Staff

(We have not yet added staff that joined our team over summer 2025. We will soon! Thank you for your patience!)

Alejandra Corona Ortega, Upper Elementary Guide (Birch)
alejandra.coronaortega@elmcitymontessori.org

Alejandra (she/her) is a Mexican migrant who has called New Haven her home for over ten years. Her background is in Ethnic Studies and Education. She is currently working on her Connecticut Teacher Certification with the Relay Graduate School of Education. She is an ardent believer in education as a tool for social justice.

Alexzandria(Zan) Smith, Building Substitute Teacher
zan.smith@elmcitymontessori.org

My name is Alexzandria, though I go by Zan (she/her). I grew up in Trumbull, Connecticut, and earned my bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Eastern Connecticut State University. My interest in Montessori education began during my junior year of college. I fell in love with the emphasis of independence, curiosity, and care that the Montessori philosophy nurtures in children. Outside of the classroom, I am an avid animal lover who enjoys spending my time with the dog, Leo, and my two cats, Percy and Phoebe.

Alizey Gonzalez, Primary Classroom Assistant (Maple)
alizey.gonzalez@elmcitymontessori.org

Alizey (she/her) is a born and raised New Haven native, graduating from NHPS. A recent graduate gaining her Associates’ Degree in Early Childhood Education, she has worked with children since 2019 from ages 0-13. She has an almost 2 year old daughter Jayeliz who is her world, and two pets Neeko (dog) and Midas (kitten)! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, coloring/drawing, or playing video games!

Allison Padron, Primary Classroom Assistant (Willow)
allison.padron@elmcitymontessori.org

Allison Padron (she/her) has worked with kids in a variety of professional settings since her teenage years. She graduated from Rowan University with dual degrees in Elementary Education and Literacy Studies in 2021, and obtained her Master’s in Writing in 2023. Her passions include storytelling, hiking, camping, and trying local coffee shops. She moved from New Jersey to New Haven in May 2025 with her husband and their three cats, and is enjoying all Connecticut has to offer. 

Amy Schlank, Director of Student Support
amy.schlank@elmcitymontessori.org

Amy (she/her) grew up in Bethany, Connecticut. She holds her B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and her M.A. in Elementary Education from the University of New Haven. She also holds her Sixth-Year 092 Administrative Certification in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University. She has always believed in the mission of this school and in the ability of purposeful education to have an impact on communities. In her free time, she enjoys quilting, hiking, photography, and cooking!

Beatrice Maron Schaeffer, Upper Elementary Classroom Assistant (Oak)
beatrice.maronschaeffer@elmcitymontessori.org

Bea (she/her) grew up in Yonkers, NY and recently graduated from Yale with a B.A. in English and a Certificate in Education Studies. She has long been a supporter of public education, having attended public schools for 14 years herself, and she is especially excited to be working at a school that pairs its public Montessori curriculum with an ABAR one. She hopes to earn a Master’s degree and become a teacher herself someday. For now, in her free time, Bea loves to sing and play her guitar with her friends, cuddle with her kitten, Clover, bake cookies, and spend lots of time outdoors. 

Blerta Sejdiu, Nurse
nurse@elmcitymontessori.org

Blerta (she/her) is the registered nurse at Elm City Montessori. This will be her first year here but she has had the privilege of working in New Haven public schools for a few years now. She is passionate about working with children and families and can’t wait to meet everyone. She is aiming to become a family nurse practitioner and outside of work, she enjoys family time, the beach, tennis, and exploring different cultures.  

Cristin Gress, Special Education Teacher (Primary/Lower Elementary)
cristin.gress@elmcitymontessori.org

Cristin (she/her) has lived in Connecticut for most of her life. She has an undergraduate BA from Paier College of Art and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Central Connecticut State University. She has previously worked in another district managing a resource room for 7 years and a self contained classroom for 3 years. She is passionate about working with young students with disabilities and helping them gain the skills they need to become lifelong learners. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, hiking with her dogs, art projects and reading. 

Carolina Silva, Primary Guide (Maple)
carolina.silva@elmcitymontessori.org

Carolina (she/her) is originally from Venezuela. She has lived in Connecticut for the past 25 years and has a BS in Individual Study/Child Study. Carolina has 19 years of experience working as a Preschool teacher, including 11 years at Montessori on Edgewood. In 2018 she started in ECMS as a Primary Assistant. In January 2022, she stepped in as a Primary Guide in the Maple classroom, a role that fills my life with joy and satisfaction. She is a defender of animals; wolves are my favorite.

Coriel Gaffney, Special Education Teacher
coriel.gaffney@elmcitymontessori.org

Coriel Gaffney (she/her, AKA Ms. Cory) is a proud New Haven native, a daughter of NHPS educators, and a graduate of NHPS herself (Go Governors!). She just returned home after two decades teaching in Brooklyn, NY, the past five leading a neurodiverse Universal Prekindergarten classroom. Coriel has also served as a CUNY Adjunct Professor, as a Curriculum Writer and as a middle school Teaching Artist. She holds an MSEd in Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families from the City University of New York (CUNY) and an MFA in Creative Writing, also from CUNY. She is dually certified in General Education and Students with Disabilities (SPED) and is excited to be joining the Academic Support team. She hopes to make learning accessible, meaningful and joyful and to leverage the strengths of all of the children with whom she will work. Coriel has two children of her own, a kindergartener (who attends ECMS) and a third grader. In her spare time she enjoys hanging with her family, biking, walking, being outside as much as possible, listening to education and psychology podcasts, reading novels and exploring her old/new town. 

Daniela Wilches Suarez, Upper Elementary Classroom Assistant (Birch)
daniela.wilchessuarez@elmcitymontessori.org

Daniela (she/her) is originally from Bogotá, Colombia, and has called New Haven home for the past three years. She holds a BS in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Elementary Education, and is currently working toward her Connecticut Teacher Certification. Daniela loves spending time with her husband and their two dogs, exploring hiking trails, trying out new restaurants, and enjoying board games with friends. She is passionate about building community, sharing her culture, and creating joyful, inclusive spaces for learning and connection. 

Dave Weinreb, Magnet Resource Teacher
david.weinreb@elmcitymontessori.org

Dave (he/him) is passionate about building effective school systems, championing adult learning and human resources, and enriching school life with partnership and connection. Since moving to New Haven in 2015 he has taught 5th grade Spanish-speaking newcomers at the Fair Haven School, founded the City of New Haven’s LGBTQ Youth Task Force and Yale’s Code Haven, served as a Board Member of the Fair Haven Community Management Team and as adjunct faculty at Relay Graduate School of Education and Quinnipiac University’s School of Education.  Previously, he worked as the founding high school placement director, staff recruitment lead, enrichment coordinator, and technology enthusiast for The Equity Project (TEP) Charter School in Washington Heights, NYC. He earned his M.Ed. in School Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, bilingual/TESOL cross endorsement via ARCTELL, and B.A. in History and Urban Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Diane Flowers, Business Manager
diane.flowers@elmcitymontessori.org

Diane (she/her), a native Marylander, has lived in Connecticut since 2013. With a BA in English, she pursued a career in education and taught Pre-K and middle school English and History. She eventually moved to California, where she lived for 7 years, and had the opportunity to experience working for a toy company. This gave her experience and insight into several aspects of business management. It was also a fun place to work, as you can imagine. After leaving California to be closer to family and friends, she started substitute teaching for a charter school in Washington, DC. Eventually, she became the Office Manager there, and then the school’s Business Manager. After her move to Connecticut, she worked for Hartford Schools and for a local non-profit. Now, she finds herself back in the field of education, excited to make a difference, in some small way, in the lives of children in New Haven. Fun fact: Between working and moving from state to state, she found time to attend and graduate from the Esthiology program at The Aveda Institute. She loves all things health and beauty.

Eliza Caldwell, Lower Elementary Assistant (Cedar)
eliza.caldwell@elmcitymontessori.org

Eliza (she/her) grew up in Bethany Connecticut. She has a Spanish teaching license from Southern. Since 2011, she has worked in various roles with children: summer camps, after school programs, language instruction and improv classes. She loves working with the Cedar students and seeing them learn and grow every day. In her free time, she enjoys identifying plants, admiring insects, and doing improv comedy.

Emily Sorensen, SEL Coordinator
emily.sorensen@elmcitymontessori.org

Emily (she/her) grew up in Washington state and spent 7 years living in Tokyo before moving to the East Coast. She earned her Master of Social work degree in 2023. She has professional experience in both school and clinical settings, supporting adolescent well-being. Emily is passionate about helping young people understand themselves and build skills for resilience and connection. Outside of work, she enjoys pottery, knitting, baking, and spending time with family.

Erin Burgett, Primary Guide (Sassafras)
erin.burgett@elmcitymontessori.org

Erin (she/her) is a native of New Haven who has been teaching for nearly 20 years in the US and abroad. Her passion for education was strengthened during her earliest teaching experiences in Connecticut (in 1997!!). After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Erin moved to Florence, Italy where she earned her TEFL certificate and began teaching English to children of ages spanning pre-K to high school. Additionally, during her seven years in Italy, she worked as a lead teacher in an early childhood center in Florence and participated at several Reggio Emilia educational conferences. After concluding her working and living experience in Florence, Erin returned to the United States to pursue her graduate degree in Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York, where she graduated Cum Laude with a dual Master’s in Early Childhood and Childhood education. Upon finishing her graduate degree, Erin accepted a position at Cold Spring School in New Haven where she taught in a combined second/third grade classroom. In 2017 Erin joined Elm City Montessori, and began a new educational journey. She completed her Montessori training and received her AMI certification in 2020.

Esther Wallace, Primary Assistant (Hickory)
esther.wallace@elmcitymontessori.org

After over a decade at a top tier investment bank, Esther (she/her) fell in love with the Montessori method while looking at childcare options for her twins. It quickly became an obsession and so, a lifelong learner, eager to put her passion to work, she attended AMS Infant Toddler training which led to Assistant and Lead Guide roles at private Montessori schools. She is currently pursuing her AMI Primary Certification and holds a BS in Information Technology and an MS in Finance. Outside of ECMS, she enjoys family life, walks at the beach, and dabbling in her various hobbies. She is an ECMS mom and teacher who ardently believes in self directed education and the inherent potential of ALL children.

Farha Abubakar, Primary Swing Assistant (Maple/Mulberry)
farha.abubaker@elmcitymontessori.org

Farha (she/her) came from the country of Eritrea and she loves exploring different cultures. Her hobby has always been reading since she was young, and reading books in her native tongue, Arabic, brings her comfort. Her greatest joy in life is her family.

Florisca Carter, Director of Finance and Operations
florisca.carter@elmcitymontessori.org

Florisca Carter (she/her) was born and raised in Dominica in the West Indies. She is passionate about school operations and has led school operations teams for over 17 years in NY and CT. She is the founding Director of School Operations for two charter schools in Bridgeport, CT. She has served on the Mayor’s Charter Revision Board in Bridgeport and currently serves as a member of the DEI and school climate committee in her home district ER9. She is a current board member of The Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport. Previous board member affiliations include Fairfield County Habitat for Humanity and the Stratfield Historic District. She is a graduate of Berklee College of Music where she majored in Performance Studies. She is a music enthusiast, particular interested in Reggae, Soul, Zouk, and Gospel genres.

Garrett Frye-Mason, Erdkinder Math Guide
garrett.frye-mason@elmcitymontessori.org

Garrett (he/him) is overjoyed to be serving on the incredible Erdkinder team as the new math guide. Originally from the high desert of New Mexico, he graduated Magna cum laude from Yale University with a B.S. in Economics, where he adored learning how to apply mathematical concepts to the real world, collective struggles, and human relationships. He is currently enrolled in the Relay Graduate School of Education, as he hopes to learn more about building a long career in education in New Haven. He loves primary colors, board games, and listening to Shakira on long walks with his dog Ivy.

Heidi Crosby, Upper Elementary Guide (Pine)
heidi.crosby@elmcitymontessori.org

Heidi (she/her) has an elementary teaching degree from the Association Montessori Internationale and has been using it teaching and assisting at Elm City Montessori since 2018. When she is not living and breathing all things Montessori, she is making art, cooking and laughing with her children, or walking the family dog, Milo.

