Meet The Metta Team

“The teacher and her assistant must work together as a single entity, observing the child with one mind, respecting his rhythm, and ensuring the environment supports his spontaneous activity.” — Adapted from The Montessori Method (1912)

At Metta Montessori, our Guides (Lead Teachers) embody a refined blend of expertise and dedication, holding Advanced degrees and Montessori Training tailored to the age group they serve. Several of our Guides are accredited by the esteemed Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. 

Our Guides embrace their role as lifelong learners, continually honing their craft through regular attendance at conferences, workshops, and courses, as well as participating in collaborative peer-review processes with educators from other schools. This commitment ensures an ever-evolving approach to each child’s growth.

Pallavi Kothari, a primary guide at Metta Montessori, holds an AMS Primary Montessori Certification and a degree in Accounts; bringing 10 years of educational experience and a passion for nurturing young learners aged 3–6. 

Her journey began during a college internship at a Montessori school, where she fell in love with the method’s child-led, hands-on approach. Her proudest achievement was her Montessori training at Barrie School in Maryland, where collaborative peer learning enriched her ability to create empowering classroom environments.

Pallavi cherishes the mixed-age classroom dynamic, where older children mentor younger ones, through peer-lead leadership and community. She finds joy in presenting new lessons, watching students’ excitement as they engage with materials and achieve mastery. Montessori’s focus on curiosity and independence drives her commitment to helping each child unlock their potential.

Outside the classroom, Pallavi enjoys listening to music, binge-watching TV series, and hiking. Her vibrant energy and creativity brings warmth to her classroom, and she is thrilled to partner with families to create a nurturing, joyful space for discovery at Metta.

Ronali Dias, a dedicated toddler guide at Metta Montessori, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Counseling, AMS Infant and Toddler training, and is a Registered Behavior Technician. With two years of Montessori experience and an additional year supporting children with special needs, Ronali brings compassion and insight to her classroom.

Her proudest achievement is her AMS Infant and Toddler training, which equips her to guide young children through ‘Sensitive Period’ milestones—a process she finds deeply rewarding. Inspired by her own daughter’s growth as a Montessori student, Ronali is passionate about the method’s focus on self-cultivation of independence, respect for self, others, and the environment. Her favorite part of the day is the work period, where she watches children engage independently with materials, building confidence and curiosity.

Outside the classroom, Ronali enjoys cooking and meditating. She values building strong relationships with students and families, creating a supportive community at Metta. With her background in psychology, Ronali guides each child’s unique developmental journey with empathy and care, making her classroom an inviting space.

María Santín brings a decade of experience working with children to her role as a Primary Montessori Guide in Northern Virginia. Originally from Peru, María holds a Degree in Education from Universidad de Piura and is a certified yoga teacher for kids and families. Her Montessori journey began while teaching in a rural Peruvian school, where she witnessed the magic of mixed-age classrooms and child-led learning. 

This experience inspired her to pursue AMI (3-6) training, which she considers her proudest achievement for its rigorous focus on fostering independence and curiosity in young learners. María is passionate about Montessori’s emphasis on empowering children to learn at their own pace, sparking their innate potential, and bringing that into her prepared environment.

Her favorite part of the school day is the morning, when the classroom buzzes with the excitement of children arriving, ready to dive into their work. Outside the classroom, María enjoys running, reading, knitting, swimming, and practicing yoga. 

Having lived in Thailand and Spain, she brings a global perspective to her teaching. Her family remains in Peru, and she loves sharing stories of her diverse experiences with her students. María is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children thrive, and she’s thrilled to guide families in their Montessori journey.

Sashi serves as a Primary Guide at Metta, teaching children ages 3 to 6. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Home Science, a Post Graduate Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics, a Diploma in Montessori Kindergarten and Nursery Teachers' Training, and a Certificate in Montessori Primary Education. 

With 16 years of experience working with children, Sashi began her career as a dietitian before becoming a distinguished Montessorian!

She cherishes the Five Great Lessons in Montessori, which introduce elementary-aged children to the cosmos and form the foundation of the curriculum. Sashi is most proud of her Montessori training, which deepened her understanding of respecting and following the child while creating a prepared environment, allowing her to normalize the classroom to facilitate learning and critical thinking. 

Inspired by Montessori’s unique blend of knowledge and practical tools, she became a teacher to nurture children’s imagination and talents, preparing them for complex concepts. Her favorite part of the school day is morning circle time, which builds community, social-emotional skills, and cognitive growth as children prepare for the day.

Originally from India, Sashi lives with her loving husband, and her son who is pursuing a doctorate in physics. She enjoys watching international movies, reading, practicing mindfulness, knitting, pencil shading, and painting on canvas. With over a decade of teaching, Sashi is dedicated to guiding children and families in their Montessori journey.

Jennifer Franco, a nurturing toddler guide at Metta Montessori since 2021, holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and brings five years of experience working with children. Originally from El Salvador and a long-time Arlington, Virginia resident, Jennifer is passionate about Montessori’s approach, which encourages children to explore freely through carefully designed routines and purposefully curated spaces. 

