Teachers

Stacia Smith, Head of School

Stacia Smith earned her AMS Montessori primary teacher certification through the Northeast Montessori Institute (NMI). She received her B.S. in Sports Management and Sociology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and earned her M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State University. In addition to holding Massachusetts Certification in Special Education for Moderate Disabilities for ages pre-K through grade 8 and Elementary Education, Stacia is also an AMS-certified elementary (ages 6 - 9) teacher through the Seacoast Center for Education. Stacia is Director certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

Birch Tree Montessori aspires to give all children and families the opportunity to choose high-quality, beautiful learning environments in an inclusive, caring, and diverse community.

Mariaisabel Sosa, Teacher

Mariaisabel Sosa fell in love with early childhood education while working at a preschool in Georgia. After moving to Massachusetts, she decided to follow her passion for teaching and earned her Lead Teacher certification through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). She holds a B.A. in Advertising from the University of Puerto Rico. In addition, Mariaisabel earned a Montessori Assistant certificate through the Northeast Montessori Institute and has taken classes in Building Classroom Community as well as Montessori math and Early Child Development.

While Mariaisabel does not have children of her own, she is an aunt to three nephews and godmother to four children. She grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico where she loved spending time with family, going to the beach, and watching sunsets. She enjoys sharing her cultural heritage and native language, Spanish, with Birch Tree students and helping to foster a nurturing and engaging learning environment.

Anahi Ramirez, Assistant Teacher

Anahi Ramirez is Teacher certified through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). She earned a bachelor’s degree in customs science and foreign trade before developing an interest in education. She has also earned a Montessori Assistant certificate through Wellan Montessori and is working toward Lead Teacher certification through EEC.

Anahi is the oldest of four siblings and has many fond memories of playing with her younger siblings and finding things for them to do together. She moved to New England four years ago with her husband, and in her spare time she enjoys walking her dog, Liah, and gardening.

Manuela Garcia, Assistant Teacher

Manuela Garcia earned her Teacher certification through the Massachusetts Department of Education and Care (EEC). She has also earned a Montessori Teaching Assistant certificate through Wellan Montessori. Manuela began working in early childhood after having two children of her own. Her first position was as a behavioral technician with children on the autism spectrum. In this role, she worked under the supervision of a board certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She loves every part of her job helping young children to achieve their goals and make improvements in areas that need strengthening. Prior to her work in early childhood education, Manuela worked in the medical field and is qualified as a certified nursing assistant (CNA).

Manuela is the mother of two young children. Her son and daughter elementary school students with her daughter being a recent graduate of Birch Tree. Manuela loves to dance and lists bachata and merengue as particular favorites. Her favorite place to visit on vacation is the Dominican Republic.