About Our School
At Mahogany Splendor Montessori, we offer more than an education—we provide an environment where children are nurtured with presence, love, and integrity.
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Our approach is rooted in equity, inclusivity, and deep respect for each child’s individuality, while also recognizing that meaningful learning begins with strong family support and a connected community.
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We believe that teaching empathy and compassion must go beyond words; it must be modeled and lived every day so that children grow up understanding what it truly means to care for others. Here, we work with families, not just for them—because when families thrive, children do too.
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Our school integrates high-quality Montessori education with a culturally affirming, community-driven model that prepares children not only with academic knowledge but with emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and a strong sense of belonging.
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We believe that offering a liberating, love-based education is one of the most powerful ways to build a more just, inclusive, and humane society—and that starts by honoring every child who walks through our doors.
Our Teacher Leaders
With over 20 years of combined experience our Teacher Leaders are passionate about bringing access to authentic high-quality Montessori education to children of Black and Brown communities; creating a space for children to feel safe, are seen, heard, and inspired to learn and grow.
Our Board
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Board Member
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Board Member
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Alexis
Watson
President
Alexis Watson is a seasoned education leader in the DMV area, having served in key roles including Director, Counselor, and Dean. With over 16 years of experience across K–12 settings, she brings a deep commitment to student voice, inclusive policy development, and culturally responsive programming. Her leadership is grounded in building authentic school-community partnerships that promote belonging, advance academic success, and create affirming learning environments. She is a dedicated advocate of the Mahogany Splendor Montessori mission.
Ruth Vadlamