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Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Staff

Meet the heart of The Curious Minds Montessori School — our amazing staff!
From gentle infant guides to passionate primary educators, each team member brings love, experience, and a deep respect for the Montessori approach. With a blend of certified Montessori professionals, experienced caregivers, and passionate support staff, we work together to honor the individuality of every child and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

We’re here to support your child’s natural growth, curiosity, and joy — one peaceful day at a time.

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Ms Neha Gupta
Owner / Director

Ms. Neha Gupta is the owner and director of The Curious Minds Montessori School. She is a NAMC-certified Montessori teacher and is currently pursuing her AMS Montessori certification. Neha holds a Bachelor of Science and an MBA in Human Resources from India. With a strong belief in the Montessori philosophy and a passion for nurturing young minds, she established the school to create a compassionate, child-centered learning environment where each child’s individuality is respected and celebrated. “I believe that when we guide children with trust and kindness, we empower them to become confident, independent thinkers — both in the classroom and in life.”
Ms Alicia Hill

Ms Alicia Hill
Head of School

Ms. Alicia has joyfully served as Head of School at The Curious Minds Montessori since 2023. She brings over a decade of experience as a Lead Primary Teacher and earned her AMS Montessori certification from the Northern Virginia Montessori Institute in 2012. Alicia holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Virginia and previously worked in television broadcasting. Her Montessori journey began when she enrolled her son and volunteered in the classroom — an experience that inspired her transition to education. She enjoys exercising, traveling, visiting museums, and reading. Favorite quote: “The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
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Ms Madhavi Admala
Lead Infant Teacher

Ms. Madhavi’s passion for Montessori education began in 2010 when she picked up her nephew from a Montessori school and was immediately drawn to the peaceful environment and focus on independence. Inspired, she joined the same school as an Infant Assistant and remained there for five years. In 2015, she earned her AMS Montessori Lead Infant and Toddler credential from the Montgomery Montessori Institute. With nine years of experience as an Infant Lead Teacher, she brings warmth, patience, and expertise to her classroom. In her free time, Ms. Madhavi enjoys gardening and listening to music.
Angela

Ms Angela Chavez
Lead Toddler Teacher

Ms. Angela has many years of experience working with children, including as a Sunday school teacher and event planner. While studying Psychology, she was introduced to the Montessori philosophy and quickly developed a passion for its child-centered approach. She began as an assistant in a Children’s House classroom and later became a Lead Teacher for infants and toddlers. At The Curious Minds Montessori, she leads our Toddler Program with care and enthusiasm. Ms. Angela holds her Montessori Infant/Toddler credential from The Center for Guided Montessori Studies, a MACTE-accredited program based in Tampa, Florida.
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Ms Godelieve Tshamala
Lead Toddler Teacher

Ms. Godelieve Tshamala is a Montessori-trained Infant-Toddler Guide with a degree in Early Childhood Education and over a decade of classroom experience since 2013. She brings a deep understanding of child development and a strong commitment to nurturing independence, curiosity, and confidence in children ages 16 months to 3 years. As a parent of two children raised in the Montessori method, Ms. Godelieve blends professional expertise with a personal connection to the philosophy. Her classroom is a warm, intentional environment where each child’s unique growth and holistic development is respected and supported.
Menoka

Ms Menoka Bose
Lead Primary Teacher

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Ms Irene Kang
Lead Primary Teacher

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Ms Thazin Maung
Assistant Infant Teacher

I have been a part of The Curious Minds Montessori community since 2018, following more than a decade of experience as a teacher at a national high school in Burma. I hold a Bachelor's degree with Honors in Zoology and bring a strong academic foundation and a deep passion for education. With experience in both traditional and Montessori settings, I strive to foster curiosity, independence, and critical thinking in every child. My goal is to help students build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning in a nurturing, respectful environment.
Sadia

Ms Sadia Naubahar
Assistant Toddler Teacher

Ms. Sadia Naubahar has been part of The Curious Minds Montessori team since 2017 and brings over eight years of experience working with Montessori children, including infants and toddlers. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science and has a natural passion for nurturing young minds. Sadia is dedicated to creating a safe, loving environment where children feel confident, valued, and inspired to learn. Her calm presence and supportive approach help foster independence, curiosity, and self-worth in each child she works with.
Maria

Ms Maria Sanz
Assistant Primary Teacher

Originally from Madrid, Spain, I began my career in the IT field before becoming a full-time stay-at-home mother to my three children. After moving to the U.S. eleven years ago for my husband’s job, I felt inspired to return to work—this time with young children. Seven years ago, I joined The Curious Minds Montessori School, where I’ve found great joy in supporting students, especially through teaching Spanish. Sharing my language and culture while nurturing young minds has been a deeply rewarding experience, and I’m grateful to be part of such a caring and engaging learning environment.
Sunita

Ms Sunita Mahalle
Assistant Primary Teacher

Hello, I’m Ms. Sunita Mahalle, Primary Assistant Teacher at The Curious Minds Montessori School. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of assisting in the Primary classroom, following four years of experience as a substitute teacher. My love for children and education inspired me to earn a Bachelor of Education in India, along with a Master’s and Ph.D. in Zoology. I was born in the beautiful mountain state of Himachal Pradesh and raised in Maharashtra, which helped me appreciate cultural diversity. I speak multiple Indian languages including Hindi, Marathi, Dogri, and Punjabi. I moved to the U.S. 15 years ago and am a proud mother of two. Working at Curious Minds fills me with joy—the children’s smiles, the school’s positivity, and the supportive team make it truly special.
Uma

Ms Uma Vommi
Assistant Primary Teacher

Ms Uma has been teaching at The Curious Minds Montessori School for the past three years and truly enjoy working with children. Helping them learn, grow, and discover the world brings me a deep sense of joy and purpose. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and am always looking for ways to grow as an educator. Outside the classroom, I love spending time with my family on weekends, and my hobbies include art and gardening.
Ali

Ms Ali Quille Strickland
Assistant Primary Teacher

Ms. Ali holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Arts Education from the University of California, Los Angeles, and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Teaching at George Mason University. She brings seven years of experience as an assistant teacher from her hometown of Los Angeles and joined The Curious Minds Montessori School in 2024. Ms. Ali is passionate about working with children and brings creativity and warmth to the classroom. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and all things Disney.