Meet Meet Our Team
Saloni Mathur
Head of School
Saloni is a lifelong friend to the many families with young children she’s met throughout her career. She is the President of the New Jersey Montessori Association Corporation, NJMAC, and a Board Member of the American Montessori Society. She is also an Executive Board Member of the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children, NJAEYC, and has served on Long Hill Township School District’s Preschool Advisory Committee.
Saloni has authored NAIS and Montessori Life publication articles. She has presented workshops at AMS and other University conferences. Her Action Research paper: Montessori and Beyond: Successful Transition to a Traditional Public School in First Grade was published in the AMS Journal for Montessori Research at the University of Kansas.
Saloni’s mission to strengthen every effort that empowers children is guided by the vision of Dr. Maria Montessori. Her goal is to make authentic Montessori education that her children benefited from accessible to more children and families.
Katarzyna (Kasia) Tadajewska
Primary Classroom Teacher
Kasia holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health from William Paterson University and brings decades of specialized experience in child development and early education.
Her background includes serving as a Montessori lead teacher, coaching preschool sports, and providing long‑term, hands‑on care as both an au pair and a professional nanny. She has a natural capacity to connect with, understand, and engage children.
Kasia immigrated to the United States from Poland 20 years ago and is a passionate gardener, nature enthusiast, and dedicated pet parent to her rescue dog named Scout.
Sowmya Anandaiah Manjula
Assistant Director, Primary Classroom Teacher
Dedicated and passionate educator from Karnataka, India with a strong academic background and hands-on teaching experience in early childhood education.
Holding a Master of Science (M.Sc) and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) , I bring a blend of subject expertise and pedagogical skills to create engaging, nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environments.
With 2 years of experience working in preschool education, including serving as an Associate Director, I have developed skills in curriculum planning, staff coordination and parent engagement. Currently working under the Montessori system, I am well-versed in child-centered teaching methodologies that encourage independence, curiosity and holistic development.
I strive to foster a love for learning in every child while maintaining a structured and supportive classroom atmosphere.
Laurie Smith
Music and Movement Teacher
Laurie has been teaching parent/child and preschool music and movement classes for 27 years. She’s also a mom of two college-age children. She loves what she does and tries to make music time both educational and fun.
Swathika Subramanian
Toddler Classroom Teacher
Nachammai Alagu
Primary Classroom Teacher
Nachammai holds an M.A. and M.Ed. in English Literature and bring 12 years of teaching experience. I have also served as an Academic Coordinator, supporting teachers and guiding learning programs. I love creating a safe, caring space where children can explore and grow with confidence. In my free time, I enjoy reading and designing Mehandi art. I believe every child is unique, and my goal is to nurture their creativity and curiosity. Together, we make learning a joyful journey!