Our School and Administrative Team
We meet children where they are
Welcome
Welcome to the Montessori Day School of Brooklyn!
At MDS, we encourage every child’s natural curiosity and readiness to learn. Each of our seven classrooms is staffed by three teachers—at least one of whom is Montessori certified—to create a nurturing and fun atmosphere that promotes independence and self-esteem, and creates life-long learners.
Whether your child is a young two-year-old in a toddler classroom, or a big kid ready for Kindergarten, they will learn to care for their classroom community and each other, while being engaged and supported by a holistic approach that allows them to create, explore, and experience the joy of learning, surrounded by adults and friends who value and respect them as little people.
MDS has been a steady beacon of warmth, comfort and learning in our community since 1976. We invite you to contact us to schedule a tour or to reach out with any questions about admissions for the upcoming school year. We look forward to seeing you soon!
The Montessori Experience
There is a light in every child waiting to be ignited by the joy of learning. If adequately lit, this light will shine for a lifetime. Maria Montessori recognized the capabilities that lay in every child and their profound capacity for learning. With this knowledge, she developed a pedagogy that inspired children to be confident contributors to their learning process. In addition, she developed teaching tools that encouraged focus until mastery. Maria Montessori saw the light in every child and taught them how to cultivate it into knowledge.
Although we are far removed from Casa de Bambini (Maria Montessori's first school in Italy.) We draw from the foundation of this pedagogy she developed over 115 years ago. We follow the Montessori principles that reflect respect for all children, individualized learning, and educating the whole child. We create a prepared environment not just for the children but for all community members. For us, the Montessori method is not simply a pedagogy but guidance for respectful and responsive interactions with children and adults.
Practical life skills are the foundation of the Montessori method. What begins as mastering pouring or scooping evolves into understanding boundaries and making genuine connections with peers. In Montessori, learning is a continuum that spans beyond circle time and is embedded in all that we do. Montessorians are the torch bearers, and at MDS, we happily ignite the light in every little one we teach.
Meet our Leadership Team
Latisha Cook
Executive Director
Latisha Cook has been an early childhood educator for the past 22 years. She was a preschool teacher for 15 years in New York City’s top independent private schools, including The Washington Market School. She quickly moved through the ranks in her field, transitioning into the school leadership role. She has successfully led a Head Start program and a Montessori Preschool. Latisha is passionate about progressive education and inquiry-based learning. She believes that all children have wonderful ideas and should be respected as capable contributors to the learning process. Latisha is committed to creating equitable spaces for all children. She believes diversity and inclusion should be less of an initiative but embedded in all aspects of preschool functioning.
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Latisha holds an Undergraduate Degree and a Master's Degree in early childhood general education (Birth-Grade 2). She is a New York State Certified Teacher. She is a Certified Forest Kindergarten Teacher, receiving her training at the Cedersong Forest Kindergarten, Vashon Island, WA. Latisha is a workshop facilitator, having created the teacher professional development program The Circle Time Project. She also has a certificate in Family Engagement from Harvard's Graduate School of Education.
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Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Latisha enjoys spending time with her family and dog. She loves learning historical facts, specifically about African American culture in the U.S. She loves the work of architect Frank Loyd Wright and has visited his home and studio in Oak Park, Illinois. Latisha enjoys traveling and has visited the city of Paris more than any place else. On a perfect day, she is at home, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Ashley Evans
Assistant ED & Director of Education
Ashley was born and raised in Tennessee. Ashley has been in education for over 13 years. Her teaching career began in New Orleans, where she worked with AmeriCorps educating and counseling youth after hurricane Katrina. Ashley has worked with youth in various environments, including shelters, refugee resettlement agencies, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Ashley began her teaching career at MDS in 2010. She has taught in various classrooms as an assistant teacher and lead teacher at MDS for nine years before taking a leadership position at MDS in 2019. She holds a Montessori Certification from West Side Montessori, a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Concordia College, and NY State Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Special Education. Ashley is currently earning her American Montessori International administration certification. She holds two degrees in Social Work and Anthropology as well.
