Only the Best
Dedicated to Helping Every Child Reach Their Full Potential
Our low student-to-teacher ratio gives teachers time and opportunity for instruction that is authentically individual. They observe and interact one-on-one to determine strengths, uncover weaknesses and support each appropriately. With teachers as guides, learning occurs in small groups or with students in partnership as mentors.
Meet Our Staff
If you need additional information please contact our administrators at admin@snhec.org or call (603)818-8613.
Head of School

Debra Hogan
Head of School
Debra’s discovery of Montessori began when searching for a school for her son where he would flourish. She was enraptured with the Montessori philosophy and the rest is history! Here we are, 17 years later at Southern NH Education Center. As our matriarch, she is the answer to any Montessori questions, parenting advice, and so much more. A wealth of information and connections as our Head of School, she brings the foundation that began our SNHEC Montessori Community. Debra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership, is certified in Positive Discipline as a Parent Educator, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Human Development. Debra is the proud mother of a blended family of five children and eight grandchildren and two Portuguese Water dogs. A few of her favorite pastimes include reading, gardening, cooking and visits to Cape Cod. Debra’s favorite Montessori quote is: “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”
Administration

Sarah Ellis
Office Manager
Sarah joined the SNHMA team in September 2025. She brings a strong and varied professional background in administrative support, human resources, and program coordination. Her previous roles include serving as an Administrative Assistant with Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation, Office Manager for the YMCA of Greater Boston, and an HR Coordinator and Recruiter.
Sarah is excited to be part of the SNHMA community and looks forward to supporting the school’s teachers, administrators, families, and students.
Outside of school, Sarah enjoys spending time at the beach and hopes to travel to the United Kingdom in the near future, with England, Scotland, and Ireland at the top of her list.
In her own words:
“Though new to Montessori education, I appreciate its hands-on, self-paced approach to learning and am eager to learn more.”

Jamie McClelland
Director of Enrollment and Family Engagement
With over 15 years of experience in both public and private Montessori schools—as well as time spent as a Math Specialist at a charter school—Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role.
She holds an Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society, a Massachusetts PK–2 Initial Teaching License, Lead Teacher Certification from the Department of Early Education and Care, and an SEI Endorsement. Jamie also earned a Master’s Degree in Italian Studies from New York University during a stay in Florence, Italy.
Jamie is excited to help guide families through their educational journey and support them in making informed, confident decisions. She has a special interest in cultural studies and bilingualism in both children and adults. Jamie ’s favorite Montessori subjects to teach are Math and Geography. She appreciates how the Montessori Math curriculum makes complex concepts accessible to children of all abilities through its clear, hands-on structure.
Outside of school, Jamie is a competitive short- and mid-distance runner and an avid reader. She and her husband and daughter love to travel, with the Scottish Highlands holding a special place in their hearts.
In her own words:
“Montessori education, on the surface level, is a beautifully crafted, rich curriculum with something to offer every child. As one learns more about the philosophy, it becomes a way of life—a way of seeing the world through the eyes of others and becoming part of something bigger than yourself. Montessori education is a calling.”

Tate Greco
Education Coordinator and Montessori Coach
Tate is a seasoned Montessorian with over 30 years of teaching experience, the majority of which she spent in Arizona and New Hampshire. She first joined SNHMA as a consultant in 2022 and became a full-time member of the team in 2024.
Tate holds an Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society and has remained a dedicated student of Montessori philosophy throughout her career. A true lifelong learner, she recently completed a Montessori Coaching course, further deepening her understanding of how to support both children and educators in their growth.
During her time in the classroom, Tate’s favorite area to teach was Cultural Studies. She has always found great joy in exploring the traditions, histories, and ways of life of people around the world, and loved sharing that curiosity with her students. She believes that Cultural Studies offer a beautiful opportunity to foster empathy, curiosity, and a broader worldview in young children.
Outside of her professional work, Tate has a love for Hawaii. She once spent a summer working as a nanny in Maui and fell in love with the island’s salty air, natural beauty, and relaxed pace of life. She hopes to return to soak in the island’s peaceful spirit.
In her own words:
“The word ‘community’ truly says it all. I love being part of a place where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging, grounded in intentional and mutual respect for both children and adults.”
Nido

