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Lewinsville Montessori School is open year round, Monday through Friday from 7:00 am – 6:30 pm, one of the very few in the Northern Virginia area with this calendar. This schedule allows working families to enroll their children in an authentic Montessori program with a calendar well beyond the traditional school day/year calendar of most Montessori programs.
Elizabeth always dreamed of one day owning her very own early childhood development center. In April of 2021, that dream became a reality. Lewinsville Montessori, as it is known today, has been the only place of employment for Elizabeth since 1996 when she emigrated from Puerto Rico. Elizabeth holds a masters in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Puerto Rico and has been in the early childhood education field since 1982. As the Director of Operations, she oversees and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school, public relations, decision making, and licensing standards compliance.
“I have worked in the field of early childhood education for 30+ years. During all these years, my priority has been to provide children with the best environment needed for an appropriate learning experience. When I decided to research the Montessori method, I found that there are many differences between childcare and the Montessori method. The Montessori method invests in the well-being on the child, allowing them to feel safe to take risks and to proudly master accomplishments, big or small. A Montessori environment provides children the opportunity to engage in everything from self-help skills to music and math, reading and science. This fosters in children the desire to become confident, independent, and part of a respectful community. I am thrilled to be part of the growth of Lewinsville Montessori. It has brought me much happiness and satisfaction.”
Liza Lopez
Assistant Director of Operations
Liza holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University and has been in the early childhood education field since 2002. She worked at Lewinsville Montessori (formerly known as Fun & Friends CDC) in years prior as the infant program director before taking an extended maternity leave. As the Assistant Director of Operations, she oversees and is responsible for all enrollment matters, infant, toddler, and preschool programs, staff growth and development, and is available to parents who wish to discuss their child(ren)’s care or any aspect of the school. Liza also supports the Director of Operations.
Inell Ellis
Program Director/Children’s House Lead Teacher
Inell holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development from North Carolina A&T State University and has been in the early childhood education field since 1979. Inell has worked at Lewinsville Montessori, as it is known today, since 1990. She received her Montessori credentials from the North American Montessori Center (NAMC) in 2016. As the Program Director and Lead Children’s House teacher, she develops the programs for the classes, is responsible for the care and safety of the children and the supervision of the assistants, aides, and volunteers. She also works closely with staff to ensure an ongoing program that contributes to the growth and development of the children. As a lead teacher she ensures that the children are well to be at school, that food is adequate, that the class in in good order, and that the county requirements are met ensuring that the children can play outside, and that the classroom meets required ratios. She is also the parents primary contact for comments about the education and care of the children.
Soila received her Montessori 0 to3 credentials from the North American Montessori Center (NAMC) in 2012. She also holds a Child Development Associates (CDA) and is trained in Creative Curriculum and 1-2-3 Reads. Soila has worked at Lewinsville Montessori, as it is known today, since 2005. As the Program Director and Lead Nido teacher, she develops the programs for the classes, is responsible for the care and safety of the children and the supervision of the assistants, aides, and volunteers. She also works closely with staff to ensure an ongoing program that contributes to the growth and development of the children. As a lead teacher she ensures that the children are well to be at school, that food is adequate, that the class in in good order, and that the county requirements are met ensuring that the children can play outside, and that the classroom meets required ratios. She is also the parents primary contact for comments about the education and care of the children.
Soila Arriaza Peña
Program Director/Nido Lead Teacher
Naingnaing Wai
Montessori Lead Teacher
Naingnaing is a graduate of the University of Rangoon (Burma) and has worked as a part-time tutor and teacher for many years in traditional school settings. She received her Montessori 3 to 6 credentials from the North American Montessori Center (NAMC) in 2007. Naingnaing has worked at Lewinsville Montessori, as it is known today, since 2016. As a lead teacher she ensures that the children are well to be at school, that food is adequate, that the class in in good order, and that the county requirements are met ensuring that the children can play outside, and that the classroom meets required ratios. She is also the parents primary contact for comments about the education and care of the children.
We are always looking to add to our team of warm, caring professional educators. Lead Teachers must have at least two years teaching experience in the early childhood education field and/or an Associates Degree in ECE. Assistant Teachers must possess experience working with young children and a passion to help in their growth and development. ALL potential employees MUST be interested in the Montessori Method of education. We provide all training and professional development necessary for the desired position, as well as a competitive rate of pay, health and dental insurance contributions, matching funds for the 401k retirement plan, and vacation, sick and personal leave. Interested applicants should submit a letter of introduction and a resume to: [email protected].