Faculty and Staff Directory
The faculty and staff of Triangle Montessori Academy are dedicated to teaching lifelong learning that is grounded in the observations, methods, and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. TMA is a member of the American Montessori Society (AMS), and all of our lead teachers are AMS certified.
Select a location below to learn more about our wonderful faculty and staff.
Ms. Heidi
Head of School, Cary
Ms. Heidi is excited to be joining the Triangle Montessori Academy community. Originally from London, England, Ms. Heidi has resided in Maryland for over 40 years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a Minor in Psychology and Marketing from Salisbury State University. After working in the restaurant industry for several years, she was introduced to Montessori and fell in love.
Ms. Heidi’s Montessori journey started when she took her Primary Montessori training at the Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori studies. Over the next 22 years, Ms. Heidi taught at private and public Montessori schools in Maryland and Virginia. During this time, she earned an M.A.T in Early Childhood Education from Trinity Washington University. In 2023, Ms. Heidi returned to where her Montessori journey began and stepped out of the classroom into an administrative role. Over the past three years, she has supported both the Early Childhood Program (Infant through Primary) and the Elementary Program (Lower and Upper).
Outside of work, Ms. Heidi enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and running. She has completed races in distances from 800m to 50 miles. While running has many physical benefits, it also helps to develop skills such as determination, motivation, planning, flexibility, and confidence. All of these are skills that she plans on bringing to her new position at Triangle Montessori Academy.
Ms. Heidi is looking forward to relocating to Cary and getting to know the town and most importantly, the TMA community. She values making connections and building strong relationships with students, families, and staff.
Ms. Racquel
Toddler Montessori Directress
Ms. Racquel moved to the United States in 2004. Her original career focus was in the Hospitality Industry, and she holds a college degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Philippines Women’s University. Ms. Racquel became familiar with Montessori teaching methods when her son attended TMA for over 3 years.
Ms. Racquel is excited to join TMA again, and fulfill her dream of working in the classroom.
In her spare time, Miss Racquel enjoys spending time with her family, arts and crafts, gardening, cooking, and attending exercise classes.
Ms. Sami
Lower Elementary Montessori Directress
Ms. Sami received a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Chemistry and a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Sami has over 39 years of experience in a Montessori school setting. Sami has experience teaching Kindergarteners and first-graders. Sami earned the American Montessori Society Early Childhood and Elementary Credentials at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education of San Francisco, California.
Ms. Oliva
Montessori Spanish Teacher
Ms. Bernadett
Lower Elementary Montessori Directress
Ms. Bernadett born in Pecs, Hungary. She graduated from the University of Pecs with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 2009 and she worked as an Elementary teacher in her country.
She moved to the United States in 2014 and got introduced to Montessori method in 2017 while working as an assistant teacher and she fell in love with the Montessori environment and materials. Bernadett completed her Montessori Early Childhood training at CMTE/NC in 2022 and is currently completing her Lower Elementary Certification.
She has a daughter, Lizzy, who also attends at TMA and two orange cat boys Mushu and Gus.
In her spare time Ms. Bernadett enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, going to movie theaters, reading, baking and teaching Hungarian.
Favorite quote:
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” – Albert Einstein
Favorite Maria Montessori quote:
“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
Mr. Mike
Upper Elementary Montessori Director
Mr. Mike has been an elementary educator for nearly a decade and is thrilled to join the community at TMA! Born in Frankfurt, Germany, he started his academic journey as a Montessori student before moving to the US. He graduated from the University of Colorado Denver (BA 2013) Urban Community Teacher Education program and soon after relocated to California where he gained certification in cross-cultural development and English language acquisition. After starting a family, he moved to North Carolina.
Mr. Mike’s daughter has been a student at TMA in both the Toddler and Primary programs, and he is proud to say that the Montessori method is truly a way of life. A holistic, community-based approach to learning and development has always been at the core of his educational philosophy, and he’s excited to bring his skills and enthusiasm to the Elementary program.
His other interests include playing guitar, songwriting, writing children’s books, and designing video games.
Favorite Maria Montessori Quote:
“Do not erase the designs the child makes in the soft wax of [their] inner life.”
Favorite Nelson Henderson Quote:
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
Ms. Sonia
Toddler Montessori Directress
A native of Mexico City, Ms. Sonia brings a unique blend of cultural experiences and professional expertise to her teaching role. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Administrative Information Technology and a passion for music. She moved to the United States 10 years ago, alongside her loving husband and children. A few years later she discovered the Montessori Method, which ignited a newfound passion for teaching, and inspired her to share her native language in a fun and engaging way. Ms. Sonia is currently completing her Toddler Montessori Certification.
Beyond the classroom, she cherishes moments spent with her family and friends and always welcomes opportunities to connect with new people. She enjoys traveling back to her hometown in Mexico to reconnect with her extended family. Each time she returns, she comes with a renewed sense of appreciation for her roots and the diverse experiences that have shaped her life.
Ms. Abhirami
Assistant Primary Montessori Directress
Ms. Abhirami was born and raised in India and has been living in US since 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and an MBA in Finance and was previously employed as a Quality Analyst at Oracle Financial Services Software Ltd. Upon discovering the Montessori philosophies and developing a strong passion for working with children, Ms. Abhirami joined Hope Montessori Academy in St. Louis.
Ms. Abhirami recently moved to North Carolina and joined Triangle Montessori. She is excited to learn more about Maria Montessori’s philosophies and methods of teaching. Ms. Abhirami enjoys spending quality time with family, traveling, listening to music, and cooking.
Ms. Rebeca
Toddler Montessori Directress
Ms. Rebeca is a psychologist with a degree from Mexico, and is thrilled to be here in Cary! With eight years of experience working in Montessori schools, she has developed a special bond with children, learning from them as much as she has the opportunity to accompany them. Ms. Rebeca has a passion for singing, painting, and spending quality time with her family, and loves to travel. She believes that every day brings new opportunities for growth and joy, whether in the classroom or beyond. Ms. Rebeca looks forward to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for all our students!
Ms. Cam
Assistant Toddler Montessori Directress
Ms. Cam was born in Richmond, Virginia and moved to Apex, North Carolina at 3 years old. She discovered her passion for childcare through her love of swimming. She began swimming with her neighborhood team as a child and later competed year-round and for her high school team. That journey led her to teaching toddlers how to swim and feel confident in the water. She then spent three years coaching a team of young swimmers, further deepening her love for mentoring and inspiring kids. Ms. Cam earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UNC Asheville in 2022, with minors in Human Rights Studies and Photography.
After graduating, Ms. Cam spent two years as a full-time nanny for a wonderful family, beginning when their baby was just three months old. That experience gave her a deep appreciation for early childhood development and strengthened her passion for working closely with children and families.
On a personal note, Ms. Cam is very family-oriented and deeply values quality time with her loved ones. She loves being creative, so you’ll often find her painting, photographing, crafting, or working on a puzzle. At home, she is happily outnumbered by three beloved cats Winnie, Cora, and Bogey, who keep her company while she unwinds with her favorite book or TV show.
Ms. Cam is so grateful to be part of the TMA community and looks forward to a wonderful year of learning, growth, and connection!
Ms. Gabbi
Assistant Primary Montessori Directress
Ms. Gabbi has been a kindergarten teacher for the past five years in both public and charter schools, and is excited to gain new experience with the Montessori method. She has a strong passion for teaching literacy and loves inspiring a love of reading in learners of all ages.
Ms. Gabbi is a proud member of three different book clubs and runs her own teen book club, where she helps young readers engage with—and get excited about—their books. When she is not teaching, she loves to dance. Ms. Gabbi is part of a traditional Greek dance group, where they share their culture, language, and traditions with the surrounding community. This year, her dance group is competing in HDF (the Hellenic Dance Festival), and she can’t wait!
Ms. Gabbi is grateful for the opportunity to get to know TMA’s students and families and to be part of such a welcoming team.
Ms. Giulia
Assistant Toddler Montessori Directress
Ms. Giulia is originally from Cleveland, Ohio but grew up in Virginia most of her life. She graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Human Development and Family Science. She has over 4 years of experience working with children especially in the Montessori setting. She worked as an after-school extended day teacher and was also a teacher’s assistant in Pre-Primary.
