Lead Primary I Teacher

Mrs. Shireen's drive and passion for early childhood education has enabled her to serve not only as a teacher but also as the Head of School since the school's inception. Her soft-spoken manner, gentle but firm style, and excellent rapport with children are evident at once. With time, parents discover how her wisdom, natural talent and experience fuel her students desire to learn, to work and play in harmony with the world around them, and to be proud of who they are. 

Shireen discovered her true passion early in her career while being trained and mentored by one of Dr. Maria Montessori's original protégés, Ms. Joyce Gunasekera. After obtaining her certification to teach 3-6 year old children from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), she spent several years as a head teacher in one of Ms. Gunasekera's primary classrooms. She then continued her studies in Child Care at Ware College in Hertsfordshire, England.

Mrs. Shireen moved to Massachusetts in 1990 and continued to broaden her perspective by earning two additional AMI certifications to teach children ages 6-9 and 9-12 while serving as a lead teacher for 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 year-old Montessori programs. During her "vacation time", she chose to work with infants and toddlers in order to gain a rounded perspective of the whole child that few school leaders truly have. 

Shireen founded the Green Mountain Montessori School in 2001 and has continued to pursue her passion for working with children by serving as a teacher ever since. Shireen lives in Wiliston with her husband (Brian), her son (Nate) and daughter (Zoey), and her two loveable Labs, Baxter & Turbo. When not involved with the GMMS community, she enjoys hiking & snowshoeing with her family, having tea with friends and reading.