Emilee Plumer
Lead Teacher
Emilee joined SNHMA in 2021 and has been working with children for over 7 years, beginning her journey in Early Childhood Education as a Daycare Assistant at just 16 years old. She recently earned her Infant and Toddler Credential from the American Montessori Society and is passionate about supporting children and families during these foundational years.
What Emilee loves most about Montessori education is its emphasis on honoring the uniqueness of every child, fostering lifelong learners, and building a strong support system for families. Her favorite curriculum area to teach is Science, as it naturally connects with all other areas and encourages curiosity, discovery, and wonder.
A strong advocate for nature-based learning, Emilee believes that time spent outdoors helps young children discover the beauty of the world and understand the role they play in caring for it. She often visits Acadia National Park to hike, swim, and unwind—and she dreams of visiting as many National Parks as possible in her lifetime.
In her own words:
“There is something really special about walking hand in hand with families on this journey, creating a circle of support around the child that is full of care, curiosity, and connection.”
Toddler

Lou Loving
Co-Lead Teacher
Lou joined SNHMA in 2024 and brings seven years of teaching experience to our community. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science and a Birth–3 Waldorf Certification.
In the Toddler Room, Lou loves weaving rhythm and music into the daily routine, creating a joyful and engaging environment for our youngest learners. He’s also passionate about Outdoor Education and makes the most of every opportunity to explore nature with his students—often discovering “natural treasures” together on their walks.
Outside of school, Lou dreams of participating in ecological work in Costa Rica and exploring the rich culture and landscapes of Guatemala.
In his own words:
“I love working with others who understand the value that children hold as our future.”

Jessica Daigle
Co-Lead Teacher
Jessica joined SNHMA in 2024 with over seven years of teaching experience. She holds an Infant/Toddler Montessori Credential from NAMC and has completed college coursework in Early Childhood Education.
While she enjoys all aspects of the Montessori classroom, Jessica has a special passion for teaching life cycles—particularly the life cycle of a butterfly. She finds it to be a fully immersive and awe-inspiring experience for the children, as they get to witness the transformation firsthand.
One of Jessica’s personal dreams is to travel to France someday.
In her own words:
“I love watching the children reach their full potential and being able to guide and protect their individuality.”
Early Childhood

Jody Papandrew
Co-Lead Teacher
Jody joined the SNHMA team in 2019 and brings over 25 years of teaching experience to the classroom. She holds an Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Montessori.
Jody deeply values the authentic Montessori environment at SNHMA and treasures the relationships she’s built with co-workers, children, and families. Among her favorite components of the Montessori curriculum are Peace Education and Cosmic Education, which align with her belief in nurturing a more compassionate and connected world.
In her free time, you’ll likely find Jody relaxing by the beach. One of her dreams is to travel to Arizona and explore its natural beauty.
In her own words:
“The more we can model peace in all situations—resolving conflict using words instead of force—the more achievable and attainable peace will become for the children, our hope for the next generation of leaders.”

Naomi Hare
Co-Lead Teacher
Naomi has been dedicated to Montessori education since 2008. She began her journey as an Assistant Teacher at a Montessori school in Maine, where she also received her Early Childhood Credential and Montessori training. After a decade in Maine, she continued her path as a Montessori guide in Manchester before joining SNHMA in 2024.
Deeply inspired by Dr. Maria Montessori, Naomi is a passionate advocate for the Montessori method and believes wholeheartedly in its transformative power. She loves sharing the philosophy with others and witnessing the profound impact it has on children’s development. Becoming a certified Montessori guide was a turning point in Naomi’s teaching career, shaping her perspective and enriching her approach in the classroom.
Naomi’s favorite material to teach is the Trinomial Cube, which she enjoys for its intricate beauty and challenge. She also has a strong passion for Life Science, particularly topics related to the Human Body.
Naomi spent her middle and high school years in Japan while her family was stationed there with the U.S. Marine Corps—a time she remembers fondly and hopes to revisit someday.
In her own words:
“I love everything about Maria Montessori! She was a genius and ahead of her time. Once you are trained, you can truly see the extent of her genius in the results in the work of the child.”

