Our Teachers & Staff

I discovered Montessori in 2015 when my son joined SMS. I quickly became an integral part of this community, starting as a lunch mom and then an assistant teacher in Room 2 in 2016. My evolution into a lead teacher in 2020 was a significant milestone, especially as I set up my first classroom. The highlight of my journey has been the lasting relationships I’ve formed, particularly with a kindergartener whose regular visits after graduation symbolize the strong bonds fostered here. At SMS, I cherish the three-year journey with each child, allowing for meaningful connections. What truly makes SMS special is the community’s support, exemplified during my recent illness, with overwhelming assistance from everyone. This sense of belonging and mutual care is why I love working here.

I started as a preschool teacher in India and have been working in the educational field for three years off and on since then. I love helping with car drop-off in the morning; seeing the kids happy sleepy faces. I love working at SMS because of the kind nature of the teachers who work here. I always feel welcomed coming into school.

I am very proud to teach my language and my culture to your child. I have been working as a Spanish teacher for almost 10 years.  My passion is teaching Spanish to children in a way that is, fun, creative and meaningful. I love being silly with kids and making them smile and laugh. It is critical to me that every child feels special and important in my class. Feeling loved and having fun while learning Spanish is the perfect combination for children and makes them excited to learn and be happy to see me when I arrive to the classroom. I love the enthusiasm the little ones bring to the Spanish class. They are always teaching me a little something with each class session. It is an honor to be your child’s Spanish Teacher. I love to work in SMS, because these fun and energetic students remind me every time how blessed I am to be able to share my love of language, learning and culture with them.  

I have 22 years of experience in the educational field and this is my third year working at SMS. The most fun thing about working here is the age group of the kids. My son is now growing out of the 3-6 year age group so it is nice to have that constant here. The conversations that I have with the kids are the most fun. I love how trusting they are; they can come to me about anything. I love working at SMS because it’s a very warm and welcoming place. It feels good to work here. I’ve always been in Room 14 and it has always been a good experience.

I have been babysitting since I was fifteen and have been working at SMS for 4 years. Some fun memories I have about working at SMS have been working in afterschool club and just dancing around for a little bit after all the kids leave. I also love the end of the year carnival and crazy hair day. I love working at SMS because of the working environment. I come in and I know I have a nice support system. 

I was recommended SMS for my son when arriving from England in 1989. I quickly saw what a wonderful learning experience he was having and started to volunteer in his class. I later became an assistant and in 1996 I took my Montessori training . My love for this school has grown over the years and has given me a new family and community. I have enjoyed every year like the first and after 30 years of experience the joy continues. I get to spend time with children from all over the world and learn together about diversity and cultural activities. My passion has been teaching children the practical skills they need for continued development and I love to show children how to take care of animals. Some of my fondest moments are seeing the smiles while riding ponies and blasting off rockets into the sky. I feel blessed to get to come to school everyday to see the joy of learning and exploration of ingenious materials. I truly believe in the Montessori philosophy.

This is my first job since moving to the United States. I really like working at SMS and the school is very close to my heart. It feels as if I am working with my family.

This is my 14th year working at SMS and my first year working in the office. I started at SMS when my son was in kindergarten and was a reading mom. I really enjoyed working with the kids so the teachers recommended that I interview to be a staff member. My favorite thing about working here is the collogues. We are a great group of women and I have made really good friends over the years. These are people that I can count on if I need anything, absolutely anything. I love the environment here at SMS; it feels like family. We do everything together and have each other’s backs. 

I have 3 years of experience in the educational field. The community at SMS is very warm, welcoming, and friendly. I’m looking forward to growth working at SMS. 

I have enjoyed giving piano lessons at the school for since 2009. (Plus I have taught from my home for around 20 years)! It has been so fun to watch the students grow in their knowledge of how to play the piano. I love getting to know them each personally and smile when I see their eyes light up when they really enjoy hearing themselves make music!

My name is Maggie, I’m originally from Ohio, now I live in Bellevue. My background is in art, I have my BFA and I’m a painter and ceramicist. I deeply value the Montessori philosophy of fostering independence and curiosity, and I strive to reflect these principles in my work. One of my favorite quotes is from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: “All grown-ups were once children…but only few of them remember it.”. Outside of work, I enjoy camping, crafting, and spending quality time with my family. I also love exploring new creative projects and soaking in the natural beauty of Washington.

I hold an postgraduate in Organic Chemistry. My inherent passion for teaching led me to support numerous students in their studies back in India. This year marks the beginning of my journey as an assistant teacher at SMS, and the experience has been nothing short of amazing. Observing the tangible progress in my preschooler son, who also attends SMS, has been especially rewarding. Working at SMS allows me to contribute to the remarkable transformation of these wonderful kids within the community, making each day a fulfilling and enriching experience.

As a recent WSU Graduate, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in English Education. Along with literature and language, education is something I have always been drawn to. After volunteering and student teaching in several different classrooms throughout my college career, I found myself here. This is my first year at SMS, and I was immediately drawn in by the wonderful community not only between staff, but with our students and families as well. It’s an honor to be a part of such a warm and welcoming school.

I have 10+ Years of experience as a father and 20+ years professional experience.  When we were approached by SMS previous owners (Chris Starling, Joan Starling, Hilary Prentice, and Janet Villella) to see if we are interested in owning SMS, we knew that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of this unique and magical place. We quit our jobs and decided to fully immerse ourselves in running this school. Every day comes with a challenge (or fun) and there are countless such memories.  The more recent ones (and happens often) are when we go home leaving our kid back in daycare or forgetting our own kids’ passcode during pick-up. I also came to know recently that my kid is referred to as ‘boss baby’ and that visual brings a chuckle every time I think of it. All our kids spent their formative years at SMS and our youngest is still at SMS in his Kindergarten class.  Growing up in India, our parents provided us with good education even if it meant they had to forego many of life’s pleasures.  Where we are today is a product of that sacrifice, and our life’s passion is to provide that foundation to our next generation.   Specifically, the Montessori form of education has produced several leaders and entrepreneurs, and at SMS, we truly believe we are growing our leaders of the future.   That unique opportunity to shape a child’s life is why I love to work at SMS.

I started my Montessori journey as a parent about 15 years ago and fell in love with it! I’ve been a Montessori lead for 3 years and am proud to be a part of the wonderful Sammamish Montessori Community! This is a warm and caring space that brings the true values of Montessori philosophy to the society! In my free time I practice yoga and escape to the beautiful PNW outdoors!

I have 5 years of experience in the educational field, and this is my first year working at SMS. What I love most about SMS is the community. Since joining the school, I have felt an overwhelming sense of welcomeness and togetherness from the staff members and families alike. I love friendly environment that has been created here at SMS. 

I am Minaz Gilani. Lead teacher of toddler classroom 8. As a mother of two wonderful kids, I understand the joys and challenges of nurturing young minds. My educational journey includes a Masters in Commerce and several certifications and currently doing Montessori Toddler program through MEIPN. Before joining the Montessori family, I worked in the tech sector, gaining valuable insights into problem-solving and creativity. However, my true passion lies in education. For over a decade, I’ve volunteered as a teacher community schools. Witnessing children’s growth and being part of their learning journey brings me immense joy. I believe that every child is a unique individual with boundless potential. As a lead teacher, I’m committed to fostering their curiosity, independence, and love for learning. Let’s create a nurturing environment where each child can thrive!

I started my teaching experience in Texas where I was for 6 years, and I have been working at SMS for 1 year. I love the environment as SMS. I love my relationship with the teachers and the kids. The kids here make my day. They make me smile and make me laugh. 

As a Montessori teacher and an educator for 18 years, I find immense joy and fulfillment in my role. I am passionate about fostering a love for learning in young minds, witnessing their curiosity, and fearlessness, providing an environment where children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically, and parallelly focusing on the whole child’s development. I am continually inspired by the children’s growth, the magic of our materials, and the strong bonds we build with parents at SMS.

