Jackie Davidson - Co-Founder, Head of School & Lead Toddler Guide

Our Head of School and Lead Guide in the half-day toddler classroom 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 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.

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Courtney Schwalen - Lead Toddler Guide @ Saint Mark's

Courtney Schwalen has a master's degree in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and is a certified Montessori guide for children 0-3. She has worked with young children since 2002, as an Assistant Teacher, a Pre-K Teacher, and as the Center Director for several child care and early learning centers. She has worked with District Montessori since 2017. 

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Ernestine McCoy - Lead Primary Guide

Ernestine McCoy has more than ten years 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 credential for early childhood. Ernestine also has a master's degree in early childhood education from Trinity University in Washington D.C. 

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Anji Keating - Nonprofit Director

Our Nonprofit Director is Anji Keating. A resident of Washington D.C. 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 for Montessori schools since 2013. She is AMS-certified to lead a Montessori early childhood classroom, and completed her training at the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies. 

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