Newburyport Montessori School Directory
2009-2010
Faculty and Staff

Linda Bachelder

Linda B. is an Assistant Teacher with Juliet Nelson.  She is also an assistant to Juliet in the afternoon extended day kindergarten.

I teach because I love introducing children to the joys of learning. It’s wonderful for me to be able to nurture their love for the community as well as respect for each other.  My favorite part of teaching is watching the children happily discover what they are capable of.  I feel as though their eagerness to learn inspires me to grow and learn as well.  

I brought my then three-year-old daughter, Adriana, to Spring Street Montessori School 24 years ago.  The Montessori Method, although new to me, was something I completely supported.  I believed it would be an environment that was safe and exciting for her.  Several years after, at its new location, I enrolled my son, Collin.  With more knowledge and experience of the school and its philosophy I was at this point, very eager to enroll him.  His first classroom is the room that Cindy and Linda are in today.  Although it has been many years since my children left Montessori, I still hold a strong belief in the philosophy.  My children were given a wonderful gift and now I strive to give other children that same experience.  
 

Donna Burleigh

Donna is a Head Teacher working with Anna Leonard.  Donna completed her Montessori training through the Northeast Montessori Institute and worked as an Assistant Teacher for three years at NMS before becoming a Head Teacher.  Donna has made two trips to Haiti to work with underprivileged children and to help Haitian schools develop their educational programs.

I spent twenty years teaching Sunday school and transporting special-needs children while I raised my family.  I just love the kids.  With my kids grown, I decided to follow my dream.  For me, the ‘aha’ moment is when a child runs over and spontaneously gives me a hug.  If the kids know how much I love them all, I feel I’ve accomplished a lot.  I want them to feel safe and loved – I think that’s an important first step to learning.  I love to camp, I love gardening, and I crochet…and I love Elvis.

Anna Cantelmo

Anna is an Assistant Teacher with Donna.  She completed her AMS training last year.  She and Andre were married in July.

I came to teaching through my child Belle who is now four. We both started at the school two years ago. I grew up in Newburyport. I attended NMS when I was my daughters age, took part in the local children's theaters, and after living all over the country I am happy to be home. Working in the classroom two years ago with Donna and Peggy was a life changing experience. Lead by their respect, love and intelligence I was amazed by each individual child in our classroom and how they grew and developed over the year. Last summer I enrolled in the Northeast Montessori Institute training to become a Montessori trained teacher for age’s three to six. I feel so honored to be with these children at a time in their life when they are so open and interested. I live with my husband on his large vegetable farm in South Hampton NH. I look forward to sharing my love and interest in art, agriculture and nature with the children. More than anything I look forward to the everyday routine of singing songs at circle and watching the children as they discover and learn.
 

Aida Celebic

Aida is the Assistant Teacher in the Transition Class.  A native of Montenegro, Aida brings culture to the classroom and the school community.  As a mother, and teacher, she brings kindness and compassion to the children.  She has a voice the children find intriguing and an approach they find secure and comforting.  She is a loving friend to all the lives she has so gently and graciously touched.

My passion for Montessori teaching began not as an educator but as a mother of a preschooler.   In 2001, after exploring preschool options for our son, we decided upon Montessori.  It was a perfect fit for our lifestyle; it was so natural to bring it in to our home.  I offered to help out as a parent and began working in the afternoon program in 2003.  I have taken both the Assistant and Advanced Assistants’ training from the Northeast Montessori Institute.  I enjoy the different personalities of the children and the way they express themselves.  To see three year olds gaining self-confidence and independence is an amazing thing.  It is incredible to see how much they learn and grow in just one year.  Being a mother and watching my son grow and develop is an outside experience that I bring to the classroom.  He is what led me to Montessori in the beginning.  Now, I feel fortunate to be able to watch your children grow and develop right before my eyes.  Being a native of Montenegro adds a bit of color and culture to the classroom as well.  I do think that the Montessori Method is the future of our children’s education and the future of our world.
 

Cindy Chapman 

Cindy is a Head Teacher working with Linda Tirrell.  She has been a Head Teacher at NMS for 6 years and before that was an Assistant Teacher and Head Teacher at the Harborlight Montessori School in Beverly, Massachusetts.  She received her BA in Early Childhood Education in 1989 and received her National Council of Montessori Educators training at Harborlight.

