Faculty and Staff

Toddler Program

 

Aarthy Anbarasan

Toddler Lead Teacher
Prospect Street Campus
aanbarasan@shrewsburymontessori.org

Unable to ignore her curiosity for human development, even though Mrs. Anbarasan started her academic training in science, she later changed career paths to pursue a Masters degree studying sociology. Upon arriving in the U.S., she discovered the magic of the Montessori and her favorite age range, the toddlers. She is an experienced Montessori Toddler Lead Teacher who is skilled at setting up a nurturing environment to guide children to uncover and take ownership for their innate independence and creativity from early on in their educational careers. SMS is incredibly fortunately to be able to obtain Mrs. Anbarasan as our founding Toddler Lead Teacher to start the school’s Toddler program. Apart from working with children, Mrs. Anbarasan enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and caring for her collection of indoor plants. Mrs. Anbarasan has a AMI A to I (birth to 3 year old) Certification from Montessori Training Center Northeast (CT), a Master of Arts in Sociology from Annamalai University (India), and a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Fashion Technology from Reach Institute of Fashion and Information Technology (India).

 

Hanan Bistarine

Toddler Assistant Teacher
Prospect Street Campus
hbistarine@shrewsburymontessori.org

Having obtained her Associate degree in Economics and Management in Morocco, Ms. Bistarine came to the US and started a career in education. Bringing with her seven years of early childhood education experience in various setting, Hanan discovered the power of a Montessori education in the past two years by working in her first Montessori school in the Boston Area. She is excited to join the SMS community as her family recently moved to Central Massachusetts. In her free time, she loves cooking, traveling, gardening, and enjoy the outdoor fun with family.

 

Ellen Dakai

Toddler Lead Teacher
Prospect Street Campus
edakai@shrewsburymontessori.org

Bringing with her seven years of experience in Early Childhood education, Ellen served in the role as the Floater Teacher and Extended Day Coordinator at SMS in the past two years. Having fallen in love with Montessori, Ellen has decided to take on the Toddler Assistant Teacher position to work in a Montessori classroom full time. Ellen has an Associate degree and completed studies in both Early Childhood Education and Human Services from Mass Bay Community College and Fitchburg State University.

 

Rika Ishiwata

Toddler Lead Teacher
Prospect Street Campus
rishiwata@shrewsburymontessori.org

Born and raised in Japan, Mrs. Ishiwata fell in love with working with young children and has worked in two Montessori schools in the past 22 years. As an experienced Toddler and Children’s House Lead Teacher, Mrs. Ishiwata is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential. Mrs. Ishiwata holds a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Lesley College. She has her AMI diploma (3-6) from the Rochester Institute of Montessori Training and AMS Certification (0-3) through the Montessori Institute of New England. In her spare time, Mrs. Ishiwata enjoys baking and spending time with her family.

 

Children’s House

 

Amanda Bristowe

Children’s House Assistant Teacher
Oak Street Campus
abristowe@shrewsburymontessori.org

Ms. Bristowe is an experienced early childhood educator who brings with her 13 years of experience leading her own pre-school aged classroom. She was introduced to and fell in love with the Montessori methodology, and decided to pursue a career in an authentic Montessori school. Ms. Bristowe has a Associate Degree in Science Psychology with an Early Childhood Education Concentration from Becker College. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, woodworking and camping with her family. 

 

Kathy Falcucci

Children’s House Assistant Teacher
Prospect Street Campus
kfalcucci@shrewsburymontessori.org

Ms. Falcucci joined the SMS team in September of 1997. She has an associate degree from Newbury Junior College of Business. Kathy holds a Preschool Teacher certificate through the MA Department of Early Education and Care. She has worked in Children’s House since her start in 1997. Before coming to SMS, Kathy was a stay at home mom raising her three boys. In her spare time, she likes visiting wineries and spending time at North Beach in NH.

 

Madison Gallagher-Gould

Children’s House Assistant Teacher
Oak Street Campus
mgallagher-gould@shrewsburymontessori.org

Ms. Gallagher-Gould began working with children in 2017 while earning her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. From there she became a certified lead preschool teacher and subsequently earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a focus on Childhood Development, from Worcester State University in 2022. Ms. Gallagher-Gould has a love for intentional teaching and child-led learning to help ensure a successful future for each individual child. In her free time, Ms. Gallagher-Gould enjoys being with her family, exploring the outdoors, making music, gardening and learning how to incorporate gratitude in everyday practices.

 

Elizabeth Mason

Children’s House Lead Teacher
Toddler and Children’s House Program Coordinator
Oak Street Campus
emason@shrewsburymontessori.org

Elizabeth has been nurturing and guiding children’s development for thirty years. She earned an AS Degree in Early Childhood Development, followed by her BA Degree in Liberal Arts and Studies with a Psychology Concentration. She is licensed by the MA Department of Early Education and Care as an Infant/Toddler and Preschool Lead Teacher, and is also Director II Certified. Elizabeth attended the Northeast Montessori Institute and received her American Montessori Society Teaching Credential. Spending time with her three children keeps her very busy when she is away from the classroom. She truly basks in the joys of motherhood. Elizabeth loves listening to live music, the ocean, and enjoys summer reading.

 

Teryn McCook

Children’s House Co-Lead Teacher
Oak Street Campus
tmccook@shrewsburymontessori.org

Ms. McCook has been working with children for over fifteen years. After graduating from UMass Amherst with a BA in sociology, she went on to work with foster children in a therapeutic group home setting. Most recently in her career, she was a lead preschool teacher in a daycare center. Prior to this, she opened and ran her own home daycare for three years in order to combine her two passions, being a mother and teaching young children with a focus on nature, sensory experiences, and art. Drawn to the Montessori method, she is looking forward to guiding the children in the Children’s House classroom in their educational journey. In her spare time, Ms. McCook enjoys spending time with her six year old daughter and immersing herself in nature.

 

Lynn Pepin

Children’s House Lead Teacher
Oak Street Campus
lpepin@shrewsburymontessori.org

Ms. Pepin is a seasoned teacher who comes with over 29 years of teaching experience. Lynn has been a Primary Coordinator, Director of Communications and Lead Teacher at several Montessori Schools throughout her career. In addition to her Montessori experience, Lynn has many years of experience as an ABA Specialist where she comes to us from the Auburn Public School District. Lynn is also a Sensorial Assistant at the New England Montessori Training Educational Center (NEMTEC). Lynn is Montessori certified through the North American Montessori Center in Toronto, Canada and she has also earned her degree from Salem State University.  In her spare time, Lynn enjoys spending time with family and relaxing at her family’s lake house.

 

Amanda Peterson

Children’s House Assistant Teacher
Prospect Street Campus
apeterson@shrewsburymontessori.org

A native of Massachusetts, Mrs. Peterson received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Worcester State University, where she incorporated a number of early childhood and elementary education courses, and found her love of teaching. Bringing with her twelve years of experience, Mrs. Peterson’s love and passion for the age 3-6 year olds has attracted her to pursue a continued professional development path in becoming a Montessorian. Mrs. Peterson loves incorporating nature and art in daily curriculum, and loves getting to know each child as their own person. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and family, and always looks forward to traveling, as well as exploring the outdoors.

 

Shloka Shroff

Children’s House Lead Teacher
Prospect Street Campus
sshroff@shrewsburymontessori.org

Mrs. Shroff joined SMS as a Children’s House lead in September 2019. She has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting & Early Childhood Education from the University of Mumbai, India. Shloka holds her Director I and Preschool Lead Teacher certificate through the MA Department of Early Education and Care. She also holds her 3-6 Montessori teaching certification from the Center for Montessori Education in NY. Mrs. Shroff has taught in various capacities over the last 18 years. She also ran a home-based daycare when she lived in Buffalo, NY. In her downtime, Mrs. Shroff enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, listening to music, and gardening.

 

Lower Elementary

 

Christine Abysalh

Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher
Oak Street Campus
cabysalh@shrewsburymontessori.org

Mrs. Abysalh joined the SMS community as a Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher in September 1999. Previously, she had volunteered in Holden Public Schools and worked for Shrewsbury Public Schools in the Special Education Department as a Child Specific Aid. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and traveling to the sandy beaches of Maine.

 

Sarah Bourque

Lower Elementary Lead Teacher
Oak Street Campus
sbourque@shrewsburymontessori.org

Bringing with her more than twenty years of Montessori teaching experience in both Children’s House and Lower Elementary, Ms. Bourque has dedicated her life to helping young children thrive. As a naturalist, Ms. Bourque integrates Monarch Butterfly Guardian into her curriculum to teach students about environmental preservation and involves students in the care of endangered species. Ms. Bourque holds Montessori certifications in both Children’s House and Lower Elementary. She also obtained a Bachelor Degree from Framingham State University. As a nature lover, she enjoys camping, kayaking and time with her family.

