Administration

Administration

Sara Madle is the founder and director of Alegria Montessori School. She has over 30 years of teaching experience with both Montessori and English as a Second Language (ESOL). Her experience includes working with children and adults, in both private and public schools, from Washington DC to Hawaii to St. Petersburg. Sara has a BA in Spanish/Latin American Studies from American University in Washington DC, along with her Preprimary 3-6 Montessori certification from Chaminade University. Sara later completed her ESOL endorsement and MA in Reading through the University of South Florida. Finally, Sara completed her Specialist (EdS) degree in Montessori Elementary Education through Barry University. Sara has three wonderful children, Austin, Kiana, and Sophie.

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Stephanie has been at Alegria Montessori since 2013. She has been working in Montessori education for over a decade and holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.Ed. in Montessori Interdisciplinary Studies.  Stephanie also has her AMS certifications for Elementary I & II and Administration.  Stephanie lives with her husband, Mark and two sons, Zachary and Benjamin, who attend Alegria.

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Nicola “Nicki” Arango was born and raised in Minnesota. She moved down to St. Petersburg, Florida in 2011 with her husband. Before moving to St. Petersburg Nicki worked in a Montessori school in Minnesota for 7 years. She started working at Alegria in 2011 as a lead 3-6 teacher. She obtained her Montessori training for children aged 3-6 from Palm Harbor Montessori Teacher Education Center in 2013. Nicki is has her degree in Business with a focus on Organizational Leadership and Management. Nicki is the level-coordinator of the 3-6 classrooms and oversees the kindergarten program. Outside of work Nicki enjoys reading, running, and being outside in the beautiful Florida weather. She is excited to welcome her first baby in March 2023!

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Umekua Carty began working at Alegria in the summer of 2012 while she completed her Bachelor of Science from St. Petersburg College. Over the years, Umekua has worked with students at every level from Lower Elementary to one-year olds. For the past three years Umekua has worked with the two-year olds. In the afternoons, she oversees the aftercare program and assists with scheduling and other admin duties. In her free time Umekua enjoys spending time at the beach, listening to music, and reading.