Administration

​Matthew Simberg, M.Ed. 
Founder / C.E.O. / Head of School

Matt’s lifelong ambition has always been to help people in any way he could. He always had an awareness that he wanted to be a catalyst for positive change through education. Through years of positive interaction with children and families, Matthew began to realize his vision would center around creating opportunities for children and families to mindfully engage in the enrichment of their own individual lives through the use of Dr. Maria Montessori's pedagogy, philosophy, and timeless universal qualities such as benevolence, altruism, compassion, and ways of thinking.  Upon graduating from Loyola University with a Masters in Education, and a concentration in Montessori Education, Matthew had been a part of and continued to seek out top A.M.I. (Association Montessori Internationale) schools at which he could engage meaningfully with elementary children and families, in order to get the best personal and well-rounded experience within an authentic A.M.I. Montessori curriculum. He was constantly engaging himself in the many facets of the schools to prepare him for what he knew would be his future.
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 since 2007. 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 Whole School Leadership, 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
  • Masters in Education (M.Ed), with a concentration in Montessori Education 2007
  • Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Certification
  • New Jersey Public School Certification, K-5
Scranton University, Scranton, PA
  • B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy, 2003
American University, Washington D.C.
  • Washington Semester Program, 2001
  • Emphasis: Peace and Conflict Resolution
​Lisa Levey
Director of Development

Background & Education

With a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a lifelong passion for learning, Lisa has dedicated her career to supporting children, families, and educators. Her journey began in the classroom, where she discovered not only a love for teaching children but also for engaging parents in the educational process.
Although her background is rooted in traditional education, Lisa’s passion, compassion, and commitment to growth know no boundaries. When she discovered Montessori Seeds of Education, she immediately recognized a natural alignment with her values and strengths, and she embraced the opportunity to contribute to MSOE’s mission.

Experience & ContributionsOver the years, Lisa has:
  • Actively participated in School Improvement Planning and program development.
  • Presented numerous workshops designed to enhance the social, physical, and intellectual well-being of children and families.
  • Served as Center Director of a learning center for children ages 4–18 for much of her career, where she worked closely with parents, improved operations, and supported staff growth.

She believes children learn best when their confidence is nurtured—when they feel capable, they become motivated and excited to learn. She has found that the same is true for parents: when families feel confident in the school their children attend, a strong partnership flourishes.

At MSOE, Lisa is eager to use her expertise to strengthen the admissions process and bridge the gap between home and school in an authentic Montessori environment.

Personal Interests Outside of her professional life, Lisa enjoys:
  • Listening to and singing along with music (especially live concerts).
  • Watching sporting events—especially cheering for her beloved Eagles and attending college football games where her two daughters are students.
  • Reading and traveling (with plans to explore more in the future).

She lives by her personal mantra:
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“Be the reason someone smiles today.”

​Julie Woods
Part Time Assistant

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.  

Certified In
  • Adult CPR/AED, Child CPR/AED and First Aid

Toddler

Elizabeth Cain
​Toddler Directress

Elizabeth Cain is a passionate and experienced Montessori educator who fosters
respectful, child-centered learning environments. She holds Infant/Toddler, Early
Childhood, and Administration certifications and has spent her life immersed in the
Montessori philosophy. Her journey began as a young child, visiting her mother’s
classroom and joining the “lunch bunch”, experiences that naturally shaped her calling
to become an educator.

While teaching in Jersey City, Elizabeth met her husband, Brendan, a fellow Montessori
educator. They rescued their first pittie, Blade Jessup, after Hurricane Sandy. Their son,
Nolan, has been immersed in Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired environments
since he was three months old, continuing the family’s commitment to holistic and
respectful education. In 2023, we relocated to South Jersey, and in August 2024, we
adopted our second rescue pittie, Moe Franklin.

