Davis Middle School in Elmira, NY. Rebecca, her husband, and daughters reside in Methuen, MA.
Gloria Parsons
Children’ s House 3
Teacher
13th yr. at ASM, she began here in 1994. Mrs. Parsons began her career at ASM as a parent volunteer/substitute in 1992. In 1994 she became a classroom assistant. She received her Montessori teaching certificate from Northeast Montessori Institute in 1997. She is a certified graduate of Katharine Gibbs School. Her three children are ASM graduates.
Robyn
Poirier
Administrative Assistant
She began here in 2004. Robyn graduated from Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in Boston. Upon graduating, Robyn worked at ITT World Sheraton Headquarters in Boston for 18 years. She had the opportunity to travel all over the world working for the Executive Vice President and Comptroller. After years of being a stay at home mom to two boys, Drew, 14, and Ethan, 11, she decided to diversify and return to work. Robyn is honored to be working at ASM and being a part of this wonderful staff and community. She grew up in Andover, but now lives in Bradford with her husband and two sons.
Patricia Slater
Lower Elementary 1
Teacher
9th yr. at ASM, she began at ASM in 1998. Pat has her Montessori training from St. Nicholas Training Program based in London as well as a BS degree from Slippery Rock State University and Early Childhood/Elementary degree from St. Elizabeth College, in New Jersey.. Pat taught PE at Adelphi University in New York while attending graduate school there. Much of her administrative experience was in conjunction with owning and operating her own Montessori school in New Jersey, Young World, which is also celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year! She also was founder and director of Wilmington Country Day School in Wilmington, NC. While in North Carolina, Mrs. Slater and her husband established and published Carolina Style Magazine. Pat works with the Education Enrichment Committee bringing programs to the ASM community as well as implementing projects for the Outreach Committee. Poetry, literature, art, music and photography are among Mrs. Slater's passions.
Shannon
Slater
CH 4
Intern
4th year at ASM, she began here in 2003. Shannon assists Claire Bradley and Evelyn Bartham. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and is currently completing her Montessori Master Degree program in Ipswich. Shannon is an alumna of Young World which was owned and operated by her mother, Patricia Slater (LE1), a 30 year Montessori veteran.
Patricia R. Stokes
Children's House 3
Teacher
4th year at ASM, she began here in 2003. Mrs. Stokes graduated from Lowell State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. This spring she received her Montessori Certification for 3 to 6 year olds from Northeast Montessori Institute. She is presently working on her Masters in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori focus and will complete the program in January of 2006. This is her third year as co-teacher with Gloria Parsons in Children's House 3. Prior to joining the ASM community she worked in the 'Project Achievement Program' for three years and then spent nine years working with the Special Education Behavior Facilitator for Preschool through Grade 9, in the Nashua, NH school department. Prior to raising her family, she taught first and second grades for 13 years in the Haverhill, MA public school system. During her summers she directs and instructs a Red Cross Swimming Program. Pat loves gardening and helped to establish Windham's present Garden Club. She and her family enjoy living history, skiing and tennis.
Mary
Tardif
Lower Elementary 3
Teacher
Maria Tela
Nurse
4th year at ASM, she began here in 2002. Maria received her BA in psychology from Boston University and MS at Pace University. She worked for two years in hospitals in the New York City area. Maria returned to Massachusetts and worked as a critical care nurse at Boston City Hospital, and as a critical care transport RN. She has also taught nursing students at various Boston area colleges. Maria received her School Nurse Certification in 2004.
Jane Triano
Children's House 2
Teacher
4th year at ASM, she began here in 2002. Jane has a BA in Spanish from Emmanuel College, and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. A former Research Assistant, Legal Associate, and Partner, as well as regional coordinator for the Global Child language program, Mrs. Triano has most recently been employed as a third grade teacher in an integrated classroom of both Spanish and English in the Methuen Public Schools. Mrs. Triano is a resident of North Andover, MA.
Marie Whitton
Business Manager
11th yr. at ASM, she began here in 1995. Mrs. Whitton is a graduate of the U Mass Lowell with a B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting. Prior to her employment at ASM, Marie had 17 years experience in the areas of bookkeeping and accounting. She is a member of the Personnel Practices Committee which over the past year has increased health care benefits and adopted a new retirement plan for all staff and faculty.