Faculty listings for Summit Montessori School in Framingham, MA.

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Luckshi Adikari Children's House Head Teacher ladhikari@summitmontessori.org English Teachers College, Sri Lanka, B Ed American International College M. Ed. Woodlands Montessori Center, Sri Lanka AMI Training Luckshi has AMI certification in Primary and Lower Elementary education, a master’s degree in education, and over twenty years of teaching experience in public and Montessori schools. In 1999 Luckshi and her husband moved to Abu-Dhabi in the UAE for work. There she was introduced to Dr. Maria Montessori’s methodology and was so inspired by her thoughts and ideas. Luckshi returned to Sri Lanka, where she is originally from, to train with a great teacher who was touched by Maria Montessori. In 2002 Luckshi and her family moved to the United States, and since then Summit Montessori has been her second home. Luckshi truly believes, “If we are to reach real peace in this world we shall have to begin with the children” (Gandhi). She says, “This quote reminds me why I am a teacher I have learned some of my greatest lessons from someone under the age of six. I have had parents say to me “I don’t know how you do it, work with that many children all day with such patience,” but honestly for me it is more than a job, it is a way of living. There is no greater joy than sharing the beauty and wonder of the world with a child.
Jean Anderson Lower Elementary Head Teacher janderson@summitmontessori.org University of Bridgeport, BA University of New Mexico, MA Northeast Montessori Insititute, Center for Montessori Teacher Education AMS Training Jean Anderson may hold the record for most time spent in the classroom outside of school hours. She is dedicated to bringing best practices into the Montessori curriculum. The clarity and logic of the math materials stand out in Jean's mind as a symbol of just how effective Montessori learning can be. Jean weaves her skills and love of gardening, reading and writing stories into works and lessons. Her students follow by example to seek the unique, she has been known to use a whoopee cushion to during a presentation on the earth's creation. A regular yoga practice helps her balance classroom and individual student priorities. Two important influences in her teaching life were her junior high school English teacher and Paula Polk Lillard author of Montessori: A Modern Approach.
Jesse Cohen Music Teacher jcohen@summitmontessori.org Berklee College of Music, BA Jesse Cohen is in his second year as Summit Montessori's music teacher. He has been teaching music for over nine years and has a Bachelor's Degree in Music from Berklee College of Music. Previously, he taught a rock band class at the Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Framingham. Currently, he teaches guitar and piano lessons in addition to general music classes from his private studio in Westboro, and composes music freelance for video and other applications. Jesse is also the guitarist in the alternative rock band Analog Heart, who perform several times each month at venues around the state.
Shannon Farrington Children's House Teacher sfarrington@summitmontessori.org University of Massachusetts Lowell, BA AMS Training Northeast Montessori Institute Shannon joined Summit Montessori School in September 2010 as an intern. Throughout the year she fell in love with Montessori teaching and with Summit. This year she will be co-teaching in Children's House I. Shannon received her Montessori training over the summer and is very excited to use all that she has learned in class. Shannon recently started her Master's program through Gordon College.
Tammy Katzeff Spanish Teacher tkatzeff@summitmontessori.org Clark University, BA University of Madrid
Elizabeth Keohan Upper Elementary Teacher lkeohan@summitmontessori.org A. B. Bowdoin College M.A.T. Brown University Miss Liz began as an English teacher at a large public high school, moved to the Fenn School, an independent 4-9 boys' school which was beginning to implement an integrated curriculum of core studies; from there, she was hired to develop the middle school program at Eliot Montessori School, where it was possible to explore some of the outdoor and agricultural elements of Maria Montessori's erdkinder vision in connection with the Natick Community Organic Farm. Before coming to Summit, Miss Liz worked as Head Teacher and taught a variety of preschool through adult classes and workshops at the Farm. Learning by doing and discovery, in combination with a high level of respect for the natural world and for each other, are hallmarks of the Upper Elementary classroom.
Stefanie Landgren Director, Children's House Literacy Program slandgren@summitmontessori.org Bryant University, BS Salem State, M. Ed National Center for Montessori Training, New England AMS Training A trained Montessori teacher for eight years, Stefanie joined the Summit team in August of 2006. Before coming to Summit, Stefanie taught at Harborlight Montessori School in Beverly, MA for four years, where she is now a current member of the Board of Trustees. Stefanie is the Director of the Children's House program at Summit, as well as a Lead Teacher in Children's House One, and the Coordinator of the Kinderarten Literacy Program. Stefanie is a firm believer in the Montessori philosophy of education and learning. The hands-on materials, approach to teaching, and respect for each individual child's learning style are what helps to make Montessori such a wonderful way to learn.
Edith Loring-Thomas Art Teacher eloringthomas@summitmontessori.org Tufts University, BS School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Academy of Fine Arts, Florence Italy In addition to teaching art, Miss Edith is a fine arts conservator, restoring primarily 18th and 19th century American and European paintings. Teaching art is a passion for Miss Edith who finds the children inspirational, and is wonderful at unlocking their inner artist.
Elise Mostello Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher emostello@summitmontessori.org Stonehill College, BA Elise joined the Summit teaching team in August of 2009, and since then has spent her time in both elementary classrooms. Before coming to Summit Elise earned a dual degree in Elementary Education and History from Stonehill College, in Easton, MA. Since that time she has earned her Massachusetts state teaching license and continued her education in the Master's program for Curriculum and Instruction at Boston College. When not at Summit, or in classes, Elise spends her time outdoors (climbing, hiking, and canoeing), under the sea, traveling, reading, and going to the movies. She is thrilled to be back in Lower Elementary this year!
Lynn Anne Wallace Children’s House Head Teacher lwallace@summitmontessori.org McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, BA Northeast Montessori Institute, Early Childhood Credential AMS Training Lynn has been a passionate Montessori Educator and Administrator for nearly twenty-five years. She began her journey at the Amherst Montessori School in 1987. She has taught Montessori at the Early Childhood Level in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as well. She joins Summit from Church Street Christian Montessori School in Cape May County, New Jersey where she was Assistant Director and Head Teacher for nearly ten years. She has given numerous training courses on The Montessori Method, Positive Discipline, Social Development, and the Spiritual Preparation of the Teacher. She is excited to lead our newly opened Children’s House III and will also serve as the director of our Early*Care Program.
Marian Wallace Children's House Head Teacher mwallace@summitmontessori.org Connecticut College, BA Endicott College, M Ed Northeast Montessori Institute, AMS Training If you ask Marian for the most influential book on education she would recommend Montessori Today by Paula Polk Lillard. It reveals the genius behind Montessori and why it just makes sense. A fan of the classics, music, movies and classic rock, Marian has watched Notorious more than a few times. Her favorite Montessori material, the Bank Game makes math operations so understandable. Marian's highest summit: having three boys within 3.5 years.

