The Children’s House Montessori School (CHMS), in Camden, welcomes four new educators this fall. 

Ingrid Mangiardi joins Children’s House as Aftercare Coordinator and Classroom Assistant. Originally from Peru, Mangiardi studied advertising in Lima and has spent the past five years working in early childhood education programs in Maine. She moved to the Midcoast with her family this spring and especially enjoys sharing art and hands-on activities with children.

Julia Still is the new Lead Teacher in the Jade Door Kindergarten & Elementary Classroom. She earned her Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary Montessori Credentials this year, and recently relocated to Maine from Austin, Texas. Still is especially excited to connect children to the natural world through the CHMS Forest Friday program at Merryspring Nature Center.

Emma McDuffie joins Children’s House as Co-Lead Teacher in the Red Door Toddler Classroom. A Cumberland, Maine, native, McDuffie recently moved to the Midcoast. She earned her Infant/Toddler Montessori Credential from Harborlight Montessori in 2024 and spent the past three years as a lead Montessori toddler teacher in Falmouth. McDuffie enjoys supporting children as they grow, explore, and follow their curiosity.

Kayla Dzakic is the new Assistant Teacher in the Yellow Door Toddler Classroom. Originally from Boise, Idaho, Dzakic brings more than 15 years of experience in childcare to Children’s House. Her favorite part of teaching is building trust and strong bonds that support children’s growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome these four educators to Children’s House,” said Rachel Nixon, Head of School, in a news release. “Ingrid, Julia, Emma and Kayla each bring a unique combination of experience, creativity, and warmth to our community. They are already contributing great energy and talents to our Montessori school community.”

Founded in 1979, Children's House Montessori inspires a lifelong love of learning in children ages 18 months to 9 years old in Midcoast Maine. The school’s mission is to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in young learners, while nurturing a sense of care for each other, the environment, and the world. Children’s House provides school-year programs, including before- and after-school care, as well as popular summer camps. Guided by Dr. Maria Montessori's pioneering philosophy, teachers offer carefully designed, multi-age classrooms and nature-based opportunities where children master skills at their own pace and grow toward independence in a cooperative environment. Students receive the love, support, and guidance they need to thrive. 

Children's House honors the values of respect, inclusion, lifelong learning, community, and sustainability. The school provides financial aid, and partners with the Child Care Affordability Program, to ensure that Montessori programs are available to all families who wish to enroll their children.

For more information, visit www.camdenmontessori.org.