TEACHERS & STAFF
The teachers and staff at HCAMS have a deep respect for children and the Montessori philosophy. We are committed to providing the highest quality education to our students and encourage each child to discover their amazing and unique abilities.
Cailyn Freeman
Head of School, Lead Teacher
Cailyn lives with her husband, 2 sons, dog, and bunny in Vernon, CT. She has been teaching since 2000. She has worked in childcare centers, as a para-educator in public elementary schools, and as an ABA therapist in a school for children with ASD. She received her Primary Montessori certification in 2007, and has taught in 3 different Montessori schools, including HCAMS from 2014-2020.
Contact Phone: (860)646-5727
Office hours: Monday-Friday 7:45-3:45
Kate Balletto
Montessori Guide
Kate has a great deal of classroom experience with preschool-aged children. She received her Bachelor's degree from Goodwin College in Child Studies and her Master's Degree in Montessori Education from the University of Hartford. She also has her AMI diploma from the Montessori Training Center Northeast in Primary Education, and is also State certified in Montessori Primary Education. She enjoys working with children because it is so rewarding to watch them learn and grow. She likes listening to music and skiing in the winter.
Amaraya Deza
Montessori Guide (long-term substitute)
Amaraya joined HCAMS this spring as a long-term substitute Montessori Guide. She obtained her Montessori Diploma for Children's House in 2023 from Montessori Training Center Northeast. In May 2024, Amaraya will be graduating from the University of Hartford with a Bachelors in University Studies with a concentration in Montessori and Early Childhood Education. She has worked with children ages birth to 8 in Montessori, Waldorf, Special Education, and public environments. Amaraya enjoys backpacking, traveling and learning about new cultures. I really love reading, kayaking, and cooking for my family. Amaraya also speaks Spanish!
Sharon Wagner
Assistant Teacher
Sharon has over twelve years of experience assisting and substituting in Montessori classrooms. Sharon holds a Bachelors degree in Art Education. She started as the morning Assistant in our classroom in 2011 and we are happy to have her back for this school year. Sharon lives in Manchester with her husband and son.
Paulina Goodale
Assistant Teacher
Paulina joins us this year as our afternoon assistant. With Spanish as her first language, Paulina offers children the exposure to Spanish within the classroom. She lives with her husband and daughter.
Vicki Thomas
Assistant Teacher
We are so excited to have Vicki join us as an aftercare teacher. Her grandchildren attended HCAMS.