Krystal Murphy
Co-Lead Teacher
Krystal has been a valued member of SNHMA since 2022. She brings a rich background in Early Childhood Education, with experience both in traditional preschool classrooms and in teaching dance to children ages 3–6. Krystal is currently pursuing her Montessori Early Childhood Credential through the Montessori Institute of New England.
What Krystal appreciates most about being part of a Montessori community is the child-led approach to learning. Her favorite area of the Montessori curriculum is Math, as she enjoys how abstract concepts are introduced through beautiful, hands-on materials that allow children to explore and deeply understand numbers and operations.
Outside the classroom, Krystal finds peace and renewal at the beach. The calm of the waves, the vastness of the sky, and the slower rhythm of time make it her favorite place to recharge.
In her own words:
“I love that the Montessori environment honors each child’s individual pace and interests, creating space for all types of learners to thrive.”
Elementary

Janice Douglas
Lead Teacher
Janice joined SNHMA in 2025 and is excited to begin her Montessori journey with us! She brings over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, including five years working in an Intensive Needs setting. Janice holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education.
She is especially inspired by the Language and Practical Life areas of the Montessori curriculum, as she believes these foundational skills build confidence and make learning both engaging and joyful in unique ways.
Outside the classroom, Janice loves visiting York, Maine—one of her favorite vacation spots. She also dreams of traveling with her family to Italy, the Philippines, and France.
In her own words:
“I look forward to supporting children’s independence and love of learning in this nurturing community.”
ASSISTANT TEACHERS

Caitrin Graves
Assistant Teacher
Caitrin joined SNHMA in 2023 and has been working with young children since 2021. She was drawn to our school’s strong sense of mutual respect, its emphasis on individual growth, and the deep appreciation for community that defines the Montessori environment.
As a Nido teacher, Caitrin brings warmth and creativity to her work with infants and toddlers. Her favorite curriculum areas to teach are Music and Language, and she loves incorporating both music and sign language to support early communication and language development. She is also passionate about nature-based learning, which helps children connect deeply with the world around them.
A world traveler, Caitrin has explored Mexico, Iceland, New Zealand, Ireland, and Canada. Next on her travel wish list: Scotland, South Korea, and Thailand!
In her own words:
“I’m passionate about instilling a sense of reverence and respect towards our environment in hopes that our next generation of children will become responsible stewards of this earth.”

Kerri Donohue
Assistant Teacher
Now in her second year at SNHMA, Kerri brings 13 years of experience in education and holds a Lead Teacher Certificate in Early Childhood Education. She thrives in the Montessori environment, where she loves watching her students grow and succeed through child-led learning.
Kerri’s favorite areas of the Montessori curriculum are Art—especially when it gets messy—and Math, where she enjoys witnessing the excitement of discovery and problem-solving.
When she’s not in the classroom, Kerri enjoys traveling. Her favorite destination so far is Jamaica, where she was drawn to the warm and welcoming spirit of the people. She dreams of exploring Greece and Italy in the future.
In her own words:
“Seeing the process of children figuring out problems in front of your eyes is amazing.”

