Elementary Faculty

Head Teachers
Teaching Assistants

Head Teachers

Jemma Lloyd-Helliker

Upper Elementary Head Teacher, Elementary Department Coordinator

Jemma taught in public and charter schools for five years before the birth of her daughter. She knew teaching was her passion, but the traditional teaching model was not meeting the needs of the children in her classes. She discovered Montessori as a new mother and has not looked back. Jemma believes, "Learning in a Montessori environment is joyful and inspiring because the philosophy begins and ends with the natural development of our children. In this environment, it is a joy to guide the children to new learning and experiences." Jemma enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping and canoeing with her family. When indoors, she loves to knit, write, draw and read. She tries to practice yoga daily and swim whenever she can.

Audra Walsh

Lower Elementary Head Teacher

After teaching at a Montessori school in Park City Utah, Audra and her family moved back to Pennsylvania. She was drawn to the history and strong Montessori community of the school. Her husband attended a Montessori preschool and she is the mother of three Montessori children. When Audra is not at school, she enjoys hiking, camping, biking, reading and watching movies with her family.

Cammy Russell

Lower Elementary Head Teacher

Cammy discovered Montessori education shortly after graduating from college and was instantly hooked! For 14 years she taught Lower Elementary, mostly in and around Washington, D.C. When she and her family prepared to move to the Greater Philadelphia area, she visited several Montessori schools looking to find the right fit for her and her daughters. While visiting Gladwyne, she was struck by the beauty of facilities, the warmth of the staff, and the authenticity of the Montessori program. She had found what she was looking for! In her free time, Cammy enjoys gardening, yoga, and handwork of all varieties.

Teaching Assistants

Sonja Shivpuri

Upper Elementary Teaching Assistant

Sonja moved to Pennsylvania from Connecticut in September of 2017. Her children have been in Montessori schools since they were 2 years old and she wanted them to continue their Montessori elementary education here in Pennsylvania. Sonja and her husband found Gladwyne Montessori through the AMS website and have been thrilled with both the community and the school since they arrived. In her free time, Sonja enjoys reading, watching movies, cooking and baking, spending time with friends, and traveling.

Andrew Siegele

Lower Elementary Teaching Assistant

Andrew has always loved to learn and help others learn, too. When he and his wife first visited Gladwyne Montessori School, they saw this same passion for learning and helping others learn permeating the school; it felt like home. They have enjoyed seeing their children, Marley and Xavier, develop, create, socialize and get excited about school and the learning process. Andrew has been teaching yoga for almost a decade, and teaching science for several years. No matter the subject, he believes all learning follows a similar process: within loving structure and collaboratively created boundaries, freedom and independence allow us to find our unique voice, self-expression, creative power, and joy in process. In his free time, Andrew enjoys hiking, camping, dancing, singing, biking, playing sports, reading, and writing. He also enjoys simply being: getting absorbed in nature while taking in the sights and sounds, practicing yoga and meditation, being with his wife, kids, family and friends. It is a joy to be and to do. What a life to explore!

Dan Stearne

Lower Elementary Teaching Assistant

Dan joined Gladwyne Montessori in 1995 and worked as an assistant to Maggie Dougherty until 1998. After student teaching in the fall of 1999, Dan transitioned to long term substituting in the Upper Elementary classroom until June of 2000. After several years working in the Camden School District, Dan returned to Gladwyne Montessori in 2004. Because of his love for working in this environment with the students and families as well as colleagues, Dan has been here ever since. In his spare time, Dan loves to spend time outdoors with his family at the beach. He likes surfing, playing various sports including softball and basketball. He is a Philadelphia sports enthusiast and Eagles season ticket holder. He also enjoys photography.

Off Canvas Navigation Container

Closer Trigger (Container)

Search (Mobile)

Main Navigation (Container)

Main Navigation (Mobile)

Utilities Navigation (Mobile)

Log In Button

Quicklinks Navigation (Mobile)

Utility Container

Mobile Menu Trigger (container)