Cottage Montessori
Your neighborhood Montessori preschool
Enrolling Now for 2025-2026 in North Chelmsford MA
(and ask about our Drop-in Playgroups this summer!)
Meet Our Teachers
Karen Wagner
Lead Teacher/Director and Founder
"My passion is working with young children and their families. It is so gratifying to me to watch the Montessori philosophy in action in the classroom. We provide a beautiful prepared environment, remove obstacles, foster independence, and then have the privilege of facilitating and then observing each individual child as they learn new concepts and skills, and develop confidence in their abilities. It's a beautiful thing."
Karen's credentials include:
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M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education (Lesley College)
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Infant/Toddler (0-3) and Early Childhood (3-6) Montessori Certifications (American Montessori Society)
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Director II Qualification (Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care)
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Over 35 years teaching experience at local schools, including Lexington Montessori School, Montessori Educare School in Newton, and Natick Montessori School, including 20 years as teacher/director of her own home-based program.
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Teacher-educator for the Montessori Institute of New England, Beverly, MA, which is affiliated with the American Montessori Society
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Mom of grown adult Katie who lives in San Diego, CA
"As a mother of a 5-year-old, I find great joy in working with children and witnessing their curiosity and excitement as they discover new things daily. I look forward to contributing to the positive, nurturing environment at Cottage Montessori, supporting each child’s growth and confidence, and collaborating closely with the team and families."
Ekta's Background and Skills
Ekta began her career as a dental and medical professional. She has come to Cottage by way of spending several years as a Stay At Home Mom and thoroughly enjoying that experience. Having recently completed a college course in Child Growth and Development, Ekta looks forward to gaining even more experience working with young children at Cottage.
Ekta's experience and skills include:
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Stay at Home Mom — a job that has cultivated exceptional adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to prioritize effectively under pressure. She looks forward to working collaboratively and utilizing these strengths in a classroom environment.
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Babysitting for children of friends and neighbors.
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Bachelor degree in dental surgery
Ekta Jha
Morning Assistant
Zoe Pelletier
Afternoon Assistant
"My passion for working with children started when I began working with the Suburban-ettes Baton Studio. I find joy in watching children play and learn
through exploration. I am excited to be apart of a team of dedicated teachers committed to the growth and development of young minds. I am
thrilled to create an uplifting and engaging educational environment where children find their passions, explore new opportunities, and build their
confidence."
Zoe's Background and Skills
Currently in her senior year at Chelmsford High School, Zoe has taken a class exploring early childhood education and is eager to learn more about young children and the Montessori philosophy.
Zoe's experience and skills include:
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Coach and Assistant, Suburbanites Baton Studio, Chelmsford — creates routines for students ages 2-10, served as aid for student with special needs, assists students during competitions, sets a positive and encouraging example for students, behavior
management -
Babysitting in Chelmsford and surrounding areas — Encourages positive behaviors, supports collaborative play, enforces expectations, guides children in routines, assists
with homework and reading skills, time management. -
3 years of American Sign Language