Our Teachers

"The secret of good teaching is to regard the child's intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination." - Maria Montessori

"It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it." - Maria Montessori

The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist." - Maria Montessori

Carmen Nieves

Carmen is the head teacher in the North Classroom and in the extended day program. She is certified by the American Montessori Society and has spent the last eight years teaching 3-6 year olds the Montessori philosophy. This is her second year as head teacher at A Children's Habitat. Carmen grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from North Central High School. After high school, she spent a year traveling with Up With People before moving to Florida, where she studied elementary education at the University of North Florida. While an undergraduate, Carmen began working at a local Montessori preschol; immediately following her graduation, she spent the summer attending the Orlando Montessori Teacher Education Institute to achieve certification from the American Montessori Society. She then spent three years teaching at a public Montessori school in Jacksonville before moving to Indianapolis with her husband Melvyn and her two Jack Russels. Carmen summarizes her teaching philosophy in this way,"Dr. Maria Montessori was an amazing intellectual. I am just fascinated by the Montessori philosophy. Children are capable of becoming the unique individuals that they are and are respected in their environment. With a balance of liberty and self-discipline, the child is able to listen to her inner self and make work choices to further her development. When the child is working for her own enjoyment she is able to gain a love of learning."

Angela Polk

Angela is the head teacher in the South Classroom and in the kindergarten enrichment program. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from the Herron School of Art and Design. She received her Montessori training at the Columbus Montessori Teacher Education Program in Ohio. Angela is certified by the American Montessori Society and this is her fourth year as a Montessori-certified teacher. Angela lives with her husband Ryan and her two children, Patrick and Mitchell, who are both A Children's Habitat graduates. Angela came to understand and appreciate the Montessori approach to early childhood education while her sons attended Habitat. During those years she was actively involved with the school as a volunteer and substitute teacher. Then and now she has enjoyed watching preschool children develop a love of learning.

Amanda Bennington

Amanda is the assistant in the South Classroom. She first witnessed the Montessori philosophy in action as the parent of a Habitat student. She spent a lot of time in the classroom volunteering and developed a great appreciation for the Montessori philosophy. In addition to Montessori assistant paraprofessional training, Amanda has a wide variety of educational experience. She's worked with Carmel Community players leading preschool theater camps, and with Kids Corner Preschool. Her son Preston is in his third year at Habitat.

Nicole Bozell

Nicole is the assistant in the North Classroom. Nicole graduated from Purdue University where she majored in Spanish. She spent her final year of school studying in Madrid, Spain. Nicole met her husband Michael while attending Purdue and they were married a year after Nicole returned from Spain. Their daughter Lucy will be in her first year at Habitat. Nicole received her Montessori assistant paraprofessional training in Chicago the week of August 4, 2008.

Where do children attend school after Habitat?

A Children's Habitat Montessori Pre-School & Kindergarten
801 W. 73rd Street
Attn: A Children's Habitat
Indianapolis , IN 46260-4150
Phone: 317-726-5584
E-Mail: info@childrens-habitat.org
Map
Indy's Best Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten