Faculty and Staff
eBridge Montessori School is staffed with a group of well trained, highly professional, enthusiastic, loving, and committed teachers. All lead teachers are trained by AMI training centers. AMI is the training and regulatory group founded by Dr. Montessori during her lifetime in order to maintain the highest standards of her philosophy.
Faculty and Staff
eBridge Montessori School is staffed with a group of well trained, highly professional, enthusiastic, loving, and committed teachers. All lead teachers are trained by AMI training centers. AMI is the training and regulatory group founded by Dr. Montessori during her lifetime in order to maintain the highest standards of her philosophy. The intensive graduate-level AMI training includes understanding early childhood development, hours of classroom observation and extensive practice in giving lessons across a rich and varied curriculum. Our teachers are dedicated to guiding each child to achieve their personal best in a productive and caring environment.
Most of our assistant teachers are experienced childcare providers and are DEEC (Department of Early Education and Care) teacher or lead teacher certified. They are well versed in the sensibilities necessary for guiding children in a Montessori setting and offer their own talents to enriching each classroom as well.
Our staff attends two weeks of staff orientation at the beginning of the school year, which includes training on Montessori philosophy and practice, school’s policy and procedures, DEEC regulations, First aid, and CPR.
Our teachers enjoy working together to build an environment of trust, respect, open communication, and team spirit. They understand the importance of building a strong and stable community for children and have a long-term commitment to work at eBridge.
Infant / Linden Class
Toddler / Hickory Class
Joannie McPhetridge | Teacher
Mrs. McPhetridge joined eBridge Montessori in March of 2022. She has more than 20 years of experience working with children. She was a certified day care owner / provider working with children of Navy families. She was a state certified daycare provider in Washington, New Jersey, Nebraska, and Kentucky and was an assistant teacher at public schools in London, Kentucky and Grafton, Massachusetts.
Mrs. McPhetridge and her husband have three children, two sons who are both serving in the Navy and a daughter in college. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, kayaking, and going to the beach.
Mosa Khatun | Teacher
Mrs. Khatun joined eBridge in June 2021. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh. She lived with her husband for six years in Fukuoka City in Japan. And has over twelve years of teaching experience and loves teaching children of all ages.
She also enjoys working on science, math, nature, and arts and crafts with her students. As an educator at eBridge Montessori School, she looks forward to engaging her students in a developmentally appropriate learning environment where they grow physically, intellectually and socially.
Mrs. Khatun can speak Bangla, English and some basic Japanese. She came to the States in 2003 and currently lives in Hopkinton with her husband and two children. She likes spending time with her family and friends, cooking and watching movies.
Yun Liu | Lead Teacher
Ms. Liu joined eBridge in August of 2021. Ms. Liu is from China and has a Bachelor of Laws from The Sichuan Normal University. She completed the 0-3 AMI Assistants to Infancy training at The Montessori Institute in Denver in 2019 and moved to Massachusetts in 2020.
Ms. Liu lives in Hopkinton with her husband and two daughters. She is a nature lover and a museum lover. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and baking.
Arpita Garai | Assistant Teacher
Ms. Arpita Garai joined eBridge Montessori in November 2022. She lives in Westborough MA with her husband and two children. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from Burdwan University in India. And has completed the Montessori 0-3 orientation training in 2023. She has one year experience teaching grades K-8. Working with children is her passion. She is excited to work with these young children and support their growth and learning.
In her free time, she likes to be creative. She enjoys many activities like dancing, drawing, spending time with my family, and traveling.
Toddler / Juniper Class
Karpagasundari Vanchinathan | Lead Teacher
Ms. Vanchi started at ebridge Montessori in September 2022. She has a Bachelor’s degree from India and an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. She is EEC lead teacher certified for infants, toddlers, and preschool children, and director I and II certified. She has more than 15 years of experience working with children ranging from infants to preschool children. She has also completed the Montessori 0-3 orientation training in 2023.
She lives in Westborough with her husband and two children. In her free time enjoys cooking, baking, and crocheting.
ShuJiao Liu | Assistant Teacher
Ms. Liu is from China and has a Bachelor of Accounting from Hunan Finance Institute. She came to the United States from Canada eight years ago and graduated with an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Middlesex Community College in 2021 and worked in daycare for one year. Currently, she is enrolled at Fitchburg State University with the same major. Her goals for the future are to obtain a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and receive Montessori certification.
Ms. Liu lives in Concord with her family. She has three children, and in her spare time, she loves hiking and traveling and enjoys family time. She has been to 54 national parks since she moved to the United States.
Margaret Aguilar | Assistant Teacher
Toddler / Rowan Class
Sabrina Stivaletta | Lead Teacher
Ms. Stivaletta started at eBridge in August 2023. She has previous experience in Montessori schools and has received certification from the Prepared Montessorian Institute for Infant and Toddler Montessori Teaching. She also has worked with elementary age children when she lived in San Francisco teaching art and literacy and in an English as Second Language program. She joins eBridge with her son, Elliot, and is excited to be part of the eBridge community for many years to come.
Shumaila Batool | Lead Teacher
Ms. Batool joined eBridge Montessori in the summer of 2022. She has been working with children for nine years and has four children of her own. She has also completed the Montessori 0-3 orientation training in 2023. She loves to work, teach, and learn together!
In her spare time Ms. Batool loves to cook and considers it one of her passions in life.
Brenna Mullins | Assistant Teacher
Ms. Mullins joined eBridge in August of 2023. She has a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Historic Preservation. She has experience as a substitute teacher in traditional schools, as well as some daycare experience. She enjoys watching children learn and gain confidence in their abilities.
In her spare time, Ms. Mullins enjoys digital mapmaking, playing tabletop games, painting, visiting museums, and karaoke.
Toddler / Spruce Class
Toddler / Teak Class
Pooja Kumari | Lead Teacher
Ms. Kumari joined eBridge in December of 2021. Ms. Kumari holds a Bachelors and Masters of Arts from Delhi University in India. She has also earned a Bachelors in education from Meerut University. She is passionate about creating an environment for child that supports and encourages a love for learning. She believes that it is her privileged to have this opportunity to support each child during a time of incredible growth.
Outside of work Ms. Kumari enjoys reading, watching Netflix, and spending time with her family and friends.
Kendra Hayes | Assistant Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Angela Erickson | Assistant Teacher
Ms. Erickson joined eBridge Montessori School in August 2023 . She has 7 years of experience in childcare settings, including as a home daycare assistant teacher and in a traditional school setting. She has worked in a Montessori school for the past 3 years and is currently in rolled at MWCC for Early Childhood Education. She has received certification from the Prepared Montessorian Institute for Infant and Toddler Montessori Teaching.
Ashley Benitez | Lead Teacher
Ms. Benitez joined eBridge in January 2022. She is currently enrolled at the University of Hartford, which is partnered with the Montessori Training Center Northeast (MTCNE), where she is completing her bachelor’s degree as well as her AMI Montessori diploma. In June of 2024, Ms. Benitez is returning to MTCNE in Hartford, CT for her second year of the 0-3 Montessori teacher training. She is also EEC-certified to work with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. She speaks Spanish fluently and has worked with ELL (English language learners) students from Guatemala and Ecuador. She has been working with children for over three years and has loved every minute of it.
In her spare time, she enjoys running, hiking, going to Boston Celtics games, and spending time with her partner and family.
Velankani Eda | Assistant Teacher
Primary / Birch Class
Primary / Cedar Class
Debra Ramsey | Lead Teacher
Mrs. Ramsey has been with eBridge Montessori School since it was established in 2005. She has 17 years of experience working with preschool-aged children in a group setting. Prior to joining the eBridge community, she operated a licensed family child care program which was accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Mrs. Ramsey holds a Child Development Associate’s and the Association Montessori Internationale primary teaching diploma from the Montessori Training Center of New England.
Mrs. Ramsey enjoys reading, boating, traveling and spending quality time with her family. She and her husband have two adult children and three grandchildren.
Miriam Acero | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Acero joined eBridge Montessori in September 2022. She moved from Barcelona, Spain in 2016. She has a Bachelor’s in Social Education and a EEC Certification. She has over 15 years of extensive working experience with children and special needs in a wide variety of projects, individual and group counseling, and development of new behavioral plans and strategies.
Nevine Ali | Lead Teacher
Mrs. Ali joined eBridge in August, 2021. She has a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Alexandria Egypt. Mrs. Ali moved to the United States in 2000. She studied Early Childhood Education at Middlesex Community College. She is EEC lead Teacher certified, and has more than 17 years of experience working with preschool children. Mrs. Ali is married and has two children.
She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends, swimming and cooking.
Harinaksh Shivashankar | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Shivashankar joined eBridge Montessori in 2014. She has more than 15 years of previous experience working with children. She has a Bachelor degree in Arts. She was born and brought up in Udupi, India. After marriage she came to Bangalore, India. When her son was 2 year old, she moved to Boston MA. She has a passion for teaching. Since childhood she used to take care of the neighbor’s children. She likes to teach them dance and yoga. She believes that nurturing and caring for a child during their early years is vital in developing a strong foundation. She thoroughly enjoys being with children at eBridge.
Her favorite things to do are yoga, dance, and making origami. The children love it too! In her free time, she sews traditional Indian clothing. She also loves cooking healthy food, gardening, walking and traveling.
Uma Kasi | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Kasi joined ebridge in summer 2019. She has a bachelor degree in mathematics and worked as Junior Engineer in the telecommunication services industry in India for several years. Mrs. Kasi taught the Indian language (Tamil) to children 5 years to 13 years for more than ten years in the India Society of Worcester. She has also done several voluntary community services in the schools.
She enjoys cooking, gardening and helping in taking care of dogs for friends and families.
Primary / Dogwood Class
Primary / Maple Class
Dawn Wetherell | Lead Teacher
Ms. Wetherell joined eBridge Montessori in May of 2019. She has Bachelor of Science degrees in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from Westfield State College and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori Concentration from the University of Hartford. Ms. Wetherell earned her Association Montessori Internationale certification for 3-6 year old’s from the Montessori Training Center New England in Hartford, CT in 2020.
In her spare time, Ms. Wetherell enjoys crafting, cooking, spending time with her family, going to concerts and walking her dog, Maitland.
Surekha Kochavara | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Kochavara joined eBridge in August of 2021. She brings 30+ years of teaching experience to eBridge Montessori through an illustrious career. She has experience teaching students of all ages right from kindergarten to undergraduates in English and various other subjects including university level entrance exams.
Mrs. Kochavara is highly educated with a Master’s in English literature as well as a bachelor’s in Education. She aims to instill her practical learnings and experience into the classrooms at eBridge and help children learn life skills in a natural way.
Mrs. Kochavara loves reading, keeping active and socializing with her friends and family. She loves children and spends a lot of time showering her grandchildren with love and nurturing them to become positive influences on society.
Em Meek | Assistant Teacher
Bryanna Young | Lead Teacher
Ms. Bryanna Young joined eBridge in June 2021. She is DEEC Director II certified and has an associate’s degree in early childhood education. She has about six years experience working with children. Her long term goal is to get her bachelor’s degree and take the Montessori primary training.
Ms. Young enjoys spending time with family and friends. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors.
” />
Rajashree Joga | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Raji Joga joined eBridge Montessori in 2022. She has more than 10 years of teaching experience in elementary schools in India and 3 years preschool experience in Oregon USA. She has a passion towards working with children of all ages. She graduated with a Bachelors of Commerce in India and holds a Diploma in Personal Management.
She lives with her husband and her son who studies Bachelors of Computer Science in UMass Amherst.
She likes to spend her free time in gardening, cooking, watching movies, traveling with family and friends.
Primary / Pine Class
Elementary / Elm Class
Sherine Garas | Lead Teacher
Profile coming soon!
Tammi Armstrong | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Armstrong joined eBridge in May 2010 as a substitute teacher. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business with a minor in French from Simmons College in Boston. She recently obtained DEEC toddlers and preschool teaching certificate.
Mrs. Armstrong lives with her husband and two children who both attended eBridge Montessori School. They enjoy visiting Cape Cod as a family where they go boating, fishing, swimming and doing other activities the Cape has to offer.
Susanna Merrill | Lead Teacher
Ms. Merrill graduated from AMI primary training in Atlanta in the spring of 2015, and moved to Massachusetts immediately afterwards. She is happy to have found eBridge!
She earned her B.A. from Middlebury College, an M.A. in Russian literature from UC Berkeley, and an M.Ed. from Loyola University of Baltimore. She loves watching each child grow into her/his own unique person.
Ms. Merrill enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, and reading, but does not enjoy any weather described as “wintry mix.”
Afterschool / Supporting Staff
Harinaksh Shivashankar | After School Teacher
Mrs. Shivashankar joined eBridge Montessori in 2014. She has more than 15 years of previous experience working with children. She has a Bachelor degree in Arts. She was born and brought up in Udupi, India. After marriage she came to Bangalore, India. When her son was 2 year old, she moved to Boston MA. She has a passion for teaching. Since childhood she used to take care of the neighbor’s children. She likes to teach them dance and yoga. She believes that nurturing and caring for a child during their early years is vital in developing a strong foundation. She thoroughly enjoys being with children at eBridge.
Her favorite things to do are yoga, dance, and making origami. The children love it too! In her free time, she sews traditional Indian clothing. She also loves cooking healthy food, gardening, walking and traveling.
Gabriela Banville | After School Teacher
Ms. Banville joined eBridge in 2022. She has a Master of Education degree in Applied Linguistics (TESOL/TEFL). She has been in the field of education for over 19 years and thinks that seeing students grow professionally and personally and making an impact in their lives is most rewarding. 
Em Meek | Assistant Teacher
Hansa Makhijani | After School Teacher
Mrs. Makhijani joined eBridge in November 2021. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Chemistry. She started and led her own children’s Nursery for over 10 years. She also worked at the American School of Kuwait before moving to US in 2015. She has experience teaching math & science to children of all ages from kindergarten to high school.Mrs. Makhijani brings 25 years of experience with children. She is very patient, and goes above and beyond to understand their needs and provide the care and attention in their early childhood years.
She likes pets and has two furry pups, Twix and Hachi. In her free time she enjoys cooking, gardening, spending time with her family, and traveling. She has visited Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, and several states in US and India.
Mary Riad | Assistant Teacher
Paul Griffin | After School Teacher
Mr. Paul Griffin joined eBridge Montessori in October 2022. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from Worcester State University. Mr. Griffin spends his days working as an English teacher at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester. Afterwards he works in the after school program at eBridge Montessori. For Mr. Griffin, this combination is the best of both worlds as he loves children of all age ranges and each bring joy to his life.
In his spare time Mr. Griffin enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog Peach! He also has a passion for golfing, cooking, and watching football.
Jennifer Lentz | Chorus
Jennifer Lentz received a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy from Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA and has been in MA facilitating music experiences for children since 2003. She has been a Board-Certified Music Therapist for 20 years and has worked with a variety of populations in 1:1, small group, and large group sessions. A classically trained soprano, she has been a cantor at weddings, funerals, and different venues. During her childhood and young adulthood, Jen participated in two dozen music theater productions. Her favorite role was Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof. She has also helped to direct music theater camps for children. Each summer, Jennifer leads the music crew for the Westborough Ecumenical Vacation Bible School. At the church where she is a member, she enjoys playing tone chimes/hand bells, singing in the choirs, directing children in sharing songs, and teaching Sunday School classes. Jen feels it is an honor to be in her tenth year of serving as a Girl Scout Leader for Grafton, for which she is a member of the Service Unit. She has been a song leader for bridging ceremonies, powderpuff derbies, and winter caroling (for Grafton Celebrates the Holidays) too. “Music Jen” has a passion for helping others to have fun while getting lots of learning done, and she meets each child/anyone in the room where he/she is at regarding energy level, interest level, and mood every class. She likes to take walks, to dance, and to see movies/concerts/music theater shows.
Yulia Aidelman | Supporting Teacher
Mrs. Aidelman joined eBridge Montessori School in 2022. She was born in Russia and raised in Israel for 20 years, and speaks Russian and Hebrew. She has a Bachelor’s in Social Science and is a certified teacher in special education (3-21yers old) in Israel and worked in spatial education for 5 years. She loves working with kids.
Olivia McGourty | Supporting Teacher
Ms. McGourty has been working and caring for children for 9 years in a group setting. Before working in childcare she practiced under an occupational therapist who showed her how to meet children’s needs and help them adapt to their environment. She worked in a Montessori setting for two years and has been implementing the theories of Maria Montessori since she started working in childcare back in 2015. She is EEC certified to work with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. Her understanding of children goes past the surface, as she enjoys building deep connections. She is dedicated to the growth and development of children and has never looked back since starting her journey with our future generations!
Outside of work Ms. McGourty enjoys hiking with her dog, Clark, snowboarding, playing indoor soccer, and the satisfaction of finishing a good old fashion puzzle!
When starting her career with children she was most influenced by the principle that the first 5 years of a child’s life are the most important and that’s her motivation for working with these age groups.
Administration
Jin Huang | Head of School
Ms. Huang graduated from Tsinghua University (清华大学) in Beijing, China with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a bachelor’s degree in Chinese Language and Literature. She holds a master’s degree from UMASS Amherst in computer science and a master’s degree from University of Scranton in software engineering. Ms. Huang worked as a principal software engineer in computer companies before she became an educator.
After her daughter was born, Ms. Huang became fascinated with children and their development, which fueled her passion to dedicate her life to education. She believes that high-quality early childhood education is fundamental and crucial to every child. She took master’s level courses in early childhood education and successfully completed AMI (Association Montessori International) 3-6 primary training. She founded eBridge Montessori School in 2005 and has worked diligently to build the best possible authentic Montessori school.
Ms. Huang lives with her husband and two children. She loves music, reading, cooking, knitting, skiing, swimming, playing TaiChi, and traveling with her family and friends.
Angela Ueshiro | Assistant Head of School
Mrs. Ueshiro joined eBridge in 2019. She has a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Iowa and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education with Montessori Concentration from the University of Hartford. She discovered Montessori after returning to the United States after living in Japan for 12 years when she started working in a corporate Montessori school on Long Island, NY. During her 16 year tenure, she had the opportunity to complete both the Association Montessori Internationale Assistants to Infancy training at The Montessori Institute in Denver, CO in 2007 and the Primary training at Montessori Training Center New England in Hartford, CT in 2011. During her career, she has taught in the Nido (infant), Infant Community (toddlers) and Primary levels. Her most recent role was as the supervisor for the 0-3 year communities.
Mrs. Ueshiro enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She loves going to the beach, traveling, reading and cooking.
