Our Director, Mary D'Anella, is a South Philadelphia native and an early proponent of the charter school movement. Ms. D’Anella led the turn-around team for The Philadelphia Charter School for the Arts and Sciences and later served as its CEO, spearheading a successful school-wide reading improvement program that included intervention, remediation, and enrichment. Previously, she was a founding board member of the city's largest charter, The Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School, and served as Director of Communications for its management company, String Theory Schools. Ms. D’Anella has been an advocate for Montessori preschool education since her own children benefited from the Montessori methods.
Our Director of Education, Carmel Melso Galati, is an award-winning Philadelphia educator with a Master's Degree and more than 25 years of experience in early education. As a certified reading specialist in the School District of Philadelphia, she has implemented proven school-wide reading programs and interventions. Mrs. Galati has written curriculum, conducted professional development, and has received both the Rose Lindenbaum Improvement of Education Award and the Schoolmen's Club Service to Children Award for her stellar contributions. Mrs. Galati holds additional certifications in Elementary K-5, Elementary Principal, Reading Recovery, Nursery through 3rd grade, and Supervision of Curriculum and Instruction. In addition to being a reading specialist, she has held positions as a grade teacher, kindergarten teacher, regional literacy coach, professional development facilitator, and Reading Recovery teacher.
Our Managing Director and Toddler Classroom Guide, Isabella Mercanti, (she/her) has teaching certifications in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Ms. Mercanti completed her Master’s Degree in Montessori Education from Chestnut Hill College. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a dual minor in Urban and Childhood Studies from Rutgers University. Prior to joining The Children’s House, Isabella worked at the Walter Rand Institute on counseling grant projects for the Camden School District and as a high school English teacher in Philadelphia. She continues to advance her studies in education policy to improve education in the Philadelphia region. Ms. Mercanti earned her Pennsylvania Teaching Certification, Pre-K to 4th grade, in addition to her Pennsylvania Certification in English, grades 6th to 12th. She holds a Montessori Diploma in Infant and Toddler Development. As a preschooler, Ms. Mercanti attended Montessori Preschool in Philadelphia.
Our Toddler Classroom Guide, Becka Granados (she/her) has a Master's Degree in Art and Design Education from Rhode Island School of Design. She recently completed her AMS Infant and Toddler Montessori certification through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education. Prior to beginning her Montessori career, Ms. Granados spent fourteen years in art museums and non-profit organizations advocating for accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. When her child was born, she naturally gravitated towards Montessori because of the emphasis on respect for the child and the fostering of independence. Montessori quickly became a way of life in their home. She discovered a deep love for teaching toddlers. We patiently awaited the arrival of Ms. Granados to the Children’s House, where she now joins her child, Lucy.
Our Toddler Classroom Guide, Alanna Conover has been a member of The Children’s House team since 2017, our first year. Ms. Conover worked part time while attending Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School until she graduated in 2020. Alanna now works full-time in our Toddler environment. Alanna is currently earning her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori Teaching Certification. Ms. Conover has a gentle and compassionate connection with those children in her charge.
Our Toddler Assistant, Salvatrice “Sabrina” Taormina earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sciences and Psychological Techniques of Development and Education, continuing her education to earn her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology of Development from the University of Palermo, Italy. She is an important part of our early toddler classroom, bringing an understanding of child development to the Montessori program. As a native Italian speaker, Ms. Taormina, is an integral part of our language program. She currently teaches Italian at the Italian Cultural Center Marco Polo in Philadelphia. She believes that learning another language enables children to more easily connect to other cultures and peoples.
Our Toddler Assistant, Yasmine Boukornia was born in Algeria and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 2011. Ms. Boukornia began her career as an international/domestic technical operations manager at French Bank. Because of her appreciation and enjoyment of young children, Yasmine used the pandemic to shift careers into early childhood education. She is trained in the Montessori method which allowed her to deepen her understanding of childhood development. As she finishes her studies, she will obtain a teacher's certificate in Pennsylvania. Ms. Boukornia settled in Philadelphia and found delight in exploring its endless offerings, while pursuing her passion for baking.
Our Primary Classroom Guide, Colette Welsh was granted her Master's Degree in Montessori Education from Chestnut Hill College. She began her Montessori teaching career at Montessori Children’s Academy in Chatham, NJ. She is a graduate of Montclair State University, majoring in Family and Child Studies with a concentration in Early and Middle Childhood Education. During her undergraduate studies, she attended the University of New South Wales, in Sydney, Australia, for a semester abroad. Upon her return, Colette earned her Pennsylvania Teacher’s Certification in Pre-K to 4th grade. Colette, who is an active community volunteer, is the mother of three young sons. She enjoys family life in her new South Philadelphia neighborhood.
Our Primary Classroom Guide, Lucia Pagano, studied Early Childhood Education at Penn State Abington before entering the Montessori Program at Chestnut Hill College. Lucia has been a Montessori guide for 30 years, beginning her career as a Directress at the Montgomery Montessori School. She continued her career at Wyndmoor Montessori School, Naudain Montessori Academy, and Beth Sholom Goldman Preschool, before joining us at The Children’s House. Lucia Pagano continues to be our most passionate and enthusiastic Montessorian. She believes wholeheartedly in the Montessori philosophy and continues to practice it in her own home with her two sons.
Our Primary Classroom Assistant, Qixuan Liu received her Master's Degree in Intercultural Communication, M.S. Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania and her Bachelor's Degree in Teaching Chinese To Speakers of Other Languages at the Beijing Language and Culture University. Qixuan is currently earning her Montessori certificate at Chestnut Hill College. She was a Chinese Language Teacher/Montessori Assistant Teacher where she would design and lead a theme-based after-school Chinese language program which included cooking, art, music and dance, STEM, and calligraphy. Ms. Liu also worked with the Asian Arts Initiative, Youth Art Workshop (YAW) & Access Center publishing, "Exploring Intercultural Sensitivity of South Asian Students Learning in Chinese Universities".
Our Primary Classroom Assistant, Adrionna Bilbrough has been a member of The Children’s House team for four years. She began her career at The Children’s House during high school at Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School. After graduating in 2020, she began working as a full-time assistant in the Primary environment. Ms. Bilbrough plans to attend Chestnut Hill College in January and begin earning her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori Teaching certification. In her free time Adrionna enjoys boating.
Our Italian Teacher and Primary Classroom Assistant, Arianna Valocchi, holds a Master's Degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in Comparative Literature and Translation studies, where she focused on translating contemporary Italian poetry. In addition to her scholarly pursuits, she has been passionate about education her entire life, and is excited to bring her language teaching experience to a Montessori environment. Whether it was spending a decade as camp counselor in Illinois, teaching English to children in Italy, or working at an after school program in Boston - she has always delighted in helping children grow their independence and discover joy. In her free time Signora Valocchi enjoys swing dancing, roller skating, thrifting, and crafting.
Our Primary Classroom Assistant, Gianna Curran has been a member of The Children’s House team for three years. She is currently earning her Associate's Degree from The Community College of Philadelphia. Ms.Curran began working full-time after she graduated from Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School in 2020. She has assisted in both the Toddler and the Primary environments and enjoys spending time with children of all ages. Her gentle nature shines through her delicate interaction with our little ones.
Our Admissions Coordinator, Angelina Melso (she/her) has been in the business of schools since 2011. Ms. Melso started as the executive assistant to the CEO of a large Renaissance Charter School in Philadelphia and shortly advanced to accounting clerk and payroll manager. Ms. Melso, as the mother of three children, chose to remain at home with her children and devote 10 years to their early learning experience. Her eldest entered St. Joseph University this fall. At the Children’s House, she efficiently handles all incoming staff benefits and information as well as new student admissions.
Our Earth Science Teacher, Karen Zeitz, received her Montessori Certification in Nursery School/Kindergarten from the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Academic Municipal Schools. She has a Master’s in Education from Arcadia University. She changed careers mid-life and went to Temple Law School and is a semi-retired attorney practicing Wills and Estates law. She also serves as a Master of the Philadelphia Court System. Her dream to return to teaching Montessori came true when she was walking her dog and wandered into The Children's House. Now she practices her two loves: teaching and law. Ms. Zeitz shares her passion for nature by teaching Earth Science--gardening, insects, birds, fish, etc.--to the children. As a valued member of our staff, we are thrilled she found us.
