Staff

Dr. Montessori believed that teachers should focus on each child as a person, not on the daily lesson plan. Montessori teachers are taught to nurture and inspire the human potential, leading children to ask questions, think for themselves, explore, investigate, and discover.

Marci Martindale: Head of School

Welcome to The Children's Tree Montessori School. I founded this school over 7 years ago, out of my home, with the goal in mind to provide an alternative educationally based option for preschool age children. My dreams are coming true with the expansion into our new facility and elementary program. After the birth of my second daughter I discovered the montessori method of teaching. I went back to school and became a certified teacher for the preschool and elementary aged students. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, at the barn, on the boat, relaxing with a good book, cooking, and playing card games.

Lead Teachers

Donna Taylor: Primary Teacher

Donna Taylor has been apart of The Children's Tree since we expanded in 2003. She resides in Salem CT with her two children Shelby 14 and Ricky 12. While running her home daycare she went back to school to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. Through that program she discovered the Montessori teaching methods were what she was already implementing in her home and decided to obtain her Montessori Teaching certificate. When not in her classroom she enjoys spending time with her family, boating, camping, and cooking over an open fire

Martha Krane: Primary Teacher

Martha Krane, a teacher at the Children's Tree Montessori in one of the Primary classrooms, "I've lived in Westbrook for the last 16 years with my husband Reagan, and two daughters Casey, 14 and Emily 12. I attended Bay Path Jr. College where I received my Medical Assistants degree. After 10 years as a Medical Assistant I decided to return to school to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education while running my own Home Daycare. I worked several years with Special Ed. Students both at Project LEARN and public schools. From there I became a Nursery School teacher, but never felt completely fulfilled. It was at this time that I was introduced to Maria Montessori. Her philosophy and methods of teaching inspired and filled me with such a desire that I knew becoming a Montessorian was my next step. The Children's Tree is not just a school but a loving and caring community which I am happy and proud to be a part of. Outside of school I enjoy being with my family, exercising, camping, vacationing, a good book and a nice cup of tea."

Deovinda Swaar: Elementary Teacher

Assistant Teachers

Pam Gozzi: Assistant Teacher

Pamela Gozzi started with The Children's Tree in 2006 as an assistant teacher. Pam is a busy wife and mother of two children who lives in Westbrook, CT. She currently runs a decorating company with her sister called Treasured Rooms. She also owned her own dance studio for several years that specialized in preschool and elementary aged children. After being introduced to the philosophy of montessori learning she was thrilled to be able to work with the children at the Children's Tree.

Annastasia Lapone: Music Together

Judy Chappell: bookkeeper

Judy Chappell resides in Westbrook, CT with her husband Bruce. As Marci's mother she has been the book keeper for The Children's Tree since the beginning. Judy has a business degree with a focus on accounting. When she retired she decided to pursue a more peaceful career and became a licensed medical massage therapist. She currently owns and operates A Therapeutic Touch in Westbrook. She enjoys sailing with her husband, long walks on the beach with her black lab Erin, and spending time with her grandchildren.