Ms. Giulia recently moved to Raleigh from Northern Virginia a few months ago to be with her family. When she’s not working she enjoys spending time with her brother and playing video games, going to concerts, arts and crafts, and collecting pokemon cards.
Ms. Ana
Community Support Directress
Ms. Ana grew up in California where she got her first job at LEGOLAND California Resort in the education department. She taught classes on how to program LEGO robotics to various school groups, summer camps, and girl scout troops. During her ten years there she also got the chance to lead VIP Experiences and work with the Make-A-Wish program to help make countless wishes come true.
Ms. Ana moved to Washington DC in 2023 and was lucky enough to find another LEGO teaching opportunity with Whiz Kid Academy where she taught in school and after school STEM programs. Ms. Ana recently moved to North Carolina to be closer to family and is excited to start her next journey with Triangle Montessori Academy.
Ms. Martha
Primary Montessori Directress
Ms. Martha, though most people know her as Ms. Molly, holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health and Social Services. She is AMS-certified, having earned her Associate Early Childhood Credential through the Center for Montessori Teacher Education/North Carolina.
With more than 35 years of experience working with children ages 3 to 6, including 25 years at a well-respected Montessori preschool, Ms. Martha has dedicated her career to fostering a love of learning in young children.
Ms. Martha’s greatest joy as an educator is nurturing each child’s natural curiosity, helping them build confidence and independence, and hopefully a lifelong love of learning.
Ms. Elizabeth
Head of School, Holly Springs
Ms. Elizabeth is honored to be joining Triangle Montessori Academy. she brings more than 20 years of Montessori experience, spanning teaching, administrative leadership, program development, accreditation work, and staff mentorship. Ms. Elizabeth is certified at the Primary, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary levels and has spent her career supporting schools in building strong, authentic Montessori programs grounded in respect, independence, and joyful learning.
Montessori education has shaped not only her professional life, but also her family. Her daughter, Megan, is a 23-year-old Montessori graduate who currently lives in South Carolina and will be getting married in September 2026. She couldn’t be more proud of the woman she has become.
Outside of school, Ms. Elizabeth shares her life with her two beloved bulldogs, who keep her laughing and remind her daily of the importance of patience, play, and unconditional love.
Ms. Elizabeth is thrilled to join the TMA community and looks forward to building strong relationships with students, families, and staff to continue the meaningful work of nurturing confident, curious, compassionate learners.
Ms. Joanna
Primary Montessori Directress
Ms. Joanna has 15 wonderful years of experience as a head teacher to children ages 18-months to 6 years old. She was born and raised in the Philippines in Asia and brings a fantastic international perspective to TMA. She discovered that her true passion in education during her college years where she offered tutorials to children in the public schools.
She graduated with honors from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and began teaching preschool children. She has never looked back and has enjoyed teaching young children since her career began.
A Montessori child herself, Joanna was encouraged to train in the Montessori Philosophy after by her first Montessori teacher. She completed a Montessori Certification for early childhood from the San Francisco Montessori Training Center in 1999.
Ms. Joanna’s passion for education has flourished over her teaching career and she has continued to take early childhood workshops and attend Montessori conferences. Some of Joanna’s wide-range of interests include painting, walking, swimming, scuba diving, watching movies and spending time with her husband and son.
Favorite Maria Montessori quote:
“The school must permit the free, natural manifestations of the child if in the school scientific pedagogy is to be born. This is the essential reform.”
Ms. Rita
Toddler Montessori Directress
Ms. Rita is drawn to the Montessori method of learning and is excited to have the opportunity to work with toddler age children in the Montessori setting. She completed the Montessori infant/toddler teacher training in May, 2013 at Center of Montessori Teacher Education, North Carolina. Rita has been part of the wonderful TMA community since October 2010.
Ms. Rita moved to the United States in 2009 from Hungary where she graduated from the Faculty of Child and Adult Education from the University of Debrecen. She has a bachelor degree in social education and has worked in child, family and elderly care as well and organized summer camps for over 10 years.
