Faculty
STAFF OF NAUDAIN MONTESSORI ACADEMY![]()
Owner & Founder
Leddy M. Naudain
Owner & Founder
Mrs. Naudain is the founder of Naudain Montessori Academy and served as the Administrator for 38 years. She received a B.A. from Villanova University and a diploma from Association Montessori International in 1975. She worked for Montessori School House (1975) and Montessori Child Development Center (1976). She started her own school in 1977. She remains active in AMS, AMI and NAMTA Montessori organizations. She and her husband, Dick, have been married for 39 years. They are the parents of Leddy K., Lauren and Brinley. They have three grandchildren who continue to fill their hearts with joy. Her philanthropic efforts include contributions to various local and international organizations. Past volunteer efforts included work as a cheerleading coach. Mrs. Naudain has now developed a management team led by her daughter Brinley. She is known for her love of children, dedication to Montessori education and commitment to Naudain Academy.
Administration
BRINLEY NAUDAIN
Administrator
Miss Brinley is the youngest of the Naudain daughters. She attended Naudain Montessori Academy as a child. At a young age, Brinley had such a strong love for her mother’s school that she would help in the classroom during the school year and summer. Throughout high school, she worked as an assistant teacher in the After-Care Program. After graduating high school, she began working at Naudain Montessori Academy full time. She worked as Mrs. Bron’s Assistant, taught in the summer camp and worked in the office handling Accounts Payable and Receivable. Miss Brinley is currently working at Naudain as the Administrator and handles all business matters including Accounts Payable and Receivable. She has her North American Montessori Center Infant/Toddler certification. Miss Brinley enjoys spending time with her friends and family, exercising, organizing, traveling, cooking and playing with her dogs Chase and Rucca. Her love for the Montessori Method is evident in her work as she continues to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
AMY DIBERT
director of education
Mrs. Amy Dibert joined Naudain Montessori Academy in 2007. Mrs. Dibert has a B.A Degree in Psychology and Education from North Carolina State University as well as her Primary Montessori Certification from Chestnut Hill College and Infant/Toddler Montessori Certification. She began her career as a language and behavior therapist working with children diagnosed with Autism in NC and then was a Child Development Specialist with New Jersey Early Intervention Services. Amy discovered the benefits of the Montessori Method and the positive impact that the nurturing, hands-on education had on children. After receiving her Montessori certifications, she taught at a Montessori school in PA. After moving to NJ, Amy was a Primary Teacher with Naudain Montessori Academy before becoming Director of Education for the school. Her background, skills, and experience are a perfect blend for the students, parents, and staff of Naudain Montessori Academy. Mrs. Dibert and her husband have two children who are both graduates of Naudain Montessori Academy.
Jaime Patterson
administrative Assistant
Jaime graduated from Shippensburg University with a degree in Communications/Journalism and has worked in Email Marketing for the past several years. Jaime also has experience working with children in both schools and homes. Both of her parents have worked for school districts for over 20 years, and she was eager to follow in their footsteps. Jaime enjoys writing and reading, along with traveling, cooking with her husband and spending time with family and friends.
Toddler
Mrs. Christy Bloom
Room 5 Toddler Teacher
Ms. Christy will begin her fifth year directing Naudain Academy’s toddler program. For 5 years prior to this, she was the Head Teacher of a toddler program in central NJ. Christy grew up with an appreciation for the Montessori method since her mom is a Montessori teacher. After taking college courses in Early Childhood Education, Christy entered the Princeton Center for Teacher Education and received her Infant/Toddler Montessori certification. Ms. Christy lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Clint and her dog, Lily. Her hobbies include traveling with her husband, bowling and spending time with family and friends. Christy’s passion continues to be educating the youngest of children. This is emphasized by her boundless energy and continuous smile when working with the children. Christy has proven to be an invaluable asset to the school.
Mrs. Rachel Monaghan
Room 5 Toddler Teacher
Ms. Rachel will begin her fifth year as a teacher in the toddler classroom. She previously worked as a substitute teacher at the school while attending college. She is a graduate of Eastern HS and completed college courses in Elementary Ed and Child Psychology. In August 2012, she attained her Infant/Toddler Montessori certification. Her other experiences include working as an assistant teacher at another preschool and 7 years of retail experience. She and her husband, Dan, are the parents of two children – Riley, who graduated from the school, and Owen who currently attends Naudain. Her husband, Dan, recently resigned from the Army National Guard after serving for 12 years and currently operates his own landscaping business. Rachel is an extremely dependable, dedicated employee who also helps with the website and all IT related responsibilities. Her experience with children is always evident as she continues to provide the children of the toddler room a warm, nurturing and positive environment to learn and grow. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, kick boxing and staying fit.
Mrs. Denise Carmany
Room 5 Teaching Assistant/
Early Care Teaching Assistant
Denise has over twenty years’ experience in office management and customer service and thrives in building good rapport with business relationships and personnel. She raised two beautiful children, a son and a daughter. Denise enjoyed participating in all of their activities as they were growing up. She organized the Kresson School Country fair, was a Daisy Girl Scout Leader, and a Room Mother. Denise and her husband David live in Voorhees and enjoy their time with family, boating and on the beach. Denise also immerses herself in photography, is active with her shop on Etsy, and participates in Crafts Fairs.
Mrs. Lisa Wu
Room 5 After Care Teaching Assistant
Lisa is a resident of Voorhees, NJ and has worked for over twenty years as a nurse in a pediatric practice. Lisa's passion has always been caring for children. Lisa has been married for over 31 years and has three children. Lisa's love of children and caring personality are a wonderful blend for the children of Naudain!
Primary
Mrs. Jennifer Emerson
ROOM 1 PRIMARY TEACHER
AFTER CARE TEACHER
Mrs. Emerson received her Montessori training and certification from the Princeton Center for Teacher Education and has previous experience working as a Teacher at a Montessori school in Marlton. She lives in Woodbury, NJ with her husband and pets. Mrs. Emerson volunteers her time with her church and enjoys singing in her church choir as well as reading and hanging out with family and friends. She has a passion for early childhood education and enjoys working with the children at Naudain Montessori Academy.
Mrs. Kanchan Jha
Room 1 Primary Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Kanchan earned a masters degree in Organic Chemistry from Mumbai University. Her long term association in field of teaching as well as immense love for kids drew her to the Montessori movement. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a Primary Montessori certification from Chestnut Hill College. She is a member of AMS and MACTE. Mrs. Kanchan takes joy in spreading peace and multicultural awareness in the Montessori community. She enjoys traveling to different places, painting, crafting, listening to music, dancing and cooking a variety of cuisine.
Ms. Stephanie Pelly-Liano
Room 2 Primary Teacher
Ms. Stephanie has a long history with Naudain Montessori Academy. She worked here as a teenager in the summer program and then as a teaching assistant, summer instructor, office assistant and character education presenter. She has a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Monmouth University as well as her Primary Montessori Certification. Ms. Stephanie also worked at The Peace Center where she developed a curriculum for character education and bullying prevention. She taught these courses in Bucks County and NJ schools and shares quite a bit of her Peace lessons with the school. She was a teacher at local public and private preschools in the area. Ms. Stephanie's interests include spending time with family and friends. She enjoys traveling and decorating as well.
Ms. Sherri Robbins
ROOM 2 PRIMARY TEACHING ASSISTANT
Ms. Sherri Robbins works alongside Ms. Faith. She was previously employed at a Montessori school in Marlton, NJ where she was also a Primary Teaching Assistant. Ms. Robbins studied at Camden County College where she received an Associate’s degree in Computer Sciences. Prior work experiences include five year as an Operation Manager supporting 91 offices at the One Liberty Building in Philadelphia, four years as an Assistant to the Controller of an architectural firm and a decade of office administration experience. Through her career path, Ms. Robbins raised two children, a son and a daughter, who are both now college graduates. Ms. Robbin’s continued passion for the classroom and the love for her children has brought her to this school.
Mrs. Thomasine Bron
Room 3 Primary Teacher
Mrs. Bron has been with Naudain Montessori Academy for over 30 years. Mrs. Bron holds her Primary Montessori Certification from Chestnut Hill College. She has worked at Naudain Montessori Academy in many capacities including Primary Teacher, Assistant, Extended Day (K) teacher and summer camp instructor. Her previous work experience includes sales and serving as a nanny for local families. Mrs. Bron’s demeanor reveals her deep commitment and regard for her students.
Mrs. Nicole Marano
Room 3 Teaching Assistant/
Room 3 After Care Teacher
Ms. Nicole decided to further her knowledge of the Montessori method by earning her Primary Montessori Certification shortly after joining the staff of Naudain Montessori Academy. She had previously worked at a local pre-school as well as a nanny and skilled assistant for children with special needs, specializing on children with autism for many years. Ms. Nicole was also a teacher’s assistant for middle school and high school students with multiple disabilities. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys spending time with family, taking trips to the beach and bringing her dogs Riely and Milo to the park.
