Chrismont Montessori Academy

Where Children Can Grow!

Our Faculty

Collyn Swanson, PhD

Director of CMA, Head Elementary Teacher, Board Member

Mrs. Swanson is the Director of the Chrismont Montessori Academy and also teaches our Elementary classroom grades 1-6. Collyn earned her BS in Mathematics at University of Northern Colorado, her MCS from Lesley College, and her PhD in Education, Administration and Supervision from the University of Denver. She acquired her American Montessori Internationale (AMI) Elementary Certification in Elementary Montessori Education from the Washington Montessori Institute at Loyola College in Columbia, MD.

Prior to finding her love of Montessori methods, Collyn taught Math and Science to High School and Middle School students for over 20 years in both the public and private sector. She also taught adult education classes and was an Assistant Principal for three years before accepting her position as a classroom assistant at the prestigious Aquinas Montessori School in Alexandria, VA.

Collyn's Montessori training, combined with her broad-based teaching experience offers Chrismont Montessori Academy elementary students the chance to learn and excel in a wide variety of subjects. Collyn has two wonderful children, both educated in Montessori methods. She has been with Chrismont since 2006.

Bonnie DuBois, MAT

Head Primary Teacher, Board Secretary

Mrs. DuBois is the Director of the Chrismont Montessori Primary School (Pre-K through K). She earned her BA from Drew University and her MAT from SUNY Binghamton. She received her American Montessori Society (AMS) credential in Early Childhood Education through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education.

Mrs. DuBois is certified by the State of New Jersey in Elementary Education and Social Studies. She is also a teacher-training field consultant for the Princeton Center for Teacher Education.

Prior to her arrival at Chrismont, Bonnie was a respected and admired teacher at the primary, elementary, and high school levels. Her broad-based education and unsurpassed teaching experience offers students a foundation that encourages personal development and develops self-esteem, while providing a lifetime love for learning. Mrs. DuBois has been with Chrismont Montessori Academy since 1998.

Jason DuBois

Elementary Class Instructor

Jason earned his BS in Biology from The College of New Jersey and is currently pursuing his American Montessori Society (AMS) credential in Elementary Education through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education.

Jason developed his love and appreciation for the Montessori lifestyle from his mom, Bonnie DuBois (above). Prior to his matriculation at TCNJ, Jason graduated from the highly-acclaimed Academy of Allied Health and Sciences in Neptune, NJ.

His unbridled enthusiasm for the sciences has offered our elementary students the opportunity to get excited about science at an early age. He began his teaching career as a volunteer assistant in the Chrismont Montessori Academy Primary Class in 2006.

Lisa Doherty

Primary Assistant Instructor, Elementary Assistant Instructor

Mrs. Doherty attended the County College of Morris and the College of St. Elizabeth before ultimately embarking on a 10-year career in Montessori schools. She has her Montessori Assistant certification and recently acquired her American Montessori Society (AMS) credential in Early Childhood Education from the Christopher Academy, which is now affiliated with the renowned Center for Montessori Teacher Education.

Lisa's expertise as a 20-year fitness instructor offers our students the chance to embrace physical fitness, balanced nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle.

Board of Trustees

Debra Buruchian

Chair and Treasurer

Debra is a successful business owner and entrepreneur and brings a passionate commitment to the mission of Chrismont Montessori Academy. Deb's vision helped found the Chrismont Elementary program (which her daughter attended) and she has been affiliated with CMA since 2003.

Collyn Swanson, PhD

CMA Director and Board Member since 2006

Please learn about Collyn above.

Bonnie DuBois, MAT

Lead Primary Instructor since 1996 and Board Secretary since 2005

Please learn about Bonnie above.

Mike and Katie Benning

Board Members

Mike earned his BS from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and is currently the owner of two successful start-up businesses. Mike and Katie have unique schedules that allow them to devote their tireless efforts to CMA. Both of their children currently attend Chrismont Elementary. Their affiliation with CMA began in 2006 and they were named to the Board in 2010.