Some of her favorite things to do in her spare time are: traveling, hiking, doing craft and spending time with her family.
Favorite Maria Montessori quotes:
“Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence.”
“The child has a mind able to absorb knowledge. He has the power to teach himself.”
Ms. Monina
Administrator
Born and raised in the Philippines, Ms. Monina earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Ateneo de Manila University. After graduation, she moved to New York to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts at The Culinary Institute of America. She then spent eight years working in New York City’s restaurant industry.
In 2013, Ms. Monina and her husband relocated to Raleigh with their 1½-year-old son. Since then, their family has grown, and she is a devoted wife and mother to their four boys, ages 13, 10, 8, and 3. Ms. Monina homeschooled her three eldest sons for four years, from Pre-K through 6th grade, which sparked her passion for education.
Ms. Monina is thrilled to join the TMA family as an Assistant Teacher in the Primary Classroom. She finds great joy & fulfillment in working with children ages 3 to 6, where she witnesses each day their amazing capabilities, under the loving guidance and positive encouragement of their teachers—a testament to the Montessori environment. Monina looks forward to continuing her journey in Early Childhood Education, a field she is deeply passionate about, and is committed to becoming an even more effective educator in years to come.
Favorite Montessori Quote:
“The child is truly a miraculous being, and this should be felt deeply by the educator”
Ms. Ashley
Assistant Toddler Montessori Directress
Ms. Ashley was raised in south Georgia and moved to the NC Triangle area in 1998, after meeting her husband. They have two daughters and Ms.Ashley ran an in home daycare until their children were school age. She then pursued a career in the medical field with an Associates Degree in Applied Science, and after 10 years, she decided to return to child enrichment, with the Montessori philosophies.
Ms. Ashley and her husband enjoy spending time with their family and their active German Shepherd, Max. She enjoys music, reading, crocheting, and watching movies with her husband.
Ms. Sammy
Nido Montessori Directress
Ms. Sammy was born and raised in North Carolina and has always lived in the Triangle area. She currently lives in Cary with her amazing husband who is an accountant and they have a cat named Zeus. In her free time she enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Ms. Sammy has always been interested in early childhood education but nothing truly clicked until she learned about Montessori. She knew then that TMA was where she was meant to be and she is very excited to continue her journey learning along with the kids.
Ms. Tina
Primary Montessori Directress
Ms. Tina started her teaching career in Taiwan in 2011 as a teacher for after school programs. The following year, she studied abroad in Australia and received her Early Childhood Development certificate. In 2012, she moved to the United States, specifically California, to be with her family. Ms. Tina had great interest in learning Montessori methods so she completed her American Montessori Society credential for early childhood in 2013.
Ms. Tina loves how the Montessori teaching method is centered around each child’s unique abilities and focuses on developing strengths. With over 14 years experience working with children, she loves seeing the glow in children’s eyes when they learn new and exciting things! Working with children is her passion!
Ms. Tina moved to North Carolina from California with her husband in 2017 and now has two daughters (2 and 4 years old). She loves spending family time doing activities such as cooking, baking, playing board games, and traveling.
Favorite Montessori quote:
“The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life.”
Ms. Thoa
Toddler Montessori Directress
Ms.Thoa is originally from Atlanta, GA. She received her Bachelor’s in English at Georgia State University in May 2020 but began her journey in Montessori during her capstone class in 2019. The Montessori Method opened a whole new world of education that aligned with her own life principles. It not only changed the way she saw children, but also changed the way she saw the world.
Ms. Thoa became Montessori certified in August 2023, moved to Raleigh, NC at the end of June 2024, and received her R.I.E certification in July 2024. Outside of school, she tries to volunteer as much of her free time to community support and local collectives. Most weekends are spent with her two cats, Minna and Nala, and her boyfriend, Ryan. She enjoys hiking, crocheting, writing, and is an avid reader. Ms. Thoa loves learning so every day she makes sure to do something creative or new!
Ms. Patricia
Assistant Primary Montessori Directress
Ms. Patricia is 24 years old, originally from Cuba, and is happy to join TMA as a Montessori Assistant Teacher. She is bilingual in Spanish and English, and enjoys working in calm, respectful environments where children are encouraged to learn and grow at their own pace.
