our STAFF
Cheryl earned a bachelor's degree in communication arts from Eastern Nazarene College and transitioned from a fulfilling PR career to focus on her family. While in Ireland, she obtained her Primary Diploma in Montessori from St. Nicholas Montessori College in Limerick.
With 23 years of experience in Montessori education, Cheryl has worked in both private and public schools, including Old Schoolhouse Montessori in Limerick, Hill View Montessori Public Charter School (HVM), Keystone Montessori, Andover School of Montessori, and My Montessori of Sudbury.
Cheryl enjoys family time with her husband Derek of 34 years and their rescue dogs. She loves reading, volunteering to support literacy, and fostering Bulldogs through Long Island Bulldog Rescue. Cheryl is especially proud of her children, Ciára and Colin, whose Montessori education fuels her passion for its principles.
Cheryl McMahon
Nehara Pieris Rajapakse, an experienced educator born and raised in Sri Lanka, has a strong background in early childhood education. She holds a Diploma in Montessori and Primary Education from the Royal Institute Colombo, Sri Lanka, and attended AMI Primary training from the Montessori Training Center Northeast.
As a dedicated mother of two young girls, Nehara is deeply passionate about early childhood education. She loves being around children and is committed to helping them build strong foundations for their future by sharing her extensive knowledge and experience. In her leisure time, Nehara enjoys dancing, singing, and cherishing moments with her family.
NEHARA RAJAPAKSE
Laura Holland is a Montessori-trained educator with over six years of experience as a Lead Teacher in early childhood classrooms. She holds a B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Elementary Education from Regis College. Laura discovered her passion for the Montessori philosophy after graduation while working in a Montessori classroom, which led her to pursue her Montessori Early Childhood Credential. Her background includes roles as both an Afterschool and Assistant Teacher, giving her a well-rounded understanding of child development and classroom dynamics. Laura is dedicated to creating nurturing, child-centered environments where independence, curiosity, and a love of learning are encouraged. Outside the classroom, she enjoys kayaking, spending time on her dad’s boat, and being near the water. She also has a strong appreciation for music and theater, loves to sing and attend concerts, and enjoys reading and traveling.
Laura Holland
Emma Li is a certified Montessori educator with an AMS Primary/Children’s House credential from the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center (NEMTC). Her journey in education began at East China Normal University, where she taught Chinese as a foreign language. Over time, her passion for working with young children led her to discover the Montessori philosophy—a method that aligned perfectly with her belief in nurturing each child’s unique potential. Since completing her Montessori training, Emma has been dedicated to creating warm, engaging, and thoughtfully prepared environments where children feel empowered, supported, and inspired to learn. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cooking and exploring the outdoors.
Emma Li
Stacey Peasley- Music Instructor: Stacey has performed before audiences and been a professional singer for over fifteen years. Lately her audiences are a bit shorter but no less enthusiastic. A teacher for twenty years and a proud winner of a Parents’ Choice Award, Creative Child Magazine Award, and Nickelodeon Parent’s Connect Award! Stacey is thrilled to combine her love of children and music into a lively act that engages kids and creates memorable and fun sing-along songs. Please click on this link to go to one of Stacey’s upcoming shows: www.staceypeasley.com
stacey peasley
Francesca Folcarelli- Yoga Instructor: has spent eight years as an Early Childhood Educator, working with various age groups. Her journey led her to discover a deep passion for yoga, which inspired her to take a break from teaching to immerse herself in the practice. After completing over 1,400 hours of yoga training and teaching part-time for several years, Francesca combined her two passions. Now, as a full-time yoga instructor and owner of Franayama Yoga, she travels to different schools, bringing the benefits of movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to students of all ages.