Primary Staff
Zahida Baig
Lead Primary Guide
Zahida is an enthusiastic, passionate and professionally committed Montessori Guide, with over 12 years of experience. She brings innovative, constructive ideas and techniques that cultivate a learning environment rich with Montessori philosophy; which is explorative, engaging, and enhances the child's social, physical and intellectual development. Zahida exhibits excellent interpersonal skills, effectively collaborates with parents, and shares her own experiences, as a parent of three kids who all went through Montessori education. She grew up in vibrant city of Mumbai, India, completed her Montessori training in 2000, after completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Home Science. She moved to United States in 2001, and started her journey of Montessori educator in 2007. Zahida loves to travel and likes to spend quality time with her family and friends.
Luda Grant
Lead Primary Guide
Luda Grant is a passionate and energetic Montessori educator with over 17 years of experience. She holds her AMS Early Childhood credentials in addition to a BA and MA in foreign languages (English/French) and teaching thereof. She strongly believes in what she does and she inspires children to achieve their highest potentials. Born in Belarus, Luda values learning about other cultures and cultural diversity. When not at school she enjoys exploring new places, taking nature walks, and spending time with her family and friends.
Swati Mehta
Lead Primary Guide
Swati has 13 years of experience at Franklin Montessori encompassing the roles of a classroom assistant for one year and then moving onto being a Primary Montessori guide. She loves educating the young ones and interacting with families as they go through their journey at Franklin Montessori School. Swati grew up in Mumbai, India and migrated to the United States in 1998. She finished her undergraduate degree in India and majored in commerce and accounting, but always had a longing to guide and educate children. After migrating to the United States and being a homemaker for eight years, she pursued her passion for teaching and received her Early Childhood Montessori credentials. Outside of school, Swati enjoys reading, traveling, and trying new cuisines.
Chitra Ramaswamy
Lead Primary Guide
Chitra started her career as a teacher in India, teaching Science and English for 5th grade for four years. She has a degree in Physics and degree in Education. She moved to the United States in 1998 and has lived in Chicago, Long Island and New Jersey, before moving to Maryland. Chitra was a homemaker for several years to her two children, and then decided to continue her passion for teaching. She worked as a part time teacher in a Rockville Community Nursery School where her daughter attended as a toddler. Chitra took the Montessori training and worked as a lead teacher in Children's Manor Montessori School for five years before joining Franklin. She is very excited to start her fifth year in Room 10. She loves watching sports and plays table tennis. She likes to try new recipes and listens to music during her free time. Her love for children is evident from her passion and style of teaching.
Zoila Villalobos
Lead Primary Guide
Zoila Villalobos is excited to be teaching as a Lead Montessori Guide. She has been in a Montessori Classroom for the last 6 years. After taking an assistant training and learning in depth of the pedagogy of Maria Montessori, she decided to further her career in teaching with the Montessori curriculum. Zoila aspires to teach children about community, ethics, academics and have a classroom that is culturally competent. She believes that every child has a God-given talent and as teachers we are here to unfold that talent, intelligence and personalities while fostering peace, love, patience and compassion.