Executive Director
Kathy Sherman 
Lead School Age Teacher
Nalini Sundaram Preschool Lead Teacher
Megan Gent 
Toddler Lead Teacher
Mary Gallardy 
Toddler Asst. Teacher Nicole "Nikki" Fletcher 
Waddler Lead Teacher
Sarah Calhoun 
Infant Lead Teacher
Heather Biddle |
My name is Kathy Sherman and I am the Director of the Alfred Montessori School. My husband and I moved to Alfred in June from Seattle, Washington. I taught middle school in Seattle for 27 years, and for most of my career I taught 7th graders (both Language Arts and Social Studies). Every day was a new adventure in teaching this age group, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with students to help them see the world in new ways and learn from their unique and creative perspectives. Since high school, I have worked with children of all ages, and my husband and I have 11 nieces and nephews. My bachelor's degree is from Boston College and my teaching certificate is from the University of Washington. It is a joy and a pleasure to be apart of the Alfred Montessori School community!
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.
Megan started as an intern with us when she was a student at Alfred University. She graduated with a BA in Psychology in the spring of 2020 and she started working with us again this fall as an assistant in the preschool classroom. As of January, 2021, she has taken over the lead teacher role in the preschool classroom and has created a wonderful learning environment for these students.
My name is Mary Gallardy. I am so excited to begin my journey at AMS. My family and I recently moved to the area from 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. I have been a teacher in various inclusive settings for children of all abilities. My most recent teaching position was a Primary Teacher at Our Children’s Center Montessori located in State College, PA. The Montessori method has always been a passion of mine and something I am eager to continually learn about. 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
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.
Hello, my name is Sarah Calhoun, the Lead Waddler Teacher. I am originally from Champaign, Illinois. I graduated from Alfred University with a BS in Interdisciplinary Art and a minor in Art Education. I am excited to continue my journey with the AMS staff and students. As the previous Infant Room Assistant Teacher, I am ecstatic to help our AMS students explore and discover the world around us.
My name is Heather Biddle and I live in Arkport, New York. I am the new Infant 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 am excited to be part of the AMS family and am looking forward to many more years to come. 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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