Our Heads of School
Our on-site Heads of School, Jere Albanesi and Karyn Dole, are credentialed Montessori leaders with extensive classroom and leadership experience dedicated to the principles of Montessori education. Having raised their own children through Montessori, they are uniquely qualified and inspire a supportive and heartwarming community with our students, parents and staff.
Our Story
For nearly two decades, Karyn Dole and Jere Albanesi have worked together in the founding of and the heart and soul of Alden Montessori School, steering it with a shared vision grounded in Montessori principles and a deep friendship that has fortified their partnership. As co-Heads of School, their collaboration has shaped a nurturing, innovative educational environment, where children thrive in an atmosphere of respect, independence, and intellectual curiosity. Their story is one of dedication, mutual trust, and an unwavering commitment to fostering a community that embodies the Montessori philosophy.
Karyn Dole, with her background in science and Montessori education, brings a profound understanding of child development to Alden Montessori. Her calm demeanor and empathetic approach make her a natural leader in creating a classroom culture where students and staff feel valued and empowered. Karyn’s expertise lies in curriculum development, ensuring that the school’s programs align with Montessori’s emphasis on hands-on learning and self-directed exploration. She has a knack for observing each child’s unique needs, tailoring experiences that spark joy and intellectual growth. Her ability to connect with parents, staff, and students alike fosters a sense of belonging that is the cornerstone of the school’s community.
Jere Albanesi complements Karyn’s strengths with her dynamic energy, strategic vision, and uncanny ability to get things done. With a background in advertising and marketing, as well as thirty-plus years in Montessori education, Jere has been instrumental in shaping the school’s operational framework. Jere’s infectious enthusiasm inspires those around her, and her ability to navigate challenges with optimism has been vital in guiding Alden Montessori through periods of growth and change. Together, Karyn and Jere balance the day-to-day demands of running a school with a long-term vision for its future.
Their friendship, forged long before they became co-Heads of School, is the bedrock of their success. Having met just shy of twenty years ago, Karyn and Jere bonded over shared values and a mutual passion for child-centered education. This friendship has grown into a professional partnership defined by trust, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose. They often describe their dynamic as one where they “finish each other’s sentences,” seamlessly dividing responsibilities while remaining aligned in their goals. This synergy allows them to lead with authenticity, creating a school culture that feels like an extension of their bond. They approach challenges as a team, blending Karyn’s reflective problem-solving with Jere’s proactive optimism to find solutions that benefit the entire community.
As they look to the future, Karyn and Jere remain dedicated to evolving Alden Montessori while staying true to its roots. Their friendship continues to inspire those around them, proving that leadership grounded in trust and shared purpose is a testament to their vision—a place where children grow, learn, and flourish under the guidance of two extraordinary educators and friends.
