Faculty
Teacher Excellence
The Montessori teacher functions as a guide, role model, demonstrator, record keeper and meticulous observer of each child’s behavior and growth. Like the teacher’s students, the teacher is an active and curious learner. The Montessori teacher showcases a delight in continual inquiry and growth, with a respect for each child’s unique learning styles and interests. It is the Montessori teacher who prepares the active, developmentally appropriate learning environment furnished with specially designed materials where students explore, discover, and experience the joy of learning.
The Montessori teacher goes through a comprehensive course of study of approximately 1,200 hours of instruction to prepare them to be a highly skilled, highly qualified Montessori teacher. Teachers must demonstrate their ability to create Montessori materials for all subjects and participate in classroom observations and supervised teaching.
In their last year, student teachers complete a teaching practicum in which they intern as a teacher with a certified Montessori facility. A Montessori Lead Teacher (Directress) must have Montessori credentials.
Assistant Teachers must have their High School Diploma and additional training. Instructional Coordinators must have a Masters Degree and teaching experience.
It is the responsibility of the teacher to create a positive energy in a non-threatening environment, have the ability to relinquish control, and empower children to build themselves day after day. Turtle River Montessori takes pride in our highly qualified Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers with a broad range of backgrounds, and we are fortunate to have them as part of the Turtle River family.
UPPER ELEMENTARY GRADES 4TH – 6TH

Faith Dawson
Sequoia Co-Teacher

Jazly Pizzuti
Sequoia Co-Teacher

Catherine Rueda
Cedar Co-Teacher

Morgan Alonzo
Cedar Co-Teacher
LOWER ELEMENTARY GRADES 1ST – 3RD

Sohni Usman
Banyan Co-Teacher

Lynne Avvenire
Mangrove Lead Teacher

Christina Johnson
Magnolia Co-Teacher

Christy Escoto
Banyan Co- Teacher

Molly Del Re
Mangrove Assistant Teacher

Mila Ilincic
Magnolia Co-Teacher

Jennifer Gallagher
Assistant Teacher
PRIMARY 3 – 6 YRS
PRE-PRIMARY 18 MOS-3 YRS

Cathy Gionfriddo
Blossoms Lead Teacher

Nicole Brady-Murray
Saplings Lead Teacher

Amie Miller
Seedlings Lead Teacher

Mary Mendella
Sprouts Lead Teacher

Joanna Bair
Blossoms Assistant Teacher

Amanda Berroteran
Saplings Assistant Teacher

Alana Hessinger
Seedlings Assistant Teacher

Ma’ili Cruce
Sprouts Assistant Teacher

Alex Badalamenti
Maple Co-Teacher

Nicole Del Vecchio
Oak Co-Teacher

Jessica Tremolini
Pine Teacher

Vicky Bouvier Gardini
Willow Co-Teacher

Brianna Vice
Maple Co-Teacher

Griselda Serrano
Oak Co-Teacher

Mariana Saiz
Pine Teacher

Isabel Raese
Willow Co-Teacher

Maria Vergara-Flores
Maple Assistant Teacher

Michele Bilali
Pine Teacher

Maggie Cecchini
Willow Assistant Teacher
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Science/STEM

Christine Lovelace
STEM 1st – 6th
Library

Sylvana Hernandez
Library East Campus
Reading

Joanne Colisto
Reading Specialist
Foreign Language

Veronica Fiz
Lower El. Spanish Teacher
Foreign Language

Mariana Saiz
Upper El. Spanish Teacher
Art

Nancy Kelly
Art Teacher
Music

Jorge Toro
Music Teacher