Montessori Center of Nyack

Our Teachers

Like our students, our teachers come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. Every teacher has had training through the Association Montessori Internationale, the American Montessori Society or other recognized Montessori teacher training programs.

Beatrix Stefan

Working at the Montessori Center for over ten years. Beatrix was formerly a preschool teacher in her native country of Hungary.
Beatrix received her Child Development Associates credential at Rockland Community College and her Montessori certification through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies.
A dedicated and caring teacher, Beatrix is sensitive to the needs of her students and designs specific activities to accommodate each child's learning style.

Marianne Garrecht

Working at the Montessori Center for over 5 years. Marianne received her Child Development Associate credential and has years of experience with children. Marianne has 3 grown children and 6 grandchildren.

Tania Fajado

A graduate of the University of Cuenca in Ecuador. Although her background is in administration, she also has experience in the fields of early childhood and home health. Tania also has two children of her own.

Jennifer Tenezaca

Majoring in criminal justice, and plans to finish her studies at either John Jay College or Ramapo College. Prior to joining the Montessori Center, Jennifer worked with children at the salvation army for 3 years.

Angela Reyes

Angela brings experience to the Beginnings class both as a parent and as an educator. With an undergraduate degree from the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., Angela has had experience working with children in a wide variety of settings, including public school, before and after-care and summer camp. She completed her Montessori Infant and Toddler certification at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education and is now working on her Masters at Mercy College. This is Angela's sixth year working at the Montessori Center of Nyack.

Azeb Grey

Working at the Montessori Center of Nyack for nearly 25 years. Her beautiful smile and gentle ways make her equally popular with children, parents and staff. Fluent in French and working on her Spanish, Azeb completed her Montessori training at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education. She also has a Child Development Associates credential, an Early Childhood Development credential, and an Associate's Degree in education from Rockland Community College.

Linda Harvey

The head teacher in our Full-Day Prekindergarten class. She brings a wealth of experience to our Full-Day PK class. She is a certified New York State teacher with a Master of Science in Literacy, as well as a credentialed Montessori directress. She owned and operated her own Montessori school, and has trained extensively in Montessori teaching methods at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education.

Jessica Avila

Jessica has worked with students in all of our classrooms and programs. She has a lovely way with children, and is popular with the other staff as well. She has just completed her bilingual Child Development Associate credential and also teaches Spanish.

Carmita Guillermo Zaruma

Carmita came to the Montessori Center 5 years ago with experience as an au pair and with a genuine love of children. Now, she has her Child Development Associates credential and is looking to start Montessori Infant Toddler Training at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education. She is known and respected for her hard work and dedication.

Michelle Camarda

Currently attending Rockland Community College and set to complete her Early Childhood Development Certificate, Michelle has previously worked in childcare settings for many years and loves working with young children. Michelle plans on becoming Montessori certified and is happy to be working in the classroom after starting as part of our administrative staff.

Our Administration

Dharani G. Narasimhan

Came to the Montessori Center of Nyack in 2001. She is a graduate of Bangalore University and an AMI certified Montessori teacher. While she was in India, Dharani owned and managed her own school. In 2009, Dharani completed a combined Masters in regular and special education at the College of New Rochelle and has her permanent NYS teaching certification. As the Director of the Montessori Center of Nyack, Dharani brings a teaching background to administration and an administrative background to teaching.

Pratima Bassi

Currently attending Mercy College in Dobb's Ferry and set to complete her Bachelors in Psychology and Childhood Education, Pratima has joined our administrative team with a strong background in management and communications. Her hobbies are make-up artistry and cooking.

Rachel Tekula

An experienced childcare educator who has completed her New York State certification at Long Island University, Rachel has stepped out of the classroom and into the role of administrator for the time being. Utilizing her experience working in publishing and production, she has taken over enrollment and family services responsibilities. Rachel is a mom of two.

Girish Narasimhan

The Administrator and Head of Operations at the Montessori Center of Nyack. Educated in Chennia, India, he was instrumental in the development and operations of The Montessori School in Bengaluru, India. Since moving to the United States in 2000, he has been a local business developer and is an active member of the Nyack community. Girish develops and implements policies and goals at the Montessori Center of Nyack designed to meet our early childhood mission.

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