I have chosen to teach because I like the community of teachers and sharing ideas with them.  I liked the idea of drawing everyone in.  My favorite part of teaching is sharing ideas and coming up with new ideas from the children.  I like continuing to learn.  I like to bring my love of gardens and birds into the classroom.  Some of these interests have developed since I started teaching and I like to explore these with the children.  I like having fun.  It’s the little personalities that I enjoy; the conversations – it’s always exciting to hear from them what they know.  I also enjoy hearing about the children's families and sharing stories about my own.  
 

Debbie Collins

Debbie is an Assistant Teacher working with Linda Kay Fiorito and Kelley Knight in the four-morning classroom. Debbie has been with NMS for nine years, and has also taken her Advanced Assistant’s Training at the Northeast Montessori Institute.

I started working with children in the 7th grade.  I volunteered at my local YMCA and helped teach gym and swim classes on a weekly basis for six years.  I have a BA in Phys. Ed and Health from Ohio State University. I worked at a pre-school for handicapped children for my student teaching.  The children are my favorite part of teaching.  I love science and nature and use these outside experiences and interests in the classroom.
 

Maureen Daley

Maureen is Head and Founder of the Newburyport Montessori School.

My favorite part of being involved with the NMS is watching children in their classrooms and seeing them at work.  There are so many times that I get to see a child make a new discovery and persevere with an activity until he or she has figured it out.  I love seeing the profound respect our teachers have for the children in their care.  I love that each day here is different – with new challenges and greater appreciation for everyone who works here.  I love meeting and greeting folks each day as they come to school.  Some of my outside interests and experiences that I bring to school include acting and directing in local theater productions.   I am a former Board member and President of he Women’s Crisis Center and am on the Board of the Firehouse Center for the Arts.

Pat Dubus

Pat is the Head Teacher in the Transition Class, and also hosts the “Montessori and Me” toddler program.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and a Master’s Degree in Social Work.  

Pat was the Director of a Head Start program that incorporated the Montessori philosophy and methodology.  She was an early organizer of the State’s Office for Children, (now known as the Department of Early Education and Care), and worked with the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.  Pat also created KIDSTART, a program for homeless preschoolers with pronounced developmental delays in Boston.  Their model was replicated throughout the country.  Seven of Pat’s grandchildren have attended NMS so she has been part of Montessori for years.  This summer Pat began the AMS teacher program at New England Montessori Institute.  Beyond her remarkable résumé and credentials, is a genuinely kind, patient, loving friend, who our little people adore and who we all treasure.

I am not sure that I chose to teach, or that teaching chose me. When I went to college it was a time when women were nurses, teachers, flight attendants, or majored in Home Economics in order to prepare themselves to be wives and mothers. I chose teaching and found that education courses were as mind numbing as I had found school in general. I decided I wouldn’t inflict that on anybody. So I got married and had children and that is when I realized that you couldn’t prevent a child from learning, but it is a breath taking responsibility, to protect what he learns and how he learns it. When it was time for me to go back to school, I was living in a tumultuous time of social change, and I wanted to be part of it. I was particularly affected by how many children were living in poverty, so I became a social worker. I started many programs for children and was often envious of the teachers I hired. Now finally after 35 years I am in the classroom, where essentially I began.

I don’t really consider myself a teacher, but more of a guide, facilitator and most of all a fan. My favorite part of the experience is, after preparing the environment, watching what is engaging a child and helping to introduce new work that will extend that learning and then watching the child’s satisfaction at his realization that he has mastered the work. It might happen in an hour, half day, or half year, but it will happen, and it is exhilarating to watch.

I am still interested in being an advocate for children. Because I have three young granddaughters, I am particularly interested in protecting them from the marketplace and making sure they can remain children as long as it is appropriate. My grandsons inspire me to help make becoming a man not a competitive sport, but a gentle entry into manhood where it is okay to claim all parts of oneself.   But above all else, I want to grow as a Montessorian by continuing my education and taking advantage of my life experience.

I want to congratulate you for being the caring, committed parents you are and to reassure you that you have chosen the most relevant, timely, pedagogy for your child.  We live in a time of danger, and because of it, a time of opportunity. Your child will be prepared to deal with both.

Beth Duff

Beth is the Assistant Teacher working with Zoë Foster.

I teach to be with children.  I love them.  My favorite part of teaching is being with the children.  I cherish those adorable, very transparent moments when they grasp a concept.  It is so fun to literally see their thoughts cross their faces.  It is so beautiful, like watching a miracle right in front of you.