I have over 15 years of experience in the educational field, and this is my tenth year at SMS. I have been introduced to the Montessori philosophy in 2014 when my daughter began her Montessori education at the Sammamish Montessori School. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is witnessing the growth and progress of my students over the years. From their first tentative steps into the classroom to the confident, independent learners they become, each milestone is a testament to the transformative power of Montessori education. To me, being a Montessori teacher is a privilege, a chance to make a difference in the lives of children I have the honor of teaching. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

I have 15 years of experience in the educational field. I love working at SMS because for 3 years I get to see the children gain confidence. SMS has a very positive environment. Whenever I step into the school, I feel more and more happy to be working here. 

I have been teaching at Sammamish Montessori School for the past 17 years. Sammamish Montessori has helped me grow by providing a community where we learn from each other. Since I joined this school, I have not only learnt from my colleagues but also the children. The school has given a platform where we can come up with our own curriculum which is individualized to every child to help them grow as an individual. The opportunity given to set up your own classroom and make it meet the needs of the current students has made this school a fun place to work.

I have 7 years of teaching experience. My first 4 years were in a non-Montessori environment, but after learning about Montessori I have stuck with it. It’s my second year here at SMS. Working in Room 4 was a hoot; I really enjoyed my time there and it was the perfect room to start a new place in. I really enjoyed the experience of jumping into Room 7 and working in that classroom. It was a little bit chaotic but at the same time very therapeutic. Those two things are very big highlights to me, and I’m very excited to start my own room this year as an independent captain of the ship. I love working at SMS because of the Montessori aspect of it. I love the people I work with. Everyone is very warm and it is a very welcoming place. The only person who judges me here is myself. I never feel any judgment from the other staff members. I feel like I can breathe here. 

With over two decades of experience in the IT/Technology industry, my journey with Sammamish Montessori School (SMS) began in 2016 as a parent. Since then, all three of our children have been part of the SMS community, with our youngest currently in his Kindergarten year. Covid was a life-changer for many and so was it for me to pause and reflect on what I wanted to do next. With the inner passion for children’s education and as a Montessori Mom, the decision to pursue Early Childhood Education in Montessori was a natural choice. The joy of teaching and learning from children each day aligned with SMS’s desire for someone to lead the school as part of their succession plan. Being a parent, a teacher, and an administrator has provided a comprehensive 360-degree perspective, to make SMS the best place for our children, teachers, and families. The ‘aha’ moments of a child exploring a new work, or the challenge of answering their insightful questions, are aspects that I truly cherish. The feeling of community and one SMS family, where everyone is ready to help and lean-in; the fun events where children enjoy and talk about them for years to come, and the well-rounded individuals that walk out of this school each year as proud SMS graduates, are what motivate me each day!

I have 3 years of professional experience in the educational field. I started my journey with SMS as a parent in 2017, watching my son enjoy the Montessori way of learning. This opened the door for me to pursue the Montessori certification in early childhood education and transition from a Montessori parent to a full time Montessori teacher. I love working at SMS because I get the opportunity to explore ideas to create a caring environment that sparks a child’s creativity and fosters holistic growth.

This is my first year working in Montessori. I love working at SMS because the staff is so accommodating. If my kids are sick, or I’m running late, they understand and work with me accordingly. I also love working with the kids of course. When the kids run and give me a hug and call my name, it makes me so happy. It is very precious.

I started my career in education as a lecturer at a college in India and have been with SMS for 5 years. I first joined SMS as a lunch mom in room 5, then worked as a sub and am now an assistant teacher in Room 5. I feel like magic has happened that keeps bringing me back to Room 5; I have a connection to this room. 

This is my third year at SMS. Before working here, I taught mathematics to elementary students at a Japanese school in Dubai for 5 years. Being in the toddler class is rewarding because I get to see the growth the students have once they move to the primary classes. There are many great teachers here that I can learn and get advice from. Everyone has their own style but everyone really loves the kids. My sons went to school here and loved it. They are able to come back during summer camp even after graduating to see their friends and catch up. 

I started my teaching experience at BSU where I worked for 4 years, and I’ve been working at SMS for two years. Everyone at SMS is very kind and supportive; we all share our ideas and experiences with each other. It gives me immense pleasure working with children and keeping them happy. 

