MKU Chester Team

Meet Our Team

Montessori Kids Universe Chester recognizes that our caring, dedicated teachers are what makes our school so valuable. MKU Chester recruits and maintains a high-quality staff through an intensive selection and vetting process. We provide on-going professional development and growth opportunities within our school, and foster a healthy work environment for our employees. Meet the most important aspect of our school: Our quality teaching staff!

Lamis Osman

Hello and welcome! My name is Lamis Osman, and I am honored to serve as the Center Director and Head of School here at Montessori Kids Universe Chester. I’ve had the incredible privilege of being part of this school since we first opened our doors, and it’s been an amazing journey watching our center grow into the vibrant, nurturing, and inspiring community it is today.

With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, my passion for this work has only deepened over the years. Every day brings new discoveries, and nothing compares to the joy of witnessing children blossom as curious, confident, and capable individuals. Watching our students grow—not just academically, but socially and emotionally—is the true highlight of my day.

At Montessori Kids Universe Chester, we believe in the power of the Montessori philosophy to foster independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Our unique approach combines traditional Montessori methods with our Reggio-inspired enrichment programs, creating a well-rounded experience that nurtures the whole child. As Maria Montessori beautifully stated, “The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” I am so proud of the dedicated team we have here at MKU Chester. Each member of our staff shares the same passion and commitment to excellence in early childhood education. Together, we are building more than just a school—we’re building a community where children can grow, explore, and thrive.

Jamie Donnelly

Jamie has been dedicated to childcare since 1998, beginning her journey as a nanny
for children attending a Montessori school. Inspired by the Montessori method, she transitioned
to teaching at a Montessori school as soon as her nanny job concluded.
Jamie has been a passionate Montessori teacher since 1998, finding immense joy in watching
children become independent and build their confidence as they accomplish tasks on their own.
Outside of school, Jamie enjoys walking her dogs, swimming, and spending time with her
grandchildren. She has a loving family that includes one adult daughter who is married and has
a daughter with another on the way, twin girls who recently graduated high school, one
grandson, two dogs, one cat, and a supportive husband.
Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots
of responsibility and the wings of independence.”

Adrianna Mirailh

Adrianna began her teaching journey in 2016 as a swim instructor, where she quickly
developed a love for helping children achieve their goals. From there, she transitioned to
working as a Pre-K assistant and, within a few years, became a lead teacher. With experience
working with children aged 0-11, Adrianna brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role.
In 2022, Adrianna embraced the Montessori method, finding immense joy in watching children
discover their own potential. She is dedicated to fostering an environment where independence
and self-discovery are at the forefront of learning.
Outside of school, Adrianna enjoys reading, writing, and baking. She and her husband are
proud parents of two daughters, Savannah and Charlotte.
Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots
of responsibility and the wings of independence.” This quote resonates with Adrianna because
she believes that children are capable of achieving anything when they are given the freedom to
be independent.

Adelina Gullia

Adelina has been nurturing young minds since 2018, bringing her passion and dedication
to childcare from the age of 17. She loves making meaningful connections with students and
their families, finding immense joy in watching children grow and flourish.
Since joining the Montessori teaching community in 2023, Adelina has embraced the philosophy
of independent learning. She finds great satisfaction in seeing a child grasp a concept they
initially struggled with, celebrating each milestone of their educational journey.
Outside of school, Adelina enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, cooking, and
going on drives. Her close-knit family includes her mom, who is her best friend, her two older
sisters, her dad, nana, and two beloved dogs who live with her mom. She feels fortunate to
have such supportive parents.
Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Children acquire knowledge through experience in the
environment.” This quote resonates with Adelina as it encapsulates the essence of Montessori
education—hands-on learning and fostering independence.

Amanda Ottalagano

Amanda has been inspiring young minds since 2012, finding immense joy in
watching children grow and learn new things. For her, hearing a child proudly say, “I can do it,”
is the most rewarding part of teaching.
Amanda began her Montessori journey in 2013, and her passion lies in fostering children’s
sense of independence. She loves seeing her students gain confidence as they navigate their
learning experiences.
Outside of school, Amanda enjoys reading, playing board games, and spending time with
friends and family. She has been married to her husband, Tim, for over two years, and they are
excitedly expecting their first child, a boy, in September. They also share their home with their
8-year-old cat, Bella.
Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can
succeed.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the Montessori philosophy of teaching
independence, which Amanda wholeheartedly embraces.

Anantha Duwuyi

Anantha began her teaching career in 2013, bringing four years of valuable teaching
experience from India to her role. In 2024, she embraced the Montessori method, driven by her
love for working with children and her passion for teaching.
Anantha finds immense joy in the Montessori approach, where she can actively engage with
kids and guide them through hands-on learning experiences. She believes in the power of
showing rather than telling, inspired by her favorite Maria Montessori quote: “Do not tell them
how to do it, show them how to do it.”
Outside of school, Anantha enjoys reading books, hiking, and cooking. She is a proud mother of
a 12-year-old son and brings a nurturing, family-oriented spirit to her teaching.

Clara D

Clara Donnelly

Clara began her teaching career in 2021, bringing a wealth of experience from her
time teaching kids how to swim at the YMCA and participating in a preschool program during high
school. Her dedication to childcare extends beyond work, as she also has experience
babysitting.
Joining the Montessori teaching community in 2024, Clara is passionate about the unique
learning opportunities provided by the Montessori method. She loves the hands-on materials
and the independence it fosters in children, allowing them to learn while having fun and
minimizing the use of technology.
Outside of school, Clara enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family. She has a twin
sister, an older brother, and an older sister. Clara is also an aunt to her brother’s son and her
sister’s daughter, with another niece on the way.
Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”
This quote resonates with Clara as it underscores the importance of teaching and shaping the
future through the children we educate.

Tiffany W

Tiffany Wdowiak

Tiffany has been bringing joy and dedication to childcare since 2022. She loves interacting with each child and looks forward to coming to work every day to make a positive impact.
Since starting her Montessori teaching journey in 2024, Tiffany has embraced the philosophy of encouraging children to do things independently while offering a helping hand when needed.
She enjoys seeing the confidence and happiness that comes from children trying new activities and challenging themselves.

Outside of school, Tiffany loves spending time with her family and enjoys shopping trips to the mall. Coming from a big Polish family, she has four siblings, including a twin brother.

Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “The child who concentrates is immensely happy.” This quote resonates with Tiffany because she believes that focused children find pride and joy in
their accomplishments.