Teachers | Middletown Montessori School

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.

Susan Finan

Assistant Director

Susan is our Administrator and Assistant Director 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.

Phyllis German

Directress

Mrs. Phyllis has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and has been with MMS since its early days—starting in 1990 as a founder alongside Barbara and Sharon. She has taught Montessori since 1984. Married to Ray for 37 years, with two children who are MMS alumni, Phyllis loves reading, cooking, entertaining, and Philly sports. Organized, loyal, and fun, she considers teaching her true passion with the best families and coworkers.

Michele

Assistant Director / 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.

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.

> Learn more about our approach in the classroom

Joanne Anderson

Poohville

With dual certifications from Penn State in elementary and early childhood education, Mrs. Joanne has now settled at MMS after two years of part-time work. Her previous roles include preschool teacher and assistant director. She is a book lover who enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling, and she’s also an avid Eagles fan (despite her favorite color being purple!). Creative, energetic, and organized, she loves hiking, lakeside retreats in the Poconos, and spending time with her children and husband.

Jadyn Battiste

Pandaville

Ms. Jadyn graduated from Springfield High School and the Delaware County Technical School’s Early Childhood Education program. She is currently pursuing Early Childhood Education at Delaware County Community College. Creative and self-motivated, Jadyn enjoys photography, painting, hiking, and spending time with friends.

Colette Bourantas

Pandaville

Mrs. Colette holds a B.S. in Business from Miami University and an M.S. in Education from Indiana University. While raising her three daughters, she also gained ten years of experience as a substitute teacher. Kind, patient, and compassionate, Colette feels blessed to nurture her Pandaville friends and inspire their curiosity. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family.

Lisa Chodaczek

Teddyville

Mrs. Lisa brings over 12 years of experience as a Montessori educator to her role as Lead Teacher. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori certification from Chestnut Hill College. After starting a second career in education, she became interested in the Montessori method and its emphasis on independence and learning. Mrs. Lisa has been married for 32 years and is the proud parent of two grown children. She enjoys playing tennis, exercising, and cooking.

Bill Currier

Music Teacher

Mr. Bill, who joined in 2023, holds credentials from Temple University and owns “We Kids Rock,” a music enrichment program for children. He also teaches guitar and loves Philadelphia sports, songwriting, oil painting, and travel. He feels proud and amazed when kids connect to and enjoy songs he’s written.

Susan Fortney

Pandaville

Mrs. Susan began her journey at MMS in 2024. Before that, she dedicated over 20 years as a PREP religious education instructor at her parish. Honest, caring, and a true friend, she treasures seeing “the little ones realize their accomplishments.” A devoted wife and mother of two, Susan enjoys cooking, traveling, and rooting for baseball and college football.

Tina Giantonio

Assistant Teacher and After Care

Ashley Harper

Classroom Floater

Ms. Ashley is a high-school graduate (homeschooled) and joined MMS in 2025. She brings four years of experience as a homeschool co-op assistant teacher. Outgoing, positive, and active, Ashley loves being outdoors—hiking, exploring, and spending relaxed time with her family.

JoanAnne McLarnon

Teddyville

Mrs. JoanAnne has an associate’s degree and joined MMS in 2008. Before that, she ran an in-home daycare for 18 years. She loves gardening, exercising, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Compassionate, hard-working, and a great listener, she finds the best part of her job in cherishing time with the children and collaborating with her wonderful team.

Michelle Palandro

Bearville and Art

Mrs. Michelle has a Master’s in Education and is MMS’s art teacher. Previously, she was a head trainer at Orangetheory Fitness. She values uniqueness and promoting self-confidence in children through art, nutrition, and movement. She loves art, music, concerts, cooking, travel, exercise, and the outdoors—with an active family, her kids are in baseball, t-ball, karate, and gymnastics.

MaryNell Rounds

Bearville and Teddyville

Mrs. MaryNell earned her BA in Mathematics from the College of Saint Benedict and started working with MMS in 2014. She brings over 25 years of experience as a substitute teacher and assistant in pre-K and kindergarten. Originally from Minnesota, she and her husband, Mike, have three grown sons and a rich history of global travel as a military family. She enjoys working out, traveling, baking, and reading. Compassionate, conscientious, and organized, MaryNell loves witnessing children’s successes.

Karla Sosa

Pandaville

Mrs. Karla, a Computer Science graduate with an MSRB Certificate, has been teaching Spanish at MMS since 2021, having begun her teaching career in 2016. She’s deeply committed to nurturing young minds, finding joy in watching children form friendships and discover the world around them.

Valerie Tallarida

Poohville

Mrs. Valerie earned her Bachelor’s degree from Temple University’s Fox School of Business and is trained in the Montessori Method. She recently continued her education at Chestnut Hill College. Passionate about Montessori education, Valerie loves watching children learn and grow. She enjoys traveling, comedy, and spending time with her family, especially cheering on her children, David and Scarlett, in basketball, golf, and dance.

Nancy Wooding

After Care/Pandaville

Mrs. Nancy holds a BS in Elementary Education (WCU), an RN in Nursing (DCCC), and has pursued continuing education at PSU. She joined MMS in September 2015. Nancy is passionate about making a long-lasting impact on children’s literacy and development, and finds the greatest joy in watching children succeed. She loves kickboxing, family time, and cherishes being married with two children and three grandchildren.

Middletown Montessori School
30 East Forge Road
Media, PA 19063
(610) 891-7214