"The teacher has two tasks: to lead the children to concentration and to help them in their development afterwards"
MARIA MONTESSORI
Meet Our Staff
Lina Masri Founder & Director
Founder - 2021
Lina has over twenty years experience teaching and directing Montessori schools in North America and Europe. She started her Montessori career teaching at Richmond Hill Montessori School in Toronto, Canada and has since taught and directed at the Lighthouse Montessori Nursery in Oxford, England; Papillion Montessori Nursery in Ringwood, NJ; Monarch Montessori School in Little Falls, NJ; Young World Day School in Mahwah NJ; and currently the Founder and Director of Mindful Montessori since it's inception in 2021.
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AMI Montessori Certification (Centre for Guided Montessori Studies, Sarasota, Florida)
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Masters of Arts in Teaching (Montclair State University). Dual certification in P-3 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities. (December, 2015)
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Alternate Route Program for P-3 Certification at Montclair State University (August,20113)
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Montessori Certificate for the Infant Toddler Course from Montessori Centre International, London, England
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Montessori Diploma for Children ages 0-6 from St Nicholas Training Centre, London, England
Continuous Education: Harvard Graduate School of Education: Certificate in Early Education Leadership (CEEL)​
Alexandra Lipov Assistant Director & Office Manager
Staff Member Since 2023
Alexandra holds a Bachelor degree in Marketing Management and most of her professional experience comes from the hospitality industry, working for the historical New Yorker Hotel and a Hilton property in Stamford, CT.
When her older son Daniel was born she decided to become a Stay-At-Home Mom. Though it came with challenges, it was the most rewarding experience she could have ever asked for.
Alexandra moved to Old Tappan with her husband and her two boys in 2021 when the Montessori school just opened, and her younger son, Evan, became one of the very first students at Mindful Montessori.
Alexandra often volunteers in Evan's school and she serves as one of the leaders for her towns' Boy Scouts. She enjoys reading novels, exercising, spending time outdoors and vacationing with her family.
She is genuinely thrilled to have this opportunity to be part of the Montessori family and is extremely excited to get to know all your wonderful children
Laura Elmini Montessori Teacher
Staff Member Since 2021
Laura Elmini is a NJ certified teacher holding a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood. She taught in the Newark Public Schools for 7 years where she taught Kindergarten and opened her school’s very first public school PreK program. During her time there, she was selected to train with mentors from Bank Street College and the Children’s Literacy Institute of Philadelphia. Her classroom became a model for the district.
In 2003, Laura chose to leave the profession to raise a family. During that time, she had a part-time, home based business selling jewelry and trained a team of more than 200 women. She chose a Montessori education for her son and told friends and family that if she ever went back to teaching, her dream would be to teach in a Montessori school. The stars aligned in 2015 when she met Lina and joined her classroom as a part-time teacher. She has now been training under and teaching with Lina for 7 years.
Outside the classroom Laura enjoys crafting, decorating, spoiling her dogs, and spending time with her husband of 22 years and their growing children.
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BA in Elementary Education, William Paterson University
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Masters of Arts in Early Childhood Education, William Paterson University.
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Ten years teaching Montessori
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Montessori Diploma from NAMC
Continuous Education: Completed Montessori Teacher Training from North American Montessori Center.
Rebecca Tedesco Montessori Teacher
Staff Member Since 2025
Rebecca is a dedicated and experienced educator with a strong foundation in Montessori teaching methods and classroom management skills. Her commitment to nurturing open lines of communication between parents and teachers has been instrumental in creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
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Rebecca is entering her 10th year of teaching in a primary, Montessori classroom:
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Three years teaching at Mountain Montessori in Avon, Colorado.
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Six years teaching at Montessori Learning Center in Park Ridge, NJ.
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Attended Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications and Sociology.
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She received her Early Childhood Montessori Certification from The Center for Montessori Teacher Education/NY in New Rochelle, NY.
Rebecca grew up in Rockland County, NY, and is one of five siblings. She loves skiing, hiking, pasta, and spending time with her family, friends, and her husband, Will. She finds great joy in teaching and guiding the 3 to 6 years age group as they develop socially, emotionally, and academically, she is thrilled for start her first school year at Mindful Montessori.
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Frances Raptopulos Montessori Teacher
Frances (Fran) joins Mindful Montessori of Old Tappan as the Montessori Teacher in the Blue Room. With more than a decade of experience in Montessori education, Frances brings a deep understanding of child development, creativity, and care to her work with young learners.
