Who
Are Our Teachers:
Our teachers are Montessori-educated. Mount Hope Montessori School is grounded in
Maria Montessori’s philosophy of education and guided by
a number of beliefs. Read more about our philosophy here. This is Aphrodite, one of our assistant teachers. |
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Each Head Teacher
is assisted by one full-time Assistant Teacher and one “floating” assistant
who moves between the classes as needed.
This is Kathy Yovaisis, making soap with her class. Kathy is one of our head teachers.
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Our teacher-child ratio
is 1-9. This was a nice visit from a lamb. >> |
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While maintaining the Montessori-philosophy, each classroom
is autonomous in its offerings. This allows more creativity and
investment by our teachers in the program.
We have several pets in our classrooms, including this rabbit. |
The result is stimulating
to both the students and the teaching staff. This is Donna, one of our head teachers. >> |
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Here is K.C, a head teacher. |
This is Susan, an assistant teacher. |
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Teachers:
Kathy Yovaisis - Head Teacher
Kathy has been with the school for 31 years. She is a graduate of the Northeast Montessori Institute in Beverley, MA. She began as a child care worker, worked as an Assistant while completing her Montessori certification, has served on our Board and held the duel roll of Teacher/parent when her son Evan was at the school. Her Montessori passion is Science and she brings this passion into the classroom. She is an avid gardener, growing enough food to feed her family almost all year long!
Donna Clouette - Head Teacher
Donna began at Mt Hope in 1980 as a volunteer. Living with in walking distance of the school and looking for a place for her son Ben to attend, she found Mt Hope! Donna is also a graduate of the Northeast Montessori Institute. She currently serves as the staff representative to the schools Bd. She brings her love of music and puppetry to the children in the form of instrument building and shadow puppet theater creations. Sometimes she even plays the cello at rest time.
KC Carrancio - Head Teacher
KC is a graduate of Three Rivers Montessori Training Program. During her 10 years with the school she has finished both her Montessori training and her undergraduate degree, created a new classroom, given birth to son Angelo, and adopted daughter Margaret. Her energy and enthusiasm help to create a loving classroom environment and strengthen our school. KC and the kids laugh together all the time.
Susan Wiggin - Assistant Teacher
After 18 years in a Montessori school, Susan is well prepared for the rigors of Grandparenthood! The fact that she had done almost every job here that there is to do (including cleaning) doesn't hurt either. Grandma to Zoë and her twin sisters Hanna and Jillian, Susan gets lots of practice with young kids. We appreciate her unending patience, calmness, and presence.
Aphrodite Provatas - Assistant Teacher
Aphrodite is the newest addition to the staff at Mt. Hope. She came to the school in 2002 after working in other area child care centers. With a degree in Early Childhood from her native country of Greece, she rounds out the teaching staff just fine. Aphrodite has helped us to create wonderful traditions at the school and her immersion in the Montessori methodology has been so complete that son Thano and daughter Alexia recognize Maria Montessori when they see her.
Child Care
Currently Mt. Hope's after school program is staffed by a variety of veteran and new staff members. Carolyn Crossgrove, Monica Swanson and Chelsea Epling are all local folks who have supported the school for a variety of years. We are fortunate this year to have Chani Gianwatte join us too. Chani's son Tushan is one of our current students. All of our child care workers are CPR certified (as is the staff) and we operate with two staff member present at all times.
Office Administration
Kathleen Krider - Director
Kathleen began at Mt. Hope as the bookkeeper and just continued on. Her son Asa is a graduate of the school and his experience at Mt Hope is what turned her into a true believer of the philosophy. After 5 years at the school, the opportunities for learning continue. Kathleen graduated from Uconn and with her two boys Levi and Asa count Mt Hope and Coventry as home.
Marlene Aulten - Financial Administrator
The front office is well taken care by Marlene. After running her own business, and working for other non profits, Marlene is now offering her financial skills to Mt Hope. If you're driving by the school in the summer, stop in and say "Hi" to our unofficial mascot, Marlene's dog Pita!
Bob Morgan - Volunteer
Mt Hope is very fortunate to have the help of a "handy man". Upon retiring from the State of Ct, Bob found himself with lots of spare time. We quickly put him to work. That was five years ago and we are very thankful to have his help at the school.
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