Faculty & Administration
Morningside Montessori's staff is comprised of a diverse family of teachers and administrators. We are all both leaders and learners. As a team, we strive to create experiences and environments in which all children feel safe, cared for, and free to fulfill their potential. We follow and support each child on an individual basis to ensure developmental needs are met.
Each classroom is led by a Montessori-credentialed, New York State-certified teacher who is assisted by a teacher in training, both of whom are committed to our school's mission, philosophy and culture. Our faculty's quest for lifelong learning is nurtured through ongoing opportunities for professional development.
Administrative Team
ALEX VALENTIN - HEAD OF SCHOOL
Entering her twenty-seventh year at Morningside this fall, Alex is a certified Montessori teacher and holds her NYS teaching certification, M.S. in Early Childhood Education, B.A. in Africana & Latino Studies, both from Hunter College. She is also a proud MMS parent to alumni Dana and Eli. Having served as a teacher in Morningside’s mixed-age program for many years, Alex now supports each of our students’ learning through enhancements to our Montessori curriculum and our supporting courses, including our Foreign Language, Art, Movement, and Afternoon Explorers program. Alex supports successful daily classroom operations at Morningside, bolsters our processes for assessing student growth, and works with teachers to ensure they receive the professional coaching and development they need.
LAUREN FLOWERS - DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES
Lauren came to the Morningside community in 2010 as a parent, as both of her children explored all of Morningside’s classrooms over six years. After living a hectic existence as the Finance Director of celebrity-chef-owned restaurants, she was lured back to work part-time by the nurturing and caring atmosphere Morningside provided her children. Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree from Rice University and a Professional Culinary Arts degree from the International Culinary Center.
LAURA GRAVE - DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
With fondest memories of her educational career circling around her formative years in a Montessori program, Laura always hoped to offer her children the same impactful experience. Upon introduction to the warm, inviting, child-centric community of MMS, she instantly knew that it was the right environment to nurture her child’s sense of self and foster a life-long love of learning. During her six years as an MMS parent, Laura served as a Class Parent for four years and actively volunteered to assist at every opportunity. Laura is a co-chair of the Hippo Playground Project, a non-profit under the umbrella of Riverside Park Conservancy, which organizes and runs an annual fundraising fair to provide free community programming for families on the UWS as well as fund upgrades and repairs for playgrounds throughout Riverside Park. She is thrilled to be continuing her role Director of Admissions & Communications and looks forward to introducing children and families to the wonderful community at MMS. Laura holds an MBA in Management and a BA in English and Urban Studies from Fordham University.
LINDSAY RIGBY - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Lindsay is pleased to be entering her fifth year as a member of the Morningside community this fall! She holds her B.S. in Child & Family Studies with a concentration in child development from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and has trained as a postpartum doula through DONA International. She worked for many years as an early childhood educator in Montessori and Reggio Emilia toddler classrooms before transitioning into an administrative role. She spends her free time knitting, quilting, playing with her dog, and spending time with her loved ones.
SHEREE EVANS - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
+ EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM TEACHER
Sheree will begin her 23rd year at Morningside this September and has been a teacher in our Early Childhood Program for 20 years while also serving as the Summer Camp Coordinator. She is also an MMS alumni parent - her daughter attended Morningside! She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College and her Early Childhood Montessori credential from WSMS-TEP. She is passionate about sharing music with children and enjoys helping children prepare for Morningside’s Step Up Day performance each year. She is excited to continue working with Laura this year as Assistant Director of Admissions!
DEBORAH GONZALEZ - RECEPTION
Debbie has dedicated over thirty years of her career to Morningside. She started as a substitute teacher, then became an assistant teacher, first in the toddler class and later in the mixed-age class. In 1992, Debbie transitioned from teaching to our administrative team. Over the past few years, Debbie has served as our Special Events Coordinator. She also works at the school’s front desk, a role which she has found very rewarding, as she has the opportunity to greet our children and their families. It’s the best of both worlds! Debbie’s two grown sons attended Morningside as children, and her granddaughter graduated from Morningside in 2021.
DELIA RIVERA - DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES
A native New Yorker in her 33rd year at Morningside, Delia first worked as a substitute teacher in our Explorers Program in 1988. She spent years as an assistant teacher in Morningside’s Toddler Program & coordinating Summer at Morningside before transitioning into an administrative role. She has 4 children who, as they have grown, have worked in Morningside’s summer & after-school programs.
Toddler Program Teaching Team
LAURA FOLQUE
Laura has nearly thirty years of experience working with young children and joined the Toddler Program teaching team at Morningside in 2022. She holds her B.A. in Elementary Education. Originally from Argentina, she has worked in Spanish immersion programs and traditional classrooms in Argentina, Spain, Italy, and New York. She will be leading the Small World Language Program during the 2023/24 school year. Laura is an art and music lover. She taught herself the ukulele and loves to share her music with the children!
MARIA GOMEZ
Maria earned her AMS Infant-Toddler credential from WSMS-TEP in 2017, and holds New York State birth-2nd grade teaching certification. In her 18 years of experience, she has continually extended her professional development in support of the families and children in her care. Maria obtained her M.S. in Early Childhood Education in 2010, and a B.A. in Zoology from Universidad de la Salle in her native Colombia. Her daughter is a graduate of MMS. Maria treasures working with young children because of their spirit and enthusiasm. She integrates her diverse interests and passions into the classroom, including her fasciation with natural sciences and the Spanish language. Her favorite activities are spending time with her family and traveling.
