FUNMI KUYE
Ms. Funmi Kuye is the Director and Licensed Owner of The Montessori School of Washington DC (MSOW). Funmi received a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Maryland, and an MBA from the University of Maryland University College. She obtained her Montessori certificate in Early Childhood from the North American Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia.
Before acquiring MSOW, Funmi worked in Corporate America and has over 20 years of experience in the Business Finance and Accounting fields. Funmi ventured into the childcare sector because of her love for empowering children through Montessori teachings and learning. She has always wanted to inspire, motivate, and nurture children because she believes that the early years are the most important years that lay the foundation for a child. As quoted by Maria Montessori “The greatest development is achieved during the first years of life, and therefore it is then that the greatest care should be taken..." Ms. Funmi’s leadership approach is entrenched in the Montessori philosophy's global, collaborative, and partnership nature. Her mission is to help parents connect with the benefits of Montessori’s holistic education for their children - they are our future leaders!
Funmi was born in New York and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She loves spending quality time with family, and in her spare time, she enjoys mentoring kids, reading, and writing, music, art, traveling, and cooking.
MARS DAVIS
Ms. Mars Davis is excited to join the team at MSOW as the new Assistant Director and Lead Teacher.
Ms. Mars has enjoyed teaching and guiding young learners for 15 years. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, she obtained her Master of Arts in Education from St. Catherine’s University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. In addition, Ms. Mars completed her Montessori training at Montgomery Montessori Institute, earning her Early Childhood credential from the American Montessori Society.
Ms.Mars lives in the Washington DC metropolitan area with her family and treasures spending quality time with them in addition to creating and appreciating art, visiting museums, and discovering new restaurants and music.
Ms.Mars believes in modeling respect, kindness, and patience, so central to the Montessori philosophy of a peaceful learning community to inspire and develop the individual child.
FIZA GHIAS
Ms. Fiza Ghias holds a M. Phil degree from Quaid-I-Azam University Pakistan. She pursued her studies in social sciences focusing on history. Though she pursued her studies in the country's federal capital, she always maintained a strong link with her ancestral village, one of the areas with low literacy and lower income level, where she decided to change her career and devote herself to children’s education. Ms. Fiza is currently taking Early Childhood Montessori courses.
Ms. Fiza is an ardent advocate of inculcating cherished values of tolerance, inter-faith harmony, and empathy at the formative phase of life which culminates in a productive and positive human being. She continued serving her community in diverse ways during her academic career, ensuring that the marginalized sections of society, especially girls and women, get adequate support and opportunities. She has varied experience in child learning and teaching programs and is eager to share those experiences at The Montessori School of Washington.
Fiza was born in Pakistan. She is married with three children. She enjoys traveling, reading, and counseling.
ARIJ MGARRECH
Ms. Arij graduated from the Monastir Faculty of Sciences with a degree in chemistry. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in health science from Stratford University in Virginia. Ms. Arij speaks several languages (Arabic, French, English, and German). She is committed to improving society's quality of life through the application of psychology and insights. Ms. Arij is currently taking Early Childhood Montessori courses.
Prior to joining MSOW, Ms. Arij taught at The Center for Alexandria’s Children. She believes that education is the solution to most societal problems and that children should be taught self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and tolerance. As a result, joining The Montessori School of Washington is a fantastic opportunity for her to put her positive teaching philosophy into action. Arij has a strong belief that every child in the world matters and deserves to feel peace.
Ms. Arij enjoys yoga, meditation, nature connection, and reading psychological and spiritual books.
MEI CAI
Ms. Mei obtained a Bachelor’s degree majoring in French at Sichuan Normal University. She speaks several languages (French, English, Mandarin). She has been a French teacher since her college graduation and committed to child education all through her career. She has enjoyed teaching and educating many young students.
Ms. Mei believes in children’s natural interests and activities and emphasizes hands-on learning and developing real-world skills. She views children as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a sufficiently supportive and well-prepared learning environment. Ms. Mei will sub for us as needed and will be a backup for the Chinese teacher.
Prior to joining our team, Ms. Mei taught at FCPS and American Chinese School. She enjoys reading, cooking, walking dogs, and spending time with her family.
