Elementary Montessori

Monique Myles

Lower Elementary

Jian Xu

Lower Elementary

Mr. Jian is a trained Montessori guide in both Primary and Elementary levels. He earned his AMI Montessori Diploma for teaching 6-12 years old children from Washington Montessori Institute. He holds a Master of Education degree from Loyola University Maryland. Before moving to Washignton DC, Mr. Jian  taught in both private and public charter schools. He speaks English and Chinese, and has teaching experience in dual-language immersion environments. He joined Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan in 2018. Mr. Jian is an illustrator. He enjoys cooking and spending time in nature.

Danielle Brawner

Lower Elementary

Ms. Brawner is so excited to be teaching at Capitol Hill Montessori. She is entering her seventh year as a teacher and she looks forward to teaching, learning and having lots of fun with students! She graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Physiology. She also holds a Masters of Science in Early Childhood Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University. Danielle was born in Washington DC and lived here until she moved to North Carolina when she was eleven. After graduating from college, she moved to NY and then moved back to the DMV nine years ago to be closer to my family.

Tonya Wiley

Lower Elementary 

Born with a natural talent and affinity for teaching, Ms. Wiley spent fifteen years working with adults before she changed course to teaching children.  Tonya was drawn to the Washington D.C. area to be closer to her daughter and joined the CHM@L staff in 2017.  Tonya is a poet who is currently a Cave Canem fellow.  You can read her work here.  In the summer she teaches drama and writing for middle schoolers.  She is currently pursuing a masters in Education.

Elma Pundavela

Lower Elementary

Mrs. Pundavela is certified as a Montessori Teacher in Primary (2 ½ – 6 years old) and Elementary (6-12 years) levels. She was trained at the Operation Brotherhood Montessori Center Philippines, an AMI-affiliated school, and the oldest Montessori school in the country. She also attended the Elementary II course at the Institute of Advanced Montessori Studies in Silver Spring, MD.

Montessori is a universal language of life whether you are trained in the Philippines (as she was), in Bergamo, Italy, or the United States. The teachings of Dr. Montessori transcend all cultures and languages. Mrs. Pundavela’s over 25 years of Montessori teaching experience has always been geared toward the empowerment of school children. She is very fortunate to continue that experience with Capitol Hill Montessori, and it is with great pleasure to be a part of another very supportive community of teachers, parents, and scholars.

Carlos Garcia

Upper Elementary 

Monica Saavedra

Upper Elementary 

Amber Marshall 

Upper Elementary 

Marion Price

Montessori Specialist.

Ms. Price has been a witness to the magic of Montessori education for over 20 years! Originally from Toronto, Canada, she earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto and went off to Japan to teach English. After discovering Montessori education for her own child, she earned primary and AMI elementary Montessori diplomas, a Master of Education degree from Loyola University Maryland, and has taught Montessori from preschool through elementary in Canada, Japan, Virginia and DCPS. Ms. Price believes not only that the Montessori method can bring out the full potential in every child and instill a love of learning, but that many children can also benefit from individual support integrated with Montessori. She has trained in the Orton-Gillingham method to support reading and writing and has pursued professional development in brain science and culturally responsive teaching. Ms. Price is thrilled to be joining the dedicated team at Capitol Hill Montessori where every child is loved and respected. During her free time, she loves reading, spending time with family, and hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail.