Our Faculty & Staff
To work in a Montessori and Creative Educational environment is very unlike “teaching” in the traditional sense of the word. In fact, one will often hear Montessori teachers and Creative Teachers referred to as “Guides”.
Our New Director
Candice Hartley, a National Board Certified Teacher, has been named the new Director of Schools and is looking forward to serving the students, families, staff, and school community.
Ms. Hartley is a Texas native and Marine Corps veteran. After her military career, she earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education and her graduate degree in educational leadership and administration, and then received an educational specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from Louisiana State University. In April 2021, Ms. Candice Hartley was recognized as the Region V Principal of the Year by Magnet Schools of America, and her school was named the Top Elementary School in the Nation. Ms. Candice Hartley is always thinking of new and innovative ways to bring the joy of learning and excitement to the students and staff at her school.
Our Teachers
Maylan teachers (or guides) are adept at leading from behind. They know when to intervene, and above all, they know when to step back. They also create beautiful, warm and joyful environments designed for each child to meet their developmental needs, promote learning and instill community.
Our teachers understand and experience what it means to “believe in the child” and how to best support all children by providing opportunity for them to reach their full potential. It’s an art, a skill and an ability that serves an invaluable purpose in preparing today’s children for tomorrow’s world.
Respect children as individuals with unique plans for development.
Have enthusiasm, passion, commitment,
Are pro active rather than reactive and are always growing.
Create a calm and joyful atmosphere in an environment that allows each child to connect to productive work.
Give engaging presentations with Montessori materials that the children will use on their own.
Foster growth towards independence and social responsibility.
Assist children to progress at their own pace and gradually discover their potential while helping them to help themselves.
Have over 50 years of experience.
Are adept in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and English.
Maylan Academy Teachers
Infant Lead Teacher
Ms. Iulia Stoicescu
Ms. Iulia is our Infant Lead teacher. She comes to join our team and brings her passion (for Montessori), over six years of experience, and her caring nature, to nurture and guide our most young and precious students – the infants. Her interest in the Montessori method of teaching developed when her daughter was born, in 2012. Watching her grow in a Montessori environment, led her to follow early childhood education with a focus on Montessori philosophy. She enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time outdoors with her family, (her daughter Sophia and her husband Liviu).
One of Iulia’s favorite quotes by Dr. Maria Montessori is, “Of all things, love is most potent”.
Primary Lead Teacher
Ms. Rania El Masari
Ms. Rania obtained her Bachelor degree in History, and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Mercer University. She taught History for Middle and High school for 9 hears, then chose to pursue her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood as well as a diploma in Montessori. She has taught the Primary Classroom age 3 to 6 for the the last 10 years, and here at Maylan, she will do the. same! Ms. Rania has enjoyed every minute with the kids.
Her favorite quote is “” Don’t stop when you are tired, stop when you are done.” Wesley Snipes
One of Iulia’s favorite quotes by Dr. Maria Montessori is, “Of all things, love is most potent”.
Primary Class Lead Teacher
Ms. Jing
My name is Jing Qiao, and I am happy to be part of Mayland Academy. I come from Beijing, China, Where I worked as a math teacher in middle school for six years. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from China Agricultural University in Mechanical Engineering and obtained my Master’s degree in Actuarial Science in Columbia University, NY. I and my husband lived in Johns Creek, we have two Children, Sophia is a sophomore in High School and Angelina is in first grade in Elementary School.
I am looking forward to getting to know your child, I am confident that we can provide the support and encouragement needed to help your child excel.