Mrs. Leddy Nelson
Room 4 Primary Teacher
Mrs. Nelson has worked at Naudain Montessori Academy for many years as a primary teacher. In her youth, she attended Naudain Montessori Academy, Voorhees public schools and then graduated from Eastern High School. She then attended Johnson & Wales University and received degrees in both Culinary Arts and Marketing. Leddy returned to the school as a summer camp employee. She then attended the Princeton Center Teacher Education for her Montessori teacher degree. Following this, she began her teaching career at Naudain Academy in 2002. She has served as a primary and Extended Day (K) teacher and office assistant. She married her husband, Frank, in 2010 and had her first baby in 2016. When not focusing on her students and classroom, Leddy enjoys reading, listening to music, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Her quiet, capable and pleasant demeanor is the perfect blend for her students and parents.
Ms. Kylie Raab
Room 4 Primary Teaching Assistant
Ms. Kylie graduated from Saint Joseph's University with a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and is certified to teach Pre-K through 4th grade. She had always planned on pursuing a teaching career in the Montessori field of education and therefore has always approached her own educational experience through a Montessori lens. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a Primary Montessori certification from Chestnut Hill College. She is a member of AMS and MACTE. Other than her passion for teaching, Kylie enjoys the beach and being a dog mom.
Ms. Lauren Orth
AFTER CARE TEACHING ASSISTANT
Ms. Lauren graduated from Coastal Carolina University and received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She teaches Math for Grades 5-8 at St. Teresa Regional School and has had experience working with children with special needs. As a teacher, hands-on education and learning through exploration is vital to every child's growth and development. Ms. Lauren's passion for teaching and strong appreciation for children emanates.
Ms. Nadia Darwish
AFTER CARE TEACHING ASSISTANT
Nadia loves being apart of the after care program and substituting at Naudain Montessori Academy. She enjoys interacting with the children in and outside of the classroom. She has a bachelors degree in International Business from the University of Maryland and a Masters degree in Project Management from Boston University. She was also a nanny for 3 children in her home state of Maryland. She enjoys working with children and is looking forward to becoming an Aunt very soon!
Substitutes
Mrs. Niki Sambolino
Niki Sambalino has been a substitute teacher at Naudain Montessori Academy since 2012. She graduated from the University of Florida with a business degree and worked for many years as a paralegal in her husband’s law office. Niki raised 4 children in Haddonfield and volunteered at both the elementary school and middle school there. While volunteering at the elementary school, she worked with the “Writing to Read” program. Now that her children have graduated, Niki spends her time volunteering at the South Jersey Food Bank. Niki is an avid tennis player and loves to read and knit. Niki spends her summers at the New Jersey shore and in the winter she loves to travel.
Mrs. Marianne Hutchison
Marianne enjoys being a substitute in the after-care program and taking the children outside to play. She enjoys meeting the parents when they pick up the children. She lived in Wildwood Crest and attended elementary school there before moving to Haddon Twp, After high school she graduated from Peirce Junior College in Philadelphia. She got married in 1977 and has a son and 2 daughters as well as a son-in-law and daughter-in law. In the summer, she volunteers in a junior golf program and her hobbies are traveling and gardening.
Mrs. Cathy Waurick
Cathy Waurick, better known as Ms. Cathy, has been teaching since 1975. Ms. Cathy taught the Toddler classroom at a Montessori school in Clinton, NJ. She then taught in the Primary classroom at a school in Bridgewater, NJ and most recently at Valley Forge Kinder House in Phoenixville, PA prior to her retirement. Ms. Cathy still very much enjoys working with children in the Montessori environment each time she substitute teaches.
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Ms. Aggie Tagliaferro
Ms. Aggie was a Teaching Assistant at Naudain Montessori Academy for many years and then went on to majoring in Special Education at Rowan University. In 1992 she began working with children who had physical and learning disabilities in the Evesham School District. Aggie is now retired from the public school system, but she still loves working with children so she returned to Naudain Montessori so she can substitute. Ms. Aggie also loves to spend time with her own grown children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Cynthia Neidoba
Cynthia has been teaching and working with children from infancy to 5 years old for the last 14 years. Cynthia began working with children by assisting Mr. Reggie Wu to teach music at another Montessori school. She realized how much she enjoyed working and caring for children and took a teaching position at a local daycare/preschool. Cynthia enjoys being a substitute at Naudain Montessori and working with the children. She also provides private vocal lessons in her home. In her free time she enjoys volunteering and sings in her church.
Ms. Em Wachpress
Ms. Cindy Irvin
