FUNMI KUYE
Ms. Funmi, the Director and Licensed Owner of The Montessori School of Washington DC (MSOW), brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Funmi holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and an MBA from the University of Maryland. She also earned her Montessori Early Childhood certificate from the North American Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia.
Before acquiring MSOW, Funmi spent over 20 years in Corporate America, gaining extensive experience in Business Finance and Accounting. Her venture into the childcare sector was driven by a deep love for empowering children through Montessori teachings. She is committed to inspiring, motivating, and nurturing children, believing that "The greatest development is achieved during the first years of life, and therefore it is then that the greatest care should be taken...," as quoted by Maria Montessori. Funmi's leadership approach is rooted in the collaborative and holistic nature of the Montessori philosophy, and her mission is to help parents recognize the profound benefits of Montessori education for their children, who are our future leaders.
In her spare time, Funmi enjoys spending quality time with her family, mentoring children, reading, writing, listening to music, appreciating art, traveling, and cooking.
JONELLE COTONE
Ms. Jonelle brings over two decades of experience in Montessori education, along with a profound passion for cultivating inclusive and creative learning environments. Ms. Jonelle holds a bachelor’s degree in Montessori Education and AMS certification. She is also currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instructional Design.
Since starting her journey in Montessori education in the early 2000s, Ms. Jonelle has been recognized for her innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment to celebrating individuality in the classroom. She ensures that each student’s unique voice is heard and valued, and her dedication to creating inclusive classrooms where every family feels welcome and supported is a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Jonelle is an artist and a fan of anime and K-dramas, which often influence her innovative approach to incorporating aesthetics and tranquility into school design. Her passion for fashion and interior design brings vibrancy to her personal life and contributes to creating a dynamic and stimulating learning environment for families.
FIONA ANDERSON
Ms. Fiona earned her degree in Human Development from Virginia Tech and her Master’s in counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University. For the past two years, she has worked in early childhood education, utilizing the Montessori philosophies, where she helped foster a safe and supportive classroom environment.
Ms. Fiona believes that early childhood is a time of growth and exploration, and is dedicated to making each child feel valued and excited to learn together. She is passionate about creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to explore, discover, and flourish. In her free time, she enjoys running as well as spending time with her family.
Ms. Fiona is very excited to be a part of the Montessori School of Washington family!
SARAH ZHANG
Ms. Sarah brings a rich background to our team and the toddler classroom, having dedicated herself to early childhood education since 2016. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership from Rasmussen University and is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English.
Ms. Sarah's passion for children and holistic education is evident in her approach to teaching. She is committed to creating an environment where every child can thrive, fostering self-motivated growth, nurturing curiosity, and encouraging a desire for knowledge, understanding, and respect. She truly enjoys guiding young learners and values the trust and bond she builds with her students. Ms. Sarah is also excited to enroll in the Early Childhood Montessori training program and will be teaching Chinese as an enrichment.
Outside of teaching, Ms. Sarah loves traveling and spending quality time with her family and friends. Her favorite children's author is Eric Carle. She is eager to become a part of our vibrant community and contribute to the development and success of each student.