Rebecca Walker | Director of Admissions and Academics
Ms. Walker joined eBridge in 2013. She has a bachelor’s from Michigan State University, where she studied early education, elementary education and business administration. Her first teaching job was in a public school teaching upper elementary reading and math. Subsequently, she was given the opportunity to create and teach the first multi-aged class in her school. Teaching this group of kindergarten and first-grade children began a career that has focused on creating and supporting healthy, multi-aged learning communities for children in preschool and elementary school settings. Before moving to Massachusetts, she had the privilege of spending ten years as the director of a private elementary school serving children in multi-aged classrooms and having a heavy emphasis on integrating the disciplines and getting out of the classroom for real-world learning experiences. Since coming to Massachusetts, Ms. Walker has finally had the opportunity to study and work in Montessori environments. She earned her Association Montessori Internationale, Primary certificate in 2011 at the Montessori Training Center of New England and is nearing completion of a master’s in early education.
When not working, Ms. Walker enjoys reading, cooking new recipes, skiing (downhill or country), swimming and exploring museums. She has lived in a variety of locations around the country and the world and continues to love travel. She is very happy to be settled in Framingham with her husband. She has a son who is a recent college graduate and works in the Boston area.
Vanessa Landyn | Office Manager
Ms. Landyn joined eBridge in August of 2021. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts in History with a Public History concentration from Worcester State University. And is teacher certified for preschool age child. Although new to Montessori, Ms. Landyn is eager to learn and provide the best experience for all the children.
Ms. Landyn recently married her husband in October of 2022. Together they live with their corgi puppy, Peach. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, baking, bowling, and gardening.
Our Staff
We are proud to introduce our outstanding, committed, professional team.
Toddler/ Hickory Class
Yun Liu | Lead Teacher
Ms. Liu is from China and has a Bachelor of Laws from The Sichuan Normal University. She completed the 0-3 AMI Assistants to Infancy training at The Montessori Institute in Denver in 2019 and moved to Massachusetts in 2020. She joined eBridge in July 2021.
Ms. Liu lives in Hopkinton with her husband and two daughters. She is a nature lover and a museum lover. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and baking.
Arpita Garai | Assistant Teacher
Ms. Arpita Garai joined eBridge Montessori in November 2022. She lives in Westborough MA with her husband and two children. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from Burdwan University in India. And has completed the Montessori 0-3 orientation training in 2023. She has one year experience teaching grades K-8. Working with children is her passion. She is excited to work with these young children and support their growth and learning.
In her free time, she likes to be creative. She enjoys many activities like dancing, drawing, spending time with my family, and traveling.
Toddler/ Juniper Class
Sue Vanchinathan | Lead Teacher
Ms. Vanchi started at ebridge Montessori in September 2022. She has a Bachelor’s degree from India and an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. She is EEC lead teacher certified for infants, toddlers, and preschool children, and director I and II certified. She has more than 15 years of experience working with children ranging from infants to preschool children. She has also completed the Montessori 0-3 orientation training in 2023.
She lives in Westborough with her husband and two children. In her free time enjoys cooking, baking, and crocheting.
ShuJiao Liu | Assistant Teacher
Ms. Liu is from China and has a Bachelor of Accounting from Hunan Finance Institute. She came to the United States from Canada eight years ago and graduated with an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Middlesex Community College in 2021 and worked in daycare for one year. Currently, she is enrolled at Fitchburg State University with the same major. Her goals for the future are to obtain a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and receive Montessori certification.
Ms. Liu lives in Concord with her family. She has three children, and in her spare time, she loves hiking and traveling and enjoys family time. She has been to 54 national parks since she moved to the United States.
Toddler/ Rowan Class
Sabrina Stivaletta | Assistant Teacher
Profile coming soon!
Shumaila Batool | Assistant Teacher
Ms. Batool joined eBridge Montessori in the summer of 2022. She has been working with children for nine years and has four children of her own. She has also completed the Montessori 0-3 orientation training in 2023. She loves to work, teach, and learn together!
In her spare time Ms. Batool loves to cook and considers it one of her passions in life.
Brenna Mullins | Assistant Teacher
Ms. Mullins joined eBridge in August of 2023. She has a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Historic Preservation. She has experience as a substitute teacher in traditional schools, as well as some daycare experience. She enjoys watching children learn and gain confidence in their abilities.
In her spare time, Ms. Mullins enjoys digital mapmaking, playing tabletop games, painting, visiting museums, and karaoke.
Toddler/ Spruce Class
Pooja Kumari | Lead Teacher
Ms. Kumari joined eBridge in December of 2021. Ms. Kumari holds a Bachelors and Masters of Arts from Delhi University in India. She has also earned a Bachelors in education from Meerut University. She is passionate about creating an environment for child that supports and encourages a love for learning. She believes that it is her privileged to have this opportunity to support each child during a time of incredible growth.
Outside of work Ms. Kumari enjoys reading, watching Netflix, and spending time with her family and friends.
Angela Erickson | Assistant Teacher
Ms. Erickson joined eBridge Montessori School in August 2023 . She has 7 years of experience in childcare settings, including as a home daycare assistant teacher and in a traditional school setting. She has worked in a Montessori school for the past 3 years and is currently in rolled at MWCC for Early Childhood Education. She has received certification from the Prepared Montessorian Institute for Infant and Toddler Montessori Teaching.
Mary Riad | Assistant Teacher
Toddler/ Teak Class
Ashley Benitez | Lead Teacher
Ms. Benitez joined eBridge in January 2022. She is currently enrolled at the University of Hartford, which is partnered with the Montessori Training Center Northeast (MTCNE), where she is completing her bachelor’s degree as well as her AMI Montessori diploma. In June of 2024, Ms. Benitez is returning to MTCNE in Hartford, CT for her second year of the 0-3 Montessori teacher training. She is also EEC-certified to work with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. She speaks Spanish fluently and has worked with ELL (English language learners) students from Guatemala and Ecuador. She has been working with children for over three years and has loved every minute of it.
In her spare time, she enjoys running, hiking, going to Boston Celtics games, and spending time with her partner and family.
Velankani Eda | Assistant Teacher
Infant / Linden Class
Joannie McPhetridge | Teacher
Mrs. McPhetridge joined eBridge Montessori in March of 2022. She has more than 20 years of experience working with children. She was a certified day care owner / provider working with children of Navy families. She was a state certified daycare provider in Washington, New Jersey, Nebraska, and Kentucky and was an assistant teacher at public schools in London, Kentucky and Grafton, Massachusetts.
Mrs. McPhetridge and her husband have three children, two sons who are both serving in the Navy and a daughter in college. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, kayaking, and going to the beach.
Mosa Khatun | Teacher
Mrs. Khatun joined eBridge in June 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh. She lived with her husband for six years in Fukuoka city in Japan. She has over twelve years teaching experience and loves teaching children of all ages.
She also enjoys working on science, math, nature, arts and crafts with her students. As an educator at eBridge Montessori School, she looks forward to engaging her students in a developmentally appropriate learning environment where they grow physically, intellectually and socially.
Mrs. Khatun can speak Bangla, English and some basic Japanese. She came to the States in 2003 and currently lives in Hopkinton with her husband and two children. She likes spending time with her family and friends, cooking and watching movies.
Primary/Birch Class
Debra Ramsey | Lead Teacher
Mrs. Ramsey has been with eBridge Montessori School since it was established in 2005. She has 17 years of experience working with preschool-aged children in a group setting. Prior to joining the eBridge community, she operated a licensed family child care program which was accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Mrs. Ramsey holds a Child Development Associate’s and the Association Montessori Internationale primary teaching diploma from the Montessori Training Center of New England.
Mrs. Ramsey enjoys reading, boating, traveling and spending quality time with her family. She and her husband have two adult children and three grandchildren.
Miriam Acero | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Acero joined eBridge Montessori in September 2022. She moved from Barcelona, Spain in 2016. She has a Bachelor’s in Social Education and a EEC Certification. She has over 15 years of extensive working experience with children and special needs in a wide variety of projects, individual and group counseling, and development of new behavioral plans and strategies.
Primary/Cedar Class
Nevine Ali | Lead Teacher
Mrs. Ali joined eBridge in August, 2021. She has a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Alexandria Egypt. Mrs. Ali moved to the United States in 2000. She studied Early Childhood Education at Middlesex Community College. She is EEC lead Teacher certified, and has more than 17 years of experience working with preschool children. Mrs. Ali is married and has two children.
She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends, swimming and cooking.
Harinaksh Shivashankar | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Shivashankar joined eBridge Montessori in 2014. She has more than 15 years of previous experience working with children. She has a Bachelor degree in Arts. She was born and brought up in Udupi, India. After marriage she came to Bangalore, India. When her son was 2 year old, she moved to Boston MA. She has a passion for teaching. Since childhood she used to take care of the neighbor’s children. She likes to teach them dance and yoga. She believes that nurturing and caring for a child during their early years is vital in developing a strong foundation. She thoroughly enjoys being with children at eBridge.
Her favorite things to do are yoga, dance, and making origami. The children love it too! In her free time, she sews traditional Indian clothing. She also loves cooking healthy food, gardening, walking and traveling.
Uma Kasi | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Kasi joined ebridge in summer 2019. She has a bachelor degree in mathematics and worked as Junior Engineer in the telecommunication services industry in India for several years. Mrs. Kasi taught the Indian language (Tamil) to children 5 years to 13 years for more than ten years in the India Society of Worcester. She has also done several voluntary community services in the schools.
She enjoys cooking, gardening and helping in taking care of dogs for friends and families.
Primary/Dogwood Class
Dawn Wetherell | Lead Teacher
Ms. Wetherell joined eBridge Montessori in May of 2019. She has Bachelor of Science degrees in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from Westfield State College and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori Concentration from the University of Hartford. Ms. Wetherell earned her Association Montessori Internationale certification for 3-6 year old’s from the Montessori Training Center New England in Hartford, CT in 2020.
