Staff
Administrative
Catherine Tango-Dykes
School Director | Owner
Miss Cathy grew up in Ridgefield. She started the Ridgefield Montessori School in 1999 when she was looking for a pre-school for her son. She has since had two children graduate from the Ridgefield Montessori School. Several years ago, Miss Cathy started the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation in memory of her daughter. This foundation provides support and financial help to families of children with special needs. Miss Cathy, along with her husband enjoy cooking, travel, reading and spending time with family and friends. She has three grown children. Her son, a member of the first graduating class from RMS, is graduate of Auburn University and is a Mechanical Engineer who lives and works in the Atlanta, GA area. Her youngest daughter, a graduate of RMS is a graduate of F.I.T. in New York and lives in Brooklyn, NY. Her oldest daughter attended the University of Rhode Island and is a trained Infant/Toddler Montessori teacher. She is an Assistant Box Office Treasurer on Broadway and lives in New York.
Kathleen Dean
Assistant Director
Miss Kathleen grew up in Danbury and graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a degree in Elementary Education. Prior to joining RMS, Miss Kathleen worked at Facility Solutions Group as an office manager. Miss Kathleen currently lives in Danbury with her husband. She has two grown children. Her son is a graduate of Philadelphia University with his MBA, and currently works for their family-owned business. Her daughter graduated from Adelphi University with her MFA in Writing. Miss Kathleen enjoys traveling, yoga, and cooking.
Teachers
Ann Romeo
Toddler Head Teacher
Miss Ann has been at a teacher at the Ridgefield Montessori School since 2001. She is a fully accredited Montessori teacher in the Infant & Toddler program receiving her accreditation from CMTE/NY. She also holds a degree from Lehman College. Prior to joining RMS, Miss Ann taught art at the elementary school level in New York for four years. Miss Ann lives in Ridgefield with her husband. She has a son who is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and is a chef in Boston. Her oldest son has his MBA in Accounting/Business Practices from the University of Connecticut and is a licensed CPA in Connecticut. He lives in Ridgefield with his wife and daughters. Miss Ann’s pride and joy are her granddaughters, Louna and Adeline.
Georgia Soares
Primary Head Teacher | CMTE Trainer
Miss Georgia has been a teacher at the Ridgefield Montessori School since 2006. Miss Georgia is a fully accredited Montessori teacher in Early Childhood. She received her accreditation from CMTE/NY and holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of New Rochelle. In addition, Miss Georgia holds a degree in journalism from Pontificia Universidade Catolica in Brazil. She lives in Ridgefield with her husband and her daughter who is a graduate of Ridgefield High School and is pursuing an interest in music and art. Miss Georgia enjoys gardening, sewing and travel.
Ranjeeta Ghosh
Primary Head Teacher
Miss Ranjeeta has been teaching at RMS since 2014. She previously taught at a Montessori School in Texas for 3 years before moving to Connecticut. She completed her Montessori training and certification from the Prepared Montessori Institute and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Accounting. Originally from India, she currently lives in Brookfield with her husband and children. Miss Ranjeeta enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her family.
Mahi Mahallati
Infant and Toddler Head Teacher
Miss Mahi has been teaching for more than 15 years. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Psychology from SUNY Purchase and began her teaching career in 2001 in New York City and more recently in Connecticut. Miss Mahi is completing her Montessori training in Infant Toddler with the Prepared Montessorian Institute. Although she has enjoyed working with various age groups, Miss Mahi has found her passion working with toddlers and infants. Miss Mahi lives in Ridgefield with her husband, a teacher in the New Canaan school district. She enjoys hiking, cooking and shopping.
Assistant Teachers
Christine Pavone
Kristin Boylan
Aimee Radel
Aatika Shankar
Parineeta Vohra
Specialty Teachers
Asa-AmenRa Kariamu
African Drumming
Mr. K shares his unique African Drum Program. His West African culture, traditions and folklore are introduced through music, song, and dance. Mr. K provides a monthly program for all students in which they learn rhythm and beat by playing the beautiful drums that he creates. This is a very special program offered to our students at RMS.
Sarah Marinelli
Music Teacher
Jane Goetz
Mindfulness and Yoga