Ms. Maria is thrilled to return to Brookfield Academy community as an Associate Teacher in the Pre-Primary classroom. With a deep and extensive background in Montessori education, she brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for working with young children. Ms. Maria’s journey in early childhood education began 28 years ago, when she started working in her mother’s Montessori program in St. Clair Shores. This early exposure to Montessori education sparked a lifelong commitment to nurturing and guiding children on their educational journeys. Over the past 26 years, Ms. Maria has worked in Montessori 3-6 classrooms, spending the majority of her career as a lead teacher. Her professional qualifications include receiving the American Montessori Society Associate Early Childhood Credential from the Adrian Dominican Teacher Education Institute in Adrian, Michigan, which further solidified her expertise and dedication to the Montessori method. Additionally, Ms. Maria has earned an Associate of Applied Sciences from Macomb Community College, broadening her educational foundation and providing her with a diverse skill set that benefits her students. Ms. Maria’s passion for Montessori education is matched by her personal commitment to creating a warm and welcoming environment for every child. She has spent years cultivating a teaching philosophy rooted in respect, independence, and individualized learning, and she takes great joy in guiding young minds as they develop their social, emotional, and academic skills. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Maria is a proud wife and mother to two grown children, both of whom were Montessori students. She has seen firsthand the positive impact that Montessori education can have on a child's development, and she treasures the opportunity to contribute to that same growth in the children she works with. In her free time, Ms. Maria enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling, always eager to explore new cultures, gain fresh perspectives, and share meaningful experiences with her loved ones. Ms. Maria’s deep-rooted passion for Montessori education, combined with her years of experience, makes her a wonderful addition to the Brookfield Academy team. Her dedication to fostering a love of learning and supporting the growth of young children is evident in everything she does, both in and out of the classroom.
