Staff

Staff Overview

Bryant Woods Montessori Children’s House is proud of our team of experienced, Montessori-credentialed teachers and staff who ensure an authentic application of the Montessori philosophy at our school.

Kierra Downs, Head of School

Kierra brings a dynamic blend of educational experience, creativity, and leadership to her role. With a deep passion for Montessori education and a strong commitment to supporting the whole child, she plays an essential role in fostering a nurturing, organized, and inclusive school environment.

She began her career in education teaching STEM to students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, where she inspired curiosity and critical thinking through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. She later transitioned into the Montessori classroom as a Children’s House Lead Guild, creating child-centered environments that supported each student’s natural development. Her dedication to students, families, and staff led to her promotion as Assistant Director at her previous school, where she helped oversee daily operations and community engagement.

Shoma Chughani, Assistant Administrator

Shoma has a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from UMBC and received her AMS Elementary Certification from the Institute of Advanced Montessori Studies in Silver Spring, MD. She has over 10 years of Montessori classroom experience in both Primary and Elementary.

Outside of school, Shoma enjoys traveling, shopping, cooking, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Lastly, she has a supportive and wonderful husband, and a fun-loving daughter.

Jeannie Marshall, Lead teacher

Jeannie’s passion for Montessori education has inspired her to observe, guide, and nurture every child’s natural love of learning while fostering independence in a thoughtfully prepared environment.
She received her Primary Montessori Certification in London, England, at St. Nicholas Montessori Training Institute, where she had the privilege of being taught by a first-generation Montessori instructor, Mrs. Hydeau. Mrs. Hydeau was Maria Montessori’s closest companion when she traveled to India during World War II and helped establish many Montessori schools.
After completing her Primary training abroad, Jeannie continued studying at Xavier University. She graduated cum laude and received a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and a Montessori Elementary Certificate from the American Montessori Society.
Jeannie has worked her entire teaching career in the Washington–Baltimore region. Outside the classroom, Jeannie enjoys playing soccer, painting with acrylics, and sailing.

Tsion Welch, Assistant Teacher

Tsion is a trained primary Montessori teacher completing her final certification at the Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Teacher Training in Silver Spring, MD. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology and brings over five years of experience in assistant, lead, substitute, and home-based Montessori teaching roles.
Deeply passionate about Montessori principles, she blends a scientific background with a hands-on commitment to early childhood education.
Tsion’s heart is full of love and compassion, especially for children. She loves spending time in nature, engaging in outdoor activities, learning new things, and listening to her favorite podcasts.
Above all, she treasures family and friends get-togethers, particularly when they revolve around good food and a warm cup of coffee.

Nicole Wilson-Hord, Aftercare and Music Teacher

Nicole has been teaching preschool or working with children in some capacity for over 25 years. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University. She currently also works in the mornings teaching music and movement and Little Builders at private local preschools. Nicole was also a Pantry Logistics Coordinator at Love Wins in Severn, MD, and still occasionally volunteers.

Nicole has 2 children of her own and enjoys being with kids, especially in small groups where she can get to know them and their families well. She especially enjoys supervising aftercare as it is an opportunity to watch the kids have fun and engage in conversations important to the children!

Viviana Lindo, Spanish Teacher

Mrs. Viviana, originally from the central highlands of Peru, is a bilingual educator with a background in child development, education, sociology, and globalization studies. She has taught in diverse settings from daycares to community programs and served as Director of Community Education at ECO City Farms, where she created programs connecting language, health, and environmental learning. Passionate about inclusive education and community building, she enjoys traveling, cooking, crafting, nature, and growing food.