Outside of her professional life, Elizabeth enjoys yoga, baking, and spending quality
time with her family. She is also a dedicated volunteer, especially passionate about
supporting children affected by Rett Syndrome and Cancer. She shares a connection
with children and their families that she has taught over the years. Her life reflects a
deep commitment to community, compassion, and lifelong learning.
Education
​
College Misericordia, Dallas, PA
● Bachelor of Science (BS), Professional Studies with a minor in Psychology

Christopher Academy, Scotch Plains, NJ
● 2 1⁄2 - 6 year old AMS Certification

Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI
● Master of Education (MED), with a Concentration in Montessori Education

Princeton Teacher Education Program, Princeton, NJ
● Administration Certificate
​
Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
● Infant-Toddler AMS Certification

​Xiomara Munoz
​Toddler Assistant
​Aftercare Assistant

​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. 

 She enjoys working with children, and she loves outdoor activities and sports. She is very family oriented, has three sisters and one brother.

Jody Woods
​Toddler Assistant 

Jody has a nurturing heart and wants to make sure children know they are loved and valued. Jody started her career as a Registered Dietitian teaching nutrition and healthy eating to individuals and groups, including helping individuals incorporate specific dietary restrictions into their lifestyle.  She then spent 20+ years as a stay-at-home mom raising her 4 children.  During this time, she volunteered in many capacities in her children’s schools.  She especially enjoyed working with the kindergarten and first graders reading program.  After her children were into high school she volunteered for 7 years with Mothers of Preschoolers(MOPS) both as a childcare worker and as a mentor mom.
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Jody has a passion for healthy eating and gardening.  She is excited to have the opportunity to share her love for food and growing things with the students in her class.  She also loves going for long walks, playing beach volleyball with her husband and daughter (Ms. Julie), reading, crocheting, and spending time with her granddaughter.

Education: 

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

  • B.S. in Human Nutrition and Foods
 
  • Coordinated undergraduate program in Dietetics

Certification:
​
  • Registered Dietitian 1989-1999, 2018-present 

Primary

Michele Burgess
​Primary Head Guide

Michele has worked for the past 13 years as a Montessori Guide at a school in Milton, MA. Michele moved from Massachusetts back to New Jersey during the summer of 2020 to join the MSOE team. Michele and her husband have 2 children that are equally excited to join MSOE as students. Michele and her family love biking, hiking, camping, and exploring new places. In her free time, Michele enjoys creating art, solitude, and reading books over a great cup of coffee. 
Education

Montclair State university, New Jersey
  • B.A. Fine Arts
Minor ​
  • Anthropology
  • Archeology

Masters Degree
  • School of the Museum and Fine Arts - Boston, Mass.

Montessori Training Center Northeast - Hartford, CT
  • AMI Primary Certification (2007)

​Stephanie Pelly
​​Primary Assistant

Ms. Stephanie has worked with children for over 25 years. She has worked as a Montessori teacher, assistant and camp counselor. She enjoys using the Montessori method of instruction and believes this empowers children to be successful. Upon graduating college, Stephanie worked for a non-profit agency in Bucks County, PA teaching character education and bullying prevention programs in public, private and Montessori schools. Stephanie developed and implemented programs that focused on conflict resolution, diversity and promoting non-violence. She designed Peace Education products and materials that focused on social and emotional development and mindfulness. Stephanie was also a co-director and head counselor of Peace Camp which focused on these skills. She co-authored the curriculum for Dream A World and was a co-presenter at Montessori conferences. Ms. Stephanie was inspired by author, singer and songwriter, Bunny Hull. Stephanie published a children's book and enjoys creative writing, traveling and holistic practices. She continues to be inspired by life and is working on her next books.

