Co-Heads of School
Long-time teachers Fiona McDonnell-Rouse and Kelly Pitoscia-Legiec, are the owners of Long Hill Montessori School. Together they believe in the three core values of Long Hill Montessori; confidence, independence and peace. With those values in mind, Long Hill Montessori students learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and to be empowered - skills that prepare children for success in today's world.
Kelly Pitoscia-Legiec
Mrs. Legiec holds degrees in Early Childhood Education and English from Kean University, as well as Montessori Certification from the American Montessori Society and a Montessori Administrators Certification from West Side Montessori School. She has served as Vice President of the New Jersey Montessori Association Corporation. Her teaching career began at Diamond Hill Montessori School in Berkeley Heights, NJ. Additionally, she is a mother of two children.
In her time away from school, Mrs. Legiec enjoys playing mah jongg, reading novels, and watching zombie movies in her she-shed.
Fiona McDonnell-Rouse
Mrs. Rouse was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland where she received her training at the London Montessori Center in Dublin. She specializes in education for children ages 3-9. Upon moving to America, Fiona worked at The Albrook School in Liberty Corner, NJ for 13 years. She is a mother of 3 children.
Teachers
Shipra Bhatia
Mrs.Shipra was born and raised in India, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree with a focus on early childhood education. She has more than 15 years of experience working with young learners. Her passion for teaching and dedication to nurturing children’s growth and curiosity bring great joy to her work. She enjoys interacting with students and creating engaging, supportive learning environments that foster exploration and confidence.
She lives in Long Hill/Millington Township with her husband and two daughters.
Megan Chester
Mrs. Chester grew up in Basking Ridge, and still resides there today with her husband and two children. She received a BS in Early Childhood Education from West Virginia University. Megan went on and received her Toddler Montessori training from Princeton Montessori. She worked at The Albrook School in Basking Ridge as a toddler teacher for over 10 years.
Erika Zecca
Mrs. Zecca was born and raised in Hungary. She has a great connection with young children. They gravitate toward her because of her loving nature. She completed her Montessori training in 2018. Before joining Long Hill Montessori. She spent two years in London, England, caring for two wonderful children, and most recently at The Children's Montessori Academy in Springfield, NJ. She lives in Berkeley Heights with her husband with their three children.
Anupama Bhatia
Mrs. Bhatia was born and raised in Virginia. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Virginia Tech, and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University. She is a graduate of West Side Montessori School’s Teacher Education Program and is certified to guide ages 3-6.
During her time away from the classroom, Mrs. Bhatia writes short stories, reads novels, and watches Bollywood movies in her cozy living room.
Christine Raymond
Mrs. Raymond has been a resident of in Long Hill for over 14 years. She originally received her Montessori Certification in 1999 from the St. Nicholas Training Center at Christopher Academy. Prior to her career at Long Hill Montessori School, Christine has worked at Lil' Reading Scientists as a reading instructor for 11 years and at Rainbow Montessori for 5 years prior to her time at Long Hill Montessori School.
Anuya Stephen
Anuya was born and raised in India, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Tourism. After completing her studies, she began her career in corporate HR, working with multinational companies. Later, she pursued her entrepreneurial ambitions as a business partner in a travel company specializing in corporate and leisure travel.
In 2013, Anuya moved to the United States with her family when her husband began graduate school. She became an active volunteer in her children’s schools, dedicating her time to helping students with reading, teaching art, and organizing sports and cultural events. Her passion for working with children is what brings her to LHMS.
Anuya lives in Long Hill Township with her husband, their two sons, and their dog.
Janet Waiman
Mrs. Waiman has spent the last 21+ years of her professional career working with children. Besides teaching the Montessori method, she is also trained in the Kumon learning program, where she formerly worked as a reading and math instructor. Janet completed the Early Childhood Education program at the Montessori Center for Teacher Development in Morristown and is certified by the American Montessori Society. This is her 11th year with Long Hill Montessori School.
When Mrs. Waiman is home for the Summer you can always find her at the beach.
Karen Ayres
Mrs. Ayres is originally from Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science from Lebanon Valley College. After a long career in the insurance industry, a job restructuring allowed Karen to change paths and pursue her love of working with children. She began by accepting a position as a 'mother's helper' for a local family. That, in turn, led her to Long Hill Montessori School, where she is currently a member of the extended day staff. Karen recently completed her assistant teacher training at the Montessori Center for Teacher Development. In her free time, Karen enjoys hiking, singing, and volunteering. She and her husband live in Berkeley Heights.
Lee Ann Gerrato
Mrs. Gerrato is our yoga teacher. She has a bachelor's degree from Penn State University. She is married with 3 daughters. When her daughters were all heading off to college, she decided to get her yoga teacher certification. She completed the 200-hour yoga teacher training at Lifetime in Berkeley Heights in 2018. She now combines her love of children and yoga to guide students through a weekly practice.
Pat Elmi
Ms. Pat grew up in Passaic Township, now known as Long Hill Township, and is proud to be giving back to the community she calls home. After over two decades working in corporate America as a Manager of Workers’ Compensation, and later as Executive Assistant to the Chief Medical Officer of a major critical care company, Pat shifted her focus to service and connection. Since 2020, she has volunteered at a local hospital, where she finds great joy in welcoming patients and families. “When I see smiles on faces, I know I’ve done my job,” she says. Her warmth and dedication have earned her multiple awards for her kindness and compassion. Outside of school, she loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, shopping, enjoying the beach, and walking the streets of New York City.
“This is an incredible school with fantastic teachers who are caring, nurturing and have extensive training in the Montessori method. Our children have thrived here and we could not be more pleased.”