Staff
Our educators guide each child with patience, respect, and authentic Montessori principles, creating a peaceful environment where independence, confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning can grow.
Our educators
Meet the people who help create a peaceful, thoughtfully prepared environment for children ages 2–6.
Founder & Owner
Ms. Gina founded The Giving Tree Montessori School after her family experienced the need for additional Montessori opportunities for young children in the Greensboro community. Inspired by her grandchildren, Athena and Theo, she helped transform a historic stable into a welcoming school where children can build independence, confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Director
With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Hanan is passionate about nurturing each child’s natural curiosity, independence, and love of learning. She holds degrees in Early Childhood Education and Child Development, is an AMS-Certified Montessori Lead Guide, and holds North Carolina Early Childhood and Administrator Credentials.
Born in Venezuela and of Spanish-Lebanese heritage, Ms. Hanan grew up living in several countries, giving her a rich multicultural perspective and a deep appreciation for diversity. Her experience spans traditional, Reggio Emilia, and Montessori environments, and she has also served as a Montessori Mentor.
As Director, Ms. Hanan leads with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to authentic Montessori principles while building meaningful partnerships with children, families, and educators.
Office Administrator
Georgia Marshall joins The Giving Tree Montessori School with over forty years of experience in education, specializing in early childhood education. Her career has included classroom teaching, school leadership, and district administrative assignments, with a consistent emphasis on child-centered learning and service to children and families.
Montessori Early Childhood Teacher
Mrs. Magnusson is an experienced educator with nine years of teaching in Montessori and public-school settings. Her Montessori Early Childhood Credential prepares teachers to work with children approximately 2½ to 6 years of age. With her background in early childhood education and family studies, she fosters a nurturing, child-centered learning environment aligned with the Montessori method.
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Siri grew up and attended school in Virginia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and Creative Writing. Her educational background enriches her classroom through creative lesson planning, meaningful projects, and opportunities for children to express themselves through art and imagination.
For the past seven years, Ms. Siri has worked with children in a variety of educational settings. Drawn to the Montessori philosophy, she appreciates its emphasis on independence, self-confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. She is passionate about creating a peaceful, encouraging environment where children feel respected, capable, and inspired to grow.
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Dana is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Before joining The Giving Tree Montessori School, she served as a volunteer tutor for high school students and worked as a Child Day Care Assistant Teacher in California, where she was raised.
Her Montessori journey began when a college professor introduced her to the philosophy. Classroom observations at The Giving Tree inspired her through the calm, purposeful environment and the children’s confidence, independence, concentration, and joy. She is committed to continuing her growth as a Montessori educator while cultivating a classroom where every child feels respected, capable, and valued.
Assistant Teacher
Ms. A’aishah was raised in a Montessori environment, where she developed a deep appreciation for child-led learning and the importance of nurturing independence, curiosity, and self-confidence. Inspired by watching her mother dedicate her career to Montessori education and teacher training, she discovered her own calling to support children during their earliest years.
Although her educational background is in Science and Biotechnology, her passion for children and the Montessori philosophy led her to begin a new journey in Montessori education. She previously served as an Assistant Guide in a Montessori Toddler classroom and is passionate about creating a warm, peaceful environment where every child feels valued, capable, and inspired to explore.
Discover Montessori Learning
The Montessori method is rooted in years of patient observation and study of children by Dr. Maria Montessori, a scientist uniquely qualified for this task. With her background as a medical doctor, a student of psychology, and a professor of anthropology, she approached early childhood education in a distinctive way. By allowing the children to guide her, she developed materials and methods that emphasized child-centered learning. This approach is not a 'franchise' or 'patented' operation; rather, it remains in the public domain. Responsible organizations, such as the American Montessori Society, play a crucial role in promoting the proper development of Montessori Schools and supporting preschool teachers in this country.
Within a single generation, the Montessori method has been successfully applied to children across many nations, demonstrating its effectiveness in child-centered learning. Climate, nationality, social rank, or type of civilization make no difference to its successful application in early childhood education. Countries such as India, France, Holland, England, Burma, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Canada, Italy, and the United States have established numerous well-developed Montessori schools, supported by dedicated preschool teachers.
The Montessori method is rooted in the child's imperious need for child-centered learning through engaging activities, which develop his faculties at each stage of mental growth. These critical stages are known as 'sensitive periods,' during which he more readily absorbs knowledge. This approach not only offers the child maximum spontaneity but also enables him to achieve an even higher level of scholastic attainment than in traditional early childhood education settings. Preschool teachers who implement this method at Montessori Schools recognize its unique ability to foster independent learning.
Child-centered learning enables preschool teachers to address each child individually in various subjects, guiding them according to their unique requirements. In a Montessori School, each child works at their own pace; thus, the quick learner is not held back by the slower one, nor does the latter struggle to keep up and flounder hopelessly out of their depth. This approach to early childhood education ensures that each stone in the mental edifice is 'well and truly laid' before the next is added, supporting the principles of the Montessori method.
Below is a partial list of Montessori publications available from Amazon.com or from a bookstore that are essential for anyone interested in child-centered learning and early childhood education.
Meet them in person
Come during a working morning. You’ll see how our guides observe, when they step in, and when they deliberately stay out of a child’s way.
