Meet Our Leaders
Dimple Jain
Founder
My name is Dimple Jain, and I have the esteemed honor of being the owner of Herndon Montessori School. My passion for education began well before owning a school or learning about the Montessori method. Education has been the only profession that I have ever known, and it’s one that I wouldn’t trade for anything else. I have taught pre-school and school-aged children for over 25 years, and still have so much to learn myself.
As a parent myself, I understand how precious these early years are. My hope is that our preschool becomes a second home for your child—a place where they feel loved, cared for, and encouraged to shine in their own beautiful way.
So, if you’re interested in our little corner of the world, or you have any questions, please reach out to us! I would love to meet you and your child, talk about our holistic child development philosophy and give everyone a tour of our facility. Until then, keep an eye out on our social media for a glimpse in the life of our students!
Paulina Mabhugu
Head of School
My name is Paulina Mabhugu and I am honored to serve as Head of School at Herndon Montessori School.With nearly three decades of experience in early childhood education, I have had the privilege of serving as a Montessori teacher, Head of School, and Curriculum Director.. My journey in education has allowed me to work with children, families, and educators in a variety of learning environments, always with the belief that children deserve to feel seen, heard, respected, and valued.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Primary and Secondary Education from the University of Zimbabwe and an Early Childhood Montessori credential through The American Montessori Society. My leadership is deeply rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu - “I am because we are.” I believe that we are all connected and that a strong school community is built through relationships, kindness, respect, and a genuine commitment to one another. I am passionate about creating a warm, nurturing, and secure environment where children can develop independence, confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
I look forward to partnering with our families to create a community where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and a true sense of belonging.
Pearl Lee-Niosi
Assistant Director
Hello! My name is Pearl Lee-Niosi, and I am proud to serve as the Assistant Director at Herndon Montessori School. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies and a Master’s degree in Teaching from James Madison University.
Before joining Herndon Montessori, I worked as an elementary school teacher, where I developed a deep passion for creating positive, nurturing learning environments. I believe children thrive when they feel supported, encouraged, and excited to learn.
At Herndon Montessori, I am committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every child can grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence. I look forward to working closely with our students, families, and teaching team to make each child’s experience at Herndon Montessori meaningful and joyful.