Local Business Spotlight Twin Parks Montessori School

This Patch article is sponsored by Twin Parks Montessori School.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Dr. Susan Kambrich, Executive Director, of Twin Parks Montessori School.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
Dr. Susan Kambrich: Twin Parks is a Montessori early childhood program with three campuses on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, serving children 3 months to 6 years old. Park West Montessori, Central Park Montessori and Riverside Montessori are all across from either Central Park or Riverside Park where the children play each day. Park West and Riverside also have a PreK for All program included as part of their schools.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?
Dr. Susan Kambrich: Park West has been in operation since 1994, Riverside was opened in 1997, and Central Park Montessori was opened in 2011.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Dr. Susan Kambrich: Education has always been my passion. I love learning and teaching! I began teaching Kindergarten in 1986 in a public school in Ohio. After spending time in a Montessori classroom, I knew that this philosophy was the best way to educate children. I could see the engagement, the beautiful classrooms, the encouragement of critical thinking and discovery, and the deep respect for children. I became a Montessori teacher in 1989. After teaching in Hudson, Ohio, and Madison, Wisconsin, we moved to Albany, NY where I also was a teacher. In 2000, I was asked to be the Head of School of the Montessori School of Albany which later became Woodland Hill Montessori. I was the Head for 20 years. In 2020, I came to Twin Parks Montessori as Executive Director. Coming to NYC during the pandemic was challenging, but being at Twin Parks and New York City has been wonderful!

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Dr. Susan Kambrich: Your child's early education is critically important. They learn to be independent, and develop the critical thinking skills, confidence, and social skills that they will carry throughout their lives. The Montessori environment fosters creativity, choice, independence, and a wonderful array of academics that encourage curiosity, skills, and problem solving. To quote Maria Montessori, "The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn."

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Dr. Susan Kambrich: I enjoy the variety of work involved in school leadership. The families, teachers and staff are wonderful, and I love to think of new ways to make our school a better place to learn, including teacher and parent workshops, assembly and field trip experiences for children, and other ways to make the school better. We have an outstanding community. We are like a family!

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Dr. Susan Kambrich: We specialize in Montessori early childhood education. Our teachers are specially trained in the Montessori philosophy and curriculum, and we are accredited by the American Montessori Society as well as Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.