Administration
Matthew Simberg, M.Ed.
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During his tenure at these schools, Mr. Matt worked closely with his students, co-teachers and parent community to provide a dynamic, hands-on and integrated educational experience, that instilled an engaging and well-rounded lifelong love of learning.
In 2007, Matt implemented the participation of the Montessori Model United Nations Program for the Montessori Academy. This experience in New York City and the United Nations grew to become a fantastic and much anticipated addition to the curriculum that excites parents and children. It is also great because it compliments and is supported by the Association Montessori Internationale community. This program allows upper elementary students to take on ambassadorial roles in a Model UN simulation, with Montessori’s philosophies, which culminates in a four-day conference in Manhattan and the General Assembly of the United Nations. Participants have the opportunity to work with students from around the world, learning how the international community acts on its concerns about peace and security, human rights, the rights of the child, child labor, the environment, food and hunger, economic development, globalization and more. Mr. Matt has also used his personal experience with the MMUN to serve as a model for the children.
Mr. Matt has been involved with the Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) organization for 10 out of the 11 years since it has been established. Upper Elementary students at MSOE also participate in the MMUN conference each year at the United Nations in NYC. Mr. Matt has worked his way up from being a teacher/chaperone to President of one of the MMUN committees and now he mentors and trains the members of the MMUN Bureau as a Secretariat. He has used this forum as a model to show the children that it is important to be involved in the world and that hard work pays off. He has travelled to Rome for an MMUN conference where he visited Maria Montessori's original training center and served as President on the Dais for an MMUN conference there.
Back in 2011, parents requested an Adolescent Program and Mr. Matt created it while successfully teaching elementary. This served the school's advancing demand with a growing elementary program until Mr. Matt was able to pass on the Adolescent Program to someone else so that he could focus on elementary. This program grew to include specialty curriculums with outside resources in the areas of science, mathematics, and foreign language.
Then in 2014, with the support of a passionate parent community, Mr. Matt realized his lifelong dream of opening a school that provides an authentic Montessori experience for families, while he continues to grow as an actively reflective observer, creative facilitator, provoker of different types of thinking and character builder.
Mr. Matt and MSOE are part of a well-established Montessori network. He has many contacts including experienced Montessori educators and administrators whom he frequently communicates with. He is regularly participating in several different focused online groups, such as the Montessori Administrators Association, Elementary Alumni Association, and other AMI associated and non-associated Montessori groups on Facebook. He is constantly researching, applying what he learns and participating in Leadership/Administrative workshops when available. Through these avenues he also follows another passion of writing through his blog, the school newsletter, communications to staff and families, and sharing with others as you can find articles on our website which he wrote and were published in AMI-Elementary Alumni Association Newsletters.
MSOE is always open to helping other communities or Montessori schools both near and far, and we will always be working on that.
In 2007, Matt implemented the participation of the Montessori Model United Nations Program for the Montessori Academy. This experience in New York City and the United Nations grew to become a fantastic and much anticipated addition to the curriculum that excites parents and children. It is also great because it compliments and is supported by the Association Montessori Internationale community. This program allows upper elementary students to take on ambassadorial roles in a Model UN simulation, with Montessori’s philosophies, which culminates in a four-day conference in Manhattan and the General Assembly of the United Nations. Participants have the opportunity to work with students from around the world, learning how the international community acts on its concerns about peace and security, human rights, the rights of the child, child labor, the environment, food and hunger, economic development, globalization and more. Mr. Matt has also used his personal experience with the MMUN to serve as a model for the children.
Mr. Matt has been involved with the Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) organization for 10 out of the 11 years since it has been established. Upper Elementary students at MSOE also participate in the MMUN conference each year at the United Nations in NYC. Mr. Matt has worked his way up from being a teacher/chaperone to President of one of the MMUN committees and now he mentors and trains the members of the MMUN Bureau as a Secretariat. He has used this forum as a model to show the children that it is important to be involved in the world and that hard work pays off. He has travelled to Rome for an MMUN conference where he visited Maria Montessori's original training center and served as President on the Dais for an MMUN conference there.
Back in 2011, parents requested an Adolescent Program and Mr. Matt created it while successfully teaching elementary. This served the school's advancing demand with a growing elementary program until Mr. Matt was able to pass on the Adolescent Program to someone else so that he could focus on elementary. This program grew to include specialty curriculums with outside resources in the areas of science, mathematics, and foreign language.
Then in 2014, with the support of a passionate parent community, Mr. Matt realized his lifelong dream of opening a school that provides an authentic Montessori experience for families, while he continues to grow as an actively reflective observer, creative facilitator, provoker of different types of thinking and character builder.
Mr. Matt and MSOE are part of a well-established Montessori network. He has many contacts including experienced Montessori educators and administrators whom he frequently communicates with. He is regularly participating in several different focused online groups, such as the Montessori Administrators Association, Elementary Alumni Association, and other AMI associated and non-associated Montessori groups on Facebook. He is constantly researching, applying what he learns and participating in Leadership/Administrative workshops when available. Through these avenues he also follows another passion of writing through his blog, the school newsletter, communications to staff and families, and sharing with others as you can find articles on our website which he wrote and were published in AMI-Elementary Alumni Association Newsletters.
