Terms of Use
Neshaminy Montessori | neshaminymontessori.org
Please read these Terms of Use (“Terms”) carefully before using the website of Neshaminy Montessori (“Neshaminy Montessori,” “the School,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), located at neshaminymontessori.org, together with any related online features, forms, or services we offer (collectively, the “Site”).
The Site is provided for the benefit of our school community — including prospective and current families, students, staff, and visitors — and for members of the public seeking information about our programs. By accessing or using the Site, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.
1. Use of the Site
The Site is intended to provide information about Neshaminy Montessori, including our programs, enrollment, events, and community resources. You may view, print, or download pages from the Site for your own personal, non-commercial use in considering or supporting your relationship with the School (for example, reviewing enrollment materials or school policies).
You agree not to use the Site in any way that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair it, or interfere with any other party’s use of the Site, including by attempting to gain unauthorized access to any account, system, or network connected to the Site.
2. Children’s Privacy
Neshaminy Montessori serves young children, and we take special care with any information relating to them. The Site is intended for use by parents, guardians, and other adults, and is not directed at soliciting personal information directly from children. Any student or family information we collect (for example, through enrollment or contact forms) is collected from a parent or guardian and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available on the Site or upon request from the School office. If you believe a child has submitted personal information to us directly, please contact us using the information in Section 8 so we can address it.
3. Copyright and Trademark Information
The Neshaminy Montessori name and logo, and other names, logos, and marks appearing on the Site, are trademarks of Neshaminy Montessori. They may not be used in connection with any product or service in a manner likely to cause confusion, or in any way that disparages or discredits Neshaminy Montessori, without our prior written consent.
All content on the Site — including text, photographs, graphics, and other materials — is owned by Neshaminy Montessori or used with permission, and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Except as expressly permitted in these Terms, you may not modify, reproduce, distribute, transmit, display, publish, sell, or otherwise exploit any content from the Site without our prior written consent. This permission is a limited, personal license and not a transfer of ownership; you may not remove any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices from materials you download.
Except as expressly stated in these Terms or elsewhere on the Site, no rights or licenses of any kind — whether by implication, estoppel, or otherwise — are granted under any of our intellectual property rights.
A note on student and family photos: Photos or work of enrolled students may appear on the Site consistent with the media release on file with the School. Please contact the School office with any questions or requests regarding a specific student’s image.
4. Disclaimer of Warranties
The Site and its content are provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. Neshaminy Montessori does not warrant that the Site will be uninterrupted or error-free, or that information on the Site is complete, current, or accurate. Program details, tuition, calendars, and policies are subject to change, and the School makes no commitment to update information on the Site; please contact the School office to confirm current details before relying on them for enrollment or planning purposes.
5. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Neshaminy Montessori will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from your use of, or inability to use, the Site or its content, including direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain damages, so this limitation may not apply to you in full.
6. Third-Party Links
The Site may contain links to third-party websites (for example, curriculum resources, payment portals, or community partners) provided for your convenience. Neshaminy Montessori does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of any linked site, and a link does not imply our endorsement of that site. If you visit a linked site, you do so at your own risk and are subject to that site’s own terms and privacy policy.
7. Resolution of Disputes
If a dispute arises out of or relates to these Terms, we encourage you to first contact us so we can try to resolve the matter directly and informally — see Section 8 for contact information. If a dispute cannot be resolved this way, you agree to bring any claim only in your individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class or representative proceeding.
8. Contact Us
Questions about these Terms, or about content on the Site, may be directed to:
Neshaminy Montessori
Phone: 215.355.4373
Email: office@neshaminymontessori.org
Website: neshaminymontessori.org
9. Governing Law
Neshaminy Montessori operates the Site from the United States, and we make no representation that the Site or its content is appropriate for use outside the United States. If you access the Site from another location, you are responsible for compliance with local laws. These Terms, and any dispute arising from them, are governed by the internal substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles.
10. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time by posting a revised version on this page. Please check back periodically, as continued use of the Site after changes are posted means you accept the updated Terms. Certain pages of the Site may include additional terms or notices specific to that page, which apply alongside these Terms.
11. Termination
We may suspend or terminate your access to the Site at any time, including if we believe you have violated these Terms. Upon termination, any license granted to you to use downloaded content ends, and you agree to discontinue use of that content.
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.
