Meet Our Staff
Srinivas Kukatla
Chief Executing Officer
Welcome to Greater Montessori School, a place where the precision of engineering meets the nurturing philosophy of Montessori education. As the CEO and founder, my academic journey includes a Master’s Degree in Engineering, bringing a meticulous and analytical approach to the world of early childhood development. This unique combination ensures that our programs at Greater Montessori School not only provide a nurturing environment but are also finely tuned for optimal developmental outcomes. My passion for Montessori education is deeply rooted in its ability to foster independence, creativity, and confidence in young learners. Committed to creating a warm and inclusive space, our team of dedicated Montessori educators strives to exceed expectations, delivering an educational experience that celebrates curiosity and the unique potential within each child.
If you’re seeking an environment where curiosity is celebrated, independence is nurtured, and every child’s individuality is recognized, consider joining us on this enriching Montessori journey at Greater Montessori School. Together, let’s build a foundation for a future filled with curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.
Thank you for considering Greater Montessori School as your partner in your child’s educational journey. Please feel free to drop a line if you have any questions or suggestions at info@greatermontessori.com
Michelle Watson
Executive Director
Michelle Watson lives in Montgomery County, MD with her husband, their four teenagers, and Dallas, the family dog. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Spelman College and a Masters of Business Administration in Marketing from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA. After spending 12 years in corporate America, Michelle completed her Montessori training at the Barrie School’s Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies in Silver Spring, MD.
Michelle says her Montessori training changed her life and made her a better mom. Before joining Greater Montessori School in 2020 as Head of School, Michelle spent eleven years as a Montessori teacher in Frederick and Montgomery Counties. Michelle is a member of the American Montessori Society. Currently, as Executive Director, Michelle oversees the overall integration of all three schools and supports school leaders and teachers.
Keira Rakestraw
Ellicott City Head of School
Keira Rakestraw graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in Elementary Educationand has been working in the early education field for over 25 years. She has an extensive knowledge of the Montessori philosophy and has seen first hand how beneficial a Montessori education can be. Her three grown children all went to a Montessori school through kindergarten and have grown into mature, smart, caring and respectful young adults.
Keira is able to offer a well rounded perspective on early education having worked both in the classroom and as an administrator. Her greatest joy is to see those “aha moments” as she walks the building and engages with the children and staff in the classrooms.
Keira believes that all children have an innate passion and ability to learn. When given the proper environment, continued support, and the time and space to develop at their own pace, every child can succeed.
Keira is an avid reader, loves true crime stories and word puzzles. She spends her down time relaxing with her husband, children, and two chocolate labs.
Sherita Sargusingh
Columbia Head of School
Sherita Sargusingh is an experienced educator who has worked with families and young children for over 20 years. Mrs. Sherita holds a Bachelors of Science in Studio Arts and a Masters of Education in Instructional Technology; she is also a strong advocate for Montessori education, multicultural education, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social justice initiatives for her community, educators, local families, colleagues and students.
Mrs. Sargusingh is a conference speaker, curriculum designer, web designer, consultant, K-12 virtual educator, experienced Infant-Toddler Montessori teacher, educator mentor, adult educator and administrative project based learning consultant and school leadership entrepreneur.
Timmesha Shockley
Frederick Head of School
Timmesha Shockley is a vibrant, inspiring and devoted Montessori Teacher. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Women’s Studies and completed her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Leadership from Liberty University. Throughout her career, Timmesha has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of families and children, ranging from ages three to six years old and in private settings from birth to teens.
Over the last seven years, Timmesha has worked in the Montessori classroom as a lead teacher, earning her Montessori certificate in 2017. Providing children with a well-rounded educational experience that focuses on teaching the whole child and supporting families with learning the Montessori philosophy and exploring ways they can transfer some of the classroom principles within their homes.
In 2020, she created a YouTube channel [Teach Aspire Shift] to educate parents, educators, and family members on different topics such as; the importance of routines, how to create boundaries, love languages, and how to raise a grounded child. Timmesha specializes in classroom management, establishing boundaries within the classroom/home setting, and most importantly striving to make learning fun for both the children and families that she is able to work with.
Sherita Sargusingh
Columbia Head of School
Sherita Sargusingh is an experienced educator who has worked with families and young children for over 20 years. Mrs. Sherita holds a Bachelors of Science in Studio Arts and a Masters of Education in Instructional Technology; she is also a strong advocate for Montessori education, multicultural education, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social justice initiatives for her community, educators, local families, colleagues and students. Mrs. Sargusingh is a conference speaker, curriculum designer, web designer, consultant, K-12 virtual educator, experienced Infant-Toddler Montessori teacher, educator mentor, adult educator and administrative project based learning consultant and school leadership entrepreneur.
Keira Rakestraw
Executive Director
Hello families! My name Is Keira, and I’m the Executive Director at the Executive Park Drive Campus. Ready for a quick story?
When I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland, I quickly discovered that the public school sector was not for me. So instead, I went to work as an assistant in a Montessori Preschool classroom and instantly fell in love with their philosophy.
I continued working at the Montessori school for 20 years, progressing to Assistant Director, then finally, the Director’s position, which I enjoyed for the last 6 years of my time there. After taking a few years off to be with my family, I returned to work in a traditional Preschool setting; however, my heart belonged to the Montessori classroom.
I love seeing what an exceptional Montessori Education can provide to young children and have witnessed it firsthand with my own kids. The Montessori approach fosters a lifelong love of learning and sets the foundation for developing warm, compassionate, well-rounded human beings.
My favorite part of my job is seeing those “aha moments” when I step into a classroom. There is truly something special about watching a child’s eyes light up when they realize, “I did it!”
My training and certifications include:
- 45-hour Infant/Toddler certification
- 90-hour Preschool certification
- 45-hour School-Age certification
- Medication Administration
- First Aid and CPR
- Emergency Preparedness
- And an extensive list of Continuing Education courses
Jill Scott
Executive Director
Hello! I’m the Executive Director at the Hickory Ridge Campus, and my superpower is being an animated and driven leader.
I have a Preschool certificate from Montgomery College and an Associate of Arts Degree from CCBC. I worked with The Drama Learning Center for 4 years as the Theater Arts Director, teaching and directing plays for children 3-11 years old. I’m also a former Preschool Teacher.
I first learned the importance of leadership, friendship, and teamwork when I was a member of the Girl Scouts between 1993-2007. I’ve always had a passion for working with children. Now, I’m inspiring a new generation of young minds to explore their artistic abilities and strengthen their self-confidence through creative learning strategies.
When I’m not helping to create little independent learners at GMS, I enjoy being outdoors, watching movies, and spending time with my family and 2 nephews.