Faculty and Staff

Jackie Davidson

Co-Founder
Head of School
Lead Guide - Iris Community

Our Head of School and Lead Guide in the Iris Community is Jackie Davidson, or "Miss Jackie," as she is affectionately known by her young students. Jackie has more than a decade of Montessori classroom experience, and she holds Montessori certifications for both the Infant & Toddler (age 0 - 3) and the Primary (age 2.5 - 6) age groups. She has a BA in Early Childhood Education from Western Governors University. When she is not at District Montessori, she enjoys camping and spending time with her family.

Anji Keating

Co-Founder
Nonprofit Director
Lead Guide - Hibiscus Community

Our Nonprofit Director and Lead Guide in the Hibiscus Community is Anji Keating. A resident of Washington DC. since 2003, Anji strives to serve and enhance her neighborhood and community, has worked with a number of community nonprofits and small businesses, and has worked with Montessori schools since 2013. She is AMS-certified for the Infant & Toddler (age 0 - 3) and the Primary (age 2.5 - 6) age groups and completed her Montessori training at the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies. She loves leading a Montessori early childhood classroom and connecting with and supporting families. Outside of school, she loves cooking and gardening!

Emilia Cishagala

Co-Lead Guide - Clover Community

Liz Hannan

Co-Lead Guide - Clover Community

Years ago, Liz was searching for a summer job when she discovered a position as an assistant at a Montessori school. After being hired to work in the toddler classroom, she quickly realized that this opportunity was more than just a passing job. Liz fell in love with this age group and the Montessori philosophy. Witnessing the excitement in the children's eyes as they learn, their determination to never give up, and the joy of discovering new activities was captivating. From that summer on, she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to teaching young children. For the past 14 years, she has proudly served as a Montessori Guide (age 0 -3), motivated by her love for nurturing young minds eager to learn.

In her free time, Liz loves exploring new parks, hiking, and biking with her husband and their adventurous 14-month-old daughter, who started attending District Montessori in the fall of 2026.

Jemma Lortie

Lead Guide - Wildflower Community

Jemma has spent more than 15 years in Montessori toddler classrooms and a few wonderful years in traditional daycare too. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Montessori certification for the Infant & Toddler (age 0 - 3) age group through NAMC and AIM.

Jemma fell in love with Montessori when her mom began working at a Montessori school. Watching the joy and independence in those little ones inspired her to start teaching—and it’s been her passion ever since! On the weekends, you'll usually find Jemma exploring thrift stores for vintage finds, many of which find a home in her classroom to create a unique, cozy learning space.

Jemma believes toddlers are capable, curious, and full of potential. She is here to nurture their growth, guide their discoveries, and support families— who are a child's first and most important teacher.

Payal Shah

Lead Guide - Lotus Community

Ms. Payal is excited to become a member of the Lotus Community in the fall of 2026 and is entering her 18th year of teaching! She finds great joy in creating peaceful, engaging environments where children feel confident, independent, and excited to learn. She particularly loves designing lessons that nurture curiosity and support the whole child intellectually, emotionally, socially, and creatively.

After nearly 20 years, Ms. Payal and her husband are returning to the Washington, D.C. area, a place that has long held a special place in their hearts. Her daughter is getting her Master’s in International Affairs at American University. Outside of District Montessori, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Ms. Payal earned a BCom in Accounting from Gujarat University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications from St. Xavier's College in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. She holds an AMS Early Childhood (age 2.5 – 6) Montessori Credential.

Ernestine McCoy

Substitute Lead Guide

Ernestine McCoy has multiple decades of experience as a lead Montessori guide in a classroom with children ages 2 years to 5 years old. Ernestine graduated from Hunter College (CUNY), with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. After marrying a native Washingtonian, she moved to Washington and pursued her Montessori education at the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies, where she received her AMS Montessori credential for early childhood (age 2.5 - 6). Ernestine also has a master's degree in early childhood education from Trinity University in Washington D.C. We are lucky that she comes back and visits our classroom from time to time as a substitute teacher!