Hi PADM Families,

As we embark on this new year, we felt that it would be fitting to re-introduce all the wonderful staff that works in Primary ADM. We are so lucky to have a community of talented teachers who are all passionate about working with children and have a diverse set of skills and interests that enrich your child’s experience at Greene Towne.

First up is Ms. Allison, who is stepping into a new role as PM Lead Guide.

Hello everyone, it feels like an opportune time for a reintroduction! I’m Ms. Allison (they/them) and I am in my seventh year here at Greene Towne Montessori! Along with my years spent at GTMS  I have worked in museums and education around Philadelphia for over a decade. I am excited to bring my experience with both formal and informal education and my passion for incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion even further in to our classroom with my new role as Lead Teacher in the afternoons. I am a big fan of holidays and cultural crafts and I truly love finding little things each day to celebrate with the children. Their passion and drive for creation constantly inspires me! Outside of my time at Greene Towne I love crafting costumes and art, visiting museums and botanical gardens, and going on walks with my rescue pup Trixie!

Allison is with the children from 10-6. They arrive during the morning workcycle, go on the walks to the playground, help the children at lunch, do inside recess after lunch, do K-time several days a week, and lead the afternoon workcycle.

Next, Ms. Maggie who is now the AM Lead Guide.

Hi, it’s Ms. Maggie (she/her)! I am in my second year at Greene Towne and excited to take on the role of the AM Lead. Although I will miss waking up a little later, it is absolutely lovely to start my day with the children. I grew up in New York City and attended Smith College where I majored in Biology and Environmental Science. After college, I lived in Patagonia and worked on a wildlife sanctuary caring for guanacos, armadillos, and a variety of birds and reptiles. When I returned to the States, I moved to Minneapolis, MN where I received an AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota and my MA in Early Childhood Education from St. Catherine’s University. I have been working in the Early Childhood field since 2007 and have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, both Montessori and traditional. I am continually inspired by Dr. Montessori’s deep respect and reverence for children and hold that at the center of my work with children everyday. When not at work, I spend as much time as I can in nature because it keeps me centered. I love plants, riding my bike, being with my loved ones, and going to the thrift store. I live in West Philly with my partner, Ruth, and our two blind cats, Geordi and Cookie.

Ms. Maggie is with the children from 8-4. She is with them for the morning workcycle, goes on the walks to the playground, is in the nap room, does K time several days a week, and helps for part of the afternoon workcycle.

Ms. Diana who is Greene Towne’s Art Teacher and our PM Assistant Teacher.

Hi everyone! I’m Ms. Diana (she/her) and this is my ninth year at Greene Towne. I’ve worn a couple different hats while working here, but this year I’m very excited to be the Art Coordinator as well as a co-teacher in Primary ADM. I love sharing the work and lives of some of my favorite artists with the children, Guiding them to create their own variation of a famous artist is the best part of the job! Outside of Greene Towne, I am a kickboxing coach and an educator at Eastern State Penitentiary. I also enjoy embroidery, sewing, and weaving- all skills that the children can learn in our classroom!  I’m looking forward to the rest of this year at Green Towne! 

Ms. Diana does Art Prep from 9-11 and is with the children from 11:30-6. She is at lunch with the children, in the rest room, does K time occasionally, and is with the children for the afternoon workcycle.

Ms. Kelly, who joined us in the fall, is one of our AM Assistant Teachers.

Hello everyone! I am pleased to introduce myself as a new member of the Primary ADM team. My name is Ms. Kelly (she/her) and this is my first year here with Greene Towne Montessori. Prior to working with Greene Towne, I worked as a 5^th grade teacher and a 2^nd grade teacher for 6 years in Baltimore County Public Schools. While the majority of my experience is in a traditional classroom setting, I am beyond thrilled to experience and learn more about the Montessori classroom. I am so excited to be back in the Philadelphia area where I am originally from, and am thankful to be here with the Greene Towne family. In my free time I enjoy going on runs, traveling the world, nestling up with a good book, and spending time with my family and friends. 

Ms. Kelly is with the children from 8-4. She is with them for the morning workcycle, goes on the walks to the playground, is in the nap room, does K time occasionally, and helps for part of the afternoon workcycle.

Ms. Danielle just joined us in December as an AM Assistant Teacher.

Hello All! My name is Danielle (She/Her) and I am one of the new Teaching Assistants in the Primary  ADM Classroom. I have really enjoyed my time getting to know your children and settling into  the groove here at Greene Towne. I wanted to let you all in on a little bit of my life. I am a Jazz  Musician focused on Vocal Performance and Education. I love supporting young minds as they  begin to find their passions and strengths; as well as discover how to navigate through  challenging situations. I have been in childcare for many years now, and have been teaching in  both group and individual settings for over 6 years. I attended the Waldorf School as a child  before transitioning into public education in 6th grade. Understanding how to navigate my  emotions and communicate effectively has made transitions in my life easier to manage. I am  looking forward to discovering creative ways for musical incorporation at Greene Towne. I am  grateful to be a part of this wonderful team and look forward to getting to know you all more! 

Ms. Danielle is with the children from 8-3. She is with them for the morning workcycle, goes on the walks to the playground, is in the nap room, does K time occasionally, and helps for part of the afternoon workcycle.

Mx. Philip started in January as a PM Assistant Teacher.

Hi PADM families, Mx. Philip here (they/she/he), I am glad to be a new teacher at GTMS. I have a teaching background in early childhood and arts education, with experience working in schools from New Orleans, to New York City, to Downeast Maine. When I’m not teaching I love being creative and getting outside to hike or swim. It has been wonderful getting to know all the children in our class and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow together!

Mx. Philip is with the children from 10-6. They arrive during the morning workcycle, go on the walks to the playground, help the children at lunch, do inside recess after lunch, do K-time occasionally, and assist during the afternoon workcycle.

Ms. Kate is the Auxiliary Assistant who helps in both ADM classrooms.

Hello everyone! I’m Ms. Kate (she/her) and I’m barreling through my first year at Greene Towne Montessori after graduating from UC Berkeley in 2020. I work as an Auxiliary Assistant which means I help a little time each day in the toddler room, but spend most of my time working with PADM or filling into other classrooms when they need an extra hand. I remember I was about the age of the PADM kids when I first realized how much I loved to write, so I love to work with the kids on writing projects and even just long conversations where I get to hear all of their amazing stories. In my free time, I love to pick up new hobbies (any other juggler-chef-seamstress-painter-print maker-knitter-horticulturists out there?) and talk about old movies with my dad.

Ms. Kate is with Primary ADM from 11:30- 3:45. She is at lunch with the children, in the nap room, does K time occasionally, and is with the children for the afternoon workcycle. At 3:45, she helps the Toddlers for afternoon recess and ends her day assisting Ms. Christina with dismissal.

But enough about us!

Here’s what the children have been up to lately:

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