In her spare time, Ms. Wetherell enjoys crafting, cooking, spending time with her family, going to concerts and walking her dog, Maitland.
Surekha Kochavara | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Kochavara joined eBridge in August of 2021. She brings 30+ years of teaching experience to eBridge Montessori through an illustrious career. She has experience teaching students of all ages right from kindergarten to undergraduates in English and various other subjects including university level entrance exams.
Mrs. Kochavara is highly educated with a Master’s in English literature as well as a bachelor’s in Education. She aims to instill her practical learnings and experience into the classrooms at eBridge and help children learn life skills in a natural way.
Mrs. Kochavara loves reading, keeping active and socializing with her friends and family. She loves children and spends a lot of time showering her grandchildren with love and nurturing them to become positive influences on society.
Em Meek | Assistant Teacher
Primary / Pine Class
Sherine Garas | Lead Teacher
Mrs. Garas joined eBridge Montessori in December of 2021. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Egypt. She taught computer science for high school students more than 10 years in Alexandria, Egypt. She moved to USA since 2009. Mrs. Garas is EEC Lead Teacher Certified and has worked in traditional day care for 5 years. She is working to get Primary (3-6) training courses accredited by the Association Montessori International to guide 3-6 year old children in all aspects of development.
Mrs. Garas enjoys crochet, cooking, traveling and spending time with her family. She and her husband have two adult children.
Tammi Armstrong | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Armstrong joined eBridge in May 2010 as a substitute teacher. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business with a minor in French from Simmons College in Boston. She recently obtained DEEC toddlers and preschool teaching certificate.
Mrs. Armstrong lives with her husband and two children who both attended eBridge Montessori School. They enjoy visiting Cape Cod as a family where they go boating, fishing, swimming and doing other activities the Cape has to offer.
Yulia Aidelman | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Yulia Aidelman joined eBridge Montessori School in 2022. She was born in Russia and raised in Israel for 20 years, and speaks Russian and Hebrew. She has a Bachelor’s in Social Science and is a certified teacher in special education (3-21yers old) in Israel and worked in spatial education for 5 years. She loves working with kids.
Primary / Maple Class
Bryanna Young | Lead Teacher
Ms. Bryanna Young joined eBridge in June 2021. She is DEEC Director II certified and has an associate’s degree in early childhood education. She has about six years experience working with children. Her long term goal is to get her bachelor’s degree and take the Montessori primary training.
Ms. Young enjoys spending time with family and friends. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors.
Rajashree Joga | Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Raji Joga joined eBridge Montessori in 2022. She has more than 10 years of teaching experience in elementary schools in India and 3 years preschool experience in Oregon USA. She has a passion towards working with children of all ages. She graduated with a Bachelors of Commerce in India and holds a Diploma in Personal Management.
She lives with her husband and her son who studies Bachelors of Computer Science in UMass Amherst.
She likes to spend her free time in gardening, cooking, watching movies, traveling with family and friends.
Elementary/Elm Class
Susanna Merrill | Lead Teacher
Ms. Merrill joined eBridge in August 2015. She receive her AMI Montessori 3-6 diploma in the spring of 2015 and is taking the AMI Montessori 6-12 training. She has also earned her B.A. from Middlebury College, an M.A. in Russian literature from UC Berkeley, and an M.Ed. from Loyola University of Baltimore. She loves watching each child grow into her/his own unique person.
Ms. Merrill enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, and reading, but does not enjoy any weather described as “wintry mix.”
Enrichment Class / Chorus
Jennifer Lentz | Chorus
Jennifer Lentz received a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy from Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA and has been in MA facilitating music experiences for children since 2003. She has been a Board-Certified Music Therapist for 20 years and has worked with a variety of populations in 1:1, small group, and large group sessions. A classically trained soprano, she has been a cantor at weddings, funerals, and different venues. During her childhood and young adulthood, Jen participated in two dozen music theater productions. Her favorite role was Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof. She has also helped to direct music theater camps for children. Each summer, Jennifer leads the music crew for the Westborough Ecumenical Vacation Bible School. At the church where she is a member, she enjoys playing tone chimes/hand bells, singing in the choirs, directing children in sharing songs, and teaching Sunday School classes. Jen feels it is an honor to be in her tenth year of serving as a Girl Scout Leader for Grafton, for which she is a member of the Service Unit. She has been a song leader for bridging ceremonies, powderpuff derbies, and winter caroling (for Grafton Celebrates the Holidays) too. “Music Jen” has a passion for helping others to have fun while getting lots of learning done, and she meets each child/anyone in the room where he/she is at regarding energy level, interest level, and mood every class. She likes to take walks, to dance, and to see movies/concerts/music theater shows.
