Our Staff

Maria Darby

Owner & Director

I was introduced to Montessori around 10 years old, when my cousin travelled from Trinidad to England to take the training. She stayed with us for the year, and I recall how much she loved it! Many years later, when I decided I wanted to become a teacher, I remembered my cousin's experience and wanted to take the training myself. I attended the Foundation for Montessori Education in Toronto and received my Primary Diploma (ages 3 to 6+) from AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) in May 1991. At the Foundation, one of the trainers was Renilde Montessori (Maria’s Granddaughter), who told personal stories of her Grandmother and instilled a love of the true application of her Philosophy.

I moved to Rochester, New York, to teach at the Montessori School of Rochester in September 1991, under Virginia McHugh, co-director of AMI-USA.

To deepen my knowledge of Montessori, I received my AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma (ages 0 to 3) from The Montessori Institute in Denver, Colorado in 1995.

In 2007, I opened San Lorenzo Montessori, together with a partner. We desired to create a Montessori School that focused on meeting the needs of the individual child while listening to, respecting, and supporting parents and staff in order to build a strong Community. In July 2012, I officially became sole owner of SLM.

When not at SLM, I can be seen with a crochet hook in my hand, or cross-stitching. I also enjoy wine tasting and good food!

Laura Distefano

Lead Teacher

I’m delighted to be part of the SLM community as an AMI-trained Lead Guide. I received my AMI Primary Diploma in 2021 at the Montessori Training Center Northeast in Connecticut, as well as holding a Bachelor’s degree in Art History. My path to Montessori began with a love of learning and creativity, and that passion guides my work with children as they discover independence, focus, and joy in discovery.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading and learning about new topics, like birds. I love to travel and see works of art I’ve studied about, explore new cities, and try new food. At home, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my cats.

Laureline Colaïtis

Assistant

I came from France two years ago.

I was a speech therapist for 10 years. I used to work with children who have learning disabilities and communication disorders.

I like to learn about new cultures and I'm really curious in general. I always have so many questions!

I feel happy when I am in the classroom assisting the children and the teacher daily.

I also love to read, write novels, taking care of my own children, and travelling.

Ohsoon Song

Aftercare Assistant

I moved to Rochester three years ago. I have a degree in Education and have been working in elementary and preschool for 10 years.

I truly love working with children and it's what I've wanted to do since I was young. The time I spend with them is always enjoyable, and I feel so much joy and happiness when I see young children grow and change a little through education.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, doing puzzles, and quilting. For exercise, I play pickleball and practice yoga.

Cindi Rittenhouse

Yoga Instructor

I joined San Lorenzo Montessori as a yoga instructor in September 2015. I have been teaching children’s, adult, and family yoga for many years and holds several children’s yoga teacher certifications. I enjoy helping children improve strength, coordination, spatial awareness, and calming skills through yoga and with movement games and activities learned as a former Waldorf-style grades teacher. My classes at San Lorenzo are designed to help children develop self-confidence and body awareness, all while having fun doing yoga poses, moving to songs, reciting beanbag toss verses, playing yoga games, and practicing relaxation.