“Owning my own Montessori school was a dream of mine for many years that finally came true in 2003 with the opening of Children’s House.  It is so satisfying to work with the families and staff that have been drawn to our special place.  It is obvious that each child, parent, and staff member brings their talents, creativity and love here, making me proud to be the owner of Children’s House.”

Education: B.A. in Child Development, University of Alabama

Montessori Credentials: Early Childhood (AMS) / Montessori World Educational Institute, San Louis Obispo, CA / Completed the Course for Montessori School Management at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in New York

Keturah’s career in early childhood education spans more than 45 years. She has served as a field consultant for interns taking their Montessori training, has been in the Montessori classroom for more than 30 years, and has worked in a “traditional” preschool setting for several years as well.

Keturah has been married to Henry Collins for 52 years and they have two grown children. Henry’s career in the U.S. Army provided the opportunity to live in Germany, Korea, and Norway, and travel extensively in Europe and Asia.  Keturah enjoys sharing these cultures and experiences with the children in her classroom. She also loves nature and teaching understanding and appreciation for all living things.

“I enjoy being a part of creating a community of young learners that are inquisitive, confident, kind, and who are excited about their school day. Every day at Children’s House Montessori School I see exceptional teachers nurturing and guiding each child to develop fully into the person he or she is destined to be. I am excited to be a part of the CHMS community!”

Education: M.A. in Education and a B.A. in Child Development from Concordia University

Montessori Credentials: Early Childhood (AMS) / Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies, Silver Spring, MD – 2004

Helena is the assistant director at Children’s House and the lead Montessori Teacher in the Sunset Room. Helena has served as a teacher trainer and consultant, school director and curriculum coordinator, as well as an education degree faculty member.

Originally from England, Helena considers herself a citizen of both the US and the UK, enjoying both sweet tea and a cup of tea, preferably in a china cup!

“Discovering the Montessori method was pure serendipity.  I felt immediately at home and that I had found a way of educating children that seemed so natural to me. Nothing brings me more joy than watching children grow, learn, and discover all they are capable of. What a privilege to be a part of that!”

Education: Missouri State University, Springfield, MO

Montessori Credentials: Early Childhood Montessori Certification /  Authentic Institute of Montessori, Bozeman, MT – 2023

Amanda has over 20 years of experience working with children, including 8 years in the Montessori classroom, 5 years in traditional preschool classrooms,  and as an early elementary literacy tutor.

In her spare time, Amanda enjoys sewing, baking, crafting, but mostly spending time with her husband, Ed and her two daughters, Grace and Leah.

“The moment I stepped into the Children’s House Montessori School, I felt a sense of home. Working with young children is a career I feel passionate about. It brings me joy to discover the unique ways children explore the world around them! During my studies, the Montessori philosophy always resonated with me. I am grateful to have the opportunity to grow with the Children’s House Montessori School community!”

Education:Bachelor’s Degree in Integrative Studies specializing in Early Childhood Education. Working on a Master’s Degree in Education at George Mason University leading to licensure for PreK through Grade 3

“I consider myself fortunate to have found my way to Children’s House Montessori School of Reston.  The balanced and holistic approach towards a child’s development and learning is what attracted me to the Montessori Method of schooling.  My experience at Children’s House has been nothing short of remarkable.  It has given me a chance to be imaginative, innovative, energetic, and empathetic while interacting with the children.  It helps to bring out the best version of myself and I get to take home a sense of gratitude, joy and fulfillment at the end of each school day.”

Education:  M A in Sociology from Banaras Hindu University, India

Ms. Ananya is an assistant teacher in the Sunrise Room.  She has 2 ½ years working in a traditional preschool environment.  She came to the United States in 2014 and lived in New Jersey for 8 years before moving to Reston.

Ms. Ananya loves cooking, knitting, gardening, walking and a lot of family time.

“Before I joined Children’s House I was not sure how the children or my colleagues would accept me.  I was not sure if the language barrier and unfamiliarity with surroundings would make it difficult for me to gain acceptance.  But I was completely wrong.  Here, the children and my colleagues were so friendly and helpful that I did not have any problem, comfortably easing into a new environment.  Working here at Children’s House is an absolute joy and I feel blessed for the surroundings and nice people around me.”

Education:  Reefat holds a BA in Political Science from The University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, a BA from Holy Cross College in Dhaka Bangladesh, and worked for Sir John Wilson High School in Dhaka for 10 years.

Reefat is an assistant teacher in the Sunset Room.  Her goal is to someday be a Montessori teacher.  She feels children are the most important thing in this material world and personally feels very comfortable working with them.

Reefat moved to the United States with her husband in 2020.  She spends her spare time cooking, listening to music, and practicing her Muslim religion.

“I am very happy to be a member of the CHMS community. I was introduced to Montessori by reading books while raising my daughter. I believe if children are given the right environment and guidance, they can learn on their own and gain great confidence. Working with young children is something I love, and as a communicator and practitioner of the Montessori method, it is very meaningful to me.  It is a natural extension of my role as a mother.”

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business English (China), Associates Degree in Education (Northern Virginia Community College)

“I feel blessed to be part of a school that gives so much love and care to the children and families and, in turn, the greatest reward is receiving that love from the children every time I step into the school for Spanish class. It makes my heart smile all the time.”

Education: B.S. (Business) from Eastern New Mexico University

Ms. Arlene is a native New Yorker (Manhattan) of Puerto Rican descent.  She is married and a mother of two sons: a college senior and a high school freshman. Ms. Arlene is a cantor at St. Joseph’s Church in Herndon, VA and has loved singing and music ever since she was a child. She also enjoys being out in nature, cooking and spending quality time with her family.

Ms. Arlene discovered Montessori through her oldest son, who attended a Montessori school from preschool through kindergarten. She spent many years volunteering in her children’s schools, and experienced, first-hand, the wonders of how a child learns through discovery and fun. She describes her experience at Children’s House as “life-changing” and looks forward to her weekly classes with the children.

“One of the best decisions I have made as a parent when my children were very young was enrolling them in a Montessori program. At Children’s House Montessori School, I am fortunate to experience the Montessori environment I love so much. It is a privilege to be part of such a committed and all-around awesome team of individuals.”

Education: Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, George Mason University

Cinthia Drake is the Office Manager and Admissions Director of Children’s House. She worked for 3 years as an administrative assistant at World Wildlife Fund and 8 years as a Montessori Assistant Teacher at Montessori Country School in Herndon, VA, leading her to love the Montessori philosophy.

Cinthia was born in Sao Paulo, and grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She came to the U.S. with her family in 1989 and married in 1992. She has two children: a daughter who graduated from VCU and works at Walt Disney World and a son who is working towards his Associate Degree at Northern Virginia Community College. Both of her children attended a Montessori school for pre-school and kindergarten.