Faculty & Staff

Dr. Cynthia Kempinski

Interim Head of School

Dr. Cynthia Kempinski is stepping in for the Board of Directors to help lead the school into it's next chapter. While we focus on the schools development and strategy, Dr. Cynthia will ensure that our values prioritizing the children, families and staff remain a top priority.


Email: cynthiakempinski@gmail.com
Phone: (860) 598-8488

Elizabeth Rose

Main Campus Administrator

Degrees: BA

Beth was born on Long Island and has lived in Connecticut since the age of three. Beth has always been fascinated with foreign cultures and learning new languages. She got her BA from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, where she majored in German Studies. Beth completed a junior year abroad in Munich, Germany and traveled extensively throughout Europe whenever she had the opportunity. Beth’s early career included working for ESPN in different capacities for 12 years, before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her twin boys, now 22. Beth worked with children as a paraprofessional in the Glastonbury Public School system for 6 years. Beth always had a love for children, and has nannied for young children most of her life. Beth lives in Portland with her sons Ben and Josh and their cat Coco, and enjoys day trips in CT, hiking, nature, daily 3 mile walks, tennis, biking, photography, live music, travel, chasing sunsets, and spending time with family and friends. Having learned about Montessori schools when her boys were young and being intrigued by the Montessori model, Beth is excited to be working with the children, families, and staff at CTMS.

Email: Beth

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Heather Beach

Toddler Room Lead Teacher

Education: Certified Cosmetologist through Biro Academy. Certified CCMA through NHA.

Heather has enjoyed expressing her creative side through cosmetology and loves helping others to feel like the best versions of themselves. Her passion for caring for others led her to earn a credential as a certified medical assistant so that she could extend compassionate care to those who need it most. Heather recently discovered Montessori education and immediately knew that she wanted to implement it at home with her two young daughters and join a community of like minded educators. Heather is thrilled to join our Toddler team to offer support to our students as they develop skills in independence within a structure that is nurturing and child centered. In her spare time she enjoys field hockey, boating and fishing with her family.

Email: Heather

Lizbeth Monroe

Toddler Room Toddler Teacher

Accreditations:
Certifications: 3-6 years Montessori Primary Teacher

Degrees:

Bio Coming Soon!

Eithne Moran Ramsay

Oak Room Lead Teacher

Accreditations: AMI, MTCNE, MACTE
Degrees: BA, MA-Education

Higher Diploma in Education

Eithne came to us with a desire to work in a school with a philosophy that resonated with her experiences and interests. Prior to Joining CTMS Eithne worked as a teacher for many years in her home country, Ireland, with ages 4-12. Eithne also ran summer camps for young children focusing on sports, baking, and crafts. She has always enjoyed working with children and watching them learn and grow. After her daughter was born she realized how much Montessori inspired her, and she wanted it to be part of her life. She believes Montessori is not just a philosophy, but a way of life. Eithne completed her Master’s in Education with a concentration in Montessori from the University of Hartford. She is very proud of her AMI training. She also holds a BA in Arts & Humanities from University College Dublin, Ireland and a Higher Diploma in Education from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Eithne lives in East Lyme with her husband Robert and their daughter. During her free time she enjoys holidaying in Ireland, biking, hiking, golf, sewing, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Email: Eithne

Eva McCain

Cedar Room Assistant Teacher

Accreditations: MTCNE, MACTE

Certifications: AMI Montessori 3–6 Teacher's Assistant

Eva was a stay at home mom for many years, worked in real estate and started as a substitute teaching at CTMS in 2017. She’s now one of the assistant primary teachers and completed her Montessori assistant training in the summer of 2021. In her free time Eva enjoys camping, hiking, clamming and walking with friends by the ocean. Eva lives in Westbrook with her husband, children and her dog, Brewster. 

Email: Eva

Geannine Navarro

Primary Teacher

Accreditations: MACTE

Certifications: AMS Montessori 3–6 Teacher's Assistant

Geannine was born in the United States, but raised in Ecuador. There she studied International Business and has worked for over a decade in a family company inspecting the quality of fruits for international trade.

Geannine moved to Florida in 2016, and in 2022 moved to Connecticut with her family and their husky, so that her husband could study at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. After volunteering at her daughter’s school she decided she loved working with children. She found CTMS and loves being a part of the community. In her free time, Geannine enjoys spending time with her family playing games, watching movies, going out for ice cream and making crafts.

Pam Gozzi

Primary Assistant Teacher

Before Care Teacher

Certifications: Assistant Primary Teacher, Advanced Assistant Primary Teacher
Accreditations: NMI, CMTE, MACTE

Pamela Gozzi started with The Children’s Tree in 2005 as an assistant teacher. Pam is a busy wife and mother of two adult children who lives in Westbrook, CT. She owned her own dance studio for several years that specialized in preschool and elementary aged children, she also ran a decorating company with her sister. After being introduced to the philosophy of Montessori learning she was thrilled to be able to work at the Children’s Tree. Pam has been training at CTMS each year and has completed the advanced assistant primary teacher training at the Center for Montessori Education.
Email: Pam

Linda Maidelis

Before Care Teacher and Substitute Teacher

Degrees:

Bio Coming Soon!

Anastasia "LaLa" Jankowski
Music

"LaLa" is a Music Together certified instructor who has been bringing the joy of music to children for many years. She is part of the Sunny Train group out of Madison, CT where she teaches music and lyrics, instruments, mindfulness, yoga and ballet.