I truly love being a mother to six kids.  Each of them is so different and they have shaped me as a person and a teacher.  I am amazed by how comfortable Zoë and I are together. I feel like we have known each other for years.
 

Linda Kay Fiorito

Linda Kay is an Assistant Teacher in the four-morning classroom along with Head Teacher Kelley Knight and Assistant Teacher Debbie Collins.  She has been an Assistant at NMS for more than eleven years and has taken the Advanced Assistant’s Training at the Northeast Montessori Institute.  Linda also has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Teaching is all I can remember since I was little. "I want to grow up and be a teacher."  All of my jobs involved being around children. I was a mother's helper, babysitter, party hostess at McDonald's and also a nanny. Then when I became a mom, I also became a Family Day Care Provider, (licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts).  I did this for eight years and enjoyed it as it allowed me to be home with my children while still keeping the job that I loved.  The question about what are my favorite parts of teaching is an easy one. Every day is full of new rewards, challenges and new stories. Seeing the world through their eyes always makes me smile. Even on those bad days someone will make you laugh and the hugs never stop. It's the most rewarding job and I can't imagine ever doing anything else.  My favorite part of teaching would have to be my joy in crafts and art projects. I love doing them with my own children. I just love to see the creative part of each child come out. The end results always amaze me.  I have two beautiful children of my own. Emily is 18 years old and heading to college this fall and loves to dance. My son Alex is 16 years old and is into lacrosse and football and always makes me laugh.  Thank you for letting me be a small part of each of your children's lives.
 

Zoë Foster

Zoë is the Head Teacher working with Beth Duff. She has completed her AMS training. She and Dylan were married in August.

I have chosen to teach because I identify strongly with Maria Montessori’s humanitarian vision of a more peaceful future for the children of the world. I truly believe that the way to make positive change is through meaningful work with children. It is where I feel that I can make a real difference for global society.

I love getting to witness the wonder and joy of discovery on the faces of the children each day. I love laughing with my students and watching them support and nurture each other in the Montessori environment. I feel very lucky to be able to participate in their excitement and love of learning.

I come from an arts and theatre background/training and definitely emphasize a creative approach in the classroom. I enjoy spending time outside in nature and I am passionate about getting children outdoors to play and learn. I just wrote a thesis for my M.Ed. on fostering children’s connection to nature. I love to read, and enjoy getting to share my love of language with my students. I love that I am constantly learning with and from the children in my class!

NMS is a very special place to teach and learn. It is important to me to work in a school that places emphasis on respect for children, education of the "whole child", and a deep commitment to Montessori philosophy.
 

Kelley Knight

Kelley is the Head Teacher in the four-morning classroom with Linda Kay Fiorito and Debbie Collins as the Assistant Teachers.  Kelley received her Montessori training at the Northeast Montessori Institute and earned her Master’s Degree in Montessori Education at Endicott College.  As a child, Kelley attended the Spring Street School and was one of Maureen’s students.

I have chosen to teach because I love to see the change in the children I teach as they go through the year. It is wonderful to help them discover things about the world and themselves. I also would never be able to sit behind a desk all day. I don't know how people do it!

My favorite part of teaching is figuring out what work the child will be most interested in next. I also love to make new materials to have in the classroom.  I am a company member of Theater in the Open and have been directing with them. Between school and the theater that's pretty much all my time.  The school community is great!
 

Melissa May-Broyles

This summer Melissa began the AMS teacher program at NEMI.  She will be interning with Juliet and Linda this year.

I am delighted and eager to be interning in Juliet and Linda’s classroom for the 2009 – 2010 class year.  I am a novice to the classroom but not new to NMS.  Our daughter Lydia is in her third year and it is through her that I found my desire to teach.  From day one, I fell in love with the children and their environment.  There was and is a profound sense of love and respect for all. 

Having just finished the summer portion of my training at the Northeast Montessori Institute, I am left with a whole new respect for Maria Montessori and her teaching philosophy.  As a parent, I want what is best for my daughter, and I am confident she is getting all the right tools to love learning.  As a teacher, at this most vital time in your child’s life, I am so excited and grateful to share a small part of their day with them.   I am anxious to see them grow and spend time getting to know them.
 

Juliet Nelson

Juliet is a Head Teacher working with Linda Bachelder in the morning and in the afternoon Kindergarten class with Linda Tirrell as well as Linda B.  She is an avid summer surfer and hiker, and spends as much as her own free time as possible out in nature.  She has appeared in Community Theater productions in Newburyport and Portsmouth, as well as in local television spots.  She has been a drama teacher for young children and is an accomplished cellist and vocalist who has released recordings and toured the country with independent, folk-rock sound music groups.  In her tenth year at NMS, Juliet is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and received her Montessori Training from Northeast Montessori.  

I love the way Montessori cultivates a sense of wonder – and the way that each child is honored.  While the Montessori environment does do a wonderful job of giving the children academic skills and developing learning skills, it’s important to remember that the Peace curriculum was a significant part of Maria Montessori’s goals.  We try to teach children to find peace and harmony within themselves.
 

Peg Pollack

Peg is the Assistant Teacher working with Zoë Foster in the afternoon program.

Montessori education actually chose me as a teacher. When my three children were young they attended a traditional preschool, which I volunteered at.  They did well but everyone learned the same things. When the school changed to a Montessori school the director invited me to be an assistant teacher. On my first day I fell in love with the Montessori philosophy.  Here was a classroom with beautiful little things for the children to independently explore and learn. It was a whole new world to me.  I chose teaching at NMS because I love children and I love the excitement on their faces when they are learning. Their genuine love of learning keeps me excited whether they have smiles, hugs or tears. The pride in their work is so wonderful to see and it is so rewarding to be a part of. Everyday I learn something new from the children.  I really enjoy reading books to the children. I think it's great that they get so involved with each story and the story becomes so real to them. I can spend hours in a bookstore looking for new and interesting books.  Being a mother of three college students I know how important education is to children. The Montessori education is a wonderful start to a young child’s life.

Victoria Price Dubus

Victoria has completed the Montessori Advanced Assistant Training through Rising Stars at Gordon College.

I have been a Montessori parent for more than five years.  My three children Nina, Arlen and Claire Jolie have all attended NMS.  Before obtaining my current role at NMS, I had the luxury of being part of every classroom as a substitute teacher or teacher’s aide. 

It has been such a joy to be surrounded by the children and work with such a remarkable staff.  Being a fierce believer in the Montessori Method, it just feels good to be here.

Linda Tirrell

Linda is an Assistant Teacher with Cindy Chapman.  Linda is also the Assistant to Juliet in the Extended Day Kindergarten Program.

I knew as a young adult how rewarding it was to work with children.  It has always been a part of who I am.  My favorite part of teaching is feeling the joy of success within each child as he or she accomplishes a new skill or task.  I am amazed by the unconditional love that each child gives.  I also love when a challenging child turns and says, “I love you!” or “I really missed you!” It makes it all worth it.  I enjoy all kinds of nature, animals, and wildlife and like to share these interests with the children.  I am fascinated with the wild animals around us.  They never cease to amaze me.

Sharon Wintner

Sharon is the Educational Director at NMS.  In that role she provides support and resources
to both staff and families, giving a more objective perspective to teachers.  She also hosts parent education talks.  As Admissions Director, she hosts child visits and leads families on tours through the school.  Sharon came to NMS in 1983, soon teaching in a classroom as a Head Teacher until beginning her current role three years ago.  She has a degree in English Literature from Brooklyn College, did graduate work in teaching at Brown University, and received her Montessori training after a few years at NMS.  She is a Torah reader for her synagogue and also leads a Torah study group.  She is a voracious reader of fiction and nonfiction and has a keen appreciation for modern films.  

I think of NMS as an oasis.  It is a place where children are safe to discover themselves and to be themselves.  It is a place where children are encouraged to explore everything both external and internal with wonder, joy and unbounded curiosity.  I love watching children thrive in a world designed to meet their needs.  I love being part of that world and I love being instrumental in its creation and its continued existence.  I love how much I learn from the children, their parents and the NMS staff day after day and year after year.  I am convinced that no work is more challenging, valuable, or undervalued in our contemporary culture than the work involved in nurturing children.  After many years as a classroom teacher, I now appreciate being in a position to support the dedicated and gifted educators on our staff and the courageous and committed parents in our community who work directly and intimately with the children each day.  I love being part of a community that values childhood, creativity, learning, loving, peace, and respect.  I love that when I think about my career at the school, I feel certain that I have been engaged in meaningful and worthwhile work for over 25 years.  And I feel blessed that such meaningful and worthwhile work has been, and continues to be, so very much fun!
 

