Meet our Directresses
Middletown Montessori School originated in 1990 with three dedicated teachers who strongly believe in the philosophy emphasized by Dr. Maria Montessori. The conversation started during a basketball game at Penncrest High School, where each expressed a desire to open a school that was academic but also caring, nurturing and loving.
Sharon Kukawski
Directress
Mrs. Sharon has a Masters as well as a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Neumann University. She has her Montessori Certification from Montessori Centre International and is an original founder of MMS.
Phyllis German
Directress
Mrs. Phyllis has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Neumann University. She is one of the original founders of the school and is Montessori trained.
Barbara Waters
Directress
Mrs. Barbara has obtained her Masters and her B.S. in Early Childhood from Neumann University. She is one of the original founders of the school and has her Montessori Certification from Montessori Centre International.
Meet our Teachers
From the beginning, Middletown Montessori School has maintained the same dedicated staff of certified teachers who collectively have over 50 years experience using the Montessori method of education. MMS is affiliated with the Montessori Centre International in London, England.
Susan Finan
Administration
Susan is our Office Administrator at MMS. She handles the day to day office needs, new family tours, registrations and school communications. Susan has been a part of MMS for 4 years and is the daughter of Barbara Waters. Susan graduated with a B.S. in Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University.
JoanAnne McLarnon
Cubville/Poohville/Aftercare Program
Mrs. JoanAnne is an Assistant teacher and manages the Before and After School program. She has worked in childcare for over 30 years and ran her own daycare. She joined MMS in 2007 after her youngest daughter graduated from the school.
MaryNell Rounds
Bearville
Mrs. MaryNell is an assistant teacher and has a B.A. degree in Mathematics from the College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota. She was a substitute teacher and kindergarten aide before coming to MMS. She is trained in the Montessori Method.
Angie Sammer
Poohville
Mrs. Angie has a B.S. in Early Childhood and Masters of Education in Reading from Wilmington University. She has previously taught elementary and high school.
Kathy Chominski
Pandaville
Mrs. Kathy received her B.S. from Neumann University, an Associates in Early Childhood Education from D.C.C.C. and her Montessori International Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center. She has been with MMS for 13 years.
Kim Grunde
Poohville
Mrs. Kim obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from East Stroudsburg University. She is also certified in Elementary Education from West Chester University and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education.Kim is trained in the Montessori Method.
Karla Sosa
Kindergarten Spanish Teacher/Pandaville
Mrs. Karla has been teaching our Kindergarten Spanish class since 2017. Karla worked in an early childhood classroom in the area. She is also an interpreter for The Arc of Chester County.
Michele
Poohville Teacher
Mrs. Michele formerly taught 1st grade & Kindergarten for 11 years. She received her undergraduate degree from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She also received her Masters Degree from Cabrini University.
Diana DiFiore
Pandaville
Mrs. Diana began working for the Penn Delco School District as an assistant in their kindergarten special education class and found her way to MMS in 2009. She is trained in the Montessori Method.
Valerie Tallarida
Cubville
Mrs. Valerie has been a part of MMS for 5 years. She graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor Degree from the Fox School of Business and has been trained in the Montessori Method.
Kristin Blair
Bearville
Mrs. Kristin has a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Millersville University. Kristin taught Kindergarten and First Grade for 25 years in Brandywine School District. Kristin has been with MMS for 5 years and is trained in the Montessori philosophy.
Nancy Wooding
After Care/Pandaville
Mrs. Nancy has a B.S. in Elementary Education from West Chester State University and is trained in the Montessori Method. Nancy has been with MMS for 6 years. She has worked in management positions and as a literacy interventionist.
Veronica Batter
Art Teacher
Mrs. Veronica has Masters of Liberal Studies from Widener University and a BFA in General Fine Arts from Moore College of Art and Design.
Middletown Montessori School
