Maria Montessori emphasized the goal of education, rather than its methods. This goal being “the development of a compete human being, oriented to the environment, and adapted to his or her time, place and culture.” Keeping this goal in mind and the method followed by Maria Montessori our teachers at WFMA focus on the children and observe their needs. We believe that each child develops at his or her own pace based upon their individual interest.
The staff at WFMA is committed to the Montessori Method of teaching and truly believes that this is the best way to enrich and encourage the children to learn and do their personal best. Besides their own individual achievements each of our staff members is certified in CPR and First Aid. Each of them has at least 24 hours of Continuing Education to keep up with the new approaches in discipline and classroom management.
We have a low student:teacher ratios and a close-knit group of educators. This environment along with the relationship of our staff ensures a healthy, happy learning environment for your child.
Our teachers embraces the full development of the child through Monessori education. Learn more about the Montessori learning method.
Whispering Farms Montessori Academy Teachers
Kiran Rai
Director / Owner
2008 found me at a wonderful time in my life. My young family had all grown up and they were each doing what they wanted to do and now it was my turn to realize my “dream”. The foot work had been laid out for this moment all through my life. Working with children was my passion and having a Montessori School to do it in was my dream. And this dream was about to come true in April 2008.
I pursued my Bachelors Degree in Education and followed that with my certification for Montessori Teaching from Association Montessori Internationale, in India. There after I taught in Montessori schools in New Jersey and then in Plano. Both my children started their education in Montessori schools. I was and still am absolutely sold on this way of teaching a child.
What I most like about the Montessori Method is that it is scientific and multi-aged. It gently moves the child from concrete materials to abstraction. It helps the teacher respect individuality and nurture a love of learning while guiding the child towards self-discipline.
When passion and dreams merge into reality one finds true joy – and this is what I have found here at Whispering Farms Montessori Academy.
Suman Nanda
Teacher
"“Scientific observation then has established that education is not what the teacher gives; education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences upon the environment.”"
This is the true essence of the Montessori method of teaching. This is my objective: to serve as a guide and mentor to children to help them build confidence by engaging them in fun practical activities, in an environment based on Montessori guidelines and principles.
I have more than 16 yrs of experience co-teaching and teaching children of ages 1-6 yrs. I am a AMS certified teacher (Toddlers/Early Childhood) and take pride in ensuring that I provide a safe, engaging and learning environment for the children.
Though I have earned my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, I believe my passion lies in being a Guide to young children.
Shruti Karkare
Extended Care Teacher
I have my Masters in Electronics and Tele Communication Engineering. There after I taught in an Engineering college for 20 yrs. One would think that would be enough, but no… I moved to the States with my family. And that is when I came in touch with the Montessori Method of teaching. I am still teaching… but there is a difference now… a BIG age difference.
This time I am learning … that just because I ask a child to do something, it is not necessary that he would do it… I have to know not the subject matter… but know the child. I have to learn all about how a child learns. And needless to say that has been an adventure.
“Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence.” Maria Montessori
Srisha Peddareddy
Teacher
I have my Masters in Sociology and went in for my Montessori Certification in 2016. I now have 4 yrs of experience in a Montessori class, this being my 2nd year at WFMA.
What interested me about Montessori? It was the self-directed learning it promotes. I like the way a Montessori Classroom encourages Independence in the children by giving them the tools and responsibility to manage its upkeep.
“To let the child do as he likes when he has not yet developed any powers of control, is to betray the idea of Freedom” … this quote from Maria Montessori is something I ponder on, for Freedom within Limits is important until we see self discipline in the class room. Self discipline is born when the child learns to concentrate his attention on his work which brings him happiness. And as a Montessori Teacher that is my main role, to provide a class that is full of materials that will encourage a child to explore and learn.
Holly Sorensen
Teacher - WFMA since 2000
Montessori has been a way of life for me for the last 19.5yrs. I started as an assistant teacher and was so impressed with it that within a year I went in for my training and was an AMS certified teacher for the 3-6yrs. Presently I am working on my BS in Psychology and Child Learning and Development from the University of Texas. There is always something more one can learn.
“The teacher’s task is first, to nourish and assist, to watch, encourage, guide, induce, rather than to interfere, prescribe or restrict.” This quote of Maria Montessori resonates with me and is evident in the way I work in my class.
Young Kim
Infant Teacher
"“The only language men ever speak perfectly is the one they learn in babyhood, when no one can teach them anything”"
I studied and graduated from college with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospital Management and Healthcare Information. Before my husband and I moved to the States I had mostly worked in Hospitals. With my children now grown up a bit where they can look after themselves, I now wanted to experience work in the States. This is a new field of work for me, but I am enjoying it a lot… learning about children and also learning a lot about myself.
Montessori is new to me, but by taking trainings and with the guidance of my other fellow teachers, I am allowing myself to learn from the children I am taking care of.
I love this quote from Maria Montessori because it rings so true with me. When I watch the Infants, I realize that all growth and learning comes from within and it is self motivated. They learn by Observation and Exploration and as an adult I provide a safe and rich environment for them to do just that. I have a new appreciation for this give and take between adults and children.
Jaya Parandhaman
Infant Teacher
"“It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it.”"
My Bachelor’s degree is in Computer Applications, but when I moved to Australia I earned a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. I have 5 yrs of experience working with young children, creating and fostering learning environments for them. I love engaging with children on individual basis to build positive relationships. I enjoy working with Infants, as this is a class of great strides. Socially and emotionally they develop in leaps and bounds. And their physical transformation from an infant to a sitting, crawling, walking child is an experience beyond words.
Purvi Joshi
My background in Economics, makes administrative work just right for me. Ever since my exposure to the Montessori method of teaching, I have appreciated its key principles of Independence, Observation and Following the Child’s Interest. The best thing I like about the Montessori Method is that its principles can be applied across all ages.
I am a people person and love to organize special events and cultural celebrations for the children. I love to see the joy it brings to the children when we have something new organized for them. All in all, it is very gratifying to be among young and ever developing minds.
Antonia Martinez
Lead Teacher, Beginner Class - WFMA since 2008
"To assist a child we must provide him with an environment which will enable him to develop freely."
At WFMA, I have worked with all different age groups, from six weeks to six years old; however, I believe I found my niche with the 1-2 year old children in our Beginner class. Working with a variety of age groups has given me special insight into the developmental stages of children and understanding the importance of providing positive guidance and setting limits for them. I enjoy teaching children new words in English and Spanish, and helping them communicate by using these words instead of hands alone. The most important trait we practice everyday in our classroom is “being patient”. I introduce the little ones to our big world and they tell me what they think of it so far! Ms. Kiran calls me the “Child Whisperer”.
I enjoy spending time with my family and love exploring Pintrest to see what I can create. My home is in Anna, Texas and I have been married for 24 years.
Sarah Hester
Lead Teacher, Primary Class - WFMA since 2013
"Eventually they become adept at recognizing, correcting, and learning from their errors."
I obtained my American Montessori Society certification to teach at the Primary level (3-6 yrs old) in 1979, and my AMS certification to teach at the Elementary level (K-3rd grade) in 2005. In addition, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oklahoma City University. My interests are Montessori education, equine dressage competition, gardening, sustainable living, health wellness, nutrition, and being environmentally responsible.
I believe that each child is a unique individual and that children learn in different ways. Our Montessori classroom supports these learning differences and accommodates all learning styles. Students are allowed to learn at their own pace, moving through the curriculum as they are ready, guided and inspired by teachers. I believe that children learn best by using their senses, doing hands-on work, and discovering answers to the questions that the work inspires. Through this, the children develop order, coordination, concentration, and independence.
