Gwendolyn Horton
Head of School
I joined Palisades Montessori in 2019 as Director and Lead Teacher at the Infant and Toddler Community. In that role, I focused on building an inclusive and student-centered Montessori environment. I also co-led the design of new learning spaces and operating procedures for the school during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Before coming to Palisades Montessori in 2019, I spent more than 18 years as a Montessori teacher at the Metro Montessori schools and Toddlers on the Hill, and served as an acting Directress at ToTH. Throughout my career, I have had a special interest in faculty professional development, and am also an Instructor of Adult Learners at the Montgomery Montessori Institute in Rockville, Maryland. My areas of expertise include Toddler Pedagogy, the Home Environment, and Leadership: How to Design an Anti-Bias Classroom. I truly believe in the authenticity of Montessori education, especially in early childhood. As a young child, I attended a Montessori school during my Primary years – and I still remember my experience as a student to this day. I am the proud mother of Christopher, and a bonus mom to teens Michael and Sayla. My pronouns are she/her, and my teacher name is Mrs. Gwen!
I was born in Yoloten, a small town of about 50,000 people located along the path of the ancient Silk Road in Turkmenistan. At the age of 18, I left my hometown to pursue higher education in Belarus, where I earned my bachelor’s degree as a Teacher of Foreign Languages. During my university years, I was active in campus and faculty organizations, participating in sports, linguistic competitions, and various extracurricular activities. I was honored to receive multiple diplomas, certificates, and appreciation letters for my involvement.
It was during one semester that I was first introduced to the Montessori method — a truly unforgettable moment for me. The more I learned, the more I realized how revolutionary it was, from Dr. Maria Montessori’s inspiring life story to her unique methods and approaches. Later, during my internships in state schools and summer camps, I began applying Montessori principles in my work, which deepened my appreciation for its impact on children’s learning.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing volleyball, biking, hiking, playing guitar, listening to audiobooks, playing board games, meeting new people, traveling abroad, cooking, grilling, and always learning something new.
I chose to be a teacher because the profession combines everything I value — serving the community in a meaningful way, finding joy in my work, and being surrounded by the positive, fulfilling energy. In my previous leadership roles with adults, I often noticed the “inner child” that still lives within us all. With toddlers and young children, I see the purest forms of curiosity, learning, and human potential. Working with them is both a privilege and a joy.

My name is Keren Aleman. I reside in Hyattsville, Maryland. My parents are from Honduras and El Salvador. I have four years of experience working in a bilingual Montessori school, and I am excited to join the Palisades Montessori community. In my free time, I enjoy working out, going on walks and exploring new outdoor adventures.
I am passionate about the 3-6 age group because these years are full of growth and discovery. The Montessori approach speaks to my heart as it gives children the freedom to explore while guiding them toward independence, respect, and a lifelong love of learning. I look forward to engaging with you and your children soon!
My Name is Elzabeth Alemu. I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Currently, I live in West Hyattsville, Maryland with my husband and ten year-old son. I have studied Early Childhood Education at Montgomery College. I also pursued the same program in Ethiopia. I speak Amharic predominantly at home and I am learning to speak English as well. I have worked in preschool programs since 2019.
I chose to work with children because my son’s teacher emphasized the importance of childcare at an early age and I was intrigued by this statement. Also, when I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a teacher, so I decided to follow my dream. I enjoy guiding children who are growing up into the young adults that they will become in this giant world. I find that ECE is my “calling.” I love working with children, showing them new things and helping them to find new things for themselves, in ways that contribute and shape them every day. Through working with babies in the nursery, I enjoy knowing that I am part of their first life experience.
In my free time, I like visiting churches, jogging and listening to spiritual songs. I also like visiting monuments.
I am originally from Brazil, and moved to DC over a decade ago through the Au Pair program. I found my passion for education when I became an ESL teacher, guiding six- to 64-year-olds through the discovery of a new language. I hold an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. In 2020, I joined PMITC as a Toddler Community Assistant Teacher. Since then, I have earned a full Montessori credential in Infant and Toddler education from the Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies, and served as a lead guide in both the Mobile-Infant and Nido classrooms in our community. Currently, I am expanding my studies by working towards the Montessori credential for the Early Childhood level at Barrie Institute. Montessori has put a name to what I believe in: A world based on respect, love, kindness, and freedom for all. Besides Montessori, my biggest passions are dancing and cooking – fueling the body, the mind, and the soul makes my heart fill with joy!
My name is Andrea, and I am originally from Quito, Ecuador, a beautiful city high in the Andes Mountains. I have been fortunate to teach in many different parts of the world at different times in my life, from the jungle in Ecuador to Vietnam to San Antonio, Texas. I recently moved to Washington, D.C., after traveling the world while working online as a wellbeing and life coach. I first moved to the United States to pursue my career in psychology, a field that continues to shape how I teach and connect with my students.
I am a very curious person who loves learning, which is one of the reasons I love working with children. Together, we can explore our curiosity, discover the world, and learn more about ourselves. During the summers, I enjoy working on experiential learning and community development projects with teenagers abroad. Outside the classroom, I keep my explorer’s hat on for different adventures: I love climbing, biking, hiking, camping, reading, and writing. Every day in the classroom feels like an adventure, and I feel grateful for the chance to be part of my students’ journeys as they grow in confidence, curiosity, and kindness.
My name is Ms. Tania, and I am a proud Montessori teacher at Palisades Montessori. I have been working with children of various ages for seven years, five of them at PMITC. In 2024, I completed my Montessori training at the Montgomery Montessori Institute in Rockville, Maryland, and became the lead Montessori infant teacher. I am also currently pursuing my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. It is truly rewarding to help lay the foundation for our littlest ones. Each day, I apply what I have learned to support and guide them through these pivotal years of growth and discovery.
My name is Danica King. I am 24 years old and I’ve lived in Washington, D.C. for seven years now. I have been working with children since high school, and have worked in various settings such as an Early Intervention Center for children with autism and a Montessori preschool in a Primary classroom. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Education, and I hope to soon complete a teacher preparation program soon. In my free time, I enjoy baking, playing board games, and going on walks in Rock Creek Park! I am so excited to join PMITC and I’m looking forward to being a part of this Montessori community.