Her proudest achievement is completing the SIMS AMI 0-3 Orientation Course, which deepened her understanding of the Montessori teacher’s role as a calm, loving presence. This training shapes her patient, caring approach to guiding toddlers in a safe, exploratory environment. Jennifer’s favorite moments are singing songs with her students, whether in the classroom or outdoors, where their joy and enthusiasm—especially when they correct her lyrics—make every day rewarding.

Outside the classroom, Jennifer enjoys watching K-dramas, listening to music, exploring docuseries, and drawing. She is excited to partner with families to support each child’s unique journey, creating an embracing space for your child’s growth at Metta.

Liz Erion brings 25 years of experience working with children, fueled by her own journey as a Montessori student at the Montessori School of Northern Virginia from primary through upper elementary. A rare Alexandria native and graduate of Alexandria City High School (formerly T.C. Williams), Liz shares her love for Montessori with her own children, including her youngest, who was one of Metta’s first students.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education K-12 from George Mason University and Orff-Schulwerk Music Pedagogy Certificates (Levels I, II, III), Liz blends her expertise into her roles as a toddler assistant and music teacher. Her proudest achievement is her AMI Montessori Orientation 0-3 Certificate from the Montessori Training Center Northeast, reflecting her commitment to nurturing young learners through Montessori’s hands-on, independence-focused philosophy.

Liz loves leading music classes, where she connects with all Metta students, sparking creativity and a lifelong love of music through engaging lessons that blend Orff and Montessori methods. She values Montessori’s emphasis on fostering independence, where even the youngest children develop self-care and environmental stewardship through beautiful sensorial materials. 

Outside the classroom, Liz enjoys crafting, solving jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her children and Yorkie. For Liz, teaching at Metta is a continuation of her lifelong Montessori journey, inspiring the next generation with creativity and care.

The Orff-Schulwerk Method: Developed by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, is a child-centered music education approach that emphasizes active music-making through singing, playing instruments, movement, and improvisation. It fosters creativity, collaboration, and holistic development in a playful, experiential environment tailored to children’s developmental stages.

Jordan serves as a Toddler Assistant at Metta, teaching children ages 16 months to 3 years. A native of Arlington, Jordan pursues an A.A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Development at NOVA Community College, expecting to graduate in fall 2025, and holds a certificate in Early Childhood Development Career Studies. Jordan’s experience with children spans 20 years, starting with babysitting in middle school, volunteering at camps, teaching Sunday school, and now at Metta for over a year and a half.

Jordan’s passion for Montessori stems from attending a Montessori program during elementary years (1st–5th grade), where Jordan fell in love with its hands-on learning approach. Jordan finds joy in the morning work period, observing toddlers explore and solve problems independently after lessons. 

Jordan enjoys outdoor activities like running, hiking, and camping, as well as knitting, drawing, painting, and watching scary movies. Residing in DuPont Circle, DC, with a cat, Jordan is a dedicated vegan and has younger twin siblings.

Meghan Wynott, a dedicated primary assistant at Metta Montessori, holds a B.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis and brings seven years of experience working with children. Drawn to Montessori’s holistic, child-centered approach Meghan values its focus on nurturing independence and problem-solving skills over traditional education. 

Her proudest training moment was learning to guide children toward self-directed solutions, empowering them to grow confidently.

Meghan loves the simplicity of children’s perspectives, which inspires her teaching. Her favorite part of the day is circle time, where she finds it “truly magical” to watch students learn new songs and connect as a group. Montessori’s emphasis on fostering independence and resolving conflicts thoughtfully resonates deeply with her educational philosophy.

Outside the classroom, Meghan enjoys swimming, hiking, cooking, and spending time with animals, spending time in nature and on creative endeavours . She looks forward to building meaningful connections with her students and their families, bringing enthusiasm and care to the Metta community.

Cami Toro, a passionate assistant in the Hummingbirds Class at Metta Montessori, brings a unique perspective with her background in journalism, social communication, and a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing. Certified in Positive Discipline for Classrooms and Mindfulness for Children.

Cami’s journey into Montessori began as a mother, sparked by her interest in child psychology and emotional intelligence. She values Montessori’s respect for individuality, allowing children to explore at their own pace and build confidence through hands-on learning. Her Positive Discipline certification, her proudest achievement, aligns with Montessori’s approach to guiding behavior through mutual respect and problem-solving.

Originally from Colombia has called the U.S. home since 2013. Cami is a proud mother of two—a 6-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. She cherishes watching her students light up with pride as they master new skills or share joyful moments with peers. 

Outside the classroom, Cami runs ‘Happy Cami’, a Spanish-language parenting brand focused on children’s mindset and emotional well-being (https://happycami.com/), and enjoys studying child psychology, exercising, and solving puzzles with her kids. Known for her love of yellow and smiley faces, Cami brings positivity and warmth to her classroom.