Our Leadership
Sussex Montessori School (SMS) is lead by a Head of School and governed by a Board of Directors. The Head of School oversees all school operations and the Board of Directors provides oversight and guidance most specifically in financial and policy matters. Click HERE for more information about the Board of Directors.
Our Head of School
Sussex Montessori School Announces Dr. Siza Mtimbiri as New Head of School!
The Sussex Montessori School Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Siza Mtimbiri as the new Head of School, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Mtimbiri will be the second individual to hold this position since the school opened its doors in 2020.
Dr. Mtimbiri’s selection follows a rigorous national search that attracted a large pool of highly qualified candidates from across the country. After careful consideration, the Board unanimously selected Dr. Mtimbiri for his exceptional breadth of experience, commitment to Montessori education, and inspiring vision for the future of the school.
Dr. Mtimbiri brings two decades of educational leadership experience across four countries. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Cambridge, several degrees from Harvard University, and certifications in Montessori education and school administration. His career includes roles as principal, assistant principal, Montessori educator, education consultant, and founder of a Montessori School in Zimbabwe. Dr. Mtimbiri is recognized internationally for his work in curriculum development, trauma-informed practices, and rural education initiatives. In addition to English, Dr. Mtimbiri is fluent in Shona, Ndebele, and Zulu languages and proficient in French. We are confident that Dr. Mtimbiri will lead our school to new heights and continue to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment for all students.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mtimbiri to Sussex Montessori,” said Trish Hermance, President of the Board. “His global perspective, deep commitment to child-centered education, and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and fulfill our mission to bring the Montessori approach to more families in Sussex County.”
Dr. Mtimbiri shared, “I am both humbled and inspired to be invited into the beautiful vision of Sussex Montessori School to support a holistic education that values personalized learning, respectful relationships, innovation, and global citizenship. It is a privilege to help carry this ambitious vision forward.
As Maria Montessori wisely said, “The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” I look forward to engaging with our community to further this vision in assisting our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Mtimbiri as he begins this exciting new chapter with Sussex Montessori School!
Contact Dr. Siza at Siza.Mtimbiri@sussexms.k12.de.us
Our Director of Teaching and Learning
We are excited to welcome Peter McClure back to Sussex Montessori School as our Director of Teaching and Learning. Peter brings over twenty years of classroom experience in Montessori environments, having worked in both public charter and private schools in Massachusetts as well as Sussex Montessori School in its first two years.
A graduate of Yale University, with a MAT from Boston University, Peter holds his 6-12 teaching credential from the American Montessori Society. Over his teaching career, he has been a team coordinator, a board member, and a faculty leader. In that time, he has led teams to create school-wide curriculum goals, progress reports, peer counseling programs and whole school curriculum initiatives.
Peter’s experience in the classroom has proven to him the benefits of a Montessori education. He fully believes that a child, given the proper prepared environment, can empower themselves as lifelong learners and maximize their full learning potential. Having seen his daughter flourish in the Montessori programs that she attended, as well as her success in her next schools, he knows first hand how a Montessori education builds confident and capable students.
Contact Mr. Peter at Peter.McClure@sussexms.k12.de.us.
Our Director of Enrollment and Marketing
Kaneisha Trott-Savage, who previously served as the Communications Manager at First State Community Action Agency for over 10 years, joined Sussex Montessori School in April 2019 as the school’s Community Engagement Specialist. Her roles span from helping families seeking to enroll their children in grades K-6, to general marketing and recruitment, transportation supervisor, and Title 1 program coordinator.
“Our primary objective is for the enrollment at Sussex Montessori to fully reflect the characteristics and diversity of western Sussex County,” said board chair Linda Zankowsky.
A Sussex County native, Kaneisha graduated from Sussex Central High School, and received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Delaware. Her master’s thesis explored the impact of the arts on children’s education and self development.
Kaneisha is highly regarded and well-known in Sussex County both for her commitment to children and their families, and for her skills as a professional vocalist.
“We are thrilled to have Kaneisha serve as the face of Sussex Montessori School for the various communities from which the school will draw enrollment,” said Zankowsky. “Her role is critical as we establish a strong relationship between the school and the families we will serve.”
Community groups, clubs, churches, and other organizations wishing to contact Mrs. Savage for meetings and presentations can reach her at the school, 302-404-5367, or online at Kaneisha.Savage@sussexms.k12.de.us.
