Welcome!
Please scroll to learn more about our team of amazing, seasoned, creative, passionate, dedicated professionals!
We require our teaching team be Montessori certified or have Montessori training; be Lead Teacher and Teacher qualified through the Massachusetts Office of Early Education and Care. Each age group has at least one Montessori certified Lead Teacher overseeing the program.
We commit to a minimum of 24 - 30 annual Continuing Education hours, including a focus on Montessori curriculum, diversity, family partnerships and our certified, play based outdoor space.
Monthly team meetings allow the team to plan, reflect, support families, and each other. We take an active role in planning and hosting our family events. These include our annual Art Show, Fall Festival, Ice Cream Social, Montessori Family Night, STEM and Literacy Nights and our annual Family-Faculty Volunteer Day.
We work with the Sandwich Fire Department, conducting annual Fire Safety drills and training. and have worked with the Sandwich Police Department in receiving ALICE (proactive intruder-lock-down) training.
Montessori Beginnings holds a national accreditation through NECPA. In 2025, we received an Official Citation from the Massachusetts State Senate, honoring our community advocacy and dedication to enriching children’s early learning. MBS is a member of the American Montessori Society and is licensed through the Massachusetts Office of Early Education and Care.
OUR TEAM:
KATHY RAYMOND
OWNER
Kathy has owned and cared for Montessori Beginnings for 17 of its 21 years. Her vision has always been to create a calm, nurturing, and child-centered space where every child feels respected and confident. As owner, she remains closely involved in guiding the school’s mission, supporting teachers, and staying connected with families through ongoing visits, and strategic leadership.
Kathy serves on the Cape Cod Toy Library Board, where she helps support the organization’s growth and long-term vision. She is especially proud of its Outdoor Play Oasis at the Hyannis Public Library, a joyful community space for children and families. Nature, play (inside and out), and high-quality, child-centered early childhood education remain at the heart of her work.
Under Kathy’s leadership, MBS has become a model for nature-based learning and has received multiple community recognitions, including Best Childcare and Top Five Schools awards. In 2025, her longtime commitment to children and families was recognized with an Official Citation from the Massachusetts State Senate, honoring her community advocacy and dedication to enriching children’s early learning experiences.
Kathy is Montessori certified through NAMC, holds Massachusetts EEC certification, is a member of the American Montessori Society, and earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University.
Kathy’s 21 years in education — combined with personal experience as her own child’s first teacher at MBS — gives her a unique understanding of the vital partnership between families and educators in supporting a child’s growth. This perspective enriches the learning environment and ensures children receive consistent encouragement and guidance from both home and school.
It remains her personal goal to make sure every child feels successful and respected.
In her downtime, Kathy enjoys listening to interesting podcasts, travelling, being in nature, and spending time with her daughter, friends and family.
RhONDa horn
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR - TEAM SUPPORT
Rhonda brings a calming, nurturing presence to MBS and is at the heart of much of what makes our school feel warm, cared for, and connected. With a decade of consulting with our program and a background in team building , she helps create a school environment where children and teachers thrive. This long-standing relationship means she understands our values, our community, and our commitment to Montessori philosophy in a uniquely meaningful way.
A certified health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Rhonda oversees our healthy snack program and often prepares homemade organic options for all classrooms — a reflection of her belief in nourishing children from the inside out.
Whether she’s supporting teachers, welcoming families, or spending time in the classroom, Rhonda leads with kindness, focus, clarity, and genuine care. In or out of the classroom, she is an attentive, steady presence—observing with care, encouraging independence, and helping children navigate challenges with patience and empathy. Her ability to bring a thoughtful steadiness to the school, connect with children, and help them feel secure within gentle boundaries, is part of what makes MBS such a special place.
Rhonda is passionate about creating environments where both children and adults can thrive. She believes in the power of respectful communication, shared goals, and nurturing a sense of belonging and respect.
Outside of her work with MBS, Rhonda enjoys cooking, spending time with family, friends, and staying involved in local community initiatives.
christine burke
TODDLER’S HOUSE HEAD TEACHER (Sprout Classroom - 12 to 36 months) - DIRECTOR
Christine Burke is a seasoned early childhood professional with over 19 years of experience in Montessori, Waldorf, and Head Start settings. Her journey in education began shortly after the birth of her youngest son, when she joined Montessori Beginnings at its founding. Christine returned in 2019 with a renewed passion for fostering joyful, purposeful learning in young children.
