Dr. Cindy Acker,
Consultant, Head of 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.
Lily Zhang, Kindergarten Teacher
Hello! My name is Lily, and I am excited to be part of the HMS Montessori community.
I have worked in Montessori education for over 10 years and hold an AMI Montessori certification. Montessori feels like a universal language to me―no matter where we are in the world, every child deserves to be understood, respected, and truly seen. I love working with children and helping them grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity. One of my favorite parts of teaching is building meaningful relationships with children and supporting each child’s unique journey. I hope to continue following the child with a scientific, faithful, and humble attitude, supporting each child’s natural growth and development.
I am very excited to be teaching in the United States and to learn from the wonderful children, families, and colleagues here. I look forward to being part of a caring and supportive learning community.
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.
