Meet Our Team

Our nurturing and experienced staff is passionate about young children and highly trained. Our head teachers are certified through the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the State of Pennsylvania. Head teachers have one assistant, many of whom also have Montessori training, a Bachelor’s degree, and childcare experience. Our teachers enjoy what they do and are devoted to creating a respectful and caring learning environment for all Bala House preschool and kindergarten students.

The average tenure of our classroom teachers: 16 years
Teachers who have 20 years or more of teaching experience: 41%
10 years or more of teaching experience: 59%
5 years or more of teaching experience: 94%

(Back Row) Malaika, Carolina, Roya, Jamie, Tynesia, Annie, Linda, Carolyn
(Middle Row) Emily, Lisa, Lauren, Sam, Jessie, Toni
(Front Row) Mary Beth, Soraya, Sandy, Jennifer

Lead Teachers

Mary Beth Makatche, Educational Director and Teacher: (mmakatche@balahouse.org) Mary Beth is an AMS certified Montessori teacher with 22 years of teaching experience. She obtained a B.S. in Early Childhood Education / Creative Arts from East Stroudsburg University and an M.Ed. plus Montessori certification from Chestnut Hill College. Mary Beth joined Bala House in 2014 after working as a Head Start Montessori teacher in the Philadelphia School District. She also has many years of experience in singing and visual arts. Mary Beth is the mother of three Bala House graduates.

Jennifer Heness, Teacher: (jheness@balahouse.org) Jennifer has a BFA from Temple University, an M.Ed. from Chestnut Hill College, along with Montessori Early Childhood Certification from the American Montessori Society, and a Private Academic License. She has previously taught at Wilmington Montessori School, Holy Child Academy, and The Walden School for a combined 13 years. She is the mother of three boys who are all Montessori alums, as is she. Her background in the arts and love of nature find their way into the classroom often. Jen started at Bala House in 2022.

Soraya Force, Teacher: (sforce@balahouse.org) Soraya is a Bala House graduate and Montessori-certified teacher who has a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Chestnut Hill College. She also has her Montessori Credential and Private Academic License. Soraya joined the Bala House teaching staff in 2018 and serves as both a classroom lead teacher and Camp Director.

Sandy Gayda, Teacher: (sgayda@balahouse.org) Sandy is an AMS-certified teacher with over 30 years of Montessori teaching experience. She received her B.A. in Education from Georgian Court University. She is a previous Director of Education and is also a mother of 2 older boys, who are Montessori graduates.

Sam Foulke, Extended Care Director: Sam joined the Bala House team in 2020 and brings over a decade of experience working with primary-age children. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from West Chester University and is in the final stages of earning her Montessori credential through Chestnut Hill College. Sam’s background in nutrition and love of cooking often find their way into the classroom, where she enjoys sharing hands-on food experiences with the children.

Assistant Teachers

Carolyn Blackwell Carolyn joined Bala House in 2007, bringing with her nine years of experience working with children. She is inspired by the trust, sincerity, curiosity and excitement within each child. Carolyn is passionate about creating calm, inspiring spaces that encourage independence, and nurture a love of learning.

Jessie Carrington has her Master of Education, Montessori Credential and Private Academic License. She worked as an Assistant and Lead teacher at Bala House from 2016-2020. She returns to Bala House this year as Assistant Teacher and mom of two current students.

Malaika (Gayle) Davis began working at Bala House in 2014. She holds a B.S. in Child Development and Child Care from the University of Pittsburgh. Malaika appreciates the self-directed, peaceful Montessori Education program.

Lauren Gaines joined Bala House in 2025 and is a dedicated and experienced Behavioral and Instructional Assistant with over 18 years of expertise in supporting students, educators, and families within diverse educational settings. Lauren received a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Hampton University and is a registered behavior technician.

Lisa Hickman is the mother of a former Bala House student and has been working at Bala House for 25 years. She has completed her Child Development Credential (CDA) and is currently working on her degree in early childhood education.

Toni Nelson joined Bala House in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Health and 44 years of experience working in Montessori and traditional day care settings. She has unique experience working with individuals with special needs.

Annie Olah joined Bala House in 2023 and holds a B.A. in French Studies from Smith College and AMS Credential from St. Mary’s College of California. She is the parent of 3 former Bala House students.

Linda Palmer joined Bala House in January of 2021 after 20 years of teaching at Horsham Montessori School.

Roya Shahriari has a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She joined Bala House in 2025 and has over eight years of teaching experience, including roles as a Universal Pre-K and Head Start preschool teacher.

Specialist Teachers

Isabel Alff, Art Instructor: Isabel brings a strong background in art education, holding a Master of Education in Art Education from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Kutztown University. She also brings several years of teaching experience, working with students ranging from toddlers to middle schoolers.

Dana Calafati, Tumble Tots owner and Movement Instructor: Dana attended the Exercise & Sports Science program at Ursinus College. She has 17 years of gymnastics experience and 15 years of direct gymnastics teaching experience with both nursery and school-age children. Dana joined Bala House in 1999.

Lisa Dissinger, Ph.D., Consulting Psychologist: Lisa is a licensed psychologist in private practice with a specialty in early childhood development and parenting coaching. Her consulting practice includes psychological assessments of children, consultation to parents, and parent education. Lisa is the mother of one Bala House graduate.

Liz Filios, Music Instructor: Liz is a Philadelphia-based musician, theatre artist and educator. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, Liz has taught Acting, Voice, Movement and Composition at Play On Philly, Abington Friends School, Waldron Mercy Academy, Arden Theatre, Wilma Theatre, Pennsylvania Theatre Institute, The University of The Arts, Arcadia University and The Pig Iron School for Advanced Performance Training. She wrote, composed and hosted a live national children’s television program for PBS Kids, called The Sunny Side Up Show on Sprout. Liz is also a Company Member and Director of Artist Training at People’s Light, and a certified member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

Administration

Jamie Hoffman, School Director: (jhoffman@balahouse.org) Jamie Hoffman serves as the School Director and brings over 20 years of experience in education, working with children from toddler age through 6th grade. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Temple University and a Private Academic License. Jamie’s love for Montessori education began nine years ago when she first encountered it as both a Montessori parent and administrator. Since then, she has been wholeheartedly devoted to the Montessori philosophy, supporting children’s growth through curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. She is equally passionate about teacher professional development, firmly believing that investing in educators leads to the best outcomes for children. Jamie is committed to cultivating a strong, collaborative team that nurtures each child’s unique potential. Outside of school, Jamie is a proud mother of two and enjoys painting as a creative outlet.

Tynesia McDowell, Assistant Director: (tmcdowell@balahouse.org) Tynesia holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University and a Masters in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum from Drexel University. Tynesia joined the Bala House community as an intern in 2009. This year, she looks forward to her roles as a Bala House parent and Assistant Director.

Carolina Perez, Administrative Assistant: (admin@balahouse.org) Carolina graduated from Universidad Iberoamericana with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Communications. She brings with her over 10 years of experience as a language teacher, academic coordinator, and operations manager.

Emily Surovick, Admissions and Annual Campaign Director: (esurovick@balahouse.org or admissions@balahouse.org) Emily holds B.S. in French from Georgetown University and has served as Admissions Director in a variety of schools. As a parent of two Bala House graduates, Emily brings her love of Montessori and the unique Bala House community to her position. Emily served as the Development Chair for the Bala House Board for three years prior to joining the Bala House staff in 2015.