Administration

​Matthew Simberg, M.Ed. 
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 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
  • 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

Nurse

School health services are provided by the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative.

Toddler

Christine Millington
​Toddler Directress

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
  • B.S. Health Education
Princeton Montessori
  • AMS Toddler Certification

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

​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. 

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.

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)

​Mary Cichon
​Primary Assistant

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

​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. in Special Education with a concentration in Elementary Education Montessori Training North American Montessori Center - International Montessori Teaching Diploma (2016)
120 TESOL (Teaching English As A Second Language) Certificate (2019)

Elementary

​Matthew Simberg
Elementary Guide

**Under construction**
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

​Anne Manieri
Elementary Assistant
​Aftercare Director

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

​Julie Woods
​Assistant
​Aftercare 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. Her goal is to become a medical examiner. 

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

Adolescent

​Frank Burkhauser
​Adolescent Guide

Frank started teaching early while attending the HighSchool of the Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia. He received a scholarship to the School of Visual Arts in NYC and studied fine art painting then started teaching via the Art Education Program. Before graduating, he took a year off to complete a solo bicycle tour and camped across the United States. 

After receiving his BFA, Frank returned to Philadelphia and started a national award winning American Craft Retail Gallery called Spirit of the Artist (SOTA) where his motto was “I only sell things made by people I know”. During the 20 years he owned and operated SOTA, he nurtured hundreds of artists careers helping them better make a living by making things by hand.

​Even before the business ended in 2015, Frank began working with children during summers at Liberty Lake Day Camp and then became the Land Manager at the Montessori Academy of New Jersey. He went on to receive an AMI Certification from the Hershey Montessori School and became an Adolescent Guide.
​
Since then Frank has worked with Elementary Special Needs Children and as a Biology Lab Assistant at the Secondary level while he achieved his Certificate of Eligibility to teach K-12 the New Jersey Public School system. In 20118/19he taught Ceramics and Art & Design at Highland High School in Blackwood New Jersey. All the while, he has stayed involved with Montessori Seeds Of Education by volunteering as a STEM Lab Leader for the past three years.
Perhaps because of Frank’s twelve years’ experience as a Montessori parent, coupled with his own beliefs and training in the Montessori Pedagogy, he is overjoyed with this opportunity to be a part of the growing MSOE family. He is honored to uphold the MSOE mission, to create a mindful, collaborative, and authentic Montessori experience for families that he, along with the Adolescent Program, will serve.

​Dan Garlic
​Supplemental Math Guide

Dan, also known as, “Mr. G,” is a mathematics teacher with nearly two decades of experience in the classroom.  He is a father of three amazing children and the husband of one outstanding wife. Having taught in a variety of educational settings, ranging from rural to urban and from grades 4 through high school, he recognizes that there are many ways of engaging students in math content that help them grow as budding mathematicians.  Further, Dan has likewise learned that an emphasis on the inherent worth and dignity of each student creates spaces where students can safely take risks, learn from others and grow as citizens. Dan teaches at another private school in Camden and lives in Mt. Laurel.

Specials

Jamie Zwier
Certified Nutritionist

Jamie has worked as an early childhood educator for over 2 years at an early childhood learning center. Her focus was with at risk youth. This overall experience reinforced her desire to help children and families in any way she could. The dynamics of this experience confirmed and strengthened her ability to be compassionate, look on the bright side of things and infect those around her with a more positive attitude or outlook. She continues to love working with children in order to help them learn and grow to their fullest potential. Jamie is excited about getting to work with children being guided by the Montessori philosophy and trained guides.

Additionally, Jamie has a passion for healthy eating and introducing healthy nutrition options for families. Out of that passion, she has created her own health and wellness business. MSOE is excited to utilize her skills and experience both in the office and in the classroom as Jamie is also incorporating healthy eating activities with our students. Overall, Jamie is eager and excited to share, learn and grow within such an amazing school.

Education
​
Temple University
  • B.A. Elementary & Early Childhood Education
Institute for Integrative Nutrition
  • Holistic Health Coach Certification

​Barry Moore
Music/Gym/Drama Teacher

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.

​Laura Rubino
Yoga Instructor

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
  • State of New Jersey Teacher’s License K-8
  • RYT 500 Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Certification 
  • Adult CPR/AED, Child CPR and First Aid

​Jane Hipple
Art Teacher

Ms. Jane Hipple works with our elementary and adolescent students. She 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. Jane engages our students’ creativity using various techniques and mediums, while incorporating art history.