After-school/Acorn Room
Harinaksh Shivashankar | After-School Teacher
Mrs. Shivashankar joined eBridge Montessori in 2014. She has more than 15 years of previous experience working with children. She has a Bachelor degree in Arts. She was born and brought up in Udupi, India. After marriage she came to Bangalore, India. When her son was 2 year old, she moved to Boston MA. She has a passion for teaching. Since childhood she used to take care of the neighbor’s children. She likes to teach them dance and yoga. She believes that nurturing and caring for a child during their early years is vital in developing a strong foundation. She thoroughly enjoys being with children at eBridge.
Her favorite things to do are yoga, dance, and making origami. The children love it too! In her free time, she sews traditional Indian clothing. She also loves cooking healthy food, gardening, walking and traveling.
Hansa Makhijani | After-School Teacher
Mrs. Makhijani brings 25 years of experience with children. She is very patient, and goes above and beyond to understand their needs and provide the care and attention in their early childhood years.
She likes pets and has two furry pups, Twix and Hachi. In her free time she enjoys cooking, gardening, spending time with her family, and traveling. She has visited Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, and several states in US and India.
Paul Griffin | After School Teacher
Mr. Paul Griffin joined eBridge Montessori in October 2022. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from Worcester State University. Mr. Griffin spends his days working as an English teacher at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester. Afterwards he works in the after school program at eBridge Montessori. For Mr. Griffin, this combination is the best of both worlds as he loves children of all age ranges and each bring joy to his life.
In his spare time Mr. Griffin enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog Peach! He also has a passion for golfing, cooking, and watching football.
Em Meek | Assistant Teacher
Administration
Jin Huang | Head of School
Ms. Huang graduated from Tsinghua University (清华大学) in Beijing, China with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a bachelor’s degree in Chinese Language and Literature. She holds a master’s degree from UMASS Amherst in computer science and a master’s degree from University of Scranton in software engineering. Ms. Huang worked as a principal software engineer in computer companies before she became an educator.
After her daughter was born, Ms. Huang became fascinated with children and their development, which fueled her passion to dedicate her life to education. She believes that high-quality early childhood education is fundamental and crucial to every child. She took master’s level courses in early childhood education and successfully completed AMI (Association Montessori International) 3-6 primary training. She founded eBridge Montessori School in 2005 and has worked diligently to build the best possible authentic Montessori school.
Ms. Huang lives with her husband and two children. She loves music, reading, cooking, knitting, skiing, swimming, playing TaiChi, and traveling with her family and friends.
Angela Ueshiro | Assistant Head of School
Mrs. Ueshiro joined eBridge in 2019. She has a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Iowa and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education with Montessori Concentration from the University of Hartford. She discovered Montessori after returning to the United States after living in Japan for 12 years when she started working in a corporate Montessori school on Long Island, NY. During her 16 year tenure, she had the opportunity to complete both the Association Montessori Internationale Assistants to Infancy training at The Montessori Institute in Denver, CO in 2007 and the Primary training at Montessori Training Center New England in Hartford, CT in 2011. During her career, she has taught in the Nido (infant), Infant Community (toddlers) and Primary levels. Her most recent role was as the supervisor for the 0-3 year communities.
Mrs. Ueshiro enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She loves going to the beach, traveling, reading and cooking.
Rebecca Walker | Director of Admissions and Academics
Ms. Walker joined eBridge in 2013. She has a bachelor’s from Michigan State University, where she studied early education, elementary education and business administration. Her first teaching job was in a public school teaching upper elementary reading and math. Subsequently, she was given the opportunity to create and teach the first multi-aged class in her school. Teaching this group of kindergarten and first-grade children began a career that has focused on creating and supporting healthy, multi-aged learning communities for children in preschool and elementary school settings. Before moving to Massachusetts, she had the privilege of spending ten years as the director of a private elementary school serving children in multi-aged classrooms and having a heavy emphasis on integrating the disciplines and getting out of the classroom for real-world learning experiences. Since coming to Massachusetts, Ms. Walker has finally had the opportunity to study and work in Montessori environments. She earned her Association Montessori Internationale, Primary certificate in 2011 at the Montessori Training Center of New England and is nearing completion of a master’s in early education.
When not working, Ms. Walker enjoys reading, cooking new recipes, skiing (downhill or country), swimming and exploring museums. She has lived in a variety of locations around the country and the world and continues to love travel. She is very happy to be settled in Framingham with her husband. She has a son who is a recent college graduate and works in the Boston area.
Vanessa Landyn | Office Manager
Ms. Landyn joined eBridge in August of 2021. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts in History with a Public History concentration from Worcester State University. And is teacher certified for preschool age child. Although new to Montessori, Ms. Landyn is eager to learn and provide the best experience for all the children.
Ms. Landyn recently married her husband in October of 2022. Together they live with their corgi puppy, Peach. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, baking, bowling, and gardening.