She holds her Director I Certification through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and is a graduate with honors from Cape Cod Community College, earning her degree in Early Childhood Education. Christine has also received specialized Montessori training through Trillium Montessori. In addition to her classroom expertise, she has successfully directed a small early childhood center in Sandwich, giving her valuable leadership experience.
Christine’s calm approach blends a deep respect for each child’s individuality with a commitment to guiding them towards autonomy and confidence. One of her greatest joys is witnessing a child master a new material and beam with pride at their accomplishment.
Christine enjoys paddleboarding, island camping in Maine, and kayaking. She lives local with her husband, son, and grandsons, and brings that same sense of community and family to her leadership at MBS.
SERENA SAPIR
CHILDREN’S HOUSE HEAD TEACHER (Tree Classroom - 2.9 through 6 years)
Serena brings a calm, steady presence and a wealth of educational expertise to the Tree Room. With more than a decade of teaching experience and extensive graduate-level training, she works to create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.
Serena earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston and her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Lesley University, along with an additional 15 graduate credits. She is working on completing another master’s program in Instructional Design for K–12 and adult learning, reflecting her commitment to growth and excellence in the field of education.
Serena is a certified Montessori teacher through the Northeast Montessori Institute (AMS-affiliated) and brings deep knowledge of child development, individualized instruction, and the Montessori approach to her classroom every day. Her thoughtful observations, and ability to meet each child where they are create a nurturing, engaging, and purposeful learning environment.
Dedicated to continuous professional learning, she has earned multiple certifications and endorsements:
SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) Teacher Endorsement – Worcester State University
Anxiety Awareness – Southern New Hampshire University
Differentiated Math Stations – Southern New Hampshire University
Trauma-Sensitive Teaching – Southern New Hampshire University
Strategies for Decreasing Teacher Burnout – Southern New Hampshire University
Her work is grounded in compassion, intentionality, and a deep respect for the whole child. Her goal is to balance structure with independence, helping children develop confidence, emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, and a true love of learning.
Outside the classroom, Serena enjoys exploring creative outlets, continuing her own studies, and spending time with her young child and family.
STEPHANIE JOHNSON
CHILDREN’S HOUSE TEACHER (Tree Classroom - 2.9 through 6 years))
Stephanie has been part of the Montessori Beginnings family since 2005, when she joined us as our very first Infant–Toddler Lead Teacher. With three children of her own and more than 21 years of early childhood experience, she brings deep wisdom, compassion, and a genuine love for helping young learners grow.
Stephanie holds Early Childhood certification through Cape Cod Community College and the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, and she has completed additional training with Trillium Montessori. Her dedication to professional learning reflects her belief in offering children the highest quality of care and a beautifully prepared environment.
In the classroom, Stephanie is truly in her element. You will often find her right on the floor with the children—supporting independence, guiding them through meaningful work, and offering gentle reassurance as they explore their environment. Her calm, attentive presence helps children feel safe, supported, and confident as they learn at their own pace.
Stephanie believes children are a gift, and that our role as educators is to nurture them as they grow into independent, joyful, and lifelong learners.
Outside of school, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her own children, especially at their dance performances and sporting events. Family and community are at the heart of her life.
melissa Waterbury
PROGRAM CONSULTANT
Melissa begins her 16th year in education and considers herself a lifelong learner. Melissa obtained a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Development and Education from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s in Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University. Melissa joined us after leaving her Assistant Director position in Cambridge, to move to Cape Cod. She stepped away from her Head Teacher position following the birth of her first child, and has now returned to support the program in a consulting role.
Melissa finds joy in observing the magical moments of discovery that come from children exploring their world. She sees all children as capable people and promotes problem solving and risk assessment at a young age. Melissa’s goal is to create a peaceful and minimalist classroom environment that has been designed to allow for autonomy and freedom of exploration. Children can then feel ownership over their space which is in keeping with the Montessori philosophy.
Outside of teaching, Melissa enjoys crafting, baking, spending time with family, friends, and exploring all that Cape Cod has to offer.
Leigha trask
TODDLER’S HOUSE HEAD TEACHER (Seedling Classroom - 12 to 36 months)
Leigha brings a bright, creative spirit and a strong academic foundation in early childhood education to her role as Head Teacher in the Seedling classroom. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Worcester State University and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Bridgewater State University, where she deepened her understanding of early learning philosophies and developmentally grounded teaching practices.