Holly Stemphowski, SEL Coordinator
holly.stemphowski@elmcitymontessori.org

Holly (she/her) has worked with young children and their families in West Haven and Hamden since 2012. She graduated from Post University with a B.S. in Child Studies and is a fellow of the UCONN PreK-Grade 3 Leadership Program. She serves as a board member of the Greater New Haven Region Chapter of CTAEYC (CT Association for the Education of Young Children), and has a passion for improving young lives and encouraging their healthy social and emotional development. Holly is a long time board member and cheerleading coach for the West Haven Seahawks Youth Football and Cheerleading League. In her down time, Holly enjoys baking, reading, and beach days with her 7 year old twins, and spending quality time with good friends and family.

Jegbe Fasoranti, Environmental Educator
jegbe.Fasoranti@elmcitymontessori.org

Jegbe (he/him) has been leading young people for over a decade in a variety of activities, from creative writing to capoeira to outdoor exploration and plenty in between.  His passion is empowering inquiring minds to question, investigate, and problem solve in the most joyful way possible.

Jennifer Langlois, Social Worker
jennifer.langlois@elmcitymontessori.org

Jennifer (she/her) has her Masters degree in Social Work from Fordham University. She did her undergraduate work in Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University. She was born and raised in West Haven Connecticut and truly loves the neighbor city of New Haven. Before coming to ECMS  Jennifer worked at a preschool for 4 years, supporting children through developmental stages and gaining skills in social and emotional learning. Jennifer fell in love with ECMS when she learned the Montessori philosophy allows the children to guide the work. Jennifer is committed to helping the ECMS community grow in their social and emotional learning. 

Jennifer Mayanja, Academic Support Interventionist
jennifer.mayanja@elmcitymontessori.org

Jennifer Mayanja (she/her) brings diverse educational experiences to Elm City Montessori, grounded in a BA in English/Creative Writing with an emphasis in fiction writing and a deep commitment to student-centered learning. Over four years at a Bridgeport charter school, she served as both a reading specialist and academic interventionist, creatively leveraging her English background to enhance middle school math learning. Internationally, she taught for several years first-year university students in Berlin, focusing on the intersections of music production, cultural studies, and artist development, drawing on decades of creative practice in the music industry. Her foundational educational philosophy centers on meeting students where they are, with consistent respect and empathetic understanding of individual needs.

Though relatively new to the New Haven area, Jennifer has personal connections to the community, with her young adult children currently attending local high school and college. She is passionate about her current role at Elm City Montessori, where she aims to empower students by cultivating their self-belief and determination, through mathematical learning.

Joelle Rosenbuell, Lower Elementary Guide (Chestnut)
joelle.rosenbuell@elmcitymontessori.org

Joelle (she/her) grew up in New Haven, CT.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Teaching from Clark University. After working in traditional public education, Joelle found Montessori and her passion for teaching was reignited. The joy for learning and creating in the Chestnut classroom makes each day feel new and exciting! She now has the pleasure of also being an ECMS parent and watching her own child blossom in the Montessori environment.  Joelle enjoys spending time with her family out in nature, crafting, sewing and reading a good book.

John Freeman, Montessori Consultant
john.freeman@elmcitymontessori.org

John Freeman (he/him) has taught public Montessori at the lower elementary level and has been principal of a public Montessori school. In addition, John has worked as a reading specialist and as a central office based language arts consultant. In addition to ECMS, John currently works through a CT SDE grant as a reading coach to multiple CT public school districts.

Jordan Bacon, Upper Elementary Guide (Oak)
jordan.bacon@elmcitymontessori.org

Jordan (he/him) grew up in Milford and has lived in CT all his life.  He graduated in 2018 from Fairfield University with BA in Studio Art with a double Minor in Education and Classical Studies. He is an active painter, loves learning and teaching and is very passionate about ABAR work. Jordan is currently training to earn his Masters in Education with a focus in Montessori at the University of Hartford. He hopes to be finished by the end of 2024.

