Gretchen is an amazing Montessori guide. She set up, directed, and taught in our daughter’s toddler program. Our daughter went to Ms. Gretchen at barely 18 months and stayed with her happily, until we moved about a year later. When we moved, the standard that Gretchen had set for our expectations of a Montessori school was difficult to find anywhere else. If we could commute from Chicago, for our child to continue with Gretchen– we would! Her classrooms feel calm and peaceful, allowing every child to flourish. Grace and courtesy are abundant among the children, guides, and assistant. Our daughter learned several new skills and grew confidence in Ms. Gretchen’s classroom. She was happy to go to school in the morning and to tell us about her day, when we picked her up. Some days, she would want to stay and show us everything. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that your child is advancing, is happy, and at peace during the day. Ms. Gretchen sent video and picture updates. We are forever grateful for the start that Ms. Gretchen gave our daughter; it will serve her well for the rest of her life.
Regards,
Laura Keigher
I am thrilled to be writing a testimonial on Gretchen’s behalf. Gretchen took the Montessori training in NY in 2002. Gretchen is a wonderful guide for young children. She is a devoted teacher who is sensitive to the needs of young ones. She is patient, kind, and respectful of the minds of children who are eager to learn about the world. The learning environment nurtures the mind and body by offering hands-on experiences for exploring and discovering. For as long as I’ve known Gretchen she has been passionate about children and I am thrilled she is opening her own Montessori school. Families will no doubt be equally drawn to her passion. I wish her all the best.
Judy J.
Gretchen…simply a true Maria Montessori protégé. You will not find a more dedicated, loving professional who always thinks “outside of the box”, who prepares just the right amount of challenge, and who strengthens each student’s abilities. At Peridot Montessori you will discover an environment that encourages and allows for the natural human tendencies to be nurtured and respected. As an educator and parent, I whole heartedly believe a Montessori education is truly one of the greatest gifts you can give your child.
Joscalynne C.
“Gretchen is a wonderful teacher. She was Liliana’s first guide/teacher at Cool Springs Montessori when we brought her in at 18 months and we are thankful that she was her first teacher. Liliana really latched on to her as did we because “Ms. Gretchen” was truly engaged as a teacher. She really cared about developing a sense of independence and respect for the kids following the Montessori principles. Ms. Gretchen was no push over, softie or floor mat; Ms. Gretchen took control over the classroom, but did not rule it. She let the kids be themselves but not be disrespectful. Thank you “Ms. Gretchen” for had being part of our daughter’s life”
Paloma and Ashley.
Ms. Gretchen taught our daughter for two years in the toddler class. In the beginning, we were brand new to the Montessori teaching philosophy and had many questions. Mrs. Gretchen spent a lot of time with us to ensure we were comfortable and that all of our questions were answered in detail as we made the decision to place our daughter in Montessori school. Throughout the two years that Ms. Gretchen taught our daughter, she was very responsive to her needs and proved to be a very gentle, caring and nurturing person. She is very knowledgeable and shows great pride in the development and advancement of the children. She took the time to really understand and get to know our daughter in order to educate her with an individualized and tailored learning approach. Ms. Gretchen will make a positively strong impact in any Montessori environment!
Montessori has been a positive influence in our lives so we wanted to offer the same to our daughter. Since the very beginning, Gretchen and the Montessori philosophy have been life-changing. The personal care and attention she bestowed upon our child at her her earliest learning stages will never be forgotten and she is the reason we continue to believe in the program today. Gretchen has a true love and passion for the natural learning of children and effortlessly provides a safe space for active learning and lifelong confidence. She’s the kind of educator we hope our daughter will continue to experience throughout her academic future.
Very sincerely,
Michelle and Jeremy Rivera
We met Ms. Gretchen when our son was just 20 months old at Montessori Academy in Brentwood. She was the lead teacher for toddlers program. She is very kind, nurturing and well grounded in Montessori concepts. Our experience with her has been amazing. She has many years of experience with kids including her own. She took keen interest in each child and helped them in their self development. Even after 5 years, our son has memories of her teaching him to wear his jacket all by himself. She has helped him and us in learning the importance of independence during the early years. She never rushed us when we had questions and always was easy to talk to. Her bright smile and encouragement along with patience for little kids makes her excellent teacher. She is everything that you want in a caretaker for your toddler. We highly recommend her to all our friends.
— Brentwood, Tennessee
Gretchen is one of the best Early Childhood Educators I have ever met. She is compassionate, encouraging and (best of all) calm.
Gretchen was the “favorite teacher”. And my daughter still asks about her to this day. Miss Gretchen always made her feel special and loved. She made learning fun and “being independent “ and “cleaning up after” were priorities my daughter brought home and has helped to teach her much older siblings.
I would highly recommend any endeavor Gretchen is involved in and I am sure her school is superior. We miss her!
Tsianina Lohmann
To Whom it may Concern,
As a Montessori teacher of 35 years and former Montessori administrator, I enthusiastically recommend Gretchen Podolny.
During the 2014-2015 school year I had the pleasure of working as a substitute teacher in Ms. Podolny’s toddler classroom on many occasions . She is an outstanding teacher and has a manner with children that encourages both independence and self regulation. She is kind, nurturing, and strives to recognize and meet each individual child’s needs .
Ms. Podolny established excellent collaborative and supportive relationships with families and co-workers . I found her work ethic , integrity, and commitment to the children and families, to be of high quality .
I highly recommend Gretchen Podolny for any endeavor she undertakes.
Sincerely,
Janet Wilson
Gretchen cares so much about the Montessori method and about the children that come into her life. As a new Montessori teacher, Gretchen taught me so much about how to implement the Montessori method of teaching and how to maintain a classroom, work with children, and grow as a Montessori teacher. It is clear that she is familiar with Montessori and passionate about how it allows children to grow, learn, and discover the world around them. Gretchen is incredibly dedicated – her ability to balance all aspects of her life and still be patient, present, and committed to each one of them is a testament to how hard-working she is and how much she cares about the things she has chosen to invest in.
By sending your child to Peridot Montessori, you are ensuring that they receive a genuine Montessori education from someone who is truly knowledgeable, passionate, and committed to Montessori. But even more so, you are ensuring that your child will be cared for and your child will be known. In our classroom, Gretchen knew each child, each parent, any and all relevant history or familial happenings, and made an effort to communicate and form relationships with all of the families that came to our class. Your family is lucky to have the opportunity to learn from Gretchen and to begin a lifetime of love of learning with her.
Anna