MSOE is always open to helping other communities or Montessori schools both near and far, and we will always be working on that.
Education
Loyola University , Baltimore, MD
Loyola University , Baltimore, MD
- Masters in Education (M.Ed), with a concentration in Montessori Education 2007
- Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Certification
- New Jersey Public School Certification, K-5
- B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy, 2003
- Washington Semester Program, 2001
- Emphasis: Peace and Conflict Resolution
Patricia Herrera, M.Ed.
Business Administrator
Adolescent Head Guide
Spanish Teacher
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Patty is an educator, entrepreneur, tech guru and overall people person. She thoroughly enjoys interacting with children and adults. Education, networking, marketing, communicating and opportunities to create with her hands are where her main passions lay. Patty has previous experience as a Teacher's Assistant, Business Manager and Director of Development at an AMI accredited Montessori school. She has worked as an Ambassador of Admission at Kean University, Marketing Director and Executive Assistant to the CEO's of multimillion dollar corporations in both the fashion and medical industries. As a native Spanish speaker, she has also taught English, Spanish and several electives at the high school level. Her love of learning, past experiences and aptitude for technology are a huge asset to MSOE. Additionally, she is always striving to remain knowledgeable of this ever-evolving world of marketing, social media and data management. Patty is very athletic. She enjoys practicing yoga, skiing, kangoo jumping, skating, biking, rock climbing, swimming, and volleyball. She also loves animals including horseback riding and spending time with her cats. She loves learning new ways to be self-sufficient, such as working with aquaponic systems and reading, and she enjoys building new and helpful things out of wood, such as the furniture she has made for the Primary classroom. She has an 12 year old named Lilly, who is so happy to be in the Adolescent Program at MSOE and is a huge source of intrinsic motivation for her to help MSOE continue its momentum of success and progress. Education The Grove School, Redlands, Ca
Adult CPR/AED, Child CPR and First Aid |
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Nurse
School health services are provided by the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative.
Toddler
Christine Millington
Toddler Directress
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Chris has many years of experience starting out as a traditional preschool teacher for 3 and 4-year-old children, and more experience as a trained Montessori teacher for Infants and Toddlers. Her love of children, specifically nurturing toddlers, is her passion. Her goal is for your child to be as independent and as safe as possible. She wants to do this by utilizing her compassionate nature, solid managerial skills, and Montessori’s philosophy to help them do things themselves.
Chis is very enthusiastic, has a positive attitude and is thrilled to have a collaborative experience with MSOE and its families. MSOE is excited to have Chris be a part of the community and looks forward to many great school years! Education Trenton State College
Certified In
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Julie Woods
Toddler Assistant
Aftercare Assistant
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Julie is a high energy and outgoing person who is very involved with children and her church. She specializes in working with children who have special needs and enjoys participating in buddy programs. Julie is very easy going and adventurous. She enjoys going away on missions, traveling and nature. She loves to participate in sports and outdoor activities. Her goal is to become a medical examiner.
Certified In
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Victoria Roper
Toddler Assistant
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Tori enjoyed working with children. She is involved in two youth groups at her church - 6th grade as well as the 3 and 4 year old classroom. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking walks at local parks, and adventuring to cozy coffee shops. She’s looking forward to getting to know the students at MSOE better.
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Primary
Carl Levie
Primary Head Guide
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Carl is thrilled to be joining the faculty of Montessori Seeds of Education. His first experiences of Montessori began early on in life. During his primary through adolescent years he attended public Montessori in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In pursuits of studying classical vocal performance, he obtained his Bachelor's of Music from Temple University in Philadelphia.
Additionally, he has spent several years assisting in a Primary classroom, as well as developing musical curriculum centered in early childhood development. His vision for community is to build strong communication, supportive relationships and igniting one's passion for learning. Truly, Montessori has played a major role for him personally in the trajectory of this process, and he is extremely excited to fully launch into MSOE's primary program! Education Temple University, Philadelphia
Certified In
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Mary Cichon
Primary Assistant
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Mary Cichon has more than 30 years of experience as a guide in Montessori classrooms, having worked at schools in Richmond, Virginia, Morristown and Voorhees, New Jersey as a teacher and Educational Coordinator. She has also worked with autistic children through Burlington County Special Services. She has an excellent reputation as an educator and takes pride in the relationships she has developed over the years, both with the children and their parents. Mary has a passion for helping children to be independent, safe and courteous to themselves and others.
Over the years, Mary has developed many tools to compliment her Montessori training which aids her in guiding the child to be independent and safe. MSOE is grateful for her experience, contributions and passion for collaborating with our community! In her spare time, she enjoys reading, the outdoors, travel, arts and crafts. Mary also has a keen interest in history and developed a special expertise as a historical storyteller delighting and fascinating young children about the lives of some of America's most famous historical characters. She lives in Medford and has three children, all of whom are Montessori graduates and two grandchildren, one of which is soon to be a Montessori pupil! Education Sion Hill Montessori Teacher's College, Dublin, Ireland
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Kateryna Lopez
Primary Afternoon Assistant
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After being exposed to the Montessori philosophy, Kateryna was very intrigued with how children could learn in such a free spirited environment. She found the Montessori classroom environment to be a very creative, warm, and safe atmosphere. With her love and compassion for children, admiration for a Montessori education, and eagerness to learn, she decided to major in education at Rowan College of Burlington County with the objective of becoming an elementary teacher.
In her spare time Kateryna enjoys yoga, nature activities, reading, and exploring new places. She is very excited to be joining Montessori Seeds of Education and Mr. Carl's Primary class! |
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Elementary
Anne Manieri
Elementary Assistant
Aftercare Director
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After teaching for several years in traditional nursery school, Anne went for her Montessori training and has been teaching as a Montessori guide for about 30 years. Anne is a passionate, compassionate, objective, and skilled guide with many techniques tucked up her sleeves to aid in the development of the primary aged child. She loves every opportunity she gets to help children become more independent and collaborative.
She has one son and is involved in Boy Scouts of America. Anne loves to read and cook. Education LaSalle College
Chestnut Hill College
Certified In
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Adolescent
Steve Benigni
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Steve’s experience with Montessori education began with his daughter’s enrollment at the Montessori School of Westminster, MD, a parent cooperative school. A stay-at-home dad, Steve didn’t stay at home much, spending a lot of his time volunteering at the school, serving on the board of directors in various roles from fundraising chair to treasurer to board president.
His volunteer experience at MSW and as a youth leader with the Boy Scouts of America inspired Steve to make a career change from nonprofit work to education, and he earned his post-baccalaureate certification in secondary math education at age 50. He has taught fifth through twelfth grade math in several public and private schools in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and New Jersey before joining the Erdkinder program staff at MSOE. Steve is an active volunteer with the STEM Scouts program in South Jersey and lives in Voorhees with his wife, two corgis, and collection of old movies. Education Xavier University
Millersville University
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Xiomara Munoz
Floating Assistant
Aftercare Assistant
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Xiomara is very hardworking and reliable. She is great company and handles high pressure situations well. She is very driven to accomplish her goals and is very giving of her time and energy.
Xiomara is going to college for Psychology. She enjoys working with children, and she loves outdoor activities and sports. She is very family oriented and has three sisters and one brother. |
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Specials
Jamie Zwier
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Barry Moore
Music/Gym/Drama Teacher
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Mr. Barry Moore comes to MSOE with a wealth of experience as an educator, musician, actor, director and writer. He has been the music and gym teacher at St. Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral School in Camden for more than 13 years, where he directs the children’s choir. A gifted and seasoned performer, Mr. Moore has appeared in productions at the Walnut Street Theater, the Theatre of the Living Arts (the TLA) and the Bristol Riverside Theatre among others. He has directed/choreographed plays at Moorestown High School Summer Theatre and the Camden Cultural Arts Program at Rutgers University, Camden.
Mr. Moore has taught classes K-12 in theater, improvisation, pantomime, movement and playwriting at the Perkins Center for the Arts, Moorestown, where he is also an active board member, as well as working with the Philadelphia Young Playwrights. |
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Laura Rubino
Yoga Instructor
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Laura started her teaching career as a Montessori teacher’s assistant while attending college. She has taught elementary and middle school locally and internationally with over 12 years of experience. Laura has taught in Norway, South Korea and recently returned from teaching in Colombia.
Currently, Laura brings yoga and mindfulness programs into schools, corporations and communities. She has seen profound positive changes in her students’ lives through the gift of yoga. Her passion is to teach children of all ages the ancient practices of yoga, so they can reduce stress and anxiety. These practices help her students keep a healthy mind, body and spirit. Additionally, she owns a yoga apparel line called, One Aura Yoga. Laura hopes to spread the gift of yoga and mindfulness through her tees and teachings! Certifications
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Nicole Eiland
Art Teacher
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Ms. Nicole Eiland works with our elementary and adolescent students. As co-owner of Eiland Arts at the Station House in Merchantville, Ms. Nicole teaches students of all ages multiple disciplines in fine art, including drawing, painting and sculpting using pencils, charcoal, oil crayons, acrylics, watercolors, papier-mâché, and natural and recycled materials. A talented artist in her own right, Ms. Nicole engages our students’ creativity using various techniques and mediums, while incorporating art history.
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Robert Pallies
Piano Teacher
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Robert began his music career at age 15 playing the organ at St. Rose of Lima in Haddon Heights. He later studied piano at Rutgers University with the chairman of the music department, Leon Dubois. He also studied jazz and composition for many years with the renowned jazz teacher Dennis Sandole.
In 1988 he won a silver medal in Downbeat Magazine's national competition in Orlando, Florida. He continued to perform in the Philadelphia area in many venues, including opening for the Manhattan Transfer at the Keswick Theater and being featured several times at the First Night Haddonfield New Years festival. Robert has taught piano and theory privately to students from age 4 to 84 continuously for the last 20 years. |
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