Jorgie Bruckmann, Lower Elementary Assistant (Chestnut)
jorgie.bruckmann@elmcitymontessori.org

Jorgie was born and raised in New Haven and went to Wilbur Cross High School and Gateway Community College. She is an artist and fashion designer. She loves spending time in nature and cooking. 

Julia Mannarino, Lower Ementary Guide (Willow)
julia.mannarino@elmcitymontessori.org

Julia (they/she) has spent most of their life in Connecticut and currently lives in East Haven. They are majoring in University Studies with a concentration in Elementary Montessori with a minor in Psychology at the University of Hartford. Julia has spent the last 5 years working in Montessori classrooms at the primary and lower elementary levels and is very passionate about Montessori education! In their free time they enjoy rollerblading, yoga, sunsets, and spending time with their bird, Sage and other loved ones.

Julia Webb, Principal 
julia.webb@elmcitymontessori.org

Julia Webb (she/her) has a BA from Dartmouth College and an Ed.M. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College Columbia University. She attributes her passion for teaching and learning to her own experiences as a child in a Montessori School and later as a student in New Haven Public Schools. Julia has spent the last 15 years as a teacher and leader in public schools in New York City and New Haven. In this work, Julia has developed systems for coaching teachers and for student social emotional growth and mastery of skill and content. Julia is committed to creating meaningful and challenging learning environments for adults and children to grow.

Kyoungsook Song, Primary Guide (Mulberry)
kyoungsook.song@elmcitymontessori.org

Kyoungsook Song (she/her) holds an LLB from Seoul National University in South Korea and AMI diploma in Primary education from the Montessori Training Center Northeast (MTCNE). She has her Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education through University of Hartford. She has been with ECMS since the school opened in 2014. She has also worked as a Sunday School teacher for 1-5 year-old children at the New Haven Korean Church and as a Korean language teacher at the New Haven Korean School since 2008.

Lars Boyle, Music Teacher
lars.boyle@elmcitymontessori.org

Lars (they/them) graduated from The Hartt School with their Music Education degree in 2021, and has since participated in a variety of musical and educational experiences. They are passionate about making music interesting and accessible to all, and they’re excited to bring that to Elm City Montessori School. Outside of school they enjoy performing, cooking, and hanging out with their cat.

Laura Salazar, Lower Elementary Guide (Cedar)
laura.salazar@elmcitymontessori.org

Laura (she/her), originally from Mexico, moved to the U.S. about 12 years ago to learn the English language, experience American culture, and seek opportunities beyond those available to her in her hometown. Laura fell in love with the Montessori Method while volunteering at a local school in her community in Boston MA and has passionately pursued broadening and enriching her own explorations of the Montessori method since. She holds her Early Childhood Education Montessori Certification from The American Montessori Society and an Associate Degree in Education from Bunker Hill Community College. Laura has been working as an assistant and guide in Montessori schools for a decade while continuously attending Montessori related workshops and events throughout the country. She has also taught Spanish in schools, public libraries, and parenting groups. Laura is currently working on getting her B.S. in Child Studies and Connecticut Teacher Certification with Charter Oak State College.

Maria Mariani, Reading Interventionist
maria.mariani@elmcitymontessori.org

Maria (she/her) comes to ECMS with over 14 years of teaching experience and has her CT Teaching Certification in Elementary Education. She is passionate about guiding children toward strategies that help them become confident readers.  Her teaching career began in the Bronx, where she grew up, and then onto the North Shore of MA. While in MA she began a hiatus to raise her children and then moved to CT to be closer to her large extended family.  Maria found her way back to teaching by working part time as a reading tutor in the New Haven and Bethany Public Schools. She is thrilled to learn and grow within the ECMS community.

Marifrances Cooney, Primary Guide (Cherry)
marifrances.cooney@elmcitymontessori.org

Marifrances (she/her) has been involved in Montessori education since 1994. She holds an AMS Early Childhood certification for the Center for Montessori Education/NY, a B.A. in Psychology and Child Studies from Charter Oak State College, and an M.Ed. in Montessori Early Childhood Education from the College of New Rochelle. Marifrances is the Early Childhood Practical Life presenter and a field consultant for the Center for Montessori/NY. Previously she was a founding member of Great Beginnings Montessori school in Fairfield, and a head teacher and assistant primary coordinator at Hudson Country Montessori in Danbury.