Leigha was naturally drawn to the Montessori approach, inspired by its emphasis on independence, hands-on learning, and following each child’s interests. She loves designing environments that are intentionally calm, beautiful, and full of meaningful opportunities for children to explore, create, and grow at their own pace. She has a deep respect for each child’s unique journey. Her gentle guidance and thoughtful observation allow her to meet children where they are and support them as they discover new skills and confidence.
Before joining Montessori Beginnings, Leigha spent several years teaching in a public kindergarten classroom, gaining valuable experience in child development, curriculum design, and family communication. Ultimately, she felt called to a setting where relationships were more personal and learning could unfold more organically — and the Montessori classroom felt like home.
Leigha’s love of art shines through in her teaching. She has spent many summers as an arts and crafts coordinator at a Sagamore Beach camp, returning year after year to reconnect with the same campers. Creativity, connection, the process and joyful exploration are at the heart of her work with young children.
Outside of the classroom, Leigha enjoys hiking, swimming, and beekeeping — hobbies that speak to her appreciation for nature, curiosity, and hands-on discovery.
GRETCHEN MCKAY
TODDLER’S HOUSE LEAD TEACHER (Seedling Classroom - 12 to 36 months)
Gretchen's Montessori experience began in Bergamo, Italy as a young student in one of Maria Montessori's original schools. She has never looked back and loves the simplicity and beauty of this philosophy, based on respect and peace. As an educator, Gretchen particularly likes the power of the curriculum and how teachers and families support children. You will often see her down at the children’s level, interacting with them inside or out on the play space. She believes in partnering with families, listening and validating, for the success of every child in her care.
Gretchen shares 38 years experience and gains renewed passion and potential from each new school year. She received her Montessori certification through the College of Notre Dame and Washington Montessori Institute. She has a Psychology B.S. from Wellesley College and is certified through the MA Office of Early Education and Care.
Gretchen enjoys nature, spending time with her husband and being "Mom" to twin boys.
SUSAN FITZGERALD
YOGA/MUSIC & MOVEMENT/ENRICHMENT COORDINATOR
Susan began her Montessori career, first as a volunteer in her son Joseph’s preschool classroom in Holliston, where Montessori has been an integral part of the public school system for over forty years. By the time her son was in second grade, Susan knew if she could do anything, she would become a teacher. She put her nursing career on hold to pursue her education at Lesley University. She also studied dance in their expressive therapy program
Upon receiving her Massachusetts State Teaching Certification in Prek-3 grade, Susan went on to obtain Montessori certification at Northeast Montessori Institute. She also continued her studies in dance and became a Kinderdance Franchise owner, bringing ballet and tap to various schools. Susan has taught in the public schools as a kindergarten teacher as well as progressive private schools as a Montessori teacher. She has had the honor of presenting a workshop in Mathematics at the International Montessori Conference.
Susan loves to travel and has attended yoga workshops in Hawaii, Nassau, and New Zealand. She is a trained Level 1 and 2 Radiant Yoga teacher for children. Susan brings over 26 years of experience to MBS.
Susan brings a calming presence wherever she is assisting. Often you find her leading a group of children in some joyous movement outside or a bit of yoga indoors. Her experience, diversity and unbridled joy, set our children up for success everyday.
She is happiest at home on Cape Cod, exploring nature and teaching at Montessori Beginnings. She will always be grateful to her son for making her a mother and introducing her to the Montessori philosophy.
Emily cummings
TEACHER/EXTENDED DAY ASSISTANT
Emily brings a gentle, thoughtful presence to Montessori Beginnings. She first joined our community as an intern for two years, and it quickly became clear that her natural connection with young children was something truly special. Although she originally planned to pursue a career in the medical field, Emily joyfully realized teaching is where her heart truly lies. She is now completing her Early Childhood Education credentials through Cape Cod Community College.
Quiet, calm, and consistently warm, Emily creates a comforting and joyful environment for the children in her care. She is especially at home in our outdoor space, where she loves joining children in play, exploration, and hands-on learning. Her ability to observe, listen, and respond with care helps children feel safe, understood, and supported.
Emily brings a peaceful, grounding energy to the classroom, and her thoughtful approach allows her to build strong, meaningful relationships with both children and families. She is dedicated to growing as an educator and brings curiosity, kindness, and a genuine love for early childhood to her work each day.
When not at MBS, she continues her Early Education studies, enjoys being at home, and spending quality time with loved ones and friends.