I started working at SMS in our computer lab, after school clubroom, daycare on no school days and a substitute in classroom for 10 years. I then worked with Mrs. Ward in STEAM/Montessori class for 2 years, and now I have been working with Mrs. Muldowney in Room 6 for 4 years. There are so many fun memories I have working here. The number one reason why I love working at SMS is working with the kids. Being a teacher can be tiring but being around the kids, when they make me laugh, makes it worth it. 

I have 10 years of experience in a Montessori school. I started off by volunteering in my son’s school helping with math and phonics and I’ve worked at SMS for two years. The thing I love the most about working at SMS is how relaxed it is. I really enjoy working here. I have made many friends working here and I really feel like I am a part of a community; it’s what keeps everyone coming back. 

I have over 20 years of experience in the educational field and love working with children! The philosophy of Montessori has always been very close to my heart, and my adventures with it began almost 20 years ago right at SMS when my children started school here. Along with them, I also started working at SMS. After maternity leave, I worked at several local Montessori schools and happily returned to SMS again. For my love of Montessori Philosophy, I completed Montessori Assistant Training (MEIPN, 2019) and I am also a Certified Montessori Teacher (NAMC, 2024). I have also been a Polish language teacher for 20 years and teach Polish at the Polish School in Seattle; I also provide tutoring. I also love physical activity! I am an instructor of High Fitness, Zumba, Zumbini and Yoga. Privately, I love spending time with my family, traveling, reading books and hiking. My great love are also animals (especially cats!) and nature.

My family has been in the educational field for a very long time. My grandmother was a librarian, my mom is a preschool teacher, my dad 5th grade teacher; a family of teachers. I started my educational experience at a Montessori school in Texas where I am from, and this is my third year working at SMS. Some fun things that have stuck out to me working at SMS has been doing various building projects in our classroom. We’ve done in depth space units where we created an entire solar system to hang in our classroom for planetary alignment. We have made various deep-sea creatures that the students have created and articulated. We do a lot of fun bright-eyed projects that really help the students learn about the world around them as opposed to a black and white linear thinking; the students get to do more exploration and have creativity. The students are learning about the world for the first time. Getting them to ask the questions of how and why and “what if we try this” to let them learn about the world on their own terms as opposed to the terms that we set out. I love working at SMS because it’s a small environment where we can really learn the people. It’s rare that I pass a child in the hallway that I don’t know. It feels really personal in the way that all the staff are on good terms with one another and with all of the parents. It’s a very close-knit working environment; nobody’s really a stranger.

I have an Early Childhood AMS certification and have been guiding kids to love learning for the last twelve years . Originally from India, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lady Shriram College for Women’s in New Delhi. My background in psychology and desire to interact with children led me into the Montessori field. I constantly learn from the children as they discover the joy and freedom that learning brings and are gaining new skills. I believe each child is unique and my goal is to see them grow into independent, responsible, and compassionate human beings. I am excited to guide the next generation of young minds in Sammamish Montessori School. In my spare time, I enjoy watching sports, trying out various cuisines and recipes and reading interesting articles. Newly empty nester, still figuring out how to navigate this phase of my life. Our nine year old Labrador Retriever is glad to have all my attention now that our two kids are busy spreading their wings.

All I ever wanted to do in life was to be a teacher. First, I taught ESL for several years, but when I discovered Montessori, I knew that was going to be my new path. Fast-forward 29 years (the last 20 years at SMS), and I still find my job immensely enjoyable and gratifying. I am constantly amazed at the timelessness of the Montessori method, and how the children connect and learn with the hands-on Montessori materials. I also love teaching our summer camps where I can share my interests – art, architecture, geography, history and nature – with my students. I am very appreciative of our school’s diversity. We have families and staff from many different countries and many different backgrounds. Throughout the year, I look forward to celebrating various festivals and holidays and learning about other cultures, customs and traditions.

This is my first year at SMS. I love to work at SMS because everyone is very friendly and supportive.

I joined SMS last year. I enjoy working here and the kids. All of the staff were helpful to me when I first started working here. Some fun things about working here have been how everyone speaks different languages. I love working at SMS because I love teaching and I love the kids. 