Ashley is committed to sharing her love of Early Childhood Education and the Montessori Pedagogy with teachers and students. Sparking joy and passion for learning is at the foundation of what makes this field so powerful and important. Ashley enjoys spending time with her loved ones and two cats in her spare time, also traveling and being in nature.
Latisha Cook
Executive Director
Latisha Cook has been an early childhood educator for the past 22 years. She was a preschool teacher for 15 years in New York City’s top independent private schools, including The Washington Market School. She quickly moved through the ranks in her field, transitioning into the school leadership role. She has successfully led a Head Start program and a Montessori Preschool. Latisha is passionate about progressive education and inquiry-based learning. She believes that all children have wonderful ideas and should be respected as capable contributors to the learning process. Latisha is committed to creating equitable spaces for all children. She believes diversity and inclusion should be less of an initiative but embedded in all aspects of preschool functioning.
​
Latisha holds an Undergraduate Degree and a Master's Degree in early childhood general education (Birth-Grade 2). She is a New York State Certified Teacher. She is a Certified Forest Kindergarten Teacher, receiving her training at the Cedersong Forest Kindergarten, Vashon Island, WA. Latisha is a workshop facilitator, having created the teacher professional development program The Circle Time Project. She also has a certificate in Family Engagement from Harvard's Graduate School of Education.
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Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Latisha enjoys spending time with her family and dog. She loves learning historical facts, specifically about African American culture in the U.S. She loves the work of architect Frank Loyd Wright and has visited his home and studio in Oak Park, Illinois. Latisha enjoys traveling and has visited the city of Paris more than any place else. On a perfect day, she is at home, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Ashley Evans
Assistant ED & Director of Education
Ashley was born and raised in Tennessee. Ashley has been in education for over 13 years. Her teaching career began in New Orleans, where she worked with AmeriCorps educating and counseling youth after hurricane Katrina. Ashley has worked with youth in various environments, including shelters, refugee resettlement agencies, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Ashley began her teaching career at MDS in 2010. She has taught in various classrooms as an assistant teacher and lead teacher at MDS for nine years before taking a leadership position at MDS in 2019. She holds a Montessori Certification from West Side Montessori, a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Concordia College, and NY State Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Special Education. Ashley is currently earning her American Montessori International administration certification. She holds two degrees in Social Work and Anthropology as well.
Ashley is committed to sharing her love of Early Childhood Education and the Montessori Pedagogy with teachers and students. Sparking joy and passion for learning is at the foundation of what makes this field so powerful and important. Ashley enjoys spending time with her loved ones and two cats in her spare time, also traveling and being in nature.
Anita Rumsuchit
HR & Billing Coordinator
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Originally from Guyana, migrated to Queens, NY since August 1987. Began working at MDS as HR and Billing Coordinator since September 2023. Graduated from FIT with an Associate in Fashion Design, I soon found my passion with helping kids. Before joining MDS, I spent the last six years actively involved in the PTA at my children’s school in Ozone Park, Queens. During my time with the PTA, I held several positions on the board. First, as Recording Secretary and my last position as Treasurer of the PTA. I was also a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). This experience gave me a deep appreciation of school administrators and their effort to maintain strong relationships with students, staff, parents and
the community.
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I enjoy cooking, baking and spending time with my husband of 17 years and two children Ava and Devin. I love long walks and playing soccer and dodgeball with my children in the park. Music is my soul; I live and breathe music when I am home. I enjoy crafting with my daughter during my free time. My favorite holiday is Christmas, I love to see family and friends come together and celebrate. I am also that mom that celebrates every holiday and occasion at my children’s school, there is a goody bag for every occasion. Just something about a child’s smile, I love to see them leave happy at the end of the school
day.