Our Montessori teachers are all certified by an accredited Montessori training program and our assistants have a depth of experience and great love for children.
Head of School
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
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Lead Teacher
Hello! I am Ms. Nima Dasgupta, the Lead Teacher for Classroom C. This year will be my third year at Woods Montessori and my 13th year leading a Montessori classroom. I received my Primary Montessori teaching certificate from the American Montessori Society (AMS) in 2009. Before that, I received my Bachelor’s degree in English from Calcutta University in India. I have mentored classroom assistants and Montessori-certified teachers. I live with my family in northern Virginia. I like to travel, watch movies and Web series, try different cuisines and do gardening in my spare time.
Lead Teacher
Ms. Katelyn joined our sister school, The Springs, in 2016 and worked as an Early Childhood and Toddler House assistant before obtaining her AMS Infant/Toddler Montessori credential. She also received an Early Childhood credential and is certified to teach at that level as well. She has over ten years of experience in Montessori schools and recently completed her Bachelor’s degree at UMGC.
When Ms. Katelyn is not teaching at The Woods, she enjoys reading, experimenting with gluten-free baking and cooking, and spending time with her son Cameron.
Ms. Markal has been in Montessori education for almost 8 years and I have over 10 years of experience working with children. I work with children because I find it very rewarding. My favorite thing is to see something I’ve helped a child work on finally stick and for them to have that budding confidence that they are capable of anything. I’m currently studying Education Administration and I’ve taken numerous trainings pertaining to Montessori Education. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, my son Roman, creating art, reading, and baking.
Lead Teacher
Ms. Ashley has joined the faculty at THE WOODS in 2019 after having been a Teacher at our sister school, THE SPRINGS, since January 2012. She joined the school staff as a floating assistant helping out in all of the classrooms. Soon after, she became a Assistant Teacher in the Children’s House Class. After working for two years in the Children’s House, she decided to embark on a new chapter when the opportunity to work in the toddler program opening became available in the fall of 2014.
Prior to working at THE WOODS, Ms. Ashley attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Ms. Ashley was born in Dale City, Virginia. She has a daughter Lilliana who attends THE WOODS. She graduated from Garfield Senior High School in Woodbridge, Virginia. When Ms. Ashley is not working at THE WOODS she likes to bake desserts with her daughter Lilliana, go to local museums and take road trips to see family and friends outside of Virginia. Her favorite dessert to make is her famous banana pudding, which she often makes during the holidays. Outside of traveling and baking, Ms. Ashley is also a licensed cosmetologist. She is very excited to be teaching at THE WOODS and hopes to positively influence all of her students to love learning. Ms. Ashley completed her Montessori Infant and Toddler Certification at the Montgomery Montessori Institute.
Mr. Dan has been at THE WOODS since its inception. Despite being a career Electrical Engineer, Mr. Dan fell in love with working with children and immediately jumped into the world of Montessori Education!
Mr. Dan completed his Electrical Engineering Masters degree at The George Washington University, while simultaneously completing his Montessori Teacher’s Certification at the Northern Virginia Montessori Institute. He taught in the classroom before moving into a full time administrative role. Mr. Dan is finishing up another Masters degree in Montessori Education through Xavier University.
Mr. Dan enjoys bringing a male perspective to our mostly female staff and helping prepare the next generation leaders and innovators! Having grown up in South Jersey, Mr. Dan is also a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan. He enjoys soccer, reading, spending time with his children (Maeve, Nora, Michael) and taking advantage of his wife’s love of cooking!