Administration
Richard Eyster Head of School reyster@summitmontessori.org University of Michigan, BA Teachers College — Columbia University, Masters of Education Administration Richard H. Eyster, Head of School, began his educational career when he turned 16 - signing on as an Assistant in a Head Start program. A graduate of the University of Michigan Honors College with a Masters in Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, as well as a veteran of Montessori Leadership training at CMTE, Richard spent 36 years working in leading independent schools in New York City. In addition to his teaching (Lower School self-contained classroom, English, Computer, and Mathematics), he served as Middle School Principal, Trustee, Director of Admissions, Department Chair, and Director of two summer day camps.Beyond his work in schools, Richard has worked to prepare more than 1500 young teachers for their introduction to the classroom. His recent book, Successful Classroom Management, published by Sourcebooks in the summer of 2010, is a featured selection of the National Association of Independent Schools.
Sherri Melamut, CPA Assistant Head for Operations and Finance smelamut@summitmontessori.org Franklin & Marshall College, BA Boston College, MBA John Hopkins University, Masters Certificate in Education Sherri joined Summit Montessori School in 2003. Prior to Summit, she worked in public accounting but developed an interest in the field of education through her volunteer work in her children's schools. She was a member of the first cohort of the Business Leadership in Independent Schools at Johns Hopkins University and received a graduate certirficate for completion of the program. She has presented at an NAIS conference on running a small business office. Sherri will be a member of the faculty at the National Business Officer Association's Summer Institute in June, 2010.
Louise Carroll Assistant to the Head of School lcarroll@summitmontessori.org University of New Hampshire, BS Louise came to Summit in 2009 after 12 years at a parochial school where she wore several hats - collecting tuition, serving as the IT person and managing fundraising and development. Working with Summit's administration and faculty, students and families has been rewarding, challenging and always changing. New to Montessori, the creative and committed faculty and the quality of the education received by the students of Summit have made her a vocal advocate.
Siobhan Mahaney Director of Admissions smahaney@summitmontessori.org Emmanuel College, BA New England Montessori Teacher Education Center Center for Montessori Teacher Education/NY- AMS Training Siobhan joined Summit Montessori School in January of 2010 as Director of Development. Recently she switched roles and is now sharing her knowledge of Montessori Education with prospective parents, current families, and our wonderful faculty. Siobhan worked as a teacher in both Children's House and Lower Elementary classrooms from 1980 until 2009. She has also been a teacher trainer, a presenter at national and regional AMS conferences, as well as teaching in the summer master's program held at the Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History.
Lois Pond Director of Development lpond@summitmontessori.org New York University, BS Northeastern University, MBA Lois has spent her professional life navigating between the business of education and the education business. She started her career as an elementary school teacher, and later moved to corporate education. She has trained bankers and engineers, produced educational documentation, and managed educational products for a computer company. Dedicated to Montessori pedagogy, Lois spent many years at Lexington Montessori School as an active volunteer. Over the course of sending her three daughters through the school, she participated in a wide variety of activities, including managing multiple fund-raisers and chairing the Parents' Association. She served for eleven years on the school's board of directors and chaired the board for three years. Most recently, Lois was part of the LMS Development Office for the school's first capital campaign, then handled public and alumni relations. A history buff, Lois recently spent a week walking the battlefield at Gettysburg.
Susan Ackerman Nurse Franklin & Marshall College, BA Arizona State University, BSN Summit’s School Nurse, Susan Ackerman, has two bachelor’s degrees. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Franklin and Marshall College with a major in psychology in 1980. She returned to school to study nursing after spending many years working with a volunteer ambulance corps. In 1992, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Arizona State University. Since graduating from nursing school, Susan has worked with people of all ages in a variety of nursing settings. She particularly enjoys working with children. In the school setting, Susan is interested in developing a strong health education program for the classrooms as well as assisting ill children. Outside of school, Susan has been a strong advocate for students with special needs and their families. She is active in the annual Greater Boston Walk for Autism Speaks. She is also an artist who enjoys working in a variety of media. She has built furniture and done bronze casting, but currently finds creative quilting fits best with the schedule demands of raising three children.

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Administration