My name is Gilana. I grew up in Brooklyn and later moved to the Hudson Valley. I graduated from Hunter College in NYC with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Music. My studies in child psychology led me to Montessori education where I continued to explore child development and the ways children learn, grow, and become independent. I have worked in Montessori education for the past several years, primarily with children ages 6-9. I value creating an organized and respectful classroom environment where children can build independence, responsibility for their work, and develop confidence in their abilities. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking and finding new places to explore, as well as spending time with my daughters, family and friends.