Mrs. Sharon holds a master’s degree and a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Neumann University. She is one of the original founders of MMS and holds her Montessori certification from Montessori Centre International. Her educational background and longstanding commitment to Montessori education have helped shape the school’s foundation and traditions.

Susan serves as Director of Middletown Montessori School, overseeing day-to-day administrative operations, marketing, admissions, enrollment, and school communications. In the 2027–2028 school year, she will transition to Head of School, continuing her commitment to the school’s mission, values, and Montessori philosophy. She holds a B.S. in Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University and began her career in sales before taking time away from the workforce to raise her three children. In January 2027, she will earn her Montessori Leadership Certification from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies.

Middletown Montessori School has been a part of Susan’s life for many years. Her connection to MMS began through her mother, Barbara Waters, one of the school’s original founders, and grew even deeper when she became an MMS parent herself. In 2018, Susan joined the school as Office Manager, and her role has continued to evolve, bringing together her background in sales and marketing with her passion for Montessori education and the school community.

Susan especially enjoys building relationships with families and helping them discover what makes MMS so special. Through tours, open houses, newsletters, and school communications, she strives to share the Montessori philosophy and the strong academic, social, and emotional foundation it provides for children. As she prepares to become Head of School, Susan looks forward to honoring the vision and legacy of MMS’s founders while preserving the school’s child-centered approach and guiding its continued growth for generations to come.

Outside of school, Susan is married with three amazing children, two in college and one in high school and all MMS alumni! She loves spending time at the shore, reading, running, and making memories with family and friends.

Mrs. Phyllis has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has been part of MMS since its early days. She joined Barbara Waters and Sharon Kukawski as a founder in 1990 and has been teaching Montessori since 1984. Married to Ray, she has two children who are MMS alumni. Phyllis loves reading, cooking, entertaining, and Philly sports. Organized, loyal, and fun, she considers teaching her true passion and feels fortunate to work with wonderful families and coworkers.

Mrs. Michele began teaching at MMS in 2020 and brings 11 years of experience teaching first grade and kindergarten. She earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University and her master’s degree from Cabrini University.  She will complete her Montessori certification program through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies in January 2027.  

In addition to her co-teaching role, Michele serves as a Director, working alongside Susan Finan to oversee the day-to-day operations of MMS. In the 2027–2028 school year, she will transition out of the classroom into the role of Director of Curriculum, overseeing curriculum development and educational programming across all four classrooms. She looks forward to supporting teachers, strengthening the school’s educational programs, and ensuring that MMS stays true to Montessori philosophy while creating meaningful learning experiences for every child.

Michele is passionate about children’s learning and development and feels fortunate to be part of their educational journey. Outside of school, she is the proud mom of three wonderful children. She enjoys reading, music, concerts, spending time with family and friends, relaxing at the shore, and keeping busy driving her children to their many activities with help from her wonderful husband!