My name is Rebecca Kreuzman and I’m excited to be joining Palisades Montessori! I grew up in Wooster, Ohio, where I attended my local Montessori School as a young child. I graduated from The College of Wooster with a B.A. in Spanish and have since worked in a variety of school settings. Working with young children is my passion. I am always amazed to see the growth from just one day to the next, as children learn how to express themselves, explore their world, and form part of a community. Last year I completed my MACTE-Certified Credential through The Center for Guided Montessori Studies for the 0-3 age group. I have been in a Montessori classroom with toddlers since 2022, first as an Assistant and then as a Lead! In my spare time I love to run and hike with my fiancé and explore the DC area, while finding the best coffee shops. I also love to express myself creatively and am always finding new art projects from painting to cross stitching to pottery!
My name is Josiah Perry, and I am delighted to be joining Palisades Montessori as a new Floater and Afterschool Assistant Teacher. After working with children last summer, I discovered a passion for supporting their growth and development. I was drawn to Palisades Montessori for its commitment to Montessori philosophy, particularly its emphasis on nurturing independence and respecting each child’s individual journey. My goal is to contribute to a peaceful, positive classroom environment where students feel secure, inspired, and confident. I am very much looking forward to meeting and working with everyone.
My name is Gabriela Sanchez! I am 21 years old, and I have been working with children since my sophomore year of high school. I first started at an internship through an elementary school, where I worked with Pre-Kindergartners three days a week. From there, I moved onto working at a daycare and childcare facility, mainly caring for infants and toddlers. I have a lifetime of experience with younger children, as I’m the oldest of three siblings and cared for my toddler cousin almost every weekday for the past three years. I’m excited to be working with Palisades Montessori, and so far have enjoyed the kind and inviting atmosphere. I look forward to many Montessori adventures to come!
My name is Karina Silva, I am from São Paulo – Brazil. I moved to the U.S in 2016 as an Au Pair, where I had a wonderful experience working with children!
I hold a Bachelor of Letters degree in Translation and Interpretation. My passion for working with children started when I was still in Brazil preparing to be an Au Pair. I worked as a volunteer in a few schools in São Paulo, and when I moved to Virginia, I was able to learn the daily life of a child. When I finished the Au Pair program, I decided to take the Early Childhood course and during it, I did an assignment about Dr. Maria Montessori. I learned more about the method and realized that it matched my profile as an educator. I then enrolled into the Montessori training institute at Barrie School.
I recently graduated from my Montessori training and had a great year working as a self-directed lead teacher in the Toddler Classroom. I really love being a Montessori teacher and being able to see how children thrive in a learning environment where they are free and can make creative choices in their learning.
In my free time, I enjoy playing board games, hiking, being in nature, visiting new places, watching movies, talking to my family in Brazil and listening to music. I look forward to a successful year at PMITC!

My name is Lais, and I am from São Paulo, Brazil. I graduated with a degree in Education in 2012 and have been teaching since then. In 2015, I came to the United States as an au pair, an experience that further deepened my passion for working with children. I hold a full Montessori credential in Infant and Toddler education and find great joy in being a Montessori guide, especially in supporting toddlers as they take their first steps toward independence. I love this stage of development because toddlers are full of curiosity, determination, and wonder. Every day with them brings something new to discover.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy taking walks around my neighborhood and in nature, listening to music, and doing crafts. I also love cultivating plants and finding creative ways to bring beauty into everyday life. As Dr. Maria Montessori said, “The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” (Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, 1949)