Meet our staff

Denise Sharp (Director/Instructor)

Denise is starting her 29th year with MCH. Denise is a Moorestown High School Alumni, earned her bachelors degree for Elementary Education and Nursery School Teacher from Rider University, and has a Montessori Early Childhood certification from North American Montessori center. Denise taught Kindergarten for 5 years in Princeton NJ. She joined the staff after the birth of her daughter. She has been with us ever since raising her two daughters, one son, and a step son here in Moorestown. Denise finds the most exciting moments are when a student, through tenacity and practice, masters a skill. The joy in that moment is what learning is all about. Denise hopes for every student to find the love of learning that will carry them through their whole life.

Janet is returning for her fifth year at MCH. She has a wonderful daughter who was recently married,

Janet Santella (Lead Instructor)

Janet is returning for her sixth year at MCH. She has a wonderful daughter who was recently married, and now Janet is enjoying her new title, mother-in-law. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from La Salle College, a Montessori Early Childhood certification from the Princeton Center for Teacher Education, and a Masters Degree in Education from William Howard Taft University. She previously worked 14 years as a teacher at a Montessori school in Marlton. Janet’s most fulfilling educational moments happen when children reveal their capacities for learning through classroom exploration. She is privileged to guide children toward their potential.

Laly Fonseca (Assistant Instructor)

Laly is thrilled to be joining us again this year and working with the children. She is first and foremost a mother of two amazing children. She graduated Rowan University in Glassboro with a major in English Literature and a minor in Secondary Education. She has worked with inner city students and has taught reading and writing skills at Octavius Catto Community School in Camden as well as substituting high school English at Cinnaminson High School. She is looking forward to meeting our families and learning about each individual child’s beliefs, ideas, and feelings. She believes in helping all students to discover the joy of learning and to help them recognize and develop a sense of pride in doing their very best.

Julie Santori (Music Instructor)

Julie is a graduate of the Quebec music conservatory and has a bachelors degree in music education. She has been studying violin , both the Suzuki methods as well as traditional , since the age of 5. She has played with many orchestras and groups in the area and in different casino shows . She has been teaching the kindermusic program since 1990 . She is excited to be continuing her music instruction here at MCH. The end of the school year shows are always so amazing, and she looks forward to putting together another great show this year.