Ana Luckert

Assistant Teacher —Rainier

Ms. Ana joined the IMS community in the fall of 2023 as a float and moved into an assistant teacher role in January 2024. She’s worked with the toddlers for the last year, and now she’ll join a primary classroom. She has an extensive background in medicine and is originally from Venezuela. Ms. Ana lives in Sammamish and has four grown children and three grandchildren.

Anya Droppo

Assistant Teacher, Intern—Tulip

Ms. Anya has been a substitute with IMS for several years. Working as an assistant in both the toddler and primary classrooms. She holds a BA in Theater Arts from Gonzaga University and a Washington State teaching certificate with an endorsement in Theater Arts. Her love for Montessori has brought her back to IMS during the 2024-2025 school year. In the summer of 2025, Ms. Anya began her Early Childhood training at the Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest (MEIPN). She will complete this training in June 2026.

Ms. Anya lives in Carnation with her English Cream-Golden Labrador mix. In her free time, she likes rock climbing and hiking with her dog.

Cina Patten

Co-Teacher—Rainier

Ms. Cina joined the IMS community in 2018. She discovered Montessori while working as an after-care teacher at Three Tree Montessori; she was impressed with the beauty of the classrooms and the academic ability of very young children. Ms. Cina appreciates the way the Montessori philosophy and method respects the child’s development.

Ms. Cina holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Washington, a MA in Education from Antioch University as well as a Washington State K-8 teaching certificate. She completed an Early Childhood credential at the Montessori Center for Teacher Education in 2009.

Ms. Cina and her husband live in Auburn with two little dogs, two big dogs, and just two cats. When not at school Ms. Cina likes to crochet blankets, read, hike and work out. She appreciates the welcoming and friendly staff and families at IMS.

Janelle Highland

Assistant Teacher, Aftercare—Rainier

Ms. Janelle joined the IMS community in August of 2022. In her free-time Ms. Janelle loves to crochet.

Johanna Greif

Assistant Teacher—Tulip

Ms. Johanna will join the IMS community in late February of 2025. She attended a Waldorf school for elementary through high-school and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Western Washington University.

Mamatha Mallareddy

Assistant Teacher—Maple

Ms. Mamu joined IMS in 2018 as an assistant teacher and took a sabbatical during the COVID pandemic. We are excited to have her back as part of the teaching community. She holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering and Computer Science from Pragati Engineering College and a Masters degree in Human Resources and Marketing from Gitam University.

She appreciates the Montessori method of teaching, particularly the individuality with which children approach their work. Ms. Mamu likes the respect children show towards their work, and that they learn practical life skills.

Manuela Negroiu

Co-Teacher—Maple

​Ms. Manuela joined the IMS community as an assistant in the toddler classroom in the spring of 2015 and moved on to primary over the summer.

She grew up in Romania, earning a Scientific Degree of Bachelor of Arts in Theology: Letters (English Language and Literature) from the University of Bucharest. She lives in Issaquah with her husband and two boys who keep her busy. When not at school or on the sidelines of a soccer match, she enjoys baking, reading, going to the movies and crocheting.

Ms. Manuela met children who had come from Montessori environments and was impressed with their self-motivation and sense of responsibility. She decided to learn more about the Montessori Method. Ms. Manuela completed​ the early childhood education program at the Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest. Ms. Manuela is excited to use what she’s learned about child development and Montessori philosophy. She loves to see the children grow, the changes that take place and how they develop.

Mariam Sami

Co-Teacher—Rainier

Ms. Mariam’s joined the IMS community in the fall of 2018. Her family is full of Montessorians; her mother’s Montessori credential is signed by Mario Montessori and her children attended Arbor Montessori school. She rediscovered her Montessori roots watching her children go through the process of Montessori education in their own classrooms. She especially appreciated their independence, empathy and love of learning.

Ms. Mariam earned a BA in English Language and Literature, with a minor in education from Benedictine University in Chicago. She taught grades 6, 7, and 8 for three years before moving to Washington. She has worked as an assistant teacher in lower elementary at Arbor Montessori Schools, as well as an assistant teacher in the primary program here at Issaquah Montessori. Ms. Mariam completed her Montessori Early Childhood Credential from the Montessori Center for Teacher Education in Bellevue in 2019.

She lives in Sammamish with her husband and three young children. When not at school Ms. Mariam likes to read, experiment in the kitchen, redesign and remodel her home and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with her family. And about Issaquah Montessori: “I am so grateful to be part of such a generous and supportive community of dedicated individuals.”

Saahithi Srimath Kandala Venkata

Assistant Teacher—Tulip

Ms. Saahithi joined the staff at Issaquah Montessori School in September 202

Shweta Bindal

Lead Teacher—Tulip

Ms. Shweta joined the staff at Issaquah Montessori School in 2012. She was born and brought up in India. Her family moved to the Issaquah area 13 years ago for her husband’s work. She obtained both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in English Literature in India, and earned an American Montessori Society Early Childhood credential from The Montessori Center for Teacher Education in Bellevue, Washington.

The main thing that attracts Ms. Shweta most in the Montessori philosophy is the respect for children. She is looking forward to learning and growing along with the children.

Ms. Shweta lives in Sammamish with her husband and two daughters.

Uma Chittella

Assistant Teacher, Aftercare—Maple

Ms. Uma C joined the IMS community in September of 2022.

Uma Viruthagiri

Co-Teacher—Maple

Ms. Uma has been a valued member of the Issaquah Montessori community since the fall of 2011. She’s worked in both the toddler and primary classrooms as an assistant teacher. She returned March 2021 to help out where needed. Ms. Uma holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Ms. Uma earned her Montessori Early Childhood credential at Chestnut Montessori School Teacher Education in Bellevue.

She appreciates the social interaction in Montessori environments, and the focus on child-centered learning. “I like the fact that the children get to work alone or in groups and are taught to be responsible by taking care of their own needs and belongings.” About IMS specifically, she appreciates the very welcoming and strong community filled with friendly, supportive and caring staff. “I’m so glad to be part of this wonderful community.”