Special Subjects Educators

Colin, Health and Physical Education Specialist, has a BS in Health & Physical Education as well as a minor in coaching from Marywood University. Since graduating, he has worked with various schools and private companies as a 1-on-1 specialist for children with special needs. This is his third year working within the Montessori philosophy, and he truly appreciates the concept and cultures the school and community put forth. His focus is to guide the children with activities that foster the learning of a healthy lifestyle and the appreciation for physical fitness and good sportsmanship.

Hassan, Early Childhood & Elementary Spanish Specialist, is currently pursuing his BS in Early Childhood Education at NJCU. He was first introduced to the Montessori philosophy when his mother began working at a Montessori school thirteen years ago. Hassan is also bilingual, having been taught Spanish by his mother while growing up. His brother and sister were Montessori educated, and he’s proud of the individuals they’ve become. He understands Montessori’s role in their development and how it has enriched their lives. Hassan first joined HPMS as an assistant in Green Room. In addition to being the Early Childhood & Elementary Spanish Specialist, Hassan is also in charge of the Elementary After School program at HPMS.

Helen, Music Specialist, has a BA in Music in Vocal Performance from the College of Fine Arts at Boston University, a MA degree in Vocal Performance from Hunter College, and is a classically trained singer. Helen strives to instill a passion for music while providing a solid foundation in musical concepts and techniques. When Helen isn’t teaching, she collaborates with composers on performances of new music and spends time with her husband, son Harry, and their two cats, Esther and Bertie.

Sebastian, Music Specialist, has studied music and dance in New Orleans, Brazil, Peru, and Cuba.  He is a graduate of The College of NJ and has completed the Orff level 1 training through Ashland University.  He has conducted MA classes at various universities and was a faculty member for 15 years at the Lawrenceville School and Pennington School in NJ. As a child, Sebastian fell in love with percussion and has been performing for 25 years. Sebastian performs with many artists around NYC and currently works with the 80’s icon, Boy George, and with the broadway show “On Your Feet”.  He values sharing his rich performance experiences with his students at HPMS to help them create a unique musical environment.

Shawn, STEM coordinator, has a B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics from Hofstra University, a ME in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Rutgers, where he was awarded a full scholarship as a Teaching Assistant in Computer Aided Design, Robotics and Engineering Mechanics, a MS in Management of Technology, and a MBA from NJIT.  Shawn is an Entrepreneur, Engineer, CEO, Co-Founder, Educator and Father of two Montessori-educated daughters. He has invented, designed and developed numerous surgical devices, focusing on advances in patient care, and holds 33 U.S. Patents. He has taught Mathematics, Science and Engineering to Lower Elementary through Graduate School students as a professional tutor and as a graduate teaching assistant. Shawn’s Montessori experience grew alongside of his Montessorian spouse and daughters. He is developing the HPMS STEM Integration Program to become a foundational pillar of the HPMS Middle School as well as an important element of the HPMS overall curriculum, allowing students to problem-solve every day challenges.

Solange, Kindergarten & Elementary Spanish Specialist, has a BA in Education as well as a M.Ed in Early Childhood Education from the Women’s University of Sacred Heart in Lima, Peru. She has worked with children for 28 years and for the last 13 years she has worked as a Spanish teacher in a Montessori setting. Solange lives in Ridgefield Park with her husband and two daughters, who are both attending college.

Tiffany, Literacy & Specialists Coordinator, has a M.Ed in Reading Specialist K-12 and a BS in Elementary Education K-6 from York College of Pennsylvania.  Tiffany has twelve years of teaching experience, as a second grade teacher, a middle school reading specialist, and now a kindergarten and elementary literacy specialist. She has attended Columbia’s Teachers College for the Writing Workshop and Reading Workshop training. She now coordinates the HPMS Literacy program and Specialists team, houses the HPMS student library, and organizes the school’s book fairs, author/illustrator visits, and Family Literacy Night.