Privacy Policy
Neshaminy Montessori | neshaminymontessori.org
Neshaminy Montessori (“the School,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects the privacy of our school community. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through neshaminymontessori.org (the “Site”), how we use it, and the choices you have. It applies to visitors to the Site, including prospective and current families; it does not describe every way the School may collect or use student records outside the Site, which are handled under our enrollment agreement and applicable education-privacy laws.
1. Information We Collect
Through the Site, we may collect:
- Your name
- Your email address and other contact information you provide (for example, through an inquiry, enrollment, or contact form)
- Information about a prospective student that a parent or guardian chooses to submit (for example, through an admissions inquiry)
- Basic technical information about your browser, device, and internet connection, collected automatically when you visit the Site
We collect this information directly from you or, where it concerns a child, from that child’s parent or guardian — the Site is not designed to collect personal information directly from children, and we do not knowingly do so.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to respond to inquiries, process admissions and enrollment requests, operate and improve the Site, and share updates, newsletters, or other school-related communications with the email address you’ve provided. You may opt out of non-essential email communications at any time by using the unsubscribe link in the email or by contacting us using the information in Section 7.
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their own marketing purposes. We may share information with service providers who help us operate the Site or School communications (for example, an email or enrollment-management platform) under obligations to protect it, or when required by law, regulation, legal process, or to protect the safety of our students, staff, or others.
3. Children’s Privacy
Neshaminy Montessori serves young children, and protecting their privacy is a priority. The Site is intended for use by parents, guardians, and other adults on behalf of a child, not for direct use by children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 through the Site. Any information about an enrolled or prospective student is provided to us by a parent or guardian and is used only for school-related purposes such as admissions, enrollment, and communication.
If you believe a child has provided us with personal information directly, please contact us using the information in Section 7 so we can promptly remove it.
4. Student Records
Records we maintain about enrolled students in connection with their education — such as academic, attendance, health, or billing records — are not governed by this Site-focused policy. Those records are maintained and disclosed only in accordance with our enrollment agreement, school policies, and applicable law. Parents and guardians with questions about a student’s education record may contact the School office.
5. Keeping Your Information Secure
We use reasonable physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards designed to protect the personal information we collect from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or misuse. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Cookies and Analytics
The Site uses cookies — small files stored on your device — to support basic site functionality and to help us understand how visitors use the Site, so we can improve performance and content. We use traffic and analytics cookies for statistical purposes only; they do not give us access to your device or personal files. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings, though some parts of the Site may not function as intended if you do.
7. Links to Other Websites
The Site may include links to third-party websites (for example, a payment portal, curriculum resource, or community partner) provided for your convenience. Once you leave the Site, we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policy of any site you visit before providing personal information.
8. Contact Us
Questions about this Privacy Policy, or requests regarding your information, may be directed to:
Neshaminy Montessori
Phone: 215.355.4373
Email: office@neshaminymontessori.org
Website: neshaminymontessori.org
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time by posting a revised version on this page. We encourage you to review it periodically. Continued use of the Site after a revised policy is posted means you accept the changes.
Last updated: July 23,2026
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.