TLC Academy Staff 2009-2010

Primary

Ms. Oindrila (Room 102)- Hello, my name is Oindrila Paul. I am very excited to work at TLC in Room 102 as a co-teacher.  I have a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and I took my Montessori training from the National College of Montessori Education.  I have always believed in the Montessori methods.  I am glad to be a part of the journey where children quench their thirst for knowledge and development in a peaceful and purposeful way.  Currently I am living in Sammamish with my husband and 7 year old son.

Ms. Suma (Room 102) – Hello, I am a co-teacher in room 102.  I have a bachelor’s degree in science from Bangalore university India, and I have my AMS Montessori certification through the Montessori College for Early Education in Bellevue. 

This is my second year at TLC; I live in Sammamish with my husband and two precious children who are 8 and 4 years old.  I love working with children and I am very fortunate to be a part of their most significant learning period.  I enjoy seeing children learn and grow to be the future’s very caring citizens.  My job is to give them a safe and nurturing environment so they can learn to their full potential.

Ms. Sudha (Room 103) - I am the head teacher in Room 103. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Economics. I also have an early childhood teaching certification through NCME. This is my fourth year at TLC and I really enjoy working here.  I live in Sammamish with my husband and my two sons. We love outdoor activities.  Skiing and hiking in the mountains of the Northwest is my family’s passion. I love working with children and educate them in their best years of life. I follow Maria Montessori’s motto of “follow the child”. I hope to bring a sense of enjoyment and wonder in your children during the time they spend at TLC Academy. The years the children spend at TLC Academy is the most precious in their life and I hope to make it a memorable one.

Ms. Tiffany (Room 201)- I am the head teacher in room 201. I have been with TLC Academy for twelve years. I have a degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice from Marist College in New York; I am also Montessori certified. I have worked with children for many years and have always loved what I do.

I moved to Washington from the east coast about thirteen years ago. I have lived most of my life overseas. I am fluent in German and am looking to incorporate this into my curriculum.

By respecting children and letting them know they are important, we open the door to teach and show them about the world around us. They must feel successful, respected, safe and important.  We deal with this first and then the academics – children are driven by nature to learn – we just facilitate it.

Mr. Kim (Room 201) - Hello, my name is Byoungwan Kim.  I am a teacher in room 201.  This is my fifth year at TLC.  I spent my first year as the Miei Amici (after school care program) Supervisor, while completing my Montessori training with the NAMC.  I have M.B.A. degree in marketing and management and a B.A. in marketing from Eastern Washington University.  I am married to Mrs. Kim, who is the Assistant Director.

I believe every child is different and unique.  My job is to discover the uniqueness of each child and connect their curiosity to knowledge in a comfortable environment.

Ms. Riddhi (Room 202)- Hello! I am Riddhi Dave.  I will be co-teaching in room 202 this year.  I have completed graduate studies in Textile Design and I am Montessori certified through the Montessori College for Early Education in Bellevue. 

My son attended a Montessori school which gave me a chance to experience the Montessori philosophy and develop a deep regard for it.  While volunteering to give monthly art lesson in my son's kindergarten class I realized how much I enjoy working with children. 

I believe in the Montessori philosophy and the whole development of a child through his interaction with a living and growing environment.  I look forward to being a contributing part of this environment and supporting every child in developing his intellect, independence and confidence through enriching experiences.

Ms. Rohini (Room 202) - Hi, my name is Rohini Tamhane.  I am a co-teacher in room 202.  This is my third year head teaching at TLC Academy.  I am currently living in Sammamish with my husband and our 4 1/2 year old daughter, Sanya.  I have a  Bachelor's degree in Arts and Economics from Bombay University, India.  I completed my Montessori certification as a Montessori teacher from the American Montessori Society through the MEIPN program at Woodinville Montessori.

I believe teaching to be the most rewarding experience.  It is wonderful to watch children grow, learn, accomplish and emerge as independent individuals through Montessori education in a prepared environment.  I feel privileged that I can share this growing experience with them.

Kindergarten

Ms. Lia (Room 205) - Hello, my name is Ms. Lia.  I am the Kindergarten teacher at TLC Academy.  I graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Psychology.  During the past eight years I have had the privilege of working with children.  I received my training at both the primary and early elementary levels.

Since I have worked with both younger and older age groups, I know what educational foundations are important for a child's future.  I believe that learning should be an enjoyable and fun experience.  It is my goal to provide the necessary tools to help a child build interests in learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Ms. Ann (Room 205)- Hello!  My name is Ms. Ann and I am the reading specialist for the Kindergarten program at TLC Academy. I graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Psychology and a Washington State K-12 teaching certificate. Prior to TLC, I taught in a variety of private and public school settings.  This is my seventh year at TLC and I couldn’t be happier! It is a privilege to work with this group of committed teachers and supportive staff members.  Ms, Lia, Miss Allison and I have a wonderful Kindergarten classroom, filled with beautiful Montessori materials. We have a low student/teacher ratio, which enables each one of us to work with students on an individual basis. This allows us to continually access and adapt lessons to the particular needs of each student.  During my time with the students, I use curriculum and programs in line with our local public schools. Combining Montessori with the best of traditional instruction gives our students a variety of experiences and helps them transition smoothly when they move on to elementary school.

My husband and I have lived in Sammamish for 26 years and love being a part of this community.  We have four children ranging in age from 16 to 25. I am in the classroom three mornings a week, which allows me to do all the things I love to do- spend time with my family and friends, teach and READ! 

Spanish

Ms. Luz - Hi, I am Luz Concha and I am originally from Colombia. I am married and have two boys, 17 and 14 years old.  I have a Law degree and an AA in education.

We moved to the USA 16 years ago, initially to Florida and eight years ago to Washington.  In Florida I was the head teacher for an immersion program in Spanish for children 2-6 years old.  Since arriving in Washington I have taught in several local pre-schools and elementary schools, either on a full time basis, as a part time teacher or in their after school programs, with children ranging from 2 to 12 years old.  I also do tutoring for junior high and high school students.

I am always looking for ways to make the classes more effective so that the children can learn as fast as possible, but at the same time make sure they have fun.
Music  

Mr. Brandon - Hello, I am Brandon McIntosh, the TLC music teacher. I did my undergraduate degree in Music at Central Washington University and my Masters in Music at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  Aside from completing my degrees in Western music, I have been studying North Indian Classical Music for over eight years now, two of which were spent living in Kolkata, India.  I am passionate about music and enjoy teaching more than anything. I am proud to be a part of TLC and be able to share my knowledge and enthusiasm about music with the children.

For more information on our music program, click here Music

Contact us for more information, or call (425) 868-1943.