Linda Kay Fiorito
Infant Program, Co-Educator
27 years at NMS
Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Manchester Community College
Montessori Advanced Assistant’s Training, Northeast Institute
EEC Infant/ Toddler CertifiedEEC Infant/ Toddler Certified
Newburyport Montessori School is my happy place and such a huge part of who I am. I’m grateful to work with so many amazing women who share my joy in educating children and making a difference in their lives.
Having been a mother’s helper and then babysitter for my entire neighborhood when growing up, I always knew that my career path would lead me to become an educator. That has never wavered. I find so much joy in experiencing the world through a child’s eyes as we learn, grow, and laugh together. Each and every day is full of new wonders, curiosity, achievements…and, of course, dance parties! Who could ask for more? I treasure having played a small part in each child’s and family’s lives.
When not teaching, I enjoy spending time with family, especially with my children, Emily and Alex. Being their Mom has been my greatest joy, and we’ve begun a new chapter as they navigate adulthood. My daughter Emily was married this past May, and I am thrilled to have a new Son-in-law. They live in Nahant with my grandpup, Groot. Alex and his girlfriend recently welcomed my 2nd grandpup, Lazer. After my children, the grandpups are my greatest loves, and I never miss the opportunity to spend extra time with them!
I recently rediscovered my passion for taking long walks with a great playlist (always country). Reading for fun has also become one of my favorite pastimes, and I’m currently working my way through a series of novels by Elin Hilderbrand. I also love to organize and decorate my home and always have a project in the works.
I’m always adding to and chipping away at my Bucket list. In 2018, I accomplished the #1 item on my list: skydiving. As a cool bonus, I jumped into the clouds with a stuntman from IronMan 3! Other items I’ve checked off in recent years include getting a tattoo and trying new foods such as oysters, lobster, and clams. Traveling to Greece and Australia has moved to the top of my list.
Heather Burrell
Infant Program, Co-Educator
5 years at NMS
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Emerson College
Montessori Assistant Teacher Course, Cambridge Montessori Institute
Child Growth & Development, NECC
Both of my children attended NMS for preschool and had wonderful experiences. I knew some teachers and the founder/owner from my early days of being involved in the local arts and was gratefully welcomed into the NMS community. When my youngest child started full-time school, I began filling in at NMS and continued to grow my time here over the last few years. As a stay-at-home mom for many years, watching children interact, grow, and explore their passions became my favorite activity. Having worked with Theater in the Open as a teenager, I experienced the value of people of all ages working together, where children were respected and never underestimated, and I always carried those values with me. I appreciate the respect and peace ingrained in the Montessori classroom, specifically within the NMS community. At the end of the day, my face is sore from the non-stop smiling that happens when I’m spending time with the infants at NMS!
I live by the marsh in Byfield with my partner and our combined four children, ages 9-17, a 20 yr old formerly-feral cat, and a special-needs house rabbit. I grew up in Merrimac by the river and love our area’s natural beauty. When not at NMS, I enjoy connecting with my family and friends, yoga, paddle boarding, camping, and making vegetable-heavy soups. I started learning to ski last winter, raised and released 26 monarchs this summer, and I’m hoping to begin honing my ax-throwing skills in the near future.
Connie Morais
Infant Program, Co-Educator
1 year at NMS
Elementary School Teacher, Brazil
Bachelor of Law, Brazil
AMS Infant and Toddler Certification, Northeast Montessori Institute
A better world is my biggest inspiration. I think Montessori teaches not only world peace, but inner peace.
When I’m not working, I like to travel to places where nature is still wild. I love outdoor activities like running, swimming, and biking. At the end of the day, I enjoy sitting to watch the sunset, listening to the birds sing, and meditating.
