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 space.
We commit to an annual minimum of 24 - 30 Continuing Education hours, including Montessori curriculum, diversity, family partnerships and our certified, play based outdoor space trainings.
Monthly team meetings allow us 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. MBS is a member of the American Montessori Society and is licensed through the Office of Early Education and Care.
OUR TEAM:
KATHY RAYMOND
OWNER
Kathy’s leadership at Montessori Beginnings is grounded in over two decades of experience in education, management, team development, and family engagement. As the school’s founder and owner, she remains closely connected to MBS’s mission, supporting its continued growth through mentorship and strategic oversight.
She has cultivated deep ties within the Cape Cod community, serving as Board President of Kind Hearts for Kids and as a Cape Cod Toy Library board member. Both organizations reflect her long-standing commitment to giving back and supporting children and families. As a longtime Rotarian, she volunteered at local events such as Sandwich Fest and other Bourne-Sandwich community initiatives.
With a passion for education, nature, and the power of play, Kathy has consistently advocated for increased access to high-quality early childhood programs and outdoor learning environments. As a Cape Cod Toy Library Play Ambassador, she helped bring the Outdoor Play Oasis to life at the Hyannis Public Library — a beloved space for families to gather and play.
Under Kathy’s direction, Montessori Beginnings became the first Cape Cod school to partner with Heritage Museums & Gardens, creating a certified Nature Explore outdoor play space/classroom. The school serves as a model for nature-based learning, welcoming visits from educators and administrators interested in bringing more outdoor play into their own programs.
MBS was named Best Childcare by Cape Cod Magazine in 2014 and 2017, and in 2023 and 2024, was honored to be one of the Cape Cod Times’ Top Five Schools — recognition of its ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and community. Kathy has presented at Dean College on the importance of outdoor play and cost-effective outdoor classroom design, and co-presented at Cape Cod’s All Professional Day on “Nature is Curriculum,” highlighting the abundant learning opportunities nature provides year-round.
She is Montessori certified through the North American Montessori Center for Infants and Toddlers, certified with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), and a member of the American Montessori Society. Her love of children inspired her to study at Lesley University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education.
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.
Kathy’s leadership at Montessori Beginnings is shaped by a strong foundation in management, team development, and family engagement. She is actively connected to MBS’s mission, supporting its growth through mentorship, community outreach, and strategic oversight.
Kathy has cultivated deep ties within the Cape Cod community, serving as Board President of Kind Hearts for Kids and a board member of the Cape Cod Toy Library. Both organizations reflect her commitment to giving back and supporting children and families. She has been a longtime Rotarian, volunteering at local events such as Sandwich Fest and other Bourne-Sandwich community initiatives.
With a deep passion for education, nature, and the power of play, Kathy continues to advocate for increased access to high-quality early childhood programs and outdoor learning environments. As a Play Ambassador with the Cape Cod Toy Library, she helped bring the Outdoor Play Oasis to life at the Hyannis Public Library — a beloved public space for families to gather and play.
Under Kathy’s direction, Montessori Beginnings became the first school on Cape Cod to partner with Heritage Museums & Gardens to create a certified Nature Explore outdoor classroom. The school has since served as a model for nature-based learning, welcoming visits from educators and administrators seeking to bring more outdoor play into their own programs.
Montessori Beginnings was named Best Childcare by Cape Cod Magazine in 2014 and 2017, and in 2023 and 2024, was honored to be one of Cape Cod Times’ Top Five Schools — a reflection of the school’s ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and community. Kathy has presented at Dean College regarding the importance of outdoor play, and how to effectively set up and maintain an outdoor playspace within a budget. She has co-presented at Cape Cod’s All Professional Day. The Nature is Curriculum collaborative presentation, explored the bounty of teachable moments, resources and materials nature provides all year long.
She is Montessori certified through the North American Montessori Center for Infants and Toddlers. In addition, she is certified with the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and a member of the American Montessori Society. Her love of children inspired her to study at Lesley University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education.
Kathy has over 21 years in education. This combined with her personal experience as her child's first teacher at Montessori Beginnings, underscores her understanding of the vital partnership between families and educators in fostering a child’s growth. This perspective not only enriches the learning environment, but ensures children receive consistent encouragement and guidance from both home and school.
It is Kathy's personal goal to help every child feel successful and respected.
christine burke
TODDLER LEAD 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 a 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.
Outside of school, Christine enjoys paddleboarding, island camping in Maine, and kayaking. She lives in Sandwich with her husband, sons, and grandsons, and brings that same sense of community and family to her leadership at MBS.
STEPHANIE JOHNSON
CHILDREN’S HOUSE TEACHER (Tree Classroom - 2.9 through 6 years))
Stephanie has been affiliated with Montessori Beginnings since 2005, when she was our first Infant - Toddler Lead Teacher. She has three children of her own and still loves the joy and gratification from working with our young students.
Stephanie has Early Childhood certification through Cape Cod Community College and the Massachusetts Office of Early Education and Care, and has received training from Trillium Montessori. She brings over 21 years of experience and passion to the classroom.
You will often find Stephanie right there on the floor with the children, supporting them as they increase their independence or work through various areas in the classroom. Her calm and attentive manner is so reassuring. When not with us, Stephanie enjoys spending free time with her children, especially at dance or sport classes.
She believes children are a gift and our job is to nurture and help them become independent and lifelong learners.
melissa Waterbury
TODDLER’S HOUSE 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.
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, and exploring all that Cape Cod has to offer.
GRETCHEN MCKAY
TODDLER LEAD TEACHER (Sprout 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. She believes in working 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, Ma, 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 Montessori Beginnings.
Susan brings such 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 School in Sandwich. She will always be grateful to her son, Joseph, for making her a mother and introducing her to the Montessori philosophy.
AMBER ROBERTS
ASSISTANT/EXTENDED DAY COORDINATOR
Amber was our intern for two years, while in high school. Upon graduation, she joined us part time, while attending Cape Cod Community College. The children gravitate to Amber, as she is calm, fun, respectful yet firm. Often you can find her digging in the sand with a small group of children, or reading with them when indoors. When not with us, she loves spending time with her family or friends. She hopes to work in the psychology profession.
ELLA HESTER
ASSISTANT/EXTENDED DAY
We are thrilled to have Ella as part of the team. She is a gentle, and firm presence in our classrooms. As a child, she played “school” with her dolls and that enthusiasm and passion for children shines through in her interactions with our students. She currently attends Cape Cod Community College. She hopes to one day work with children through pediatric nursing or teaching, but for now enjoys school, her family and spending time with friends.