Shanaz Shaheen received her teaching certification for primary aged children (2 ½ - 7 years) from the Association Montessori International in Sri Lanka, where she subsequently worked at the Crescent and the Melbourne International schools. After immigrating to the USA, Shanaz became interested in our youngest students and attended the Center for Montessori Teacher Education at New Rochelle, where she obtained comprehensive specialized training for dealing with toddlers. With more than 8 years at the Montessori Center of Nyack, she is very excited about our “Montessori Beginnings” program and looks forward to a fun and productive year working with our very special toddlers.

KAMANI PILLAY SULLIVAN also completed her Montessori Infant Toddler certification at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education at New Rochelle. Kamani grew up in South Africa and enjoyed a variety of careers before focusing on early childhood as her primary interest. She worked as an airline stewardess, a model, and a nanny, to name a few. Currently on leave from her studies in education at Empire State College, Kamani brings a calm, gentle presence to our Beginnings class. We love having her with us almost as much as she enjoys working with our youngest students!