Administration

Natasha Soderberg ~ Head of School

[email protected] 

B.A., Environmental Science University of Cape Town, South Africa
Postgraduate Certificate of Education, University of Cape Town, South Africa
AMI Administrator Certificate, Whole School Leadership

I came to Butler Montessori first as a parent and felt that I had found a home for my children. Then I found ways for myself to be useful that grew into more purposeful work that matched my experience and passions. I love to come to work each day where enough stays the same that I can find ways to improve, but no day is duplicated and every day is stimulating.

Scott Chidakel ~ CFO

[email protected]

CPA
B.S., University of Maryland

I have worked with non-profits and schools my entire career and found my home here at Butler Montessori in 2010. I love being part of a team where every teacher and staff member is mission-driven and highly dedicated to our students and families. When not at school, I enjoy being outside on my bicycle or doing any indoor or outdoor activity with my wife and 2 teenage boys!

Meira Cohen ~ Student Support Specialist

[email protected]

B.A., Psychology from Touro College
Master’s in Social Work from Touro College Graduate School of Social Work

I’m fortunate to have experience working with children of all ages and their families to build resilience and emotional well-being, and to identify and overcome barriers to successful learning. I’m passionate about proactively equipping students with social-emotional skills that support their growth both inside and outside the classroom.

Outside of Butler, I love gardening, building and sorting an ever-expanding Lego collection, and drawing. I’m also a proud Butler parent. 

Alex Goffin ~  Admissions Director

[email protected]

B.S. in Psychology and minor in Biology, UDC (University of the District of Columbia)

I am a former parent of 2 boys who went to Butler from Lower Elementary through 8th grade (2010–2019).

I find profound joy in activities that immerse me in nature—backpacking, bicycling, sailing, skiing, or simply being present and mindful outdoors.

Amy D'Elia ~ Administrative Coordinator

[email protected]

B.A., Monmouth University

I enjoy my job as an Administrative Coordinator at Butler Montessori. Each day brings something new, and it is rewarding to support the staff, students, and their families. I take pride in creating a welcoming environment and being someone others can rely on. Working at Butler Montessori also allows me to witness the positive impact of a Montessori education, which makes my work feel meaningful and fulfilling.

Amy Hughes ~ Director of Operations & LE Art Specialist

[email protected]

I joined Butler Montessori in 2018 to support the Extended Day program and was invited to join Heather Pelkey as Co-Camp Director before becoming the Camp Director in 2020. I love everything about the outdoors and having the opportunity to help children find joy in exploring nature. In my free time, I am an artist. I work in mixed media of collage, photo, and paint. I also spend a lot of time pursuing new hobbies and exploring new places with my husband Chuck.

Kelly Truong ~ Lower School Director of Education

[email protected]

B.A., University of North Carolina at Charlotte
AMI Elementary Diploma, Washington Montessori Institute
AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma, Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies
AMI Primary Diploma, Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland

I joined Butler Montessori as an Elementary Guide in 2014. I love traveling, learning about different cultures, and trying new foods. When I am not working, I enjoy collecting hobbies. A few I've collected include rock climbing, crocheting, and playing the ukulele.

Nido & Young Children's Community (YCC)

Heather Pelkey ~ Nido Guide

[email protected]

AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma, Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies

I joined the Butler community in 2011, and have worn many hats on staff since then. My 3 children Colin (2016), Meghan (2020), and Caitlyn (current student) have all attended Butler.

I love spending time with my family, crafting, sewing, handwork of all kinds, reading, floating down a river, live music (any and all of it), and listening to all things True Crime!

Amanda Schaaf ~ Nido Assistant

[email protected]

I joined Butler Montessori in 2022. Treating all humans with kindness, respect, and understanding is something I value, and I saw these values in Butler’s culture.  I’m proud to be both a parent and staff member, and to call Butler my home away from home. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, board games, and spending time in nature.

Zahra Javaheri ~ Young Children's Community (YCC) Guide

[email protected]

B.A., University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma

I joined Butler Montessori in 2019. I love watching documentaries, listening to music, and doing activities with my daughter.

Jessica Benavides ~ YCC Assistant

[email protected] 

I studied Child Development in High School and helped my mom babysit from elementary through middle school.
I have been a summer camp counselor at Butler Camp since 2017 and started full-time at Butler Montessori in the fall of 2022. I love how Butler looks in every season because the views are beautiful! Hearing how the children's day went is the best part of my day.

