Blog

Gwynne Frischmann

Head of School

Joined the Team: 2008

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in special education
Harvard Business Certificate in School Management and Leadership

As the Head of School with 15+ years of experience at Trevose Day School and Neshaminy Montessori, I’m dedicated to fostering a love for learning and ensuring the happiness and security of our students. With a background in special education, I prioritize personalized educational paths for each child. I’m also a parent to two Neshaminy Montessori and Trevose Day School alumni, underscoring my commitment to lifelong learning. Please join me as we work together for your child’s bright future!

Kaitlin Briggs

Educational Director

Joined the Team: 2017

Education:
B.A. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Neumann University
Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Chestnut Hill College
AMS Montessori Certification in Early Childhood.

Certified in elementary and special education in Pennsylvania, Kaitlin is passionate about fostering a love of learning in every child. As Director of the Montessori program, she leads the school community with expertise, passion, and a deep commitment to nurturing each child’s growth and potential.

Lisa Thomas

School Coordinator

Joined the Team: 2020

Education:
Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Private Academic Teaching Certificate

After teaching Kindergarten for several years in both private and public schools, I chose to take some time off to stay home with my children. During my time at my previous school, I spent 9 years serving as Director of Admissions, Assistant to the Head of School, and managing the office. My natural gift for being organized has made me an integral part of running our school office efficiently. I’m grateful to be a part of your children’s educational experience!

Ann King

Pre Primary Directress

Joined the Team: 2011

Education:
Early Childhood certificate

I take immense pleasure in reading various literature to my toddlers every day, firmly believing that it plays a pivotal role in their language and literacy development. As an educator, I cherish the joyful moments in my classroom when students enthusiastically engage in singing. To keep things fresh and exciting, I integrate a new song each week that aligns with our weekly lessons, fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment. I’m so grateful for the chance to interact with your children on a daily basis.

Brindha Stanley

Primary Directress

Joined the Team: 2010

Education:
Bachelor’s in English Literature
Master’s in Social Work specializing in Family and Child Welfare
AMS Montessori Certification in Early Childhood

As a Montessori directress, I have been a gentle guide, wholeheartedly dedicated to educating the whole child. I strongly believe in the significance of the first six years of life in a child’s development and use my knowledge and experience to identify their sensitive periods. My ultimate goal in all my roles is to unlock each child’s full potential. Embracing the core Montessori values of diversity and inclusion, I am also a proud mother of two Neshaminy alumni.

Stacey Venuto

Primary Directress

Joined the Team: 2012

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Ecology
Private Academic Teaching Certificate
AMS Montessori Certification in Early Childhood

I firmly believe that every child deserves the chance to unlock their full potential and become the best version of themselves, and I am committed to making this happen each day. For me, it is essential to treat each child with profound respect as a unique individual with their own path of development. I am dedicated to fostering an environment that nurtures their growth and empowers them to flourish.

Lavanya Suresh

Lower Elementary Directress

Joined the Team: 2024

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Commerce
Master’s degree in Commerce
Master of Philosophy degree in Commerce and Taxation
AMI Elementary diploma for children ages 6-12

My journey into Montessori began as a parent, watching the love of learning and curiosity blossom in my children. Inspired, I completed my AMI Elementary training and have spent over a decade supporting children’s growth with a positive, open-hearted approach. I believe in each child’s unique path and find joy in connecting them to Dr. Montessori’s vision of Cosmic Education and the wonder of learning.

Yi Lu

Mandarin Teacher

Joined the Team: 2024

Education:
Bachelor of Medicine, Nanjing Medical University China 1995
Master of Computer Science, Kutztown University 2003

I am an experienced Chinese language educator dedicated to introducing students to the beauty of Mandarin and Chinese culture. Since 2011, I have taught at Chinese weekend schools, led after-school programs, and successfully launched an online Chinese teaching initiative in 2017. I specialize in working with young learners and beginners, using thoughtfully designed materials and interactive methods to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. My goal is to make language learning both joyful and meaningful.

Linda Ruth Paskell

Art Instructor

Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a concentration in painting
Master of Education
K–12 certification in Art Education
Currently an Adjunct Professor at Arcadia University

For over 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of creating and implementing comprehensive art programs for schools locally and globally, serving individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds. From underserved communities in third world countries to those with unique abilities like Autism, Alzheimer’s, Cerebral Palsy, and Down syndrome, my work has spanned a wide spectrum. I firmly believe that everyone, irrespective of their life challenges, deserves the opportunity to explore, develop, and express their creative potential.

Amy Drob

Ceramics Instructor

Joined the Team: 2024

Education:
Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Private Academic Teaching Certificate

After teaching Kindergarten for several years in both private and public schools, I chose to take some time off to stay home with my children. During my time at my previous school, I spent 9 years serving as Director of Admissions, Assistant to the Head of School, and managing the office. My natural gift for being organized has made me an integral part of running our school office efficiently. I’m grateful to be a part of your children’s educational experience!

Charis Duke

Opera Director

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in composition from Brigham Young University
Master’s degree in composition from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Chanpaign

Charis is a passionate musician and composer who loves bringing stories to life through music. From writing children’s operas to coaching young performers, she shares her creativity with theaters, schools, and communities. In 2019, her original children’s opera Cinderella Times Three premiered in New Mexico. Each spring, Charis joyfully returns to Trevose Day School to compose and direct the beloved school opera, inspiring students to shine on stage.

Tom Bartell

Chess Coach

Joined the Team: 2018

Education:
BA in Psychology from Rutgers University
FIDE title: International Master

Tom has has been teaching chess professionally for over a decade. Through his company, Delaware Valley Chess Company, he enriches young players across the greater Philadelphia area. A nationally respected coach and player, Tom has guided students to individual and team national titles, including leading Julia R. Masterman School to sweep the 2018 state championships.

Leah Yavuz

Primary Directress

Joined the Team: 2025

Education:
B.A. in Art, Penn State University
Master’s in Education, St. Catherine University
AMS Montessori Certification in Early Childhood

Leah is a certified Montessori teacher who enjoys guiding children in reading and exploring the Montessori peace curriculum. She creates a classroom environment that encourages curiosity, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning.

Cheryl Coffey

Librarian

Joined the Team: 2025

Education:
B.A. in Elementary/Early Childhood Education, minor in Psychology, State University of New York at New Paltz
Master’s in Elementary/Early Childhood Education, Queens College, Flushing, NY
New York State Teaching Certification (N-6)

After over 25 years as an elementary school teacher, Cheryl retired in June 2025 and moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to her grandchildren. As librarian, she enjoys sharing her love of children’s literature and fostering reading through engaging, multi-sensory learning experiences.

Nancy Schreoder

Early Program Lead Guide

Joined the Team: 2025

Education:
B.A. in Mass Communication & Spanish

Becoming a mother inspired Nancy’s passion for child development. She enjoys observing students as they engage with the prepared environment and finds lessons in everyday experiences. Nancy believes every child is capable, and her goal is to foster independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Raluca Popusoi Stanciu

Classroom Assistant

Joined the Team: 2025

Education:
Completed college coursework and continuing education

Raluca is a dedicated teacher assistant who supports children’s academic and emotional growth. Inspired by the Montessori philosophy, she values patience, independence, and guiding each child at their own pace. Her goal is to cultivate confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning in a calm, nurturing classroom.

Sarah Duffy

Early Program Lead Guide

Joined the Team: 2025

Education:
BFA in Graphic Design, minor in Art History

Sarah has experience working with children as a camp counselor and instructor. She now brings that experience to Montessori, using her background in art to foster creativity, exploration, and joy in her classroom.