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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!
Jill began her teaching journey in 2013 as a nanny, later becoming a teacher’s assistant
from 2020-2023, and proudly stepping into the role of lead teacher in 2024. Since embracing the
Montessori method in 2023, Jill has found joy in watching children’s minds work and make
connections, appreciating how each child learns and grows at their own pace.
Outside of school, Jill enjoys cooking, reading, shopping, coloring, and learning new things. She
is the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother and sister, and currently lives with her
fiancé in Chester, NJ. Jill and her family have proudly called Chester home for their entire lives.
Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Of all things, love is most potent.” This quote resonates
with Jill because she believes that love is the foundation of all meaningful learning and growth.
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.”
Stephanie has been passionate about childcare since she was 17, knowing from the
age of six that teaching was her calling. With a rewarding career in shaping young minds, she
finds immense joy in making a positive impact on children’s lives.
Joining the Montessori teaching community in 2022, Stephanie brings valuable experience from
working at Primrose and The Goddard School. However, her favorite by far is Montessori, where
she feels she truly makes a difference in her students’ lives.
Outside of school, Stephanie enjoys spending time with friends and family, taking photos,
reading, and drawing. She shares her life with her husband, Chris, and their seven-year-old
pitbull, Tej.
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 deeply with Stephanie
as she believes it’s crucial to teach these values, preparing children for the real world.
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.
Lisa has been a dedicated educator since 2003, bringing a wealth of experience from
working at various childcare centers, substitute teaching for K-5, and coordinating aftercare
programs. At one of her centers, she even organized the entire summer camp, including
planning exciting field trips.
Since joining the Montessori community in 2017, Lisa has found her passion in teaching
children how to read. She loves witnessing their progress, from recognizing initial sounds to
reading books independently.
Outside of school, Lisa is a true beach enthusiast. She enjoys anything related to the water,
including boating, jet skiing, fishing, and swimming.
Lisa has a 31-year-old son who is married and living with his wife in Orlando, FL.
Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can
succeed.” This quote resonates deeply with Lisa as it perfectly aligns with the Montessori
philosophy of fostering independence in children.
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.
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.
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.
Patricia began her teaching journey in 2023, bringing her dedication and
enthusiasm to childcare after two years of experience working with children aged 1-6 years old.
Since joining the Montessori community in April 2024, Patricia has been inspired by the curiosity
and joy she sees in children as they explore and accomplish tasks.
Patricia’s passion for Montessori education shines through her appreciation for the hands-on
learning approach. She loves witnessing the happiness in children’s faces when they achieve
their goals, fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Outside of the classroom, Patricia enjoys reading, knitting, and crocheting. She cherishes time
with her family, which includes her parents, sister, and nephew, along with extended family in
Chile.
Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “The child gives us a beautiful lesson, that in order to
form and maintain our intelligence, we must use our hands.”
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.
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.
Juana has been dedicated to nurturing young minds since 2012, primarily working with
infants and toddlers up to 2 years old. With a focus on developing motor skills and ensuring a
safe, nurturing environment, Juana is also CPR certified to provide the highest level of care.
Since embracing the Montessori teaching approach in 2023, Juana’s passion has been driven
by providing a proper Montessori education within a caring and nurturing environment. Her
commitment to giving her best to each student ensures that every child receives personalized
attention and support.
Outside of school, Juana enjoys painting and drawing. She is a devoted wife of 23 years and a
mother of two daughters—one attending university and the other in middle school. The family
also includes their beloved dog, Coco, and two guinea pigs.
Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “The hand is an instrument of intelligence.” This quote
resonates deeply with Juana, as she observes her students engaging hands-on with new
materials and experiences, using their hands to explore and learn.
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