Faculty & Staff

Ms. Rashida-Tina Tejani

Head of School & Owner

Ms. Rashida-Tina  is a parent of two accomplished young adults and brings extensive leadership and early childhood expertise to our school community. She holds a  Master of Science in  Genetics, has completed Early Childhood Management Training (Director’s Credentials), and is a Certified Jai Parent Coach. She is also Montessori trained in Birth–3 years (NAMC).

An entrepreneur since 1994, Ms. Tina has owned and operated Montessori schools since 2014, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to high-quality early childhood education and organizational excellence.

In addition to her professional work, she has served her community for over two decades. She is the Chair of the Social Welfare Board for the Central United States  and has previously served as an Early Childhood Development Center Principal and Head of Parental Involvement, supporting more than 1,500 parents through her volunteer leadership since 2001.

At our school, Ms. Tina oversees the Montessori curriculum for children from Birth to 3 years, ensuring that programming, teaching practices, and learning environments reflect the highest standards of early childhood development and Montessori philosophy.

Ms. Dinna Bacordo

Director/Head of Operations

For the past 15 years, Dinna has worked in the education sector, specializing in people management and school administration as a director. Her earlier decade of experience in sales and customer relations gives her a strong foundation in building meaningful relationships with families and staff.

She has thrived in diverse, cross-cultural environments and is known for her leadership, energy, and organizational skills. Her work has been featured in several publications, including Voyage Dallas Magazine, Shoutout DFW, and Canvas Rebel.

A graduate of St. Scholastica’s College in Manila with a Bachelor of Science in HRM, Dinna values both her career and family life. She and her husband, Paul, have been married for 27 years and are proud parents of two sons, Lorenzo and Emanuel.

Ms. Tehmina Zahid

Head of Instructions

Ms. Tehmina brings more than 35 years of distinguished teaching experience to our school. She holds the American Montessori Society (AMS) Early Childhood Diploma and serves as a key leader in maintaining the excellence of our Montessori program.

She oversees the Montessori curriculum for children ages 3 to 6, ensuring that instructional practices, classroom environments, and learning outcomes align with the highest standards of Montessori education. She also leads the Advanced Kindergarten class, guiding students toward strong academic readiness and well-rounded developmental growth.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Tehmina is the mother of two daughters who are both physicians and the grandmother of two grandchildren. Her expertise, professionalism, and commitment to educational excellence make her an invaluable member of our faculty.

Ms. Shirin Rehmetullah

Head Of Administration

With an MBA and a strong background in healthcare administration, she brings a unique blend of organizational leadership, compassion, and operational excellence to our school community.

For the past two years, she has been an essential part of the childcare administration field, ensuring that programs run smoothly, families feel supported, and children experience a safe, nurturing environment every day. Her expertise allows her to approach every challenge with both strategic insight and a heart for service.

Happily married and a proud mother of two, she understands firsthand the trust families place in early childhood educators. Her commitment to responsive communication, high-quality standards, and building meaningful relationships makes her a valued leader within our school.

She continues to bring positive energy, professionalism, and a deep dedication to helping children and families thrive.

Ms. Shenaz Hemani

Elementary Teacher

With over 30 years of experience in Montessori education, I am deeply passionate about nurturing each child’s independence, curiosity, and love of learning. After earning my master’s in child development, I began my career as a Primary teacher and later transitioned into Lower Elementary, where I continue to inspire students through hands-on, multi-sensorial learning.

I completed my training at Shelton Montessori School and hold both AMS Elementary and Upper Elementary certifications. Throughout my career, I have guided children across multiple developmental stages and also served the wider Montessori community as a curriculum developer, principal, and national trainer. My Montessori journey began as a volunteer at the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC), and over the years I have been fortunate to help shape programs and mentor educators along the way.

I am a devoted wife, mother, and daughter who values family, service, and the joy of empowering both children and teachers. And on a fun note, I once went up in a hot air balloon in Turkey to overcome my fear of heights! It was an unforgettable experience that reminded me of the beauty of courage and growth.

Ms. Veronica Lloyd

Primary Teacher

With over 35 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, I am deeply committed to nurturing the whole child. I hold a Degree in Primary Education and am Montessori Certified, and I believe wholeheartedly in the transformative power of respectful, child-centered learning.

To me, every child arrives as a shining gift from the infinite full of possibility, innocence, and with potential. Our role as educators is to treat them with dignity, guide them with love, and ensure that the mark we leave on their lives is meaningful and uplifting.

Outside the classroom, I am a nature lover who finds joy in the simple beauty of the world around us. I enjoy playing games, staying active through water aerobics, and living a life rooted in loving God, my family, people especially children.

Teaching is not just my profession; it is my lifelong calling.

Ms. Maheshwari Manivannan

Primary Teacher

I am AMS certified with seven years of teaching experience and hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Before becoming a full-time educator, I owned and operated a Home Health Care business for 12 years, an experience that strengthened my leadership, compassion, and commitment to serving others.

I believe that students thrive in an environment where they feel comfortable, supported, and valued, one that nurtures their mental, emotional, and social growth. My goal is to create a classroom that balances both structure and freedom, allowing children to explore, discover, and develop independence with confidence. I have 2 wonderful children and very happily married!

I love sports and was proudly the Badminton Champion in both high school and college with a passion that still brings energy and excitement into my daily life and my classroom!

Teaching is my joy, and helping children grow into confident, capable learners is truly rewarding.

Ms. Uma Chinnakotla

Primary Teacher

I have had the joy of being part of the Montessori community for over 10 years, serving as a Lead Teacher, Substitute, and Assistant Teacher. Throughout my journey, I’ve felt truly fortunate to spend each day with young children and witness the spark in their eyes when they master a new skill or discover something exciting. Those moments of pure joy are what inspire my work.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Communications and Information Systems from the University of North Texas in Denton. I am also Montessori certified. I live in Murphy with my husband and our twins—a wonderful daughter and son, who first led me to discover the Montessori Method. After their birth, I found in Montessori the philosophy of teaching and nurturing that I had always been searching for.



I look forward to partnering with our families as we collaborate, learn, and guide our children to grow into confident, compassionate leaders.

Ms. Farzana Saleem

Two’s Teacher

I was born and raised in Pakistan and hold a bachelor’s degree in education along with Montessori certification. I have five years of teaching experience in Pakistan and fifteen years of teaching experience in the United States.

My teaching philosophy aligns deeply with Montessori principles: I believe children learn BEST when they are respected as capable, independent individuals. As a teacher, my responsibility is to prepare an age-appropriate, structured environment that allows children to move freely, make choices, explore with confidence, try new things, and ask for help or guidance whenever they need it.

I am happily married and a proud mother of two grown children who continue to inspire me. And one of my greatest joys inside and outside the classroom is singing!

Teaching is my passion, and creating a respectful, joyful learning space for children is truly the heart of my work.

Ms. Ashkhen Galstyan

Toddler Teacher

I have been teaching in the Toddlers and Transition classrooms for 15 years, and I absolutely love working with young children. Before entering early childhood education, I attended Medical College in Armenia and worked as a Registered Nurse, experience that has strengthened my patience, care, and understanding of child development.

In the classroom, I focus on creating a supportive environment filled with active learning, individual attention, and daily opportunities for children to explore and grow. I believe learning should be fun, exciting, and joyful every single day!

I am happily married and have 2 adult sons. I also love to play the piano, and one of my favorite moments is watching the children dance, laugh, and express themselves through music.

Teaching is my passion and helping children learn with confidence and happiness is the heart of my work.

Ms. Brenda Moody

Infant Teacher

With 16 years of experience teaching Infants and Toddlers, I am dedicated to creating an exceptional, nurturing, play-based environment where young children can thrive. I believe that every child learns best through exploration, meaningful interactions, and hands-on experiences, so I work hard to design a classroom where curiosity is encouraged, and every small discovery is celebrated.

Supporting each child’s growing independence is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Whether they are learning to feed themselves, communicate their needs, or try something new, I am always there to guide, encourage, and cheer them on. My goal is to help children build confidence, feel safe, and develop a strong love for learning from the very start.

I also value creating a warm partnership with families, keeping communication open so we can work together to support each child’s development and well-being.

And here’s a fun fact that always brings a smile, I was the top jump-roper in elementary school! That same energy and joy are things I bring into the classroom every day.

Ms. Yesewlik Negash

Infant Teacher

I have been working with young children in early childhood settings for over five years, supporting their academic growth and social-emotional development. My expertise includes caring for infants as young as 6 weeks to 6 months, where I focus on creating a calm, nurturing, and responsive environment that supports secure attachment, early communication, sensory exploration, and healthy routines.

I believe in providing a respectful, engaging learning space where every child can explore, grow, and learn at their own pace. I also value strong partnerships with families and truly enjoy connecting with parents to ensure each child feels supported both at home and in the classroom. Creating meaningful experiences that help children feel confident, curious, and deeply cared for is at the heart of my work.

I am happily married with a wonderful son who enjoys soccer and excels in the sport!

Ms. Kiran Dimri

STEM Teacher

With 18 years of experience teaching children from infancy through elementary, I am passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences. As a Certified Montessori Teacher, I focus on building a nurturing environment rooted in Montessori principles and the Love and Logic approach.

My PhD in Archaeology adds a hands-on, investigative style to the STEM lessons I design. I love watching children explore, question, and discover just like real scientists and explorers.

As a Certified Yoga Instructor, I incorporate mindfulness and wellness into the school day to help children build balance, self-awareness, and confidence. I also lead gardening and cooking classes, teaching sustainability and farm-to-table concepts through healthy, vegan recipes made with fresh produce from our garden.

On the personal side, I have been happily married for 20 years to my wonderful husband and we are proud parents to our son, who is currently away at college studying finance. I am committed to nurturing responsible, well-rounded, and compassionate learners who grow with curiosity, kindness, and confidence.

Ms. Ayesha Baig

Technology Officer/Assistant Teacher 

I hold a master’s degree in economics along with multiple certifications in IT, web design, and computer science. My career spans education, administration, and technology, giving me a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of how to support both people and systems effectively.

I served as an Assistant Professor for 15 years and have also worked as a web administrator, career counselor, and internship coordinator. Over the years, I have led and supported multiple organizations, including serving as Director & Office Administrator at Isokinetic Process Sampling Inc., Owner of Aani Clothing, and Director of the Syed Foundation.

Beyond my professional life, I am happily married and we have already 2 adult children, a handsome son and a beautiful daughter. I love cooking and have a strong interest in reading about health and wellness topics that continually inspire me.

Ms. Maria Heddrich

SPANISH/ART & Afterschool Teacher

I have 35 years of experience working with children as both a Spanish teacher and a preschool assistant. I truly love creating a positive, supportive learning environment where every child feels encouraged and excited to learn.

One of my greatest joys is watching children create amazing projects and express themselves through hands-on activities. But the best part of all is seeing them leave our school speaking Spanish with confidence it’s a gift that stays with them for life.

Helping children learn, grow, and discover new skills continues to inspire me every single day.

Ms. Hilda Velasquez

Head Chef & Assistant Teacher

I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing school community. With 15 years of experience in childcare, I’ve had the joy of teaching Spanish, Art, and Physical Education, three things that let me blend creativity, movement, and culture into everyday learning.

My coworkers call me “multi-talented,” and I’ll admit, I love staying busy! I cook and prepare meals for school, and I’m the one who goes all-out decorating for every event. And when it’s time to celebrate? I turned into the school DJ! Watching the kids dance, laugh, and have FUN is one of my favorite parts of the job.

I have 2 wonderful sons. I’m also a huge soccer fan, and that energy definitely shows up in my teaching. I believe in teamwork, positivity, and giving every child a chance to shine.

I love what I do, and I’m grateful every day to help create a joyful, welcoming place where children can learn and grow.

Ms. Swetha Gill

Assistant Teacher

I hold a degree in Cosmetology as well as experience as a lab technician, and I’ve been working in childcare for over 5 years. I love supporting my co-teachers and making sure each day runs smoothly. Most of all, I strive to make every child and every person in our school feel special because when they feel valued, my day becomes meaningful.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy cooking and gardening, two hobbies that bring me peace and creativity. I am happily married and blessed with two loving kids who inspires me every day.

Working in childcare has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and I’m grateful to be part of a community where I can make a positive difference.

Ms. Ester Alonzo

Assistant Teacher

I’ve been working in childcare for many years, and I truly love what I do. One of my favorite parts of the day is assisting the teachers in our Infant rooms, supporting the babies, helping the classroom run smoothly, and being part of their earliest moments of learning and growth.

I also assist our Chef and make sure our kitchen stays fully compliant with inspections. Keeping our campus clean, organized, and spotless is something I take great pride in, because a safe and welcoming environment helps everyone thrive.

I believe that education is the best weapon for peace, and that belief guides everything I do. Outside of work, I enjoy photography, I love make-up, and I always look forward to our school dress-up days! And one of the most important parts of my life is reading the Bible, which keeps me grounded and inspired.

I’m grateful to be part of a community where I can support children, teachers, and families every single day.

Ms. Reem Aldandary

Assistant Teacher

I’ve spent the last six years in Early Childhood Education, and I truly love every moment of helping little learners grow. I’m the kind of person who jumps in wherever I’m needed, so you’ll often find me supporting teachers all around the school and spreading positive energy wherever I go.

I’m happily married and a proud mom to a wonderful daughter. When I’m not at school, you’ll probably catch me belly dancing or doing Pilates both keep me joyful, creative, and ready for every new adventure with the children.