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“Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.”
Maria Montessori

Faculty & Staff Directory

Our entire staff focuses on your child as a person. Montessori teachers are facilitators, mentors, and coaches who nurture a student’s potential and encourage him or her to explore, investigate, and discover. We are proud to have some of the region’s top educators guiding our students through their journey toward a lifelong love of learning. Our teachers are highly qualified, fully credentialed, and dedicated to the success of each individual student.

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Laura Connor

Laura Connor

Titles: Toddler Lead Teacher
Degrees: B.S. in Photography, Art Institute of Philadelphia
Montessori Certification - Infant/Toddler, Princeton Montessori
Departments: Toddler
Email:
Biography:

Laura was searching for a place to continue her two daughters' education in the best possible learning environment, Montessori! Gladwyne Montessori allowed for not just her girls to continue their education in the most amazing way, but it also provided Laura with the opportunity to continue teaching at the toddler level - an age she truly feels passionate about teaching and getting to be a part of. She knew that Gladwyne Montessori was the perfect fit! When she can find a free moment, Laura enjoys reading, playing volleyball, and spending quality time with her family.

Eranga De Silva

Eranga De Silva

Titles: Primary Assistant Teacher
Degrees: Associates in Child Development, Council for Professional Recognition
Departments: Primary
Email:
Biography:

After working in the aviation industry for most of her career, Eranga decided to make a career change. She has always had a passion for working with children, and decided to get her degree in Child Development. After discovering the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori and how much it resonated with her, Eranga has worked in Montessori schools ever since! Given the reputation of Gladwyne Montessori, coupled with her love of educating children, Eranga knew our community would be a perfect fit. In her free time, Eranga enjoys painting, making Canvas art, traveling with her family, baking, and reading.

Phoebe Denton

Phoebe Denton

Titles: Toddler Assistant Teacher
Degrees: B.A. in Environmental Studies, University of Vermont
Departments: Toddler
Email:
Biography:

Phoebe grew up in the area coaching Lower Merion Youth sports before working as a substitute teacher for YMCA daycares while attending college at the University of Vermont. She loves working with children and is looking forward to spending more time in the Montessori environment. Phoebe is passionate about sustainability and likes spending time outdoors. She enjoys writing and has published articles about various environmental topics. She also enjoys creating art; drawing and painting are two ways of her favorite ways to unwind.

Cara Devenney

Cara Devenney

Titles: Primary Lead Teacher
Degrees: B.S. in Journalism & Communications, West Virginia University
M.A. in Education with Montessori Certification, Chestnut Hill College
Departments: Primary
Email:
Biography:

After graduating with a degree in Journalism, Cara felt that reporting wasn't exactly what she wanted to do, so she started nannying and working at a pre-school, where she realized teaching was her calling. She decided to go back to school to earn her Masters in Early Education, where she found and fell in love with Montessori! The children bring so much joy to her life and now she truly values her career as a teacher! In her free time, Cara enjoys spending time with family, painting, hiking/exploring, cooking, going to the beach, and traveling to National Parks. She also really enjoys music and has played the flute, clarinet, piano, and taught herself to play guitar too!

Rebecca Dewey

Rebecca Dewey

Titles: Primary Lead Teacher, Primary Department Coordinator
Degrees: B.A. in Education, Goucher College
M.A. in Teaching, University of the Arts
M.Ed., Chestnut Hill College
Departments: Primary
Email:
Biography:
Rebecca used to be a traditional teacher, but felt there had to be another way. When she began learning about the Montessori philosophy, she was excited and relieved. "Montessori makes so much sense! Montessori allows me to connect and understand each child through observation, interaction, purposeful activity, and joy. I believe the greatest aspect of Montessori is the ability to honor and celebrate each child for the gifts they bring and the peace they pass forward." When Rebecca isn't teaching, she loves hiking, spending time with family, playing with her dogs, and reading.
Stephanie Dombrowski

Stephanie Dombrowski

Titles: Toddler Assistant Teacher
Email:
Janey Duff

Janey Duff

Titles: Infant Lead Teacher
Degrees: B.A., Susquehanna University
Montessori AMS Infant-Toddler Credential, Princeton School for Teacher Education
Departments: Toddler
Email:
Biography:

As a child, Janey attended Gladwyne Montessori, loving it so much that she decided to come back and teach in order to provide the same great learning experience she received. She believes that Montessori education for toddlers is the perfect start to a healthy love of learning that will last a lifetime. With three siblings who also attended Gladwyne Montessori, Janey feels that in receiving this education, it helped to shape them all into kind, respectful, and well-rounded individuals. In addition to the Montessori education, the life lessons learned at Gladwyne Montessori have been invaluable; she hopes to pass that along to her students daily.

Michael Dyson

Michael Dyson

Titles: Chief Financial & Operating Officer
Degrees: B.S. in Accounting, Villanova University
M.B.A. in Management, Villanova University
Psy.D., Immaculata University
Licensed Psychologist
Certified Public Accountant, Pennsylvania
Departments: Administration, Leadership
Email:
Biography:

Michael has served Gladwyne Montessori since 1997, providing vision and leadership through numerous property acquisitions, leadership transitions, and program evolutions. For nine years, he served as Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools and currently serves on the board of directors of Philadelphia Area Independent School Business Officers Association. Michael is both a CPA and licensed psychologist and has experience in public accounting, municipal finance, clinical psychology, and teaching at the masters and doctorate level. Gladwyne Montessori is a supportive and caring community and Michael believes the school's mission and values align well with his own. In his spare time, Michael enjoys playing football, softball, basketball, bodyboarding, snowboarding, and traveling.

Odalis Dyson

Odalis Dyson

Titles: Toddler Lead Teacher
Degrees: B.F.A. in Photography, University of Houston
Departments: Toddler
Email:
Biography:

After a long career in retail, Odalis decided it was time to switch gears. The opportunity to work at Gladwyne Montessori presented itself and she knew that she would be supported and encouraged by the Gladwyne Montessori community as she developed in her role at the school. In the summer of 2023, Odalis earned her Montessori teaching certification from Princeton Center for Teacher Education! With a degree in photography, Odalis also has experience photographing weddings, families, babies, and children. She is also a self-proclaimed foodie who likes to cook as well as eat her way through her travels!

Fiona Felice

Fiona Felice

Titles: Primary Assistant Teacher
Email:
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