Staff
Get to know our teaching and support staff.
Matt McCaffrey
Head of School
Matt earned his Master's Degree in Education and over his 31-year career, has served in a variety of educational administration positions, PK-20.
Miranda Wiley
Elementary Assistant, Enrichment Teacher The Tree House Classroom
Miranda's background in non-traditional environments, nature-based learning, and community enrichment guides their work as an educator.
Michelle Risch
Director of Auxiliary Programs Oak Classroom
Michelle has worked in education since 1992 and joined the AMS community in 2005. One of our longest tenured employees, Michelle has worn many hats in her time here at AMS!
Krystal Beaulieu English
Lead Teacher The Tree House Classroom
Krystal has been incorporating elements of Maria Montessori’s philosophy into her teaching throughout her career.
Alex Sprague
Assistant Teacher, Art & Spanish Teacher, Alternating Aftercare Lead Oak Classroom
Alex loves working with scholars of all ages. She values teaching about cultures of the world, environmental conservation, and utilizing art as a tool for learning.
Carolyn Ouellette
Assistant Teacher Magnolia Classroom
Carolyn joined Amherst Montessori School in 2018 and has been working with children for over twenty years.
Marilyn Martinez
Lead Teacher Magnolia Classroom
Marilyn began her career in the public schools, teaching English Language Learners and Spanish at the elementary level before joining the bilingual classroom at AMS in 2013.
Kathy Holmes
Assistant Teacher Juniper Classroom
Kathy Holmes has been with Amherst Montessori School for 12 years, with collectively three decades of experience in childcare.
Christine Mariani
Assistant Teacher Willow Classroom
Christine Mariani is has over twenty years of experience assisting in Montessori classrooms here at AMS.
Rachel Braidman
Lead Teacher Willow Classroom
Rachel Braidman strives to create a classroom environment that is welcoming, peaceful, and accessible.
Kirsten Dudkiewicz
Lead Teacher Juniper Classroom
Kirsten fell in love with the toddler age group and Montessori approach here at AMS.
Rachel Mariani
Assistant Teacher Maple Classroom
Over the course of almost a decade, Rachel has worked with every age level at Amherst Montessori School except for Elementary.
Kristie Laflamme
Lead Teacher Maple Classroom
Kristie appreciates Montessori’s emphasis on nurturing each child’s independence within a safe, peaceful, and prepared space.