Toddler
Teaching Staff

Talia Salom

Director

Talia has more than 17 years of experience working in Pre-School and Kindergarten education, both as a teacher and a School Manager. She is an expert in innovative and humanistic methodologies and projects, like Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and others. She has been using her knowledge to develop and enrich current education and deliver up-to-date quality education, focused on:

  • Permanent pedagogical update
  • To develop high self-esteem.
  • Applying new strategies of personalized teaching, while respecting the individual characteristics of each child.
  • To build concentration for lifelong study skills.
  • Creating safe and stimulating environments for the learning experiences of children.
  • Permanent interaction, information, and coordination with parents along with the educational community.

Cathleen Fraser

Montessori Toddler Lead Teacher

Hello, my name is Cathleen Fraser, or Ms. Cathy in the classroom. I am very excited to be holding the role of Lead Teacher for the Star Room Toddler Program at Montessori Centre. I am currently enrolled in a Montessori Training Program through the North American Montessori Center and am enthusiastic about learning more and providing the best classroom experience I can for our kids. I recently moved to Rhode Island from Western Massachusetts. I have my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Westfield State University and working with children has always been what I love to do. I’ve done so in several settings, including running an outdoor education program for school age children, teaching one-on-one toddler/child swim lessons, and working as a Care Coordinator for children with severe mental health concerns. In the classroom you can usually find me helping the children learn routines, become independent with tasks, and teaching them to manage emotions and social situations that may arise. I believe that a child’s social/emotional growth is so important at this age and do my best to create opportunities for them to grow in these areas as well. My true love is for outdoor recreation and anything I can do in or on the water. Some of my favorite activities include hiking, painting, skiing, kayaking, and playing with the best pup in the world (my rescue pit bull, Rambo). I fell in love with the Montessori philosophy on teaching and align with the idea that children are often capable of so much more than we may think. I love showing up each day and not only imparting knowledge but learning from your little ones as well!

Liza Clemente

Montessori Toddler Lead Teacher

I am Liza Clemente, Lead Teacher in Toddler Classroom - Moon Room; I have worked in the educational field for over twenty years. I have several years of Montessori teaching in MCB. I graduated from Rhode Island College with a BA in Elementary Education and a psychology minor. My favorite colors are blue and green. I like to walk, bike ride, and go on boat rides during my free time. Baking treats for family and friends is one of my favorite hobbies.

Kristina Muller

Toddler Assistant Teacher

Miss Kristina is our Assistant in the Toddler class, Star Room. She is a very reliable professional and is always willing to help. Miss Kristina has four years in the field of Early Childhood Education, and her relationship with her students defines her as a future teacher flourishing. Her skills with the Montessori Method allow her to offer children significant experiences. She let her students discover their learning by interacting with the materials, creating strategies, and finding a new world through play. Miss Kristina, we are glad to have you on our staff.

Shannon Hadfield

Toddler Assistant Teacher

Miss Shannon is our Toddler Assistant at the Star Room; she has been working with toddlers for three years at the Barrington Montessori Center. Children are her passion because she loves watching them and helping them create their way of learning. For her, each student is unique and essential.Miss Shannon works with two excellent staff members at Star Room. Together, they make a great team, organizing wonderful activities inside and outside the classroom, creating an environment full of fun challenges for her children.

Emma Voytas

Toddler Teacher

I have a Double Bachelor's Degree in Arts. I have been engaged in the field of Education since 2019, which was my first experience as a Teacher's Assistant in Florence, Italy. Then, I returned to the US and decided to pursue a career in Early Education. I am passionate about creating an environment for children that supports and fosters a love of learning from an early age. I appreciate every unique personality I meet in our community of young children. The toddler years pass quickly, and it is a privilege to have this opportunity to support each child through incredible growth.

I grew up in RI in a family that values cultural diversity. For a few years, as a family, we traveled to other countries, and in my childhood, I studied in South Africa, enriching myself with experiences. Thoughts and traditions that I like to share with my students. I enjoy traveling, seeing new places, exploring, and spending memorable time with family and friends.

This 2022-23 is my first year at MCB; it is a place where we come together to dedicate our time, thoughts, and love to children through the Montessori philosophy. Soon I will start the training to become a Certified Teacher and accompany our children in memorable moments.