 

Krista Hale

Lower Elementary Lead Teacher
Lower Elementary Coordinator
Oak Street Campus
khale@shrewsburymontessori.org

Mrs. Hale began her career at SMS in 2011. After working as a Lower Elementary Assistant and finding a passion for the Montessori philosophy, she pursued her Montessori certification. She completed her training in Elementary I (6-9) in 2015 from the AMS certified Montessori Education Teacher Training Collaborative and has enjoyed being a Lower Elementary Lead Teacher ever since. Krista graduated from Salve Regina University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Business Administration and furthered her schooling in Elementary Education at Worcester State University. We are fortunate to also have Mrs. Hale help chaperone the 6th Year students on the Bahamas trip for four years. In her free time, she loves cheering on all Boston sports teams.

Upper Elementary

 

Alexa Adams

Upper Elementary Assistant Teacher
Oak Street Campus
aadams@shrewsburymontessori.org

Ms. Adams single heartedly pursued a career path in elementary education since her undergraduate years. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Worcester State University, Alexa brings with her Teaching Fellow and Instructional Assistant experience from a variety of backgrounds, such as the Old Sturbridge Academy and the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. Alexa is excited to start her teaching career with the SMS community as an Upper Elementary Assistant. In her free time, Alexa enjoys reading and spending time with her family. 

 

Talia Harris

Upper Elementary Lead Teacher
Oak Street Campus
tharris@shrewsburymontessori.org

Having attended Montessori schools from first to sixth grade, Mrs. Harris intimately understands the deep impact a Montessori education can have on a child or life. Steamed from her desire to truly see and meet students’ needs, she devoted her career to working with students with special needs for the past decade. Mrs. Harris is no stranger to independent schools and culture either, as she served as the Lead Teacher at Manville School in Boston whose mission is centered around helping students with learning differences for six years. “Following the child” is her educational mantra, and she is excited to contribute her skills and experiences to her SMS classroom as a Montessori teacher. She looks forward to receiving Montessori training and deepening her experience at SMS. Her favorite subject to teach is science and enjoys hiking in the mountains, spending time with her family and friends, as well as baking and cooking. She has a Master of Science in Integrated Elementary and Special Education from Wheelock College (MA), and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Hartwick College (NY).

 

Johanna Wilbur

Upper Elementary Lead Teacher
Upper Elementary Program Coordinator
Oak Street Campus
jwilbur@shrewsburymontessori.org

Johanna grew up in central Massachusetts and received her Bachelor’s in Russian Language and Literature from Harvard University. She then studied elementary education at Smith College where she received a Masters of Education. During her time at Smith, she worked as a research assistant for a study about the long-term success rates of Montessori-educated children. This is how she first fell in love with Montessori education. She holds both 6-9 and 9-12 certifications from the Center for Montessori Training and Education which has now become the Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative. After a decade of teaching in Montessori classrooms, she went back to Mount Holyoke to study math education and received a second Master’s degree in Math Teaching. She has two children, three dogs, and loves reading, knitting, and going for long walks.

Co-Curricular Teachers

 

Robin Bellinger

Art and Gardening Teacher
rbellinger@shrewsburymontessori.org

Ms. Bellinger is an experienced artist and art educator who has fourteen years of experience working in schools, nonprofits and owns her art studio. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Teaching children and making art, inside and outdoors are Robin’s passions. In her spare time, Mrs. Bellinger enjoys reading, nature, hiking, biking, swimming and spending time going on adventures with her family. 

 

Cindy Erle

Librarian
cerle@shrewsburymontessori.org

Mrs. Erle joined the teaching staff at SMS in 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern University, Masters of Education, Elementary 1-6, from Anna Maria College, and a Masters of Education, Library K-12, from Cambridge College. Mrs. Erle taught fifth and sixth grades and served as librarian at Sherwood Middle School in Shrewsbury before moving on to the Nashoba Regional district as a school librarian in elementary and middle school. She retired from teaching in the public sector after 22 years. Of course, she loves to read in her spare time, but she also enjoys spending time with her family, weaving, rug hooking, scrapbooking, and all crafts.

 

Lisa Danielson

World Language Teacher, French
ldanielson@shrewsburymontessori.org

A lifelong Shrewsbury resident, Lisa is excited to return to teaching in her hometown at Shrewsbury Montessori School. She is a graduate of Hamilton College where she spent her junior year studying in France as a French major. She continued her education at Boston University where she received her Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Modern Romance languages. She has over 20 years of experience teaching French and coaching athletes of all ages in track and field, cross country, and strength training. During a brief hiatus from teaching, Lisa continued to work with students and adults as a personal trainer and yoga instructor. An avid runner who has completed 29 marathons, she still runs for the Boston Athletic Association’s women’s masters team. In her free time, she enjoys all kinds of fitness including running, cycling, strength training, and walking on the beach with her husband and yellow lab, Sonny.

 

Mark Kobel

Technology Teacher
Technology Coordinator
mkobel@shrewsburymontessori.org

Mr. Kobel joins Shrewsbury Montessori School after teaching Technology/Engineering for 36 years. He received his bachelor and master degrees from Fitchburg State University and a STEM certification from UMass Boston. He has taught T/E classes including digital photography, digital video production, vex robotics, graphic arts, auto maintenance, woodworking, drafting, 3D computer modeling, and 3D printing all with a focus on helping students to develop skills for solving real-world problems. When not at SMS he enjoys music, gardening, photography, home maintenance projects, and playing guitar.

 

Jane Mills

Music Teacher
jmills@shrewsburymontessori.org

Ms. Mills brings with her 30 years of experience in music education. She has worked at a variety of public and independent school settings. Jane’s teaching career also includes having been the Head Woodwind Coach for The North East Youth Symphony Orchestra (NEYSO) and instructor for The University of New Hampshire’s Chamber Music Institute. Jane is passionate about teaching music and strives to help her students enjoy creating music while living up to their own unique potential. Jane graduated from The Hartt School, with majors in clarinet performance and music education and studied for a year in Paris, France with Guy Deplus, principal clarinetist with the Paris Opera. She is an active member of the Connecticut Music Educators Association. In addition to her love of teaching music and playing many instruments, Jane enjoys composing music, learning languages, and creating art. Jane’s teaching has been recognized by The Connecticut Music Educators Association and The New Haven Symphony and she is a published composer with GPG Music. Jane is excited to be a part of the SMS faculty.

Extended Day Program

Collette Davis

Extended Day Program Coordinator
office@shrewsburymontessori.org

A devoted mother of four and passionate educator, Collette brings heart, joy, and purpose to everything she does. Originally from Jamaica, she’s known for her love of soul music, seafood, and helping others — especially children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she opened her home to 25 students and started a breakfast program for those in need, showing her deep commitment to community and education.

She enjoys reading, gardening, playing dominoes, and singing and dancing with her students. A former netball player and lifelong sports fan, she believes that learning should be fun, inclusive, and full of compassion. Her favorite quote: “A good teacher must be able to put herself in the place of those who find learning hard.”

SMS offers a robust Extended Day Program consisted of a total of 12 dedicated staff members. For Families, please direct all communication to office@shrewsburymontessori.org, 508-842-2116, Monday-Friday, 8:00-3:30pm. For aftercare hours Monday-Friday, 3:30-5:30pm, dial extension x210 for Oak Street Campus and x106 for Prospect Street Campus.

Support Staff

 

Allyson Brunner

Learning Specialist
abrunner@shrewsburymontessori.org

Mrs. Brunner earned her M.Ed. in Special Education and B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Toledo in Ohio. Trained in Fundations through the Wilson Language Training and Orton-Gillingham through the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education, she brings to SMS over 12 years of experience of instructing diverse learners in a variety of educational settings in Ohio, Arizona and Massachusetts. With a passion for literacy and educating the whole child, Mrs. Brunner is looking forward to supporting the students, families and staff as Learning Specialist. Outside of the classroom, you can find Mrs. Brunner at the beach, walking her dog with her husband or cheering on her son’s football team.

 

Kyra Delano

Administrative Assistant
Oak Street Campus
office@shrewsburymontessori.org
Kyra grew up in western New York where she graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She is a classically trained clarinetist, playing since age 10. She is an avid reader and loves the theater. At home, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and spoiling her two dogs, five cats, and the quaker parrot.”

 

Alayna Macina

Nurse
nurse@shrewsburymontessori.org

Alayna is a registered nurse who received her ASN from Lawrence Memorial/ Regis College and her BSN from Southern New Hampshire University. She began her nursing career caring for medically fragile patients at Seven Hills Pediatric Center and then worked in the intensive needs classroom in the Grafton Public Schools. Most recently, Alayna was a school nurse at an elementary school in the Marlborough Public School System. She lives in Northborough with her husband and their daughter Adaline. Along with spending time with her family, she enjoys going on walks, skiing, and going to the beach.