Teachers
Our teachers and administrative staff share a deep commitment to serving our students and families to the very best of
their abilities, and they work very hard to support the wonderful programs we provide for our students. As a group, this
staff strives in every way to "follow the child," to recognize and honor each students' individuality and path.
This is the very heart of the unique achievement of Montessori education, and we are proud of our success.
Gilda D. Brower, Founder/Executive Director, has been certified by the American Montessori Society since 1971.
Before opening the school, Gilda worked in two Montessori schools one in New Jersey and one in Upstate New York.
A member of the American Montessori Society, Gilda continues to train Montessori teachers from across the United
States and Canada during summer workshops in New York City and Toronto. Gilda divides her time during the academic
year between the preschool room, the elementary room, curriculum-building efforts, and staff training.
Robin Henty, Preschool-Kindergarten Directress, received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Oswego State College
in 1983 and completed the Montessori teacher training in the fall of 2006. Robin developed pre-school programs for Plymouth Day Care
Center and Most Holy rosary School in Syracuse. At Most Holy Rosary Robin was fortunate enough to work side by side with Susan Kovalik
the creator of the Thematic Teaching Theory. (This is a total hands on approach to learning.) The training was intesive and was
continued throughout her tenure at Most Holy Rosary.
While working at Rosary, Robin was nominated by her students' parents for the La Salle Teacher of the year. Robin worked for the
Liberty partnership Program at Corcoran High School as a tutor for students at risk. She was an aide at the Skaneateles School district
for students with special needs. Robin has completed her Montessori training and is certified through the N.A.M.C.
Robin is married to Bob and is extremely proud to be the mom of Robert, Maggie and Laura. She volunteers in her community and at her children's schools.
Robin has wanted to work with children from a very young age (2nd grade) and is proud to continue to realize her dream at the Montessor school.
She considers each on of her students a gift.
Florence Smith, Preschool-Kindergarten Directress, attended Brooklyn College, University of Maine and Syracuse University School
of Social Work. She served as the Director of Social Services at the Cayuga County Dept. of Social Services for 22 years before her
“retirement” in 1985. Florence continues to be active and is anything but retired. She is known as a volunteer by Literacy Volunteers,
a nursing home ombudsman, Hospice worker and community-wide dialogue volunteer.
She is known as the “tielady” working for Kinsmith’s the Tie Tailors and the “rug-lady” working as a braided-rug demonstrator and teacher.
She is thrilled now to be known as the “bread-lady” teaching Montessori children how to make their very own loaves. She averages 25-30
loaves a week and looks forward to continuing to teach Practical Life skills to all of the Montessori Students again this year.
Kathy DeChick, Elementary Directress (Emphasis Reading & Writing), comes to us with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood
Education from Cayuga Community College. Her Montessori teacher training was completed in the fall of 2006. Before studying early childhood
education she spent 21 years as an airline flight attendant. She is now a teacher in our elementary class for 6 to 11 year old students.
While studying at Cayuga Community College she enjoyed tutoring students in the Academic Support Center as well as working with the preschool
and kindergarten children at the C.C.C. Childcare Center. Kathy also did an internship at Waterman Elementary School in Skaneateles. She is
married with three step-children, (one just married), and is an avid gardener.
Darlene Guadagna-Prickel, Preschool-Kindergarten Directress, lives in Skaneateles with her husband and two children, Ashley and Josh.
Her education and certification includes an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education (OCC), a Bachelor’s of Elementary Education (SUNY
Cortland), and is currently attending graduate studies in teaching students with disabilities (SUNY Cortland). In addition, her Montessori
teacher training was completed in the fall of 2006.
Darlene worked with others to jump start a new preschool program in Skaneateles, teaching in the 3 and 4 year old programs. Darlene is excited
to return as a teacher in the full-day 3 to 5 year old classroom.
Holly Davia, Preschool-Kindergarten Directress, started at the Montessori School in 2002 when she student taught for 15 weeks
while attending Cayuga Community College. She began working at the school the following year in 2003. Holly recently completed work on her
associates degree in Early Childhood Education. Holly has also worked with children with disabilities. Her Montessori teacher training was
completed in the fall of 2006.
Holly is a teacher in the 3 to 5 preschool classroom. She is the mother of Connor, who is currently an elementary student at the Montessori
School. Her son, Cayden, was born in 2005.
Diane Bauso, Elementary Directress, joined our staff in the fall of 1999. Her Master’s Degree is focused upon Alternative
Educational Programs for Children, and she is certified in “Family Development” through Cornell University. Diane completed Montessori
training for 6 to 9 year old students in November of 2006 and is the head teacher in the elementary room.
Diane coached a soccer team for many years, is a member of the Auburn Public Theater’s Board of Directors, and past member of the TomatoFest
Board of Directors. In addition Diane is a fine artist with experience in portrait painting. As a result Diane’s classroom is infused with
very capable and artful leadership.
Reingard Mirza, Elementary Directress & Music Instructor, grew up in northern Germany where she attended college. Before
moving to America in 1993, she completed her studies in English and Biology with a thesis in Biochemistry. The 2008/2009 academic year
will mark her 10th year as a Montessori parent, her 7th year as a Board member and her 6th year as a teacher.
Growing up in a family where both parents were enthusiastic and dedicated teachers predisposed her to go into teaching herself. Her first
teaching experience was as an au-pair for a family of music teachers. She helped their 2- and 4-year-olds master practical life skills,
assisted in teaching beginning-violin and had fun team-teaching highschool German. Music is her other great passion in life. After years
of choir practices, youth orchestra and chamber group rehearsals, it gives her great satisfaction to pass these treasures along to children.
Amy Aunkst-Park, Toddler Directress, holds her masters in Education, Bachelors in Music and completed Montessori Training in 2008.
She has worked in both Catholic and Public schools, been a childcare administrator, and found her way to Montessori in 2005 working with toddlers.
Amy is the mother of two children, frequents the Adirondacks and is on the board of Directors of a youth theater group.
Jennifer Long is a New York State certified teacher in elementary and health education. She attended school at SUNY Cortland where
she graduated with a bachelors degree in health science. Through her experiences she found that she really enjoyed working with children.
She then continued on to receive her master’s degree in elementary education from Syracuse University.
Jennifer is excited about moving forward with her teaching career and among other things, in her free time she enjoys spending her time in nature,
exercising, reading and spending quality time with her son.
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