Karen Gatten

director of OPERATIONS

Karen has more than thirty years of experience in the early childhood education field. She is a mentor and field consultant for the American Montessori Society and is a Certified Montessori Teacher through the National Center for Montessori Education (NCME). Karen is skilled in NAEYC (NAEYC) Accreditation and is actively involved in the efforts of the Houston Area Association for the Education of Young Children (HAAEYC).

Aaron Carrara

Business Development Manager

Aaron has eleven years of experience in the early childhood education field and holds leadership positions in numerous professional and industry-related organizations. He serves as Immediate Past-President of the Houston Area Association for the Education of Young Children (HAAEYC), President and Board Chair of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC) and is a certified Touchpoints Trainer through Brazelton Touchpoints Center. Aaron is an Eagle Scout and graduate of the University of Texas.

Connie Floyd

director of administration

A native Houstonian, Connie has spent her entire professional life in the field of early childhood education. A graduate of Texas Southern University with a degree in Psychology, Connie has taught children as young as 12 months and as old as eight years in a variety of settings. She has spent the last few years focusing on the education of teachers in the field. Connie is the former director and a long time mentor with the School Literacy and Culture Project in the Center for Education at Rice University.

*Alyssa Countryman

Curriculum Specialist

Alyssa Countryman’s background includes over twelve years in the field of Early Childhood Education.  She obtained a Master’s degree in Infant and Toddler Development and Special Education, from Wheelock College in Boston.  Alyssa has varied experience working with children of preschool and elementary school ages as well, and taught abroad for several months in South Korea.  Her Master’s degree program included extensive training in communication with parents and in consultation with caregivers.  As an Early Childhood Training Specialist, she has also created and led staff development seminars and parent workshops.

*Alyssa is currently taking a temporary leave of absence from her duties at Metropolitan Montessori Schools.

Swaroop Dabhi

ASSISTANT director of OPERATIONS

From her varied experiences over twelve years as a teacher, manager, and assistant director at a family run Montessori school, Swaroop has a breadth of knowledge in the field of early childhood education.  After earning her degree in Microbiology from the University of Texas, she became a certified Montessori teacher through the National Center for Montessori Education (NCME).  Swaroop has extensive experience in teaching children ranging in age from 3 to 8 years old.

Angele Seymour

Communications Techhology Manager

Angele has worked as an activities coordinator and tutor for children with disabilities throughout her life. After graduating from Texas State University with a Marketing degree, she expanded her knowledge with computers and variety of electronic devices through her continued work experience.  Angele is an active member of several communities programs in the Southeast Texas region including Beaumont Community Players (BCP) and KidMunity.

Heather Anderson

Assistant director of operations

Heather has had numerous years of experience with children ranging from infants to teenagers throughout her life. A talented mother of four, Heather has volunteered for several area schools and has established herself as a professional business woman. She is the president of her church organization over a large group of women and is very involved in the community. Her strengths include a strong accounting background and a commitment to the optimal development of children and the impact it makes on families.