Bonnie O’Connell, BS, is the Behavioral Ecology Team Lead at IMS. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Suffolk University, Bonnie brings extensive experience as a behavior interventionist and paraeducator. She is skilled in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), specializing in supporting students with diverse needs through compassionate, evidence-based strategies.

Jessica Andino Cepeda is a bilingual professional from San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management, an Associate Degree in Nursing, and an Associate Degree in Secretarial Sciences. She brings extensive experience in supervision, customer service, administration, and healthcare, having worked as a General Supervisor, Customer Service Representative, Regional Manager Assistant, and Nurse. Jessica is known for her proactive attitude, leadership skills, and ability to work effectively under pressure, combining empathy and efficiency to deliver high-quality results in every role she takes on.

Viviana Rodriguez lives in Springfield, VT (originally Manchester, NH). She discovered her calling early, helping her grandmother’s at-home daycare after school. In high school, she completed a two-year Careers in Education program—working at the onsite preschool and volunteering at Jewett Street Elementary School—and graduated with the program’s top scholarship and award. She earned an A.S. in Early Childhood Education and is pursuing a B.A. in Child & Adolescent Psychology. Teaching since age 16, Viviana has worked with infants through school-age children; most notably, she spent six years at the Dartmouth College Childcare Center (Hanover, NH), leading her own 3–5 classroom. For the past two years she’s been a reading, writing, and math tutor, primarily for Kindergarten and 1st grade, and plans to integrate ASL throughout the year as she is fluent.

She is completing her Montessori Certification (having long practiced Montessori methods). As Director at IMS, Viviana is committed to strong partnerships with children, families, and staff, and to nurturing respect, responsibility, and independence—creating a learning environment where students are excited to learn and feel safe being their truest selves within the IMS community.

Jennifer Bush holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Southern New Hampshire University and has passed the Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators and Praxis® Subject Assessments. She has extensive experience supporting children’s growth across early childhood and elementary settings, with a focus on individualized learning, inclusion, and developmental support. Jennifer is known for her collaborative approach, strong communication skills, and dedication to creating nurturing, engaging environments for young learners. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Education, continuing her commitment to professional growth and excellence in teaching.

Ruth is the Site Director of the HSS Afterschool Program and a Specialist Guide in the Toddler Program at IMS. With over 16 years of experience leading preschool classrooms of 18–20 students, she is dedicated to using positive reinforcement to foster children’s growth and development. Ruth also has experience in Special
Education and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Sciences and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She completed clinical practices in hospitals and community care centers in San Juan and Caguas and is currently enrolled in the IMS- sponsored Montessori Diploma Program through NAMC.

Originally from Colombia, Alex now calls Bergen County home. Though she has always had a passion for teaching children, she embarked on her journey as an educator later in her career. Over the past 2.5 years at IMS, she has earned her Montessori certification for Primary-aged students (3-6) and has grown into her current role as Program Director for the PreK program.
Alex finds great joy in guiding students through their learning process, fostering their independence, and nurturing their curiosity. She is also passionate about expanding her knowledge and is interested in furthering her education with a focus on inclusive education and supporting diverse learning needs.
Outside of the classroom, Alex is an animal lover who enjoys spending time with dogs and even provides care for them in her free time. She is excited to continue growing within the IMS community and making a lasting impact on her students' educational journeys!

Emma Carroll (Certificates in ABA Therapy and Behavioral Intervention, Pursuing Dual Degree in Early Childhood Education & Behavioral Science). Emma has been at IMS since February 2022 and has worked with both toddlers and preschoolers. She holds certificates in ABA Therapy and Behavioral Intervention, and is continuing her schooling toward a dual degree in Early Childhood Education and Behavioral Science. Emma’s daughter, Annabel, attends the Pine Campus. Outside of
work, she and her partner Sean enjoy taking Annabel and their four dogs hiking on their 40-acre farm in Chelsea, Vermont.

Cayleigh O'Connell, BA in French & Political Science (Director) is from Corinth, Vermont, and graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2021. She began her career at IMS working with toddlers, then taught English in Argenteuil, France, before returning to join the Elementary program. Now serving as Director, Cayleigh brings her commitment to child-centered education, bilingual learning, and community engagement to IMS.

Melissa Lajara Silva, MA, PhD Candidate (Maple Assistant Guide) holds a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling and is pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology. From Ponce, Puerto Rico, she has worked as a Spanish Teacher Assistant at Chicago Montessori and has experience as a Mental Health Clinician providing therapy to children and families. Melissa brings her bilingual skills and expertise in child development to support infants and preschoolers.

Adrian has been a valued member of Immersion Montessori School for over a year, serving in various roles across the program with dedication and enthusiasm. With nearly a decade of experience caring for children from infancy through adolescence, she brings a nurturing presence and a genuine passion for helping each child grow with confidence and curiosity.

Adrian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an Associate’s degree in Sociology from William Paterson University. She is currently pursuing her Montessori diploma through IMS sponsorship, deepening her commitment to the Montessori philosophy and early childhood education. Her warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail make her a trusted and beloved part of the IMS community.

Originally from Colombia, Natalia has spent much of her life in the U.S. She has always had a deep passion for teaching young children and has been an integral part of the IMS community for the past 1.5 years. During her time here, she earned her Montessori certification for toddlers, further strengthening her expertise in early childhood education.
As the Lead Guide and Program Director for the Toddler Community, Natalia is dedicated to creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children can develop independence, confidence, and a love for learning. She takes great pride in guiding her students through these formative years with warmth and patience.

Outside of work, Natalia cherishes time with her two daughters, enjoying family moments and creating special memories together. She is excited to continue supporting the growth and development of the young learners at IMS!

An AMI-certified Casa de Niños Guide dedicated to whole-child development. Mar began her Montessori path in Querétaro, Mexico with the AMI Assistant Certificate and later earned her AMI Casa de Niños Diploma at the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies (Phoenix, USA). As a mother of two children who have attended Montessori schools and spouse of an Elementary/Adolescent guide, Mar brings a rich family perspective to designing environments that foster independence, creativity, and joyful exploration.