RAVEN ROCCA
Raven Rocca is joining the Morningside community as an experienced Montessori Infant-Toddler Teacher. She earned her AMI certification in June 2024, and has been dedicated to creating a safe and engaging learning environment at West Side Montessori School since 2022. Additionally, she brings over a decade of childcare experience from working in summer camps and after-school programs. Raven's commitment to professional development and her collaborative approach with colleagues and parents make her an excellent addition to the Morningside Montessori community.
JASMINE MELENDEZ - FLOATING TEACHER
Ms. Jasmine spends time in all of our classrooms. She was born and raised in New York City, not far from MMS. She was an assistant teacher at Morningside Montessori for eighteen years and a Substitute teacher for another three years. She is the parent of a Morningside Montessori alumni. She enjoys time with her family and exploring new hobbies.
Early Childhood Program Teaching Team
BERTHA ARIMAS
Bertha is earning her AMS Early Childhood Teaching Credential from WSMS-TEP and is excited to be returning to Morningside for her second year with her youngest daughter. She started her Montessori career as an assistant teacher in a toddler classroom, then she homeschooled her older daughter for two years. She holds an MBA from Fordham University and a Chef’s Training certificate from the Natural Gourmet Institute. She loves to cook and bake for her family.
MARY JANE BERKELEY
Mary Jane earned her M.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Bank Street College, and her B.A. from Brown University. She also earned her AMS Early Childhood Teaching Credential from WSMS-TEP. Mary Jane worked at NEST+M and Ethical Culture School at the elementary level before coming to Morningside. She previously spent fourteen years working for a range of international non-profit and philanthropic organizations. This is her twelfth year at Morningside.
JASHER BREA
Jash has been a classroom teacher at MMS for nine years and has a background in visual arts. He is also a proud Montessori dad. In addition to working in the Afternoon Explorers program, Jash has served as the Art and Movement Specialist for all children at Morningside, facilitating art programs and organizing gross motor play activities on the school’s rooftop terrace. The children adore him, and he is excited to ease our toddler students’ transitions into their new Early Childhood classrooms in his role as a lead teacher.
SHEREE EVANS
Sheree will begin her 23rd year at Morningside this September and has been a teacher in our Early Childhood Program for 21 years while also serving as the Summer Camp Coordinator. She is also an MMS alumni parent - her daughter attended Morningside! She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College and her Early Childhood Montessori credential from WSMS-TEP. She is passionate about sharing music with children and enjoys helping children prepare for Morningside’s Step Up Day performance each year. She is excited to continue working with Laura this year as Assistant Director of Admissions!
YANJUN YAO
Born and raised in China, Yanjun speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, and the Teochew dialect. Her childhood dreams of living abroad ignited a lifelong journey of discovery. Over the past decade, she has earned her a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and her AMS credential and is working toward her AMS Administrator’s Certificate. In her free time, Yanjun can be found at MoMA film theaters, Lincoln Center, and various independent movie theaters. She is excited to join the Morningside community! She loves spending time at the MoMa film theaters, Lincoln Center and many other independent movie theaters. She is also an adventurous eater. She loves to dine out with friends and enjoy different cultural cuisines.
JASMINE MELENDEZ - FLOATING TEACHER
Ms. Jasmine spends time in all of our classrooms. She was born and raised in New York City, not far from MMS. She was an assistant teacher at Morningside Montessori for eighteen years and a substitute teacher for another three years. She is the parent of a Morningside Montessori alumni. She enjoys time with her family and exploring new hobbies.
Enrichment Team
ALLIE ALTERI - MUSIC SPECIALIST
BLOOMINGDALE SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Allie joins our Early Childhood and Toddler classrooms weekly for joyful and enthusiastic music classes! A trained classical singer, Allie is also a church music director and teaches voice, piano and early childhood in Brooklyn and New Jersey.
XIMENA OJEDA - MOVEMENT SPECIALIST
Ms. Ximena joins our Early Childhood classrooms once a week for a playful and wiggle-filled movement and dance class. She is a classically-trained ballet dancer who has studied the Vaganova Technique and has extensive experience working with young children teaching ballet and movement.
Support Staff
YVONNE DIAZ - SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Ms. Yvonne worked as an administrative assistant for many years while raising children of her own, before joining the Morningside team. She loves baking (especially chocolate cupcakes with chocolate icing and carrot cake) and traveling to the beach.
VIVIAN NICHOLSON - SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Vivian has been a credentialed Montessori teacher for 36 years. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Early Childhood Education at CCNY and her Montessori Certificate at the Montessori School of Orange in California. Vivian was the director of the Montessori School of Downey, in California, for six years. She is a proud third-generation Montessorian! Both of her children attended Montessori schools and her granddaughter attends a primary Montessori classroom in Chesterton, Indiana. In addition to the education of young children, Vivian is passionate about cooking and traveling and loves to share this interest with her students.
TARA GREANEY - SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Tara has more than forty years of experience in early childhood education. She served as Morningside’s Head of School for six years, and previously established and served for 27 years as the Director of the Cravath Children’s Center - the first corporate childcare center in New York City. Prior to that, she was Director of the Early Program at The Caedmon School on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. She holds AMS teaching credentials at both the Early Childhood and Infant/Toddler levels, and earned her M.S. in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College. She is looking forward to returning to the Morningside community as a substitute teacher.
NATALIE WHITE - SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Natalie White is a dedicated educator with extensive experience in childhood education, tutoring, and counseling. She holds a Master of Public Health in Community Health Education from Hunter College and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from St. John's University. She has a background in Montessori education, previously working as an assistant guide in a Toddler environment at a local school. Natalie has taught S.T.E.M. classes, organized special events, and provided individualized tutoring. With a background in various educational roles and a passion for fostering lifelong learning, Natalie is committed to creating warm and loving spaces where children can thrive.