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Her Montessori journey began while working as a nanny for a family whose children attended a Montessori school. Inspired by the philosophy’s emphasis on independence and respect, Frances pursued her MACTE Montessori certification for ages 3–6 through The College of Modern Montessori (2005).
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She went on to serve as both an Assistant and Lead Infant Teacher at schools such as Ladybug Montessori School in Belleville, NJ, and Monarch Montessori School in Little Falls, NJ, where she provided individualized attention to infants, guided parent-teacher communication, and contributed to educational programming and newsletters.
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In addition to her Montessori credentials, Frances holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Media Arts from Southern New Hampshire University (2022–2024), an Associate Degree in Professional Studies from Bergen Community College (2020–2022), and a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Diploma from Lincoln Technical Institute (2009–2011), where she also obtained her New Jersey LPN license.
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This blend of design, education, and healthcare training enables her to bring both creativity and a holistic understanding of children’s developmental needs to the classroom.
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Frances is passionate about fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn independently, and develop a lifelong love of learning. She looks forward to contributing her warmth, experience, and Montessori expertise to the Mindful Montessori community.
Staff Member Since 2025
Courtney Chamberlain Montessori Teacher's assistant
Staff Member Since 2023
Courtney has 10 years experience in all facets of Child Development and Education. She has previously worked at Laurel Plains Elementary School in New City, NY as an after care teacher through the YMCA Youth Program, as well as St. Paul’s School in Congers, NY as a Teachers Aide for their Pre-K class. She has also spent 4 years as a full time nanny.
She has always had a passion for teaching and is working towards her degree in Education.
Courtney considers Montessori methods especially beneficial because they allow teachers to reach students at their own level and foster independence and confidence.
She desires to help children reach their potential and guide them toward meaningful growth.
She is so excited to join the Mindful Montessori team and can’t wait to meet all the students and their families!
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Continuous Education: Completed Montessori Assistant Teacher Training from the Center For Guided Montessori Studies.
Tanya has been a valued member of the Mindful Montessori community serving as a dedicated Teaching Assistant who brings warmth, consistency, and a deep respect for the Montessori philosophy into the classroom. She has completed the Montessori Teacher Training through the North American Montessori Center, strengthening her understanding of child-centered learning and the prepared environment.
With a professional background in administration and coordination, Tanya brings strong organizational skills alongside a calm, supportive presence that helps foster independence, confidence, and curiosity in young learners. She is especially mindful of observing each child’s individual developmental path and supporting their growth at their own pace.
Tanya also brings meaningful personal experience as an advocate for a family member with special needs, a role she has embraced since 2014.
This perspective deepens her commitment to inclusivity, patience, and honoring the unique strengths of every child. As a parent of two children, she values the trust families place in educators and is dedicated to nurturing a respectful, peaceful, and engaging learning environment where all children feel empowered and supported.
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Continuous Education:
*Completed Montessori Assistant Teacher Training from the North American Montessori Center.
*Continuous Education: Completed Montessori Teacher Training from the North American Montessori Center.
Tanya Moya Montessori Teacher's assistant
Staff Member Since 2023
Melissa Janelli is a dedicated childcare professional born and raised in Germany, with extensive training and experience in early childhood education and caregiving. In 2019, Melissa completed a 5-year "Erzieherausbildung" (early childhood education training) in Germany, which included hands-on internships in eight different childcare settings, such as nurseries, preschools, and children's homes.
After finishing her training Melissa started working in a children’s home, caring for children aged 0-16, further broadening her expertise in supporting children with diverse needs.
In the summer of 2022, Melissa married her husband and relocated to New York.
Melissa is passionate about creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to grow. With her international experience, professional training, and warm personality, Melissa is committed to providing exceptional care and fostering the development of every child in her care.
Melissa Janelli Montessori Teacher's assistant
Staff Member Since 2025
Marla Coles joins Mindful Montessori as an Assistant Teacher with a strong passion for early childhood education. She plans to further her studies in the field and will attend Montclair State University in Fall 2026, where she will be enrolled in their Early Childhood Education program.
Marla brings experience working with children of various ages, including her role as an Art Teacher Assistant at Abrakadoodle (2021–2022) and providing childcare services at Fitometry Health Club, where she worked with children from 3 months to 7 years old. She has also gained valuable experience through several years of babysitting.
Through these experiences, Marla has developed a deep appreciation for early childhood development and a commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment. At Mindful Montessori, Marla is dedicated to working collaboratively with the teaching team to provide a safe, engaging, and enriching experience for all students.