Our faculty form the backbone of our school. We are guided by the knowledge that the quality of our faculty, more than any other single factor, will determine the quality of the education we provide for our students. That is why we seek to hire and retain the very best qualified teachers available.  Ninety percent of our teachers hold their American Montessori Society teacher certification, and 60% hold advanced degrees. 

Professional development is of the highest priority. In our rapidly changing world, we know it is critical to continuously invest in the professional development of our faculty, so that they will bring the very best and most current validated research and insight into the classroom. We also know that new learning fuels teacher enthusiasm and engagement. Perhaps that is why retention of faculty is so high at The Red Oaks School. (Our average tenure is 10 years.)

Meet our faculty by clicking on the links below.

Meet Marilyn Stewart
Joined The Red Oaks School in 1999

Marilyn Stewart brings great energy, deep knowledge, and strategic vision to The Red Oaks School. Her unyielding commitment to academic excellence, to best practice in teaching and curriculum design, and to cultivating a strong sense of community and collaboration, has helped to make The Red Oaks School the strong, independent school that it is today.  Proven leader, strategic thinker, strong motivator, child advocate, and parent partner are all terms that would describe Marilyn Stewart. In addition to her primary role at The Red Oaks School, Marilyn is currently serving a 2-year term as President of the American Montessori Society. Prior to joining The Red Oaks School, Marilyn held positions as President and Founder of The Stewart Group, an educational consulting firm based in Montclair, New Jersey; as Middle School Director and Director of Development at The Calhoun School on the Upper West Side of New York; and as a teacher in the Baltimore City Public Schools. Marilyn also serves currently as a Trustee of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) where she served as Chair of the NJAIS Professional Development Conference. She is a member of the New Jersey Montessori Association Corporation (NJMAC) and was treasurer from 2004 to 2006. She holds a M.Ed. from Goucher College and a B.A from the University of Pittsburgh. Return to top

Meet Mary Anne Fairey (“Mrs. Fairey”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 2004

Mrs. Fairey migrated to teaching from a career in retail purchasing and management. Students of all ages respond to Mrs. Fairey's authenticity, patience, and genuine compassion for people, as she works with them to foster self-expression and creativity in their work. Mrs. Fairey holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts and has recently completed special classes in Drawing at the New Jersey Center for Visual Arts. Return to top

Meet Bonnie Haeberle (“Mrs. Haeberle”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 1985

Mrs. Haeberle's long tenure at The Red Oaks School speaks to her devotion as a teacher and to her appreciation for the unique Montessori environment that exists here at the school. With a particular interest in the social and emotional development of young children, Mrs. Haeberle takes much joy from watching her students grow and develop their self-confidence and a love of learning. Mrs. Haeberle earned her Montessori certification at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in Glen Rock, New Jersey. Return to top

Meet Amna Rehmane (“Mrs. Rehmane”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 1997

Mrs. Rehmane is originally from Pakistan and is the proud mother of two boys, both alumni of The Red Oaks School! She finds her motivation in the pure joy her young students exhibit when learning new skills. Mrs. Rehmane loves to integrate drama, art, and music in the teaching of social studies and cultural topics, and she has authored numerous original plays for very young children (ages 3 to 6 years old). In addition to her Montessori certification, Mrs. Rehmane has a B.A. in Education and Child Psychology and helps to lead and support fellow teachers through workshops and mentoring, both within the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools and the American Montessori Society. Return to top

Meet Maggy Taylor (“Mrs. Taylor”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 1997

Mrs. Taylor brings a special energy and determination to her work with very young children at The Red Oaks School. Captivated and impressed with what she calls “the genius of the Montessori materials,” Mrs. Taylor takes particular pleasure in her role as facilitator and witness to the remarkable growth and advancing skills of her young students. In addition to her Montessori certification, Mrs. Taylor holds her B.A. in Math and Economics and is an Adjunct Lecturer at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Return to top

Meet Eva Wengler (“Miss Eva”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 1993

Miss Eva, an avid hiker and skier, was raised in Sweden and began her professional career as a bond trader on Wall Street. She later found her true passion in teaching. Today she finds fulfillment in watching her young students gain independence and revel in the thrill of accomplishment. Miss Eva brings a quiet patience and joy to the art of teaching. In addition to her Montessori certification, Miss Eva has an M.A. in Early Childhood Education and a B.A. in Business Administration. She has served on accreditation teams with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and American Montessori Society, as a Field Consultant with the Princeton Center for Teacher Education, and as a Consultant for the development of Montessori education in China. Return to top

