Our Staff

Dr. Cindy Acker,
Consultant, Head of School 

Cindy Acker Hamilton Montessori School

Cindy is Hamilton Montessori School’s Consultant/Head of School. She holds a BA in Human Development, two Master’s degrees in Cultural Studies and Spirituality and Education, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UC Berkeley. She is a former president of one of California’s preschool management associations, and an international keynote speaker on education, race, and leadership. Cindy was Montessori trained by Ursula Thrush, who was trained by Mario Montessori, and she is a professor for Montessori school leadership programs. She has founded seven schools, including The Child Unique, The Montessori Elementary School of Alameda (MESA), and Hamilton Montessori School, which she co-founded for Unity In Marin.  Cindy has also been involved in public policy, representing Montessori schools in California. She is a published author and a national keynote speaker. Apart from her passion for education, Cindy is a singer and choir director in Novato and a mother of three adult children. She also speaks Dutch and Spanish.

New Teacher Coming Soon!

Lindsey Popejoy, Toddler Teacher

Alyza Thornson, Assistant Teacher

Diego Navarro, Assistant Preschool Teacher

Lisbet Martinez,
Assistant Preschool and
Science Teacher

Lisbet began at HMS in 2020 as a preschool Assistant Teacher. She has returned to HMS, after leaving to complete her science degree.  She graduated with her degree in neuroscience and has been hired as an Assistant Preschool Teacher/Science Teacher. With her science degree, Lisbet is instrumental in designing our exciting nature/science program at HMS. Lisbet is Spanish speaking, which is a wonderful continuation of our Spanish program.