Executive Director
Mary Gallardy 
Nalini Sundaram
Assistant Director/Teacher Photo coming soon!
Katrina McMichael
Lead Toddler Teacher 
Nicole "Nikki" Fletcher Assitant Toddler Teacher 
Nadia Jeridi
Assistant Infant/Waddler Teacher 
Heather Biddle
Lead Infant/Waddler Teacher |
My name is Mary Gallardy, and I am the Director at Alfred Montessori School. My family and I moved to the area in June 2020 from Central Pennsylvania for my husband's job at Alfred State College. I graduated from Lock Haven University with a B.S. in Disabilities and Community Services, with a minor in Dance. I have been in Early Childhood Education for the past 10 years. Before becoming Director, I was a Lead Teacher here at AMS. Prior to our move, I was a Primary Teacher at Our Children's Center Montessori, located in State College PA. I also worked as a Teacher at The Childcare Center at Hort Woods, a Penn State Early Childhood School. The Montessori method has always been a passion of mine and something I am eager to continually learn about. I am currently working towards my Montessori certification. I am forever honored to be a part of a child’s journey and assist them in finding their confidence. When I am not at school, you can find me spending time outdoors with my family, reading, baking, and supporting my husband’s football team.
I am Nalini Sundaram and have returned to Alfred after having lived here 20 years ago (I can’t believe I am back here!). I have obtained four degrees, BA and MA in English Literature and Bachelors in Education and Masters of Philosophy in Education. I have taught in private and public schools in India. Overall, I have over 25 years of teaching experience, 17 of them in private and public schools and daycare in the states of Washington, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. I like living in this quiet community and educating the local children. I learn from them as much as I teach them. I also enjoy watching them grow. What I like the most about Alfred Montessori is the safe, positive, and warm environment that energizes me. I currently work in the Toddler Room and I enjoy working with my fellow teachers and students.
My name is Katrina McMichael and I am the Lead Toddler Teacher. I grew up in ALmond and now reside in Alfred Station. I graduated from Alfred-Almond Central School in 2002 and have recieved my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Post Universtiy in August 2020. I am a mother of three. I have two boys are ages nineteen, and nine, and a daughter who is sixteen. For the last 4 years I have been an Assistant Teacher at Lovin' Arms Family Daycare, where I worked with children ages 6 weeks to age 12. I am excited to be the Lead Teacher in the Toddler Classroom and I look forward to working with your children during the school year.
My name is Nicole Fletcher, and my nickname is Nikki. I have worked at AMS for the past several years in many different classrooms, but during the school year I work in the Toddler classroom. I love getting to know these students and to watch them grow over the course of the school year.
My name is Nadia Jeridi. I am of Franco-Tunisian origin. I speak fluently English, French, Arabic and some Italian. I love trips, was lucky to be in many countries and discover different cultures! I’m a friendly person! I enjoy spending time with my family and kids in the class! I’ve been a Teacher Assistant and a Teacher for 13 years in USA and abroad .
My name is Heather Biddle and I live in Arkport, New York. I am the Infant/Waddler Room Lead Teacher. I graduated with a high school diploma and my Certificate in Early Childhood Development. In addition I have my CDA (Child Development Associates) for infants/toddlers. I have one daughter who is my pride and joy. I have over 15 years experience working with children from newborn - 15 years old. I enjoy working with all of the smiley faces that I see every day and for the opportunity to teach them.
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