Staff
HEAD OF THE SCHOOL
Bharati “Bubli” Dandiya
Founder Bubli Dandiya opened the doors of Turtle River Montessori School in the fall of 1995 as one of the 5 families who were in search of a Montessori school that followed the philosophy in its entirety. She had a clear vision of what she wanted for
her two daughters, who were 3 and 8 years old at the time.
Ms. Dandiya has a Master’s degree in English literature and has taught Montessori in both New York and Florida. She has a deep conviction that children deserve an environment that will fully develop their intellectual, physical, social, emotional and inner potentials. Inspired by her two girls, Pia and Sonia, she had a vision of creating an environment where children are respected and loved, where there is utmost respect for the child, and where the child is empowered to build herself on all levels.
Bubli founded the school on the premise that in order for children to reach their potentials they must be surrounded by positive energy to foster their confidence and self esteem, both of which are key to a strong foundation of their sense of self. This, in conjunction with a 3-dimensional, hands-on curriculum, ensures a well-rounded child who has been exposed to a variety of experiences at an early age.
In her current role as Head of the School, Ms. Dandiya continues to strive to fulfill her dream for Turtle River Montessori, building on the school community of students, teachers, parents and local supporters to create the warm and welcoming academic experience she envisioned over ten years ago.
ADMINISTRATION
Lisa Cuomo
Executive Director
- Montessori Certification, North American Montessori Center
- Studied Psychology, City University of New York
- Director, Turtle River Montessori East Campus
- Administrator, NYC Department of Education
At Turtle River Since 2009
Patricia Mitchell
Junior High Director
- Montessori Certification, South Florida Montessori Education Center
- Montessori Certification, Claremont Center for Advanced Montessori Studies
- Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Barry University
- Master of Science in Reading, Barry University
- Owner, Ocean Montessori
- Owner, Walden Academy
- Academic Dean, Bridges Montessori
At Turtle River Since 2010
Tracey Etelson
Director of Curriculum
- Bachelors in Business Administration & Marketing, Southern Methodist University
- Masters in Finance and Entrepreneurship, Southern Methodist University
- Executive Director, The Dr. John E. Upledger Foundation
- New Project Manager and Head of School, Bright Horizons Family Solutions
- Founder and Head of School, Bridges Montessori
- CEO, SSF Inc.
- Vice President of Operations, SSF Inc.
- Infant/Toddler Teacher Trainer, S.M.T.T.I.
- Educational Consultant, World Works Consulting
- Executive Director, Nina Haven Scholarships, Inc
At Turtle River Since 2016
Violet Geffs
Guidance Counselor
At Turtle River Since 2016
Aimee Sanchez
Administrative Assistant / Field Trip Coordinator
- Financial Manager, Ocean Montessori
- Administrator, Walden Academy
- Administrative Assistant, Center for Successful Students
At Turtle River Since 2010
Jillian Crowley
Administrative Assistant
- Bachelor’s Degree – Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL
- Notary Public
- 21st CCCLC Project Coordinator – Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County
- School Secretary – Renaissance Learning Center Charter School for Autism
- Assistant Registrar – New England Tech & Florida Culinary
- AP/AR Clerk – New England Tech & Florida Culinary
At Turtle River Since 2016
Julia Mathes
Finance Coordinator
- Bachelors Degree in Finance and Marketing, University of Miami
- Account Executive, Jardine Account Executives
- Financial Director, Bridges Montessori
At Turtle River Since 2013
Laurie Skantze
Director, East Campus
- Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential
- Master of International Affairs, Columbia University
- Bachelor of Arts Degree, Wellesley College
- Board Member, Board of Trustees Roosevelt Island Day Nursery
- Senior Managing Consultant, IBM Corporation
My family found the Turtle River Montessori school in February 2011 when we moved to Jupiter from NYC. My children are receiving a wonderful education at TRM. I was thrilled to join as the Director at the East Campus, and I truly enjoy helping other families start on their educational journeys in an authentic Montessori environment.
At Turtle River Since 2014
Nancy Reeves
Administrative Assistant
- Attended Miami Dade College
- Administrative Assistant, Good Shepherd Episcopal School
I love working at the East Campus and making a difference in the lives of our toddlers as they start their educational experience here at TRM.
At Turtle River Since 2011
Staff
ADMINISTRATION
Bubli Dandiya
Head of School
Lisa Cuomo
Director
Patti Mitchell
Academic Dean/ Poinciana
Lead Teacher Grades 6‑8
Tracey Etelson
Administration ‑ Director
of Staff Development
Violet Geffs
Guidance Counselor
Aimee Sanchez
Administration
Mrs. Arielle Puliatti
Administration
Laurie Skantze
Administration ‑ East
Campus Director
Jillian Crowley
Administration
Nancy Reeves
Administration
Julia Mathes
Financial Coordinator
PREPRIMARY 2 – 3 YRS
Silvana Hernandez
Media Center Specialist
Jeimmy Veloza
Blossoms Lead Teacher 2‑3
Yrs
Tunisia Cielo
Blossoms Teacher 2‑3 Yrs
Roselia Schwarz
Blossoms Teacher 2‑3 Yrs/
East Campus Aftercare
Sarah Kenny
Saplings Lead Teacher 2‑3
Yrs
Debra Spindel
Saplings Teacher 3‑6 Yrs
Rachel Bogan‑McElveen
Seedlings Lead Teacher 2‑3
Yrs
Monique Teal
Seedlings Teacher ‑ 2‑3 Yrs
Katie Kovalsky
Music/ Band/ Choir Teacher
2 Yrs ‑ 9th Grade
PRIMARY 3 – 6 YRS
Silvana Hernandez
Media Center Specialist
Nora Mansour
Maple Lead Teacher 3‑6 Yrs
Brittany Rattinger Mckay
Maple Teacher 3‑6 Yrs
Christina Nuzzo
Maple Assistant 3 ‑ 6 Yrs
Debbie Coburn
Primary Program Director
& Oak Lead Teacher 3‑6 Yrs
Patty Helper
Oak Teacher 3‑6 Yrs
Gina Hoffman
Oak Teacher 3‑6 Yrs
Sylvia Sickle
Oak Teacher 3‑6 Yrs
Sara Medina
Pine Lead Teacher 3‑6 Yrs
Cathy Cross
Pine Assistant Teacher 3‑6
Yrs
Alissa Fisher
Pine Teacher 3‑6 Yrs
Stephanie Carruthers
Willow Lead Teacher 3‑6 Yrs
Maria Vergara‑Flores
Willow Teacher 3‑6 Yrs
Miss B
Willow Teacher 3‑6 Yrs
Katie Kovalsky
Music/ Band/ Choir Teacher
2 Yrs ‑ 9th Grade
LOWER ELEMENTARY GRADES 1ST – 3RD
Atlanta Visker
Media Center Specialist
Megan Zeller
Banyan Lead Teacher
Grades 1‑3
Taylor Liggett
Banyan Teacher Grades 1‑3
Maria Cerdan
Banyan Teacher Grades 1‑3
Christy Escoto
Magnolia Lead Teacher
Grades 1‑3
Sohni Usman
Magnolia Teacher Grades
1‑3
Lynne Avvenire
Mangrove Lead Teacher
Grades 1‑3
Caroline Pollifrone
Mangrove Teacher Grades
1‑3
Mike Cosenza
S.T.E.M. Lab Teacher
Grades 1‑9
Nancy Kelly
Art Teacher
Katie Kovalsky
Music/ Band/ Choir Teacher
2 Yrs ‑ 9th Grade
UPPER ELEMENTARY GRADES 4TH – 6TH
Atlanta Visker
Media Center Specialist
Jennifer Ray
Cedar Lead Teacher Grades
4‑6
Jackie Ober
Cedar Teacher Grades 4‑6
Stephanie Lipp
Cedar Teacher Grades 4‑6
Judi Dunlap
Cypress Lead Teacher
Grades 4‑6
Jimmy Kniffin
Cypress Teacher Grades 4‑6
Jackie Dugan
Teacher Grades 4‑9
Mike Cosenza
S.T.E.M. Lab Teacher
Grades 1‑9
Nancy Kelly
Art Teacher
Katie Kovalsky
Music/ Band/ Choir Teacher
2 Yrs ‑ 9th Grade
JR. HIGH SCHOOL GRADES 7TH – 9TH
Patti Mitchell
Academic Dean/ Poinciana
Lead Teacher Grades 6‑8
Donna Cochrane
Poinciana Teacher Grades
7‑9
Jackie Dugan
Teacher Grades 4‑9
Yadel Hernandez
Poinciana Teacher Grades
7‑9
Mike Cosenza
S.T.E.M. Lab Teacher
Grades 1‑9
Nancy Kelly
Art Teacher
Katie Kovalsky
Music/ Band/ Choir Teacher
2 Yrs ‑ 9th Grade
Atlanta Visker
Media Center Specialist
AFTERCARE / NAP / SPECIALS
Rosemary Rankow
West Campus Aftercare
Director
Leticia Richardson
West Campus Aftercare /
East Campus Nap
Tammy Harris
East Campus Aftercare ‑ 3 ‑
6 Yrs
Alyssa Baird
East Campus Aftercare 3 ‑ 6
Yrs
Kiara Mason
East Campus Aftercare 3 ‑ 6
Yrs /Nap
Roselia Schwarz
Blossoms Teacher 2‑3 Yrs/
East Campus Aftercare
Debbie Raynok
East Campus Specials