In my free time, I like to go read, walk on the trails near my house, help on the farm, and spend time with family.

Hannah Tolker ~ YCC Assistant

[email protected]

I joined Butler in 2021, but before coming here I worked for almost 10 years as an Instructional Assistant to students with developmental disabilities. I very much have a passion to see education and growth from students of all walks of life!

In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors, cooking foods from other countries, embroidery, and spending time with pets: my cat Lugosi and my tarantula Betty.

Primary

Kelly Beall ~ Primary Guide

[email protected]

B.A., Salisbury University, Maryland
AMI Montessori Primary Diploma
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland

I joined Butler in 2017 and began as a guide after I completed my Primary Montessori training in 2019. In my spare time, I like to take walks with my family on our favorite trail, play outside with my two boys, and sit by the campfire with my husband.

Meagan Garrison ~ Primary Guide

[email protected]

B.S., Towson University, Maryland
AMI Montessori Primary Diploma
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland

I joined the Primary team at Butler Montessori as a Guide in 2020. I absolutely loved my time as a student here long ago, from 4th through 8th grade. Butler feels like my second home, and I feel honored to be a part of this unique and special team on this gorgeous campus.

In addition to my deep passion for Montessori, my other interests include dancing, singing, playing folk music, spending time outdoors, my dog Woody, and airplanes. 

Yijun Zheng ~ Primary Guide

[email protected]

M.A. from Binghamton University (SUNY)
M.A. in Montessori Education from Loyola University
AMI Montessori Primary Diploma

I joined Butler in 2021 and feel grateful to be here. I love helping children grow into independent, confident individuals who understand and care for themselves. In the classroom, I enjoy singing and playing the ukulele with the children.

Outside of work, I spend time outdoors with my family, crochet, and paint with watercolors. I'm also a proud Butler parent—my 1.5-year-old son, Leonard, joined the community in 2025.

Maria Kamezawa ~ Primary Assistant

[email protected]

Gezel McMillan ~ Primary Assistant

[email protected]

A.A., Montgomery College, Maryland

I joined Butler in the fall of 2023. I love working here because it brings me joy to support children’s growth into caring, curious, well-rounded individuals alongside an amazing staff on a beautiful campus.

When not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling to the beach, and preparing delicious meals.

Shaye Merriam ~ Primary Assistant

[email protected]

Elementary

Rainy Blomgren ~ Lower Elementary Guide

[email protected]

B.A., Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
AMI Montessori Elementary Diploma
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland

I joined Butler Montessori as a Lower Elementary Guide in 2016 after spending two years teaching English as a foreign language in Guatemala. I love swimming and reading, spending time out in nature, and learning to crochet.

Anastasia Sincevich ~ Lower Elementary Guide

[email protected]

B.F.A., Savannah College of Art & Design, Georgia
M. Ed in Elementary Education, University of Hartford, Hartford CT
AMI Montessori Elementary Diploma

I have been a part of the Butler community since 2017. I am a passionate Montessorian, artist, and birdwatcher. I love to play the ukulele and sing with the children. I love the incredibly supportive community, the amazing campus, and being with the children.

Grace Rind ~ Upper Elementary Guide

[email protected]

B.S. Loyola University Maryland; English Literature and Global Studies: Conflict Resolution
AMI Montessori Elementary Diploma
M.Ed., Loyola University Maryland

I have been a part of the Butler community since the summer of 2022. I’m grateful to be able to work with such a terrific team on such a beautiful campus. I’m inspired and motivated each day by the kindness, inquisitiveness, and joyfulness of the children (and adults!) in our community. My two children are current Butler students and our delightful mini Goldendoodle awaits them at home.

Erin Bajada ~ Upper Elementary Guide

[email protected]

B.A., SUNY, Fredonia, NY

AMI Montessori Elementary Diploma

I joined Butler Montessori as an Associate Guide and parent in 2023. I am currently finishing my M.ED., at Shepard University, WV, as well as doing my AMI Elementary training. Before starting my Montessori journey I was an organic farmer and artist. I love gardening, painting, hiking, traveling, and learning new things.