Enrichment Staff

Julie Sheehan, Yoga

Julie Sheehan comes to the Newburyport Montessori School with 10 years of experience practicing and studying yoga.  She is certified by the Frog Pond Yoga Centre and a registered yoga teacher with the National Yoga Alliance.  Influenced by her interdisciplinary training and personal practice, Julie draws upon many styles of yoga and teaches in the spirit of allowing each child to practice at the pace and level that serves him or her individually.  She offers our children a compassionate, supportive, fun and creative yoga experience.  Drawing on her extensive yoga training, Julie helps empower children as they learn to move their bodies in new ways and to become more peaceful simply by using yoga breathing techniques.   

Julie is also a trained Reiki Master/Teacher in the Usui System of Healing.  She is co-creator and teacher of Reiki Certifications for Kids and Adults with Liz Desmarais.  She lives in Amesbury with her husband and her nine year old daughter.  For more information or to contact Julie, please visit www.JulieSheehan.com

Claudia Keyian, Music

Claudia teaches music at the Newburyport Montessori School.  She received her bachelor's degree in Music Education with a major in piano, minors in both organ and voice and a concentration in choral conducting. A Dean's list student at Westminster, Claudia won the college's concerto competition during her sophomore year. She was awarded numerous music and academic scholarships, including the prestigious Presser Award for being the outstanding music major during her senior year. Claudia has also done graduate work in the areas of piano pedagogy, piano performance, and early childhood music education.

Claudia's teaching experience is extensive. Past positions include: Music Director of the First Congregational Church of Kittery at Kittery Point, Music Teacher at the Children's Castle in West Newbury, and Music Teacher at St. Bonaventure's School in Paterson, N.J. In these capacities, Claudia has worked with students of all ages.

Currently, Claudia runs a piano studio in her home. She is Director of the Youth Choirs at the First Religious Society of Newburyport, and is the Founder and Director of Mommy/ Daddy & Me Music, a music program for infants, toddlers and their parents which Claudia started in 1997.  Claudia has an active performing schedule; she plays for weddings and parties, performs in chamber music recitals, and serves as accompanist for vocal recitals.

Christina Meissner, Spanish

Born in Quito, Ecuador, Cristina has been teaching Spanish, French and English for over 10 years both in Ecuador and the United States. She graduated from the Central University of Ecuador with a degree in Languages and a Major in Tourism Administration. She obtained the TOELF Certificate of Proficiency in English as a Second Language from the University of California in San Diego and The Diploma De La Lengue Francaise from the Universite Carolique d' Angers in France. Cristina has taught foreign languages in many Pre-Schools and Elementary Schools in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. For Cristina and her husband Rainer, raising their son Nicholas in a bilingual environment has been a positive and rewarding experience.

Kim Scholtz, Gym for Afternoon Kindergarteners

As a fitness professional for adults since 1997, Kim was approached in 2002 by the Newburyport Montessori School to take over the Physical Education Program for their Elementary School...that is where she found her passion!  Since then, she has gone on to teach Physical Education, not only for elementary age students, but for Kindergarten and Pre-School as well.

Kim holds certifications in Group Fitness from AFAA (Aerobics & Fitness Association of America) and NETA (National Exercise Trainers Association).  She has a Heart Saver CPR Certification from the American Heart Association.  In October 2006 Kim designed and implemented a children's fitness program at All That Cheer and Tumble in Amesbury and currently is Director of the Kid's Gym Program.  She teaches "Kids Gym", a fitness program for children 4 to 6 years old at the facility.

Most recently, Kim earned a Kids in Motion Specialty Certificate from SCW Fitness Education, an internationally recognized company dedicated to increasing the professionalism of fitness instruction worldwide through high quality fitness conventions, SCW Fitness Certifications and correspondence learning courses. She has taken several AFAA continuing education workshops, including "Children's Fitness" and "FitPlay", a health-focused fitness curriculum for children age 3 to 13.

Kim's philosophy?  She is NOT a coach or a competitor.  She IS a fitness enthusiast and a 10-year old trapped in the body of a 30 (something) year old.  She loves to play.  Her most important goal for the kids is cardiovascular conditioning.  "Kids should run, run, run and have fun doing it".  These activities also reinforce teamwork, good sportsmanship, following directions and rules - all while having a good time!

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