Education
  • Monmouth University, New Jersey (1999) B.S. With a concentration in Special Education
  •  Elementary Education Montessori Training North American Montessori Center - International Montessori Teaching Diploma (2016)
  • 120 TESOL (Teaching English As A Second Language) Certificate (2019)

​Mary Cichon
​Primary 2 

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
  • AMI Diploma for 3-6 and 6-9 year olds
  • Benincasa Montessori Diploma for Special Education for 3-9 year olds

Kristi Levine
​Primary 2 

Ms. Kristi has been an educator for 18 years. She knew from a young age that she wanted to spend her life supporting children and their families. As the oldest of six, Kristi grew up in eastern Long Island playing school with her younger siblings — always giving herself the role of the teacher. She has always had a creative mind and excelled in music, theater, and art in high school and graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelors in Arts Education in 2006. After graduation, she followed her heart and relocated to Jersey City, NJ to be close to NYC and all of the cultural institutions she loved so much, including volunteering her time at the Brooklyn Museum and the American Museum of Natural History.

In May of 2007, Kristi came across a Craigslist add looking for an Art Teacher at a brand new Montessori school in downtown Jersey City. She wasn’t familiar with Montessori, but immediately set up an observation. After an hour of sitting in a classroom during morning work cycle, she knew this is what she was meant to do. She was hired at Hamilton Park Montessori School (HPMS) on the spot and after a year of teaching art and being a classroom assistant, Kristi made the decision to become a trained Montessori guide. She spent the following summer at Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE) and after a two year intensive, she received her AMS Early Childhood Credential in 2010.

Kristi believes that children mirror the adults in their life and she strives to always be worthy of imitation. She spent the next 15 years leading various primary classrooms, among other roles including Early Childhood Coordinator, Admissions Coordinator, and Summer Program Coordinator. She has also been a supervising teacher for Montessori interns and has represented PCTE as a Field Consultant. In 2015, Kristi graduated from CUNY Hunter College with a masters in Early Childhood Education. She is a passionate advocate for the inclusion of all children and learners in the Montessori classroom. Kristi is also the proud mama of two — Stella (9) and Trey (3) — and her labradoodle, Reba, and orange tabby, Yoyo.
​
Kristi is beyond thrilled to join the dedicated and passionate team at MSOE this year as a lead guide in Primary. She brings a calm presence, authenticity, open-mind, and respect for children that shines through her work. Kristi cannot wait to move to the area this summer and meet her new students and families! She spent her first 18 years teaching at HPMS and her inherent loyalty means she will be part of the MSOE family for many years to come. In her free time, Kristi enjoys seeing live music and comedy, cooking Italian cuisine, thrifting, and spending time in nature.

​Education

CUNY Hunter College, New York, NY
  • Masters of Science (M.S.Ed) in Early Childhood Education Birth to 2nd - 2015
Magna Cum Laude
  • NJ Public School Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing, P-3
           Princeton Center for Teacher Education, Princeton, NJ

  • AMS Early Childhood Credential - 2010
           SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz, NY

  • Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Art Education - 2006

  • NJ Public School Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing, Teacher of Art


Certification
  • Adult and Child CPR/AED and First Aid

​Anne Manieri
Before-care Teacher/MSOE Assistant

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
  • BA in Early Childhood Education
Chestnut Hill College
  • AMS Primary Certification

Certified In
  • Adult CPR/AED, Child CPR and First Aid

Elementary

Matthew Simberg, M.Ed.
AMI Elementary Guide

Please see more information at the top of the page. 

                       Catie Wilson
                 Elementary Assistant

Catie has a strong background in working with children across educational, caregiving, and athletic settings. She began working with children in 2016, babysitting for local families in her neighborhood. Since 2022, Catie has been working with MSOE during the summer while home from college. Over the years, she has found a sense of belonging within the MSOE community.

Catie brings warmth, patience, and a genuine passion for childhood development. She is inspired by the Montessori philosophy and is eager to continue growing in the field. Catie is committed to supporting each child’s unique learning path while fostering independence, curiosity, and confidence in the classroom.
​
In addition to her passion for education, Catie also has a deep love for field hockey. She has played for 19 years and coached for six. Outside of work, she enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family—especially her son, George.