I did my Montessori teacher’s training in 2003 and have been working as a lead teacher for 16 years. This is my 10th year as SMS. One fun thing about my experience here is observing the children’s excitement when they make their own discoveries during the learning activities. Their joy and curiosity are truly infectious. Another enjoyable aspect is the sense of community among the students, parents, and fellow teachers. It feels like a close-knit family where we all support each other’s growth. I love working at SMS because of the holistic approach to education. Seeing children explore, learn at their own pace, and become independent learners through the Montessori method is incredibly rewarding. The collaborative atmosphere among the staff and the emphasis on respect for each child’s individuality make it a truly fulfilling place to teach and learn.

This is my second year and SMS. When I first started, I was helping in many different classes. I was able to learn something different from each teacher and see different teaching styles. I love working at SMS because of the people. I never feel like I am just an assistant. I feel comfortable here. 

I have been working at SMS for 10 years. The thing I love most about SMS are the kids and my co-workers. 

I discovered Montessori back in India when I was looking for a school for my son and I was instantly attracted to the Montessori method of teaching. It was when my son started middle school that I started working in a Montessori school as an assistant teacher. I was always attracted to sensorial and math materials and would observe my lead teacher giving lessons. This led me to take up the Montessori teachers training. I completed the Early childhood credentials from AMS and worked as a lead teacher for three years in a Montessori School in Bellevue. My multilingual skills in English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Kannada have allowed me to connect with families from diverse backgrounds, something I value deeply. A little about me. I was born and raised in India and moved to Seattle in 2013. I hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science. I live in Redmond with my husband and my son is a sophomore in University of Maryland. We love traveling and discovering new places. I am truly honored to be part of this community and can’t wait to meet all of you. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms.

This is my first year at SMS. I love how the teacher’s help each other out at SMS.

I grew up on Vashon Island near Seattle, and I have been in the early childhood education field for the last 8 years. I have a BA in sociology and earned my Infant/Toddler Montessori credential in 2023. I enjoy the Montessori philosophy for its holistic approach to education and the high value it places on learning independence and confidence. In my free time, I enjoy being outside, drawing and painting, and taking road trips to the coast.

I moved to the US in 2020—just two weeks before the world changed—straight from Finland! With a Business IT degree and a Major in Marketing, I’ve worked in tech industries from cybersecurity to SaaS. My journey took a surprising detour when I immersed myself in early childhood education (päiväkoti) back in Finland to master the Finnish language, where I quickly realized that children make the best teachers. Now, at SMS, I’m excited to bring creativity, and strategy, creating enriching experiences and building strong connections between our wonderful families, students, and teachers!

Having lived in Wisconsin and California, I now call the Pacific Northwest my home. My educational journey began in Zambia, Africa and has since been guided by my passion for the Montessori philosophy. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, as I help children discover their unique paths. One of my favorite Montessori quotes encapsulates my teaching philosophy: “A child is a discoverer. He is an amorphous, splendid being in search of his own proper form.” Inspired by this, I strive daily to create an environment where each child feels valued and empowered to grow. I look forward to engaging with a diverse group of young minds and celebrating our differences. My love for languages as a polyglot enhances my ability to connect with people from various backgrounds, enriching my role as a Montessori teacher. Outside the classroom, my family—my husband, two children, and our dog—are my greatest joy. We cherish our time outdoors, exploring new places, and simply being together. In my leisure, I like to read, bake, and work arts and crafts. I have a particular passion for quilling and paper filigree, and I continuously embrace learning new languages.

This is my fifth year at SMS. I love the environment at SMS and the Montessori method.

I have 20 years of teaching experience in a Montessori environment, dedicating the last seven years to SMS. My passion for teaching geography transcends into the classroom, as I include learning with real-world exploration and tales from my travels. The freedom to share global wonders with students is a privilege; witnessing their joy and curiosity unfold is simply mind-blowing. The incredible team I work with makes SMS unique for me.