Meet Irene Avlontis-Vorolieff (“Miss Irene”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 1994

Miss Irene is a seasoned teacher who cultivates a holistic approach to teaching and learning during the early elementary years. A naturalist who likes to travel and read, Miss Irene understands and relates to her students in the context of her own unique sense of compassion and peace. In addition to her Montessori certifications, Miss Irene holds a B.S. in Music Therapy. She has served on accreditation teams with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and as a Field Consultant with the Princeton Center for Teacher Education. Return to top

Meet Cindy Boehm (“Miss Cindy”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 1999

Wonderfully caring with a terrific sense of humor, Miss Cindy connects with her students in many different ways. Her warmth and gentle guidance give young students a safe and secure environment in which to learn and thrive. By openly and generously sharing her own love of literature with her students, Miss Cindy cultivates in them the joy of reading and a deep appreciation for the written word. In addition to her Montessori certification, Miss Cindy holds an M.A.T. in Reading and B.S. in Education. She worked as an elementary school teacher and reading specialist for 8 years prior to coming to The Red Oaks School. Return to top

Meet Jo-Ann Gaul (“Miss Jo-Ann”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 2007

In embarking on a new career in teaching, Miss Jo-Ann is melding her exceptional knowledge and skills from her 15-year career in engineering and business management with her deep-rooted personal passion for children and learning. Naturally delighted by the investigative and problem-solving process, Miss Jo-Ann takes particular pleasure in the look on a child's face when he/she “gets it,” especially if the student has expended considerable effort to get there. An avid traveler, reader, and lover of the outdoors, Miss Jo-Ann is currently pursuing her New Jersey state certification in elementary education. Miss Jo-Ann holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, and was honored with an award for excellence by the Educational Testing Service for achieving a perfect score on the Praxis Elementary Content Knowledge test! Return to top

Meet Priti Maheshwari (“Miss Priti”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 1997

Miss Priti holds the unique distinction of having taught all grade levels within The Red Oaks School! That breadth of experience enhances her effectiveness as a lower elementary teacher, enriching her capacity to help students make the transition from early childhood to lower elementary, and from lower to upper elementary. Miss Priti's intellect, warmth, and sense of humor are true assets in forging positive relationships with her students. In addition to her Montessori certifications, Miss Priti holds her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and a B.A. in French Language and Linguistics. Return to top

Meet Rachael McQuillan (“Miss Rachael”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 1997

After teaching at the high school, lower elementary, and preschool levels for the past 17 years, Ms. Rachael still finds each day an opportunity to generate palpable energy in the classroom. She encourages the children to make connections and observations that reach “outside of the box.” Providing opportunities for young children to think critically and giving them a forum to share their thoughts with their peers is one of her passions. She also enjoys implementing community service projects that stem from the children's own ideas and experiences, then using students' energy and engagement to develop academic extensions that will broaden and extend their experience. She has her Montessori certification, a B.A. in Liberal Arts and is a certified Trainer of Trainers in both the Thinking Maps and Write from the Beginning programs. She has served as a presenter for various workshops including at the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools. Return to top

Meet Jeff Cohen (“Mr. Cohen”)
Math and Science
Joined The Red Oaks School in 2003

With a degree in Asian Studies and strengths in math, Mr. Cohen began his professional journey on Wall Street, working as a Japanese investment banker. Soon recognizing (in his own words), “that more than economic success guided my desires,” Mr. Cohen discovered his passion for teaching which led him, eventually, to The Red Oaks School. Known for his capacity to make science “fun” and math “understandable,” Mr. Cohen helps his students reach for and achieve high standards. In addition to his Montessori certification, Mr. Cohen holds a B.A. in Asian Studies and Philosophy and Religion, and his certification in Middle School Math. Return to top

Meet Christa Doyle (“Miss Christa”)
Language Arts
Joined The Red Oaks School in 1993

Originally having pursued a career in international business, Miss Christa was called to teaching when she had the opportunity to teach ESL in Japan. Especially skilled in language arts and literature, her passion is fueled by her desire to reach and positively affect each and every child in her class. In addition to her Montessori certification, Miss Christa holds her M.A.T. in Elementary Education and B.A. in International Business Administration. She has served as a presenter at the New Jersey Montessori Administrators’ Council and New Jersey Association of Independent Schools and as a Field Consultant for the Princeton Center for Teacher Education. Return to top