Mia Estadella, Primary Classroom Assistant (Sassafras)
mia.estadella@elmcitymontessori.org

Mia (she/her) is a native New Yorker and proud graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory where she earned her B.F.A in Music Theatre Performance. She is a certified sailing instructor, a small business owner and has been an early childhood educator for ten years. When Mia isn’t supporting young minds, she enjoys songwriting, discussing currents with her cat, Oliver, spending quality time with loved ones, learning from nature, and making new and lasting connections. 

Nicola Watterson, Primary Guide (Hickory)
nicola.watterson@elmcitymontessori.org

Nicola (she/her) brings her passion for education and dedication to children to the Hickory classroom each year. She has experience working in private Montessori schools both in her native Scotland, and her adopted home here in Connecticut, and has worked at ECMS since 2018 first as an assistant as she earned state certification and then as a lead guide when our newest primary classroom opened in 2019. Nicola earned a BS in Psychology from University of Stirling (Scotland) and a primary AMI diploma from MTCNE in Hartford. She is proud to be an ECMS parent and teacher and is committed to providing an authentic Montessori experience to the children who join the Hickory family

Ramya Subramanian, Montessori Coach
ramya.subramanian@elmcitymontessori.org

Ramya (she/her) is excited to bring her practice of the Montessori method to the public sector, after having taught at an independent Montessori school in Milford since 2009. Her passion for the method stems from having watched her daughter thrive in a Montessori school, and her own continued love of learning.  She holds a BA, MA, and M.Phil  in English Literature and Linguistics from Madras University, and an MLS from Rutgers University.  Her Montessori credentials include AMS Certification in Primary and Elementary I and II. She also holds Connecticut State Certification in Elementary Education. When she is not at school or making materials, she is out hiking in the woods with her dog, Tulsi.

Reena Thakur, Primary Assistant (Hickory)
reena.thakur@elmcitymontessori.org

Reena (she/her) grew up in Varanasi, India. She has been living in New Haven since 2005. She holds a Masters degree in Hindi language. She is passionate about working with children and loves cooking and going on long walks.

Ryan Lajoie, Physical Education/Health Guide
ryan.lajoie@elmcitymontessori.org

Ryan (she/her) is from Norwalk, CT and joined the ECMS team as a Physical Education teacher in August 2022. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and is in the process of getting her Masters in School Health Education at SCSU now! She has played sports since she was five years old and started coaching softball when she was 18. She is very excited to start her teaching journey here and has had an amazing time getting to know her students, coworkers and the parents at this school!

Sam Ascencio, Upper Elementary Assistant (Pine)
sam.ascencio@elmcitymontessori.org

Sam (he/they/xe) is excited to support the children and community at Elm City Montessori. A genderfluid advocate and educator, Sam brings a passion for creating safe, joyful, and inclusive spaces where every child can thrive. Before joining ECMS, Sam founded Q’onnections, a mentorship program for LGBTQIA+ students, and has worked with schools and organizations across the country to build equity-focused programs that center belonging, creativity, and care.

As a genderfluid, award-winning researcher in Queer Education & Social Advocacy, Sam founded Q’onnections—an initiative cultivating LGBTQIA+ student mentors and advancing equity across higher education. In their role as Associate McNair Scholar, three-time CUNY Peer Leader, and two-year HASTAC Scholar, they’ve collaborated with institutions such as Walmart, The Steve Fund, and several US colleges to elevate LGBTQ+ centers, services, and pedagogy.

Featured in The New College Classroom, CUNY TV Shades of Us, Spotify, and YouTube, Sam has presented at the American Association of Colleges and Universities, The CUNY Graduate Center, and the NYC Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). Their current research, From the Ones Doing the Work: Exploring the LGBTQ+ Service Landscape in Urban Higher Education, is being presented at multiple conferences throughout 2025.

Xe enjoys helping students discover their voices, celebrate differences, and develop confidence in themselves as learners and community members.