Our Director of Education, Carmel Melso Galati, is an award-winning Philadelphia educator with a Master's Degree and more than 25 years of experience in early education. As a certified reading specialist in the School District of Philadelphia, she has implemented proven school-wide reading programs and interventions. Mrs. Galati has written curriculum, conducted professional development, and has received both the Rose Lindenbaum Improvement of Education Award and the Schoolmen's Club Service to Children Award for her stellar contributions. Mrs. Galati holds additional certifications in Elementary K-5, Elementary Principal, Reading Recovery, Nursery through 3rd grade, and Supervision of Curriculum and Instruction. In addition to being a reading specialist, she has held positions as a grade teacher, kindergarten teacher, regional literacy coach, professional development facilitator, and Reading Recovery teacher.
Our Managing Director and Toddler Classroom Guide, Isabella Mercanti, (she/her) has teaching certifications in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Ms. Mercanti completed her Master’s Degree in Montessori Education from Chestnut Hill College. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a dual minor in Urban and Childhood Studies from Rutgers University. Prior to joining The Children’s House, Isabella worked at the Walter Rand Institute on counseling grant projects for the Camden School District and as a high school English teacher in Philadelphia. She continues to advance her studies in education policy to improve education in the Philadelphia region. Ms. Mercanti earned her Pennsylvania Teaching Certification, Pre-K to 4th grade, in addition to her Pennsylvania Certification in English, grades 6th to 12th. She holds a Montessori Diploma in Infant and Toddler Development. As a preschooler, Ms. Mercanti attended Montessori Preschool in Philadelphia.
Our Toddler Classroom Guide, Becka Granados (she/her) has a Master's Degree in Art and Design Education from Rhode Island School of Design. She recently completed her AMS Infant and Toddler Montessori certification through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education. Prior to beginning her Montessori career, Ms. Granados spent fourteen years in art museums and non-profit organizations advocating for accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. When her child was born, she naturally gravitated towards Montessori because of the emphasis on respect for the child and the fostering of independence. Montessori quickly became a way of life in their home. She discovered a deep love for teaching toddlers. We patiently awaited the arrival of Ms. Granados to the Children’s House, where she now joins her child, Lucy.
Our Toddler Classroom Guide, Alanna Conover has been a member of The Children’s House team since 2017, our first year. Ms. Conover worked part time while attending Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School until she graduated in 2020. Alanna now works full-time in our Toddler environment. Alanna is currently earning her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori Teaching Certification. Ms. Conover has a gentle and compassionate connection with those children in her charge.
Our Toddler Assistant, Salvatrice “Sabrina” Taormina earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sciences and Psychological Techniques of Development and Education, continuing her education to earn her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology of Development from the University of Palermo, Italy. She is an important part of our early toddler classroom, bringing an understanding of child development to the Montessori program. As a native Italian speaker, Ms. Taormina, is an integral part of our language program. She currently teaches Italian at the Italian Cultural Center Marco Polo in Philadelphia. She believes that learning another language enables children to more easily connect to other cultures and peoples.
Our Toddler Assistant, Yasmine Boukornia was born in Algeria and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 2011. Ms. Boukornia began her career as an international/domestic technical operations manager at French Bank. Because of her appreciation and enjoyment of young children, Yasmine used the pandemic to shift careers into early childhood education. She is trained in the Montessori method which allowed her to deepen her understanding of childhood development. As she finishes her studies, she will obtain a teacher's certificate in Pennsylvania. Ms. Boukornia settled in Philadelphia and found delight in exploring its endless offerings, while pursuing her passion for baking.
Our Primary Classroom Guide, Colette Welsh was granted her Master's Degree in Montessori Education from Chestnut Hill College. She began her Montessori teaching career at Montessori Children’s Academy in Chatham, NJ. She is a graduate of Montclair State University, majoring in Family and Child Studies with a concentration in Early and Middle Childhood Education. During her undergraduate studies, she attended the University of New South Wales, in Sydney, Australia, for a semester abroad. Upon her return, Colette earned her Pennsylvania Teacher’s Certification in Pre-K to 4th grade. Colette, who is an active community volunteer, is the mother of three young sons. She enjoys family life in her new South Philadelphia neighborhood.
Our Primary Classroom Guide, Lucia Pagano, studied Early Childhood Education at Penn State Abington before entering the Montessori Program at Chestnut Hill College. Lucia has been a Montessori guide for 30 years, beginning her career as a Directress at the Montgomery Montessori School. She continued her career at Wyndmoor Montessori School, Naudain Montessori Academy, and Beth Sholom Goldman Preschool, before joining us at The Children’s House. Lucia Pagano continues to be our most passionate and enthusiastic Montessorian. She believes wholeheartedly in the Montessori philosophy and continues to practice it in her own home with her two sons.
Our Primary Classroom Assistant, Qixuan Liu received her Master's Degree in Intercultural Communication, M.S. Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania and her Bachelor's Degree in Teaching Chinese To Speakers of Other Languages at the Beijing Language and Culture University. Qixuan is currently earning her Montessori certificate at Chestnut Hill College. She was a Chinese Language Teacher/Montessori Assistant Teacher where she would design and lead a theme-based after-school Chinese language program which included cooking, art, music and dance, STEM, and calligraphy. Ms. Liu also worked with the Asian Arts Initiative, Youth Art Workshop (YAW) & Access Center publishing, "Exploring Intercultural Sensitivity of South Asian Students Learning in Chinese Universities".
Our Primary Classroom Assistant, Adrionna Bilbrough has been a member of The Children’s House team for four years. She began her career at The Children’s House during high school at Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School. After graduating in 2020, she began working as a full-time assistant in the Primary environment. Ms. Bilbrough plans to attend Chestnut Hill College in January and begin earning her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori Teaching certification. In her free time Adrionna enjoys boating.
Our Italian Teacher and Primary Classroom Assistant, Arianna Valocchi, holds a Master's Degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in Comparative Literature and Translation studies, where she focused on translating contemporary Italian poetry. In addition to her scholarly pursuits, she has been passionate about education her entire life, and is excited to bring her language teaching experience to a Montessori environment. Whether it was spending a decade as camp counselor in Illinois, teaching English to children in Italy, or working at an after school program in Boston - she has always delighted in helping children grow their independence and discover joy. In her free time Signora Valocchi enjoys swing dancing, roller skating, thrifting, and crafting.
Our Primary Classroom Assistant, Gianna Curran has been a member of The Children’s House team for three years. She is currently earning her Associate's Degree from The Community College of Philadelphia. Ms.Curran began working full-time after she graduated from Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School in 2020. She has assisted in both the Toddler and the Primary environments and enjoys spending time with children of all ages. Her gentle nature shines through her delicate interaction with our little ones.
Our Admissions Coordinator, Angelina Melso (she/her) has been in the business of schools since 2011. Ms. Melso started as the executive assistant to the CEO of a large Renaissance Charter School in Philadelphia and shortly advanced to accounting clerk and payroll manager. Ms. Melso, as the mother of three children, chose to remain at home with her children and devote 10 years to their early learning experience. Her eldest entered St. Joseph University this fall. At the Children’s House, she efficiently handles all incoming staff benefits and information as well as new student admissions.
Our Earth Science Teacher, Karen Zeitz, received her Montessori Certification in Nursery School/Kindergarten from the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Academic Municipal Schools. She has a Master’s in Education from Arcadia University. She changed careers mid-life and went to Temple Law School and is a semi-retired attorney practicing Wills and Estates law. She also serves as a Master of the Philadelphia Court System. Her dream to return to teaching Montessori came true when she was walking her dog and wandered into The Children's House. Now she practices her two loves: teaching and law. Ms. Zeitz shares her passion for nature by teaching Earth Science--gardening, insects, birds, fish, etc.--to the children. As a valued member of our staff, we are thrilled she found us.