Rose Mutito
Assistant Teacher
After working with children in a Sunday school setting, Rose is excited to begin her career in Early Childhood Education. She first joined SNHMA as a substitute teacher an Assistant!
Rose is especially drawn to the Practical Life area of the Montessori curriculum—particularly activities that support care of self, like the Button Frame. She believes teaching real-life skills builds independence and self-confidence in young children, and she loves being part of that process.
In her free time, Rose enjoys walking barefoot on the sand and exploring the beach—her favorite way to relax and recharge.
In her own words:
“What I enjoy most about being part of a Montessori school is seeing how happy and thriving the children are. I value being able to help others and truly support each child.”

Madison Johnson
Assistant Teacher
Madison joined SNHMA in 2024, bringing with her a strong background in working with children and families in both private and public education settings, as well as experience as a nanny. She has been passionate about child development since the age of 16.
Madison is especially drawn to the Montessori Practical Life curriculum, where children build essential life skills and nurture their independence through everyday activities.
Outside of school, Madison enjoys relaxing at the beach with a good book and a favorite beach game.
In her own words:
“I love that every day in a Montessori school is a learning opportunity for the students as well as myself.”

Brittny Cerato
Assistant Teacher
Brittny is an SNHMA parent who is now beginning her first year in the classroom! Before joining us in this new role, she worked as a Nursing Assistant for six years, bringing valuable experience and a nurturing spirit to her work with children.
Brittny has a strong interest in Life Science—especially the study of the human body. She appreciates how Montessori’s hands-on materials allow children to gain a deep, meaningful understanding of how our body’s systems work.
When she’s not in the classroom, Brittny loves to travel. Iceland is a favorite destination for its culture, food, and sense of adventure, and she also enjoys relaxing in Aruba.
In her own words:
“I enjoy the welcoming community of the parents and staff at SNHMA. I love that the children can learn at their own pace, and I’m excited to learn more!”

Marisa Delhay
Assistant Teacher
Marisa has been a passionate educator for her entire adult life, though she started her Montessori journey back in 1988 as a student at PMA Montessori in Methuen, MA. After double majoring at Bridgewater State University in Elementary Education/Sociology and graduating in 2009, she received her teaching license in Massachusetts and began her career working at the same Montessori school she attended as a preschooler!
When she became a mother in 2012, Marisa opened an in-home, Montessori inspired preschool program and later launched a company called “The Teach at Home Mom” which specializes in the curation and rental of play-based early childhood curriculum kits called Teaching Totes. She continues to run her business, but missed being in a classroom setting, so she has joined the SNHMA team part-time!
When Marisa is at home she enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons going for hikes, playing board games, and cooking!
In her own words:
“I feel grateful and excited to be able to spend a little time in each of the classrooms!”

Melissa Sprague
Assistant Teacher
Melissa has been a lifelong caregiver and educator in many forms—from parenting and volunteering to working directly with individuals with disabilities and serving as a Montessori assistant teacher. She officially joined the SNHMA team in December 2024 and brings with her about three years of experience as an assistant in both Early Childhood and Lower Elementary Montessori classrooms.
She holds certificates in Mindful Communication and Special Education from NHTI. While she does not yet hold AMS or AMI credentials, she continues to learn and grow through hands-on classroom experience and professional development.
This year, she’s especially excited to expand the classroom’s practical life offerings, with a focus on sewing and fiber arts. These activities foster coordination, concentration, and perseverance while offering students opportunities for creative expression and pride in their accomplishments—like knitting their own wearable creations!
When she’s not in the classroom, she loves spending time with her family and dreams of revisiting favorite places they’ve lived—like Puget Sound, WA and San Diego County, CA—to relive some of their most cherished memories.
In her own words:
“What draws me most to Montessori education is the deep intentionality behind the method. I appreciate how learning is active, joyful, and meaningful—and grounded in values like mindfulness, peace, human dignity, and social justice.”
Specialists

Maggie Ashland
Assistant Teacher
Maggie
Juana Moriarty
Elementary Spanish Teacher
Let's Play Music and Make Art
Facilities

Bill Hogan
Director of Facilities