Susan semi-retired to care for her family and we are thrilled that she is able to sub with us many afternoons a week! Susan has been a Montessorian for the past 25 years, receiving her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Montessori studies from California State University Hayward. To increase her knowledge on human behaviors, she attended John F. Kennedy University where she received her Masters and Doctorate in Psychology. Susan’s interest in Montessori education began when she enrolled her son in a Montessori school many years ago. The more she studied Maria Montessori’s philosophy, the more she was convinced that this was the job for her. Susan has always believed that children need to be given the opportunity to learn by trial and error, using their senses and imagination in order to gain confidence. Montessori philosophy focuses on “follow the child.” This method allows children to choose their jobs, learn through trial and error, and respect their peers’ jobs through the learning of boundaries. Susan’s focus in the classroom, in addition to academics, is helping each child gain confidence and independence.