I am Mythri Valluri, originally from India,I have a rich background in education and community engagement. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and have earned Early Childhood Montessori Certification. After spending ten years in California, I relocated to Seattle in 2006, where my Montessori education journey began. With over eight years of teaching experience in Montessori education and four years as a lead teacher, I use to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my work. I am Fluent in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English where I like to connect with families from diverse cultural backgrounds. My passion for Montessori education and commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments have made me develop materials for our class. I have the skills and expertise to work with students and develop a curriculum that fosters growth and development in every area—not just intellectually, but also socially, physically, and emotionally. My training enables me to provide a nurturing environment that stimulates children’s growth, encourages active participation, and allows them to explore various areas of learning. I am committed to creating a supportive atmosphere that empowers children to reach their full potential through independent growth and self-discovery. I am excited to bring my experience as a teacher into practice, by helping each child thrive and succeed. Apart from my professional background, I live in Sammamish with my husband and I am a proud mother of two children. I have a passion for traveling and exploring new places, and every year, my family and I make it a tradition to go camping. In my free time, I enjoy playing board games with my family, and I’ve built an extensive collection of games at home. Another hobby that is close to my heart is dancing, which I actively pursue and encourage my daughter to learn as a way of embracing our traditional and cultural roots. I am truly excited to be a part of this vibrant community and look forward to contributing in many meaningful ways.

My name is Nadia Van Waes; I was born and raised in Brussels, Belgium. I worked in a nursery school in Brussels as an infant lead teacher applying the Pikler pedagogy. One of Pikler’s fundamental principles is to have the same teacher guide a group of children for three years, following and meeting their needs through observations. This pedagogy is exceptionally respectful to young children because it focuses on the individual child’s developmental progress through self-initiated movement. After traveling extensively until my early thirties, I fell in love with the US and made this country my home. While looking for a preschool for my children, I discovered the Montessori philosophy, which also emphasizes learning through movement. I became passionate about Maria Montessori and her philosophy and started teaching at The Sammamish Montessori School as a lead and co-teacher. To continue my teaching journey, I worked for the French-American school in Seattle. I taught French in a hybrid classroom (online and in person) for 3-to 6-year-olds, implementing the French and Montessori curricula. I am committed to guiding children along their growth and development path, and to offer them a solid Montessori foundation and to inspire them to become lifelong learners! Outside my professional life, I find joy in various activities. I am an avid learner and a passionate cook; I love gardening and biking. Most importantly, I love traveling and spending time with my husband and family.

This is my seventh year at SMS but I’ve been teaching for 40 years. I started teaching in Canada teaching special education. I then went overseas to teach with a Canadian organization similar to Peace Corps. I then taught in Nigeria where I stayed for 15 years and meet and married my husband. Summer camp wasn’t available in Uganda and Gambia, so I would create a STEAM summer camp for my kids and 25 of their friends. That was the beginning of the STEAM program. I also have working in museums helping making them more accessible to school aged kids. I have also run an artisanal food business making jams and jellies. I then taught art at a Montessori school which expanded into a garden to table program where the kids would grow food and cook it for the school. My family then left and moved here. SMS was the only school who opened their doors for me. I showed them what I had to offer and they gave me a job in the After School Club; I’ve been here ever since. One of my favorite memories at SMS have been setting up the Dino Dig. It started as a very small project and turned into something quite spectacular. Starting the STEAM program here at SMS is one of my favorite memories as well. It allows the kids to take what they’ve learnt in the Montessori classroom, and build on it through a lot of hands-on, open-ended work that is not contained in a certain time period. We can continue working on things for one week, two weeks, if they want to. The students are able to leave things and come back to it. The amount of learning that goes along and re-calibration and problem solving and getting the other kids to help problem solve, it’s been fantastic. I love working at SMS because I was able to set up this program and I get to do what I think is most interesting for the children. I’ve been given the freedom to do that and work on it and have been given a whole group of people to work. 

Since graduating from a pedagogical college in Ukraine in 2012, I have been working with children in various environment. There I worked as an elementary school teacher and an English tutor. I also enjoyed working in kids’ summer camps. When I relocated to the USA with my family, I started working at an early education facility where I gained experience with toddlers and preschoolers. I discovered the Montessori method when I joined SMS and I was amazed by it. I appreciate the environment, the teachers’ commitment, and the children’s friendliness every time I come to work!