Meet Erminia Duffy (“Miss Erminia”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 2000

As one of our youngest teachers, Miss Erminia brings a fresh approach and a unique ability to connect with our maturing upper elementary students. Her energy and enthusiasm for her work are always present and help to inspire her students to reach and grow. In addition to her Montessori certification, Miss Erminia holds a B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in History, specifically Chinese, Vietnamese, and American History. Miss Erminia has also served as an Instructor for “Hands-on Science” workshops at Kean University. Return to top

Meet Alexa Lewandowski (“Miss Alexa”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 2007

With a background in mathematics and education, and after devoting 20 years to a career in business consulting, Miss Alexa initially returned to education as a middle school math teacher in a traditional classroom setting and spent her first year at The Red Oaks School in the lower elementary classroom. Miss Alexa finds the school philosophy mirrors her own personal view of childhood and learning:

“Childhood should be fun, and children should find joy in learning through doing as they become intuitive thinkers, confident problem solvers, and life-long learners.”

Miss Alexa holds her New Jersey State Certificate of Eligibility in Elementary Education and Middle School Math, and is on track to acquire full certification in 2008. She holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Rutgers University, Douglass College and is currently pursuing graduate studies in education. . Return to top

Meet Maureen Palmquist (“Mrs. Palmquist”)
Art Teacher
Joined The Red Oaks School in 1996

Mrs. Palmquist has been teaching art for almost 20 years. Her creative energy and passion for teaching are a powerful combination that produces a profound and lasting impact on her students. A truly gifted teacher and mentor, Mrs. Palmquist seeks:

“To open children's eyes, through art and the creative process, to universal values like compassion and tolerance.”

Mrs. Palmquist completed graduate studies and holds her B.A. in Art Education from Ohio State University, where she was honored for developing a novel preschool arts curriculum. She also has a Professional Certification from New York School of Interior Design.

Mrs. Palmquist holds her New Jersey Elementary certification (K-8) and Art certification (K-12), has been a presenter at the New Jersey Association of Independent School conferences, and has served on accreditation teams for the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools . Return to top

Meet Susan Waldrop (“Mrs. Waldrop”)
Physical Education
Joined The Red Oaks School in 2001

A strong believer in the power of sports and physical activity to strengthen universal life skills like striving for excellence, perseverance, and teamwork, Mrs. Waldrop brings boundless energy and commitment to her work with students. In addition, Mrs. Waldrop's special interest in the sport of jump rope has led to an official, American Heart Association, demonstration jump rope team at The Red Oaks School called The Lightning Bolts! Mrs. Waldrop holds an M.A. in Elementary Education with graduate work in Physical Education, and a B.A. in Urban Studies. She has published and presented work for the New Jersey and Michigan Associations of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance as well as for the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools. Return to top

Meet Noga Beer (“Madame or Senora Beer”)
Joined The Red Oaks School in 2002

Madame/Senora Beer shares with all of her students her great enthusiasm for the languages and cultures of the world. She holds a B.A. in Linguistics and French Language and Literature, is fluent in French, Spanish, Hebrew, and Arabic and has taught French to students from age 3 through grade 12. Return to top

Meet Tim Waters (“Mr. Tim”)
Music Teacher
Joined The Red Oaks School in 2002

Mr. Tim is much beloved by all the students at The Red Oaks School! His youthfulness, compassion, and sense of humor, combined with his high expectations and gentle firmness, foster maturity and holistic development in each and every student. A talented musician in his own right, Mr. Tim helps to cultivate music appreciation, musical knowledge, and creative expression in every student. Mr. Tim holds a B.S. in Music Therapy and performed with the Army National Guard 276th Army Band for 8 years. He has a working knowledge of piano, guitar, and percussion, and currently performs (in his limited free time!) as a pianist for the dance band "Philly Heat."
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Meet Dari Olitt (“Miss Dari”)
Reading Specialist
Joined The Red Oaks School in 2004

Miss Dari brings over 18 years of teaching experience, both in-classroom and special services, to her work as the Reading Specialist at The Red Oaks School. Her relaxed style and positive engagement with children foster remarkable growth in students, both in terms of reading skills and self-confidence. Miss Dari holds an M.S. in Education from Bank Street College, with specialization in elementary and special education. She also has her B.A. in Elementary Education and her Special Education certification in New Jersey and New York. Return to top