Shailaja Maru ~ Upper Elementary Guide

[email protected]

M.ED in Montessori Primary Education from Loyola University
Elementary Diploma from Montessori Northwest
MPH in Health Behavior Health Education from University of Michigan

Across my varied career paths, a consistent thread has been my work as an educator, from public health and dance to Montessori education. I bring these combined passions and skills into the classroom, where I thrive in empowering children to cultivate their voices and pursue their interests.

Outside of the classroom, I love spending quality time with family and friends, hiking, journaling, and reading. My daughter began in the YCC in 2014 and is looking forward to her second year in the Intermediate program.  

Lizette Calaro ~ Lower Elementary Assistant

[email protected]

With over ten years of classroom experience in Montessori, I am thrilled to be a part of the Butler community and continue to nurture young minds in an authentic Montessori setting.

During my free time, I enjoy using my power tools, being outside, and spending time with my husband and children.

Brenda Lacayo ~ Upper Elementary Assistant

 [email protected]

I joined Butler Montessori in August 2022 as an Upper Elementary Assistant.  I worked in Montessori for four years in Charlotte, North Carolina before moving back to my home state of Maryland.  In my free time, I enjoy the outdoors and creating art such as paintings, ceramics, and photography.

Itzel Mejia-Menendez ~ Upper Elementary Assistant

[email protected]

Adrienne Smith ~ Lower Elementary Assistant

[email protected]

Certificate: Montessori Orientation, Montessori Training Center

A.A., Frederick Community College

I joined Butler Montessori in 2019 and received the Montessori Orientation Certificate from the Montessori Training Center in 2020. In the summer of 2024, I completed my Associate Degree from Frederick Community College. I hope to complete a training program to teach reading in 2025. When I am not at school I enjoy spending time outdoors, knitting, and playing guitar and singing with my rock band.

Intermediate / Fairhaven

Emma Rodwin ~ Upper School Director of Education

[email protected]

B.A., Dickinson College, Pennsylvania
AMI Montessori Adolescent Diploma
AMI Montessori Elementary Diploma
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland

I began my Butler journey in the Equestrian and Camp Programs as a young adult. I joined the Butler Montessori faculty in 2014 in the Intermediate Program. I am passionate about Montessori education, developmental psychology, and leadership.

When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time in nature, riding horses, reading, and knitting.

Dr. Steven Canet ~ Fairhaven Guide

[email protected]

I am joining Butler in 2025 after six years of teaching in universities. I am passionate about interdisciplinary learning, blending history, literature, and philosophy with math and science to help students gain an expanded understanding of everything they experience in the classroom and in the world beyond. 

Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading, walking my dog, or playing Dungeons & Dragons.

Bertha Castillo ~ Intermediate & Fairhaven Spanish Guide

[email protected]

B.A., Metropolitana University, Puerto Rico
M.Ed., Metropolitana University, Puerto Rico
AMI Montessori Adolescent Diploma
Certification in Bilingual Teaching, Cervantes Institute, Canada
AMI Certificate Building Bilingual Programs, Prague

I joined Butler Montessori in 2009. I love teaching, being in nature, and spending time with my grandchildren. In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and doing crafts.

"Education cannot be effective unless it helps a child to open himself to life." Dr. Montessori, The Absorbent Mind.

Victoria Chazin ~ Intermediate Guide

[email protected]

B.S. St.Mary's College Of Maryland, Maryland

I joined Butler Montessori in 2025, after graduating from their Intermediate Program in 2017. I am excited to combine my undergraduate degrees in biology and art with Montessori education. I’m passionate about helping students explore the natural world through science, especially animal behavior and environmental systems, and I bring creativity into the classroom through art and hands-on experiments.

Outside of school, I love spending time near the ocean, creating art inspired by nature, playing rugby and exploring new ways to connect science with everyday life.

Lisa Daly ~ Intermediate & Fairhaven Math Guide, IT Specialist

[email protected]

B.A., Virginia Tech, Virginia
M.A., Hood College, Maryland
AMI Montessori Adolescent Diploma

I joined Butler Montessori as a part-time math guide in the adolescent program in 2004. I have worn many hats over the years and can't imagine working anywhere else. My daughter was a student at Butler for 12 years. I love all things beach and warm, reading, ballet, and pilates.

