Our Teachers

FOUNDING TEACHER LEADER

Ten years ago Eileen moved away from her background in the fine arts and took a job as an assistant in a Montessori early childhood classroom. This transformative experience led to her researching and falling in love with the Montessori method. She completed her Early Childhood Montessori certification through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS) in 2016. Working as a co-teacher at a Philadelphia Montessori school allowed her to put into practice the child centered approach that Maria Montessori advocated for. Eileen is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to Clover Montessori School where she will continue to help each child reach their full potential. Eileen’s work in the classroom is also informed by her work as a Montessori parent and as a certified Positive Discipline Parent coach. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and ten year old daughter, who currently attends Jenks Academy for the Arts and Sciences.

FOUNDING TEACHER LEADER

Jake first fell in love with Montessori education in Chicago in 2012. Although he’d previously been working as an actor, after stumbling into a job assisting in a Montessori preschool classroom, he immediately changed course. A year later, he moved to Oakland, CA for a graduate program in Montessori Early Childhood Education, earning his American Montessori Society credential and writing his Master’s thesis on obstacles to Montessori in Head Start programs. After five years in the Bay Area, Jake and his partner, Jessie, moved to Philadelphia to be closer to family on the East Coast. After co-teaching with Eileen for a couple of years at Clementine Montessori, Jake was thrilled to partner with her as they embarked to establish Clover in Mt. Airy. 

SUPPORT TEACHER

Taylor joined Clover as a support teacher in the fall of 2022 and is completing her teacher certification through Rising Tide Montessori for ages 3-6. Before this, she studied native bumble bee conservation and earned a concurrent certificate in equity- and liberation- centered teaching practices at UW-Madison. She loves connecting children with the natural world around them, and has enjoyed introducing garden activities and impromptu bug and mushroom lessons during outdoor play at Clover. Above all, she aims to foster a classroom community where learners can ask little or big questions without judgment and feel valued for being exactly who they are.

SUPPORT TEACHER

Matisyn Darby joins Clover Montessori after working with adolescents and children in DC, Colorado, and now Philadelphia. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree in both music and philosophy from Furman University, they became an active member of student government and her surrounding community. This naturally led them to pursuing work within education and community outreach through local (Pridelink) and national (AmeriCorps) volunteer organizations. In 2021, Matisyn relocated to Philadelphia to work in administration and co-lead the extended day program at Clementine Montessori School. Matisyn is eager to continue work in the Montessori classroom and especially at Clover Montessori.

SUPPORT TEACHER

Being a part of buddy programs through elementary school and frequent babysitting as she grew older helped Samya determine her two passions in life: being of assistance and mentoring children. Before and after graduating high school, she dove into the field of Early Childhood Education by working with younger toddlers and older learners in daycare settings as a Teacher Assistant. These educational experiences broadened her horizons and ultimately opened a door to explore the world of Montessori practices. Samya not only looks forward to being a part of Clover Montessori this upcoming 2024 school year, but also to witnessing the special moments each and every student will experience each day.