Guiding the children’s natural desire to learn.

Cherise Sistrunk she/her

Summer Camp Director and Toddler Lead Teacher

I’ve been a part of the Greene Towne community since 2010. I joined the school shortly after graduating from Moore College of Art and Design, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art. The timing was just right—Greene Towne was the first place to call me in for an interview, and I’ve never looked back.

My Montessori journey began as a substitute art teacher during my first year. I then spent five years as an assistant teacher in the ADM toddler program before transitioning to the school day program. In 2015, I completed my Montessori Infant-Toddler certification through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education, which was generously sponsored by GTMS. Since 2015, I’ve proudly served as a lead teacher in the toddler program.

Each year brings new adventures. I truly enjoy getting to know the children and guiding them as they begin to explore and make sense of the world around them.

Naeemah Harvey she/her

Toddler Lead Teacher

I’ve been an early childhood educator since 2012 and have been leading the Crescent Community at Greene Towne since 2022. I’m a Philly native who loves to travel, try new foods (the spicier, the better!), and dance with my friends. One of my absolute favorite parts of teaching is watching toddlers blossom over the year—it’s amazing to see their personalities shine and their confidence grow!

Dominique Wells-Moats she/her

Toddler Lead Teacher

I was born and raised in Washington, DC and moved to Philadelphia to study Social Work at Temple University. I’ve been with Greene Towne Montessori since 2013, where I spent 11 wonderful years in the Toddler ADM Community—beginning as as an assistant teacher and later earning my Infant/Toddler certification through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education.

Starting in 2025, I joined the School Day Community while continuing to nurture my deep love for working with toddlers and all the special moments that come with it. Greene Towne and the Montessori philosophy have profoundly shaped the way I view education, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to bring Maria Montessori’s teachings into your child’s everyday experiences.

Desiree McNeill she/her

Parent ’08
Toddler Coordinator and Toddler Lead Teacher

I’m originally from Trinidad and Tobago, where I began my journey studying nursing. However, I soon discovered that my true passion lay elsewhere.
My introduction to Montessori came after moving to the United States and working as a nanny. The philosophy truly came to life for me when I enrolled my now 23-year-old son at GTMS. A year later, I joined the staff and quickly fell in love with the Montessori approach to education.

Since then, my grandson has completed the program, and my granddaughter is on her way to completing the program, too. I received my Toddler Montessori training through the support of GTMS and am proud to be part of this incredible community since 2005.

As a Montessori teacher, my goal is not only to implement Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy in nurturing the whole child, but also to build meaningful connections with each child to truly understand and support their unique needs. I strive to teach from the heart, approaching each day with creativity, compassion, and purpose.

Brandon Och he/him

Parent ’31
Family Leave Substitute

I’ve been a teacher at Greene Towne since 2008! I have a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Temple University and did my Primary Montessori training at Chestnut Hill College. I am a musician, love to cook, and am a parent of a child who is attending GTMS.

Amanda Cunningham she/her

Primary ADM Co-Lead Teacher

This is my fourth year as a Lead Guide in the All Day Montessori program. Previously, I worked in both preschool and toddler Montessori environments as I received my Bachelors Degree in Painting and Education certification.

I am very passionate about the Montessori method of teaching, and received my Montessori teaching certification from the North American Montessori Center. Outside of work I dedicate time to creating art through drawing, painting, and crochet. I love to bring these art forms into the classroom when possible to create alongside the children! I also enjoy practicing yoga, reading, and traveling whenever I have the opportunity.

Milo Alvarez-Binkowski They/Them

Primary ADM Co-Lead Teacher

I’m an AMS-certified Primary Lead Guide with a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Chestnut Hill College. While I was in grad school, I was a nanny for a Greene Towne family who have two alums now! I’m the proud parent of a tripod calico named Callie (who frequently appears in our animal games!). Reading, story-telling, tending to indoor plants, and fiber arts like sewing, embroidery, and knitting are some of the hobbies I enjoy sharing with the children. This is my third year at Greene Towne.

Maggie McCaffrey she/her

Primary ADM Co-Lead Teacher and Primary Coordinator

I joined Greene Towne in 2019. I grew up in New York City but have lived in Massachusetts, Argentina, Minnesota, and now Pennsylvania. I started my career in education working in traditional preschools while still studying at Smith College where I received my bachelor’s degree in Biology. After college, I moved to Puerto Madryn, Argentina to live and work on a wildlife refuge for a year. When I returned to the States, I moved to Minneapolis where I landed a job as assistant in a Montessori Upper Elementary classroom. I was so inspired by the reverence and respect for children in a Montessori environment, I knew I wanted to become a Montessori guide. I also knew working in elementary was not for me! So, I pursued an AMI Primary Certificate from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in 2015 and received my MA in Early Childhood Education from St. Catherine’s University in 2016. Outside of school, I love to hike, camp, read, and sing with my choir Sing Slavic. This is now my tenth year working as a trained Primary Guide, and I am still awestruck by the beauty of the Montessori method and fascinated by the process of human development.

Shawn Bankoff she/her

Primary ADM Co-Lead Teacher

I joined Greene Towne in 2021 as an assistant teacher and have grown to be come lead assistant and now co-lead teacher. My love for working with children began early—I spent much of my childhood babysitting and tutoring. In college, I worked in elementary and pre-schools while studying Early Childhood Education at West Chester University. I also became a certified yoga instructor, and I love bringing mindfulness and movement into the classroom. I started working as an assistant teacher in the Magnolia classroom after graduating, where I was inspired by the Montessori method and its emphasis on respect, independence, and community. It’s been such a privilege to learn from both the wonderful teachers and the children here at Greene Towne. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, creating art, dancing, and trying new foods.

Katie Brown she/her

Primary Lead Teacher

I have been teaching since 2005 with 13 of those years at Greene Towne. In addition to my American Montessori Society teaching credential, I hold a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Chestnut Hill College. I enjoy singing, canoeing, gardening and learning entomology facts from son, a former Greene Towne student. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to incorporate the teachings of Maria Montessori into the children’s daily lives as we all build community together.

Jamie Townsend she/her

Primary Lead Teacher

I have been teaching since 2008 in Toddler and Primary settings – both in Washington State and Pennsylvania. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education at La Salle University, as well as my Master’s in Early Childhood Education and Primary Montessori Certification at Chestnut Hill College. Being in partnership with families to support a child’s journey to independence is one of my greatest passions!

Shelby Feldman she/her

Lower Elementary Lead Teacher

I hold both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education and am certified in Montessori ages 3-6, 6-9 and have a Pennsylvania elementary teaching certificate. I love sharing my hobbies of sewing and other crafts with the students!