Jackie Wantz ~ Intermediate Guide

[email protected]

B.A in History from Shepherd University
AMI Adolescent Diploma

I have been a part of the Butler community since 2022. I have worn many hats on our campus, but now I enjoy spending my days as a Guide for the Intermediate program. I love the side-by-side work with the adolescents on the farm and in the classroom.

In my free time, I am an enthusiastic knitter and deeply enjoy reading non-fiction books

Jennie Garraffa ~ Upper School Administrative Coordinator and Classroom Support

[email protected]

B.S. in Advertising from The University of Florida
B.A. in Fashion Design from The International Academy of Art and Design

I am a former Butler Equestrian Director and a parent of a Butler alumnus who attended Butler from Primary through the Intermediate program.  Butler has been an amazing and supportive part of our lives for the past 13 years. I will be working as the Upper School Admin Coordinator, but you can also find me designing costumes for the school play, running the Upper Elementary Montessori Model United Nations class, teaching a few horseback riding lessons, and teaching some classes in the Intermediates.

Specialists & Resource Guides

Jennie Huntoon ~ Upper School Music Specialist

[email protected]

B.A. Hood College, Maryland
M.A. Eastern Illinois University, Illinois

I joined the Butler intermediate team in 2023. I am passionate about music education and strive to create a welcoming environment where all students feel supported in their musical pursuits and curiosities!

When I'm not at school or in band rehearsal, you might find me working on my high fantasy D&D campaign, or in servitude to my four parrots: Dragon the Conure, Maverick the Senegal, and Tinybird and Ittybit the cockatiels. I enjoy reading, video games, crafting, and traveling the world.

Claire Jones ~ Upper School Performing Arts Specialist

[email protected]

I came to know of Butler when Natasha approached me about joining the team at my dance studio in Poolesville. I have been teaching dance and other forms of the performing arts to students aged 3–18 for 15+ years, and am always in awe of how the arts influence children and enhance their view of the world. I am excited to work in an environment that values the life skills that are inherent in learning and practicing the arts, while also placing value in communal education and providing individual student autonomy. It is an honor to work with this incredibly talented and supportive team of staff members, and I can't wait to see how Montessori learning facilitates a well-rounded and contributing member of society. 

Steve Mejia-Menendez ~ Montessori Resource Guide & Elementary Spanish Specialist

[email protected]

Lorena Emilia Molina Cecchetti ~ Montessori Resource Guide

[email protected]

B.A. Wellesley College
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland
AMI Montessori Primary Diploma
AMS Elementary I Certification
AMS Elementary II Certification

I’ve taught in Montessori schools for over 10 years, and I was thrilled to join Butler Montessori School and its rich institutional legacy. What I love most is our shared passion for child-centered learning and holistic development.

I am a proud library mouse who enjoys museum hopping and going to the beach.

Eriq Powers 'Q' ~ Outdoor Specialist and Makerspace Specialist

[email protected]

I began working at Butler in 1998 as a ropes course facilitator and joined the Butler team in 2001. I am a storyteller in the Lower Elementary, lead outdoor activities in the Upper Elementary, and run the Makerspace with students from the Intermediate and Fairhaven.

When I’m not at Butler or running my outdoor adventure company, I’m usually at home with my wife and cats

Katie Rattigan ~ UE /Int Art Specialist

[email protected]

B.A., Hood College

I joined Butler as the Lower Elementary Art Teacher in the winter of 2019. Now I teach Upper Elementary and Intermediate Art as well as Creative Expressions.

On days when I'm not at Butler, you can find me making pots for Wild Thing Pottery or making up characters with Oh Crit! The D&D Improv Show.

Don Vogel ~ Environmental Education Specialist

[email protected]

I’m joining my son at Butler, hoping to contribute to the community that has provided so much to him. I love exploring the natural world on foot, bike, and boat and the inner world through books. 

Extended Care & Classroom Support

Ariana Adamson ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

[email protected]

I joined Butler Montessori in 2021 as a Butler Camp counselor and started working during the school year in the fall of 2022. I grew up locally, in Germantown, MD, and am currently attending Montgomery College. In my free time, I enjoy writing novels, singing, and hiking.

Ruth Andino ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

[email protected]

I joined Butler for camp one summer and fell in love with how the children have tons of space to roam free and explore. From there, I learned about Montessori and its traditions and wanted to be a part of this amazing staff and school. I'm so grateful to join this wonderful community. 

