Ms. Graziano has been in the education field for over 20 years, having started as a preschool teacher.  She taught at a top private preschool in Lowe's Island for 4 years and then moved onto another preschool to start their part time program. She grew the program from one class with 15 kids to 3 distinct classes with 15 each. She worked at MCS for 7 years as Director of Admissions and Assistant Head of School and then for 3 years at Loudoun County Public schools. She returned to the MCS family as the Director of Operations and Head of School in August 2017. Karen lives in Lovettsville with her fiance Greg. She has 2 sons, 1 granddaughter, 3 step daughters and 3 step grandchildren. In her free time she likes to relax with a good book and be by the water.

Katie was born and raised in Loudoun County, where she still lives today. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Education from James Madison University and recently completed a Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology at George Washington University. During her graduate studies, she worked at a tutoring center, first as an Assistant Center Director and later as the Interim Center Director.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, watching hockey (go Caps!), crocheting, hiking, and doting on her two cats, Ellie and Obie!

Ms. Suzanne received her AMI Primary training from the Washington Montessori Institute in MD. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Nazareth College, a Master of Education in Montessori Education from Loyola University Maryland, and an Assistants to Infancy Diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego.

Ms. Suzanne is passionate about the importance of joy and wonder and how a positive early childhood educational experience can instill a life-long love of learning.  She especially appreciates how Montessori serves the whole child. She's been a Montessori educator for fifteen years, twelve of which were in the primary classroom and three in the toddler environment. She had her Montessori beginnings at MCS in 2006 firstly as a floater and then as an assistant for three years before launching into training. Suzanne loves being in nature, dancing, playing games, reading, listening to music, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Ms. Akkawi was born in Lebanon and lived there till she was 19. She then moved to Greece because of war in her country. In Greece, she studied Sociology at the American University of Greece. She was inspired to explore the Montessori system of teaching after seeing how much her niece loved her Montessori school in Athens. She worked with little children as a tutor, an ESOL teacher, volunteer in private and public schools in KG - 6th grade and always knew she wanted to be a teacher.
 

She moved to Virginia in 1992 after she got married. She earned both  her Primary(3 to 6 ) and Elementary Montessori (6-12)  diplomas from the Washington Montessori Institute and a Masters in Education from Loyola College in Baltimore. Since then she has taught upper elementary, lower elementary and primary classes.
Ms. Akkawi loves teaching young children and her goal is to reach every child and bring out the best in them. She wants to see every child reach his/her potential as a whole child, academically, socially and emotionally. As a parent, she believes the best decision was to send her own two daughters to a Montessori school. She can see the benefits of their early education till now. Her goal is to help other children achieve the most in their three year cycle of education in our Montessori classroom. Her hobbies are traveling , cooking, listening to music, reading, hiking and  swimming.

Mrs. Kashif grew up in Karachi, Pakistan and received her Master’s degree in Political Science from the University Of Karachi in 2001. In 2004, she attended the Association Montessori Internationale Institute where she received her AMI Diploma. She has 12 years of experience in education all together which includes 2 years of teaching abroad, 10 years of teaching young preschoolers at Montessori Country School. Mrs. Kashif is currently the lead Montessori teacher in the primary class at Montessori Country School. Her teaching Philosophy is to follow the child, providing a prepared environment while encouraging independence, freedom within limits, and a sense of order. She currently resides in  Herndon with her husband.  In her spare time, she likes to spend time with close friends and family.

Ms. Normi grew up in the Philippines where she received her Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering. She worked for a large multi national company that provided her the opportunity to travel to different countries and form a deep understanding of many cultures. A key part of her job was to develop standards and training employees and suppliers. While living in Japan for 7 years, Ms. Normi was able to combine her teaching experience and love for kids by becoming a Sunday School teacher. Ms. Normi believes in the Montessori's philosophy that the goal of early education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn. If we can nurture this as teachers, then we are setting our children up for success. Ms. Normi and her husband are blessed with one child. She enjoys reading parenting books, connecting with friends, traveling, and most of all being with her family.

Ms. Anahi Perez Zabaleta has dedicated her life to the education and care of children. With a solid background in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Universidad Mayor de San Simón

in her native country, Bolivia, Anahi began her career as a nutritionist fused with her passion for children led her to work in pediatric and maternity hospitals, social projects, and schools.

​

In addition to her work, Anahi enjoys spending time with her family, learning every day, and cherishing moments in nature. She grew up in a home where education was an innate passion, and the love for language was essential.

Brittany has always delighted in being around young children and their contagious curiosity and enthusiasm! Brittany has a Master's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut. While an undergrad, Brittany worked in the preschool at the UCONN Child Development Labs, where she was able to support young preschoolers on their early education journey, and facilitate the research and implementation of high quality education that nurtures the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of children. Since that time, Brittany has become a licensed therapist for children and adults. Brittany fell in love with the Montessori philosophy as soon as she learned about it and enjoys implementing it in her own home to foster her son's confidence and independence. Seeing the pride on his face when he learns of his own abilities is the ultimate reward. She is so excited to spend time encouraging and nurturing our little friends here at MCS!

Mrs. Chhaya Sankhe grew up in Maharashtra, India. She worked as a civil engineer and interior designer for 15 years and also earned a master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Pune, India. Mrs. Sankhe is a proud mother of three children and is proud to be back at MCS working as an assistant teacher in the toddler room.

She is passionate about supporting children as they learn, grow, and develop their unique skills and abilities. Mrs. Sankhe loves singing, and she enjoys music, cooking, gardening, and creating a positive and encouraging learning environment for her students. Mrs. Sankhe is grateful for the opportunity to help children build confidence, discover their strengths, and reach their educational goals.

She was born and raised in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, where she completed her BS (Hons) in Mass
Communication & Media from the University of Gujrat. She grew up with two siblings, and in 2025, she
moved to the United States, where she now lives with her husband in Fairfax County. For the past four
months, she has been working in early childhood education, and genuinely loves it. She feels completely
comfortable and at ease around young children - connecting with them, understanding their little
worlds, and being part of their growth and curiosity brings her so much joy and fulfillment.

Outside of work, she has a creative and organized side. She has completed a course in event management, and
has a real passion for decoration and bringing ideas to life. She has also learned basic German (A1
level), since she loves picking up new skills. In her free time, she enjoys baking, spending quality time with
family, and organizing, whether it’s her home, an event, or just everyday life.

Cheryl Edwards has 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren.  She enjoys cooking, fishing and gardening along with working with children to help them grow.  She has been in the childcare field for 10 plus years and truly enjoys working with children.