Meet the Staff
Christine Carrig | Teacher-Director
AMS Certified, M.S. in Education
Originally from Virginia, Christine graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in English, and a focus on Children's Literature. Immediately after college Christine began her studies at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education Program in New Rochelle, NY, where she earned her American Montessori Society Certification. Christine worked for a number of years at Metropolitan Montessori School on the Upper West Side while also working towards her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Christine earned her degree, with distinction, from Mercy College before becoming a New York State Certified Teacher.
In 2008, being passionate about Montessori education and seeing a growing need for more early childhood education options in Williamsburg, Christine and Bobby Carrig began the long process of opening a Montessori school. In September of 2009, Christine began teaching 6 of Carrig Montessori's first students out of her Williamsburg apartment, before finally opening the doors at 100 Maspeth Avenue on April 5, 2010.
Margi Bielser | Classroom Teacher
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Margi graduated from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart High School and received her Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Marymount Manhattan College.
Margi has taught at Carrig Montessori School since its early development, when the school was run out of Christine Archer's apartment. She was instrumental in the transition to Carrig Montessori's permanent location and has gained a solid understanding of the Montessori Method through hands-on experience.
Prior to teaching, Margi co-owned By And By, a small bookstore and art gallery in Williamsburg, and worked as a freelance writer.
Jacquelyn Mitchell | Classroom Teacher
AMS Certified, M.S. in Education
A Virginia native, Jackie graduated from the University of Virginia with a Master's Degree in Teaching, Bachelor's in French and Minor in Studio Art. She received a Virginia license in Elementary Education (pre-K-6th), ESL and French (pre-K-12th). Jackie taught high school French in Virginia for one year before combining her love of early childhood and language in a Pre-K bilingual classroom in Washington, DC.
Realizing Montessori education best suited her natural teaching style Jackie decided to pursue Montessori training at the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies, a division of the Barrie School, in Maryland. After interning for one year in a primary classroom she received her American Montessori Society Certification.
Laura Neuroth | Classroom Teacher
AMS Certified
Originally from Chicago, Laura graduated from NYU with a Bachelor's of Music in Voice/Music Theatre. While at NYU, she began teaching music at The Children's Aid Society in Greenwich Village. It was here that she first realized her passion for early childhood education.
She spent the next few years acting and singing professionally before reconnecting with her love of teaching as the music teacher for pre-k, kindergarten and 5th grade at St. Andrew Avellino in Queens. While at St. Andrew's, a colleague introduced her to the Montessori philosophy when she commented on Laura's natural Montessori approach with the children.
Laura remained at St. Andrew's for three years before leaving to pursue a career in Montessori education. Laura has recently completed her Montessori training at West Side Montessori Teacher Education Program, and is certified by the American Montessori Society.
Natalie Schustal | Classroom Teacher
M.S. in Education
A lifelong Brooklynite, Natalie comes from a family of early childhood educators. Natalie recently graduated from Brooklyn College with a Master's Degree and New York State Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education. Natalie will also be receiving her state certification in Early Childhood Special Education in the coming months.
Natalie began her education pursuing a passion for writing at SUNY Purchase with a major in journalism. Shortly following graduation, she decided to pursue a career teaching young children. With three years of experience in the New York City public school system, Natalie began as a substitute teacher at Carrig Montessori School in October, 2010. She absolutely loves the Montessori teaching method and the nurturing, enriching environment at CMS.