Samm Leska, Erdkinder Humanities Guide
samm.leska@elmcitymontessori.org

Samm (she/her) has taught for the past nine years in middle and high schools in New Haven and Westport. She loves the relationships she develops with students and watching students blossom in their thinking and learning. She has a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College in Boston and has minors in Philosophy, Sociology, and Political Science. After teaching for two years, she went back to graduate school at the University of Toronto where she earned a degree in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development and an additional focus in Education Policy. Samm now lives in Westville with her husband, Brendan, her daughter, Cici, and her dog, Oscar. She loves to swim, spend time with her family and friends, and cook delicious food!

Sade Jean-Jacques, Director of Anti-Bias Anti-Racism
sade.jean-jacques@elmcitymontessori.org 

Sade (she/her) has worked as a social justice educator in higher education and with school districts across the state of Connecticut. She comes to us with over 10 years of experience working with faculty, staff, students, administrators and community members on issues related to equity and inclusion. Sade values the intersection of wellness and equity and doing work that allow for people to live well and whole. She is also an interdisciplinary doula with Earth’s Natural Touch: Birth Care & Beyond as well as a certified lactation counselor. Sade received her bachelor of science in Community Health Education and her master of arts degree in Community Social Psychology both from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Susan Clark, Lower Elementary Guide (Ginkgo)
susan.clark@elmcitymontessori.org

Susan Clark (she/her) is an AMI-trained Elementary guide with 24 years of classroom experience. She has worked as a consultant at several area Montessori schools and is a Course Assistant for the Montessori Training Center Northeast. Susan is holds a Masters of Education with a Montessori Concentration from  the University of Hartford. Helping to grow the Elementary program at Elm City Montessori right now feels just right.

Tahjay Rowe, Lower Elementary Assistant (Ginkgo)
tahjay.rowe@elmcitymontessori.org

Originally from Jamaica, Tahjay (he/him) moved to New Haven in 2015, graduating from Wilbur Cross High School in 2018. He has enjoyed getting to watch each child’s unique personality emerge. Tahjay is currently working to become a veterinary assistant, and in his free time, he enjoys trying new foods, enjoying calm sceneries, going on hikes, and spending time by the water.

Tenzin Youdon, Yale Intern
tenzin.youdon@yale.edu

Tenzin Youdon is a sophomore at Yale University majoring in Political Science while also pursuing a certificate in Education Studies. Growing up in the New Haven community and New Haven Public Schools she has always had a passion for serving under resourced schools. She is committed to building a bridge between Yale and New Haven funneling the resources she has at Yale to help New Haven schools Flourish. Outside of that, she serves as the president of Yale UNICEF and currently interns for the CT Secretary of the State. She began volunteering for Elm City Montessori last year and is so excited to be back.

Tiffany Watson, Classroom Assistant (Mulberry)
tiffany.watson@elmcitymontessori.org

Tiffany (she/her) is the swing assistant for Maple and Mulberry. She has over 20 years experience working with children and their families in a variety of Pre-K to 8 settings. She is committed to creating a safe, loving, enjoyable and inclusive learning environment for all students. Beyond the classroom, she is a proud mother of 4 amazing children, an illustrious Brooklynite, a lover of music and dance, and a novice painter. 

Victoria Rodriguez, Operations Associate
victoria.rodriguez@elmcitymontessori.org

Victoria (she/her) comes to us with more than ten years of experience working as a paralegal and managing an office. Originally from Mexico, she moved to the United States at five years old and identifies as a true native of New Haven! She enjoys writing, reading, working out and volunteering within the community. She is fluent in Spanish and has a passion for children and immigration rights and has children attending ECMS!

Yeon Young, Primary Swing Assistant (Cherry and Sassafras)
Yeon.Young@elmcitymontessori.org

Yeon Young (she/her) grew up in South Korea before coming to the United States as an international student, and has since called Pennsylvania, Chicago, and now New Haven home. She studied Fine Art with an emphasis on Photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and loves bringing her creativity into the classroom. Inspired by her journey as an ECMS parent, Yeon Young is passionate about nurturing children’s curiosity, growth, and joy in learning. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys practicing art, cooking, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family.