Carmen Armstrong ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day 

[email protected]

Jagruti Dave ~ Elementary Classroom Support

[email protected]

I have been working at Butler Montessori since 2000 when my youngest child started in Primary, joining his older sister who was in Elementary. Being around the children and watching them grow and mature has been a delight. Each day at school is an adventure with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. On the personal side, I greatly enjoy cooking and taking long walks with my dog.

Sarah Mansfield ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

[email protected]

B.A., Brigham Young University, Idaho

In university I studied child development, so it was my goal to work in an environment that embraced and nurtured children’s natural development. Happily I’ve found Butler Montessori. When not teaching and learning from children, I enjoy reading, sitting in nature, and almost every activity if it’s with my family.

Laura Normoyle ~ Extended Day Support & School Photographer

[email protected]

I joined Butler Montessori in 2004 as a Primary Assistant and have stayed ever since. I now have 4 children, 3 of whom are graduates of, or currently in Butler. I enjoy traveling with my family and hiking with our dog.

Colin Pelkey ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

[email protected]

I graduated from Butler Montessori in 2016 and started working at Butler Camp that summer. I have worked as a Facilities Assistant and Extended Day staff since 2021. I like being at Butler Montessori because of the friendly community. When not at school I enjoy playing sports and video games.

Laura Steinberg ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

[email protected]

Admin Support

Sam Sincevich ~ Director of Facilities

[email protected]

I joined Butler Montessori in the Fall of 2021. I am excited to be working here and tackling the many tasks required to keep the classrooms and school running efficiently and effectively.

In my free time, I am out on the trails with my dog or playing board games with friends.

Amanda Garrison ~ Facilities Assistant

[email protected]

 I joined the Butler Montessori team in 2024 and was a student here from 1998-2006. My time here was one of the most enriching aspects of my childhood and I am so grateful to be an active part of this community again.  In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, kayaking, and tending to my beehives.

Jessica Warburton ~ Delegating Nurse

[email protected]

B.A., Connecticut College
B.S.N., University of Maryland

I have been part of the Butler Montessori Family since 2015 as a parent and became the Supervisory Nurse in 2018. Before working at Butler, I worked as an emergency department nurse, in both adult and pediatric departments. Currently, in addition to working at Butler, I am also working as a labor and delivery nurse. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, horseback riding on our beautiful campus, and reading.

Aubrey Bursch ~ Director of Marketing & Development

[email protected]

I feel blessed to be able to combine my passion for marketing and development with my love of Butler Montessori. This school is unique, from the Intermediate student-run farm to the caring administration - it's a fantastic community housed on a beautiful nature-filled campus. I've worked with independent schools for more than 20 years and Butler is still one of my favorites.

In my spare time, when I'm not strategizing about fundraising and marketing, you'll find me sipping green smoothies on my deck, hiking trails, and playing soccer with my children.

Miki Boulin ~ Community Outreach Coordinator

[email protected]

Digital Media Design certificate, FCC, MD 

I was originally at Butler from 1987–2000 as the Equestrian Director and the mother of two Butler alumni. I returned to Butler Montessori in 2014 as the Communication Coordinator.

I love teaching riding, SCUBA diving, spending time with my family (I am now the grandmother of 3!), and learning new things!

Camp & Equestrian

Connor Haughey ~ Camp Director

[email protected]

I have recently moved to the Maryland area, coming from the Gulf Coast of Florida. I began working with youth camps 11 years ago at the YMCA as a counselor. I then went on to become the program director, and eventually, I oversaw all recreational programs for our organization. I have coached soccer, basketball, and football for over a decade now and love mentoring new kids.

In my spare time, I am playing/watching sports, listening to music, reading, or trying to learn a new skill. I am very excited to join the Butler community.

Emily Lahaie ~ Equestrian Director

[email protected]

B.A., International Studies, University of San Francisco
M.A., International Development, Gallaudet University

I joined Butler Montessori in 2019 as staff in the Equestrian Program. While my degrees are not related to my current career path, I believe that I ended up where I am meant to be! I enjoy spending time with my husband, dogs, and my pony Zulu!

To learn more about Emily and the rest of the Equestrian staff visit www.butlerequestrian.org

Paige Dunn ~ Equestrian Instructor

[email protected]

Learn more about Paige and the Butler Equestrian Program @ www.ButlerEquestrian.org