Ms. Patricia developed a deep appreciation for the Montessori method at a school that she worked at. She loves being part of a team that supports children as they become more confident and independent each day. Ms. Patricia is someone who truly enjoys learning-whether it’s through observing the children, collaborating with teachers, or discovering new ways to support the classroom. In the future, she hopes to become a Speech-Language Pathologist and continue helping children express themselves and thrive. Ms. Patricia is excited to keep growing and learning as part of the TMA community.
Ms. Esmeralda
Assistant Toddler Montessori Directress
Ms. Esmeralda is originally from Nicaragua and has been living in the United States for two years. She found her true passion: supporting, caring for, and learning alongside children at TMA. Ms. Esmeralda has two years of experience working with children here in the U.S., but her love for children began much earlier. In Nicaragua, she helped raise her four nephews, caring for them since they were babies. Through them, she discovered the joy, patience, and unconditional love that children bring into our lives.
Ms. Esmeralda studied at an all-girls Catholic school in Nicaragua, where she grew up surrounded by creativity and strong values. She was a leader in her class, learned gymnastics and music, became the captain of the school band, and served as the school principal’s right hand. Later on, she studied Business Administration and also trained and worked in the field of beauty.
Since moving to the U.S., Ms. Esmeralda has taken several professional development courses related to early childhood education. Her goal is to continue learning and growing within the Montessori method, so she can always give children the best of herself and support them in a respectful, trusting, and loving environment. Ms. Esmeralda truly enjoys building relationships with children, listening to them, observing them, and learning from them every day. She hopes to keep improving her English, continue learning from the children around her, and one day become a certified Montessori teacher—and, most importantly, a trusted adult and friend to your child.
Favorite Maria Montessori Quote:
“Help me to do it by myself.”
Ms. Juliemar
Assistant Nido Montessori Directress
Ms.Juliemar is originally from Puerto Rico where she earned her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Human Resources.
Ms. Juliemar has proudly been working with children for the past 10 years. She has taken several professional development courses related to early childhood education and she has her NC Early Childhood Equivalent Certificate.
Outside of school, Ms. Juliemar enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and her dog Bruno. She loves listening to music and shopping. Ms. Juliemar is excited to join the TMA community.
Ms. Chris
Assistant Toddler Montessori Directress
Ms. Chris was born and raised in Gueydan, Louisiana three hours west of New Orleans. She has two adult married children, a girl and a boy. She also has 8 beautiful grandchildren. Her children and their families currently live in Louisiana and Florida.
Ms. Chris has worked with children for 16 years and has had many opportunities to travel and work in different school environments. Her first experience teaching in a Montessori School was in Fort Pierce, FL. Ms. Chris is a visual and hands on learner so you can imagine seeing a Montessori class for the first time how it all made perfect sense to her. If anyone asks her, Montessori truly works.
Ms. Chris has called North Carolina home now for almost 3 years now. She looks forward to learning and growing with your children as we set out on this new adventure.
Favorite Maria Montessori Quote:
“How much fuller and richer life would be if we saw the child in all his greatness, all his beauty, instead of focusing on all his little mistakes?”
Ms. Guang
Community Support Directress
Bio Coming Soon
Ms. Endrina
Primary Montessori Directress
Ms. Endrina was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello and later moved to Miami with her family, where she completed a Master’s degree in Special Education at Nova Southeastern University. Ms. Endrina has over 20 years of experience in education, including five years in Montessori environments. She has worked in Montessori, Reggio Emilia-inspired, and traditional school settings. Her Montessori journey began when she became a mother and started searching for an educational approach that aligned with her family’s values.
She quickly fell in love with the Montessori philosophy and began applying it at home with her children.
She later joined a Montessori school as an assistant teacher, where she deepened her understanding of the method, and went on to earn her Montessori certification. Most recently, she served as a Lead Teacher in a bilingual Spanish immersion classroom. Ms. Endrina recently relocated to North Carolina with her family and is excited to begin this new chapter at Triangle Montessori Academy. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children, Julián and Carlota.