Faculty
Our hardworking and dedicated teachers work collaboratively as a team to ensure an open-minded, respectful, and joyful learning environment in the classroom. This small community enables us to develop a close relationship with each child and their families.
Chizuru Fukuda
Chizuru has been dedicated to Montessori education since her two daughters were enrolled in a Montessori school nearly three decades ago. She earned an American Montessori Early Childhood certification through the Center for Montessori Teachers’ Education/N.Y. in 1992. After beginning her career at the Village School in Waldwick, N.J for six years, she founded Little Crane Montessori School in 1998, where she serves as the director and primary teacher. She is passionate about primary school education and brings positive energy, appreciation and experience to the classroom. During her free time, she enjoys nature walks and swimming.
Mary Brennan
Mary is a Montessori certified teacher with 25 years of expertise in education. With her entrepreneurial spirit, she successfully owned and led a productive Montessori school for 18 years, creating an environment that fostered independent and holistic learning. Now, as a consultant and staff trainer at our school, she brings her wealth of experience to enhance our programs and empower educators. Mary's dedication to the Montessori philosophy and her passion for nurturing young minds make her a valuable asset, leaving a profound impact on students and teachers alike.
Kay Arakelian
Kay is a Montessori certified teacher and has been teaching Montessori for the past 16 years. After 13years at Parkside Montessori School in Montclair, she has now joined our staff. She also holds a B.S. in computer information systems. Her favorite aspect about teaching is the benefit of helping children to become independent learners. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and taking long walks with her husband.
Hillarie Daly
Hillarie is currently completing her AMS certification at Westside Montessori Teacher Education program in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master level course work form SUNY New Paltz. She had been teaching enrichment and chess for 13 years at The Montessori House school in Tenafly, NJ and Madison Montessori school in Madison, NJ. She became interested in Montessori when her three daughters attended a Montessori school. She enjoys discovering the nature and cultures of other countries through travel and is excited to share her experiences with the children. In her free time she loves spending time with her family, hiking, biking, and cross country skiing.
Emily Tomori
Emily is currently completing AMS certification at Westside Montessori Teacher Education program in New York. She has seven years experience working as an assistant teacher at preschool. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Doshisha University. She is a firm believer in fostering a child-centered environment in which your child can utilize their curiosity to explore different topics and materials. She love animals, especially dogs, reading, playing tennis, and traveling around the world with her two children.
Gale Walker
Gale brings 13 years of experience working with preschool children. Prior to her background in early childhood education, she worked in the Midland Park Public School System for 8 years assisting the High School Librarian. Gale has enjoyed a busy family life raising her three sons. During her free time, she finds joy in nature, animals, reading, yoga, biking, hiking and kayaking. She is excited to prepare books for our children’s favorite story time.
Keiko Purcell
Keiko has over 10 years of experience working in the Hospitality industry in Tokyo and NYC. She was deeply inspired by Montessori when she was searching her son’s preschool and started learning about its philosophy. She obtained a certificate of Enhancing Language Development in Childhood from Bergen Community College. During her free time, she enjoys reading non-fiction books, biking with her dog, and cooking. She is excited to grow with your children by enhancing the Growth Mindset coined by Dr. Dweck.
Ivel Quintana
Ivel has been working at Little Crane Montessori School as Public Relation Representative and Spanish teacher for more than 6 years. She is a native Spanish speaker teaching Spanish for over 10 years. She is a Bio-Chemical Engineer with experience in the pharmaceutical field, certify as Trainer and ELearning developer from the Langevine Institute in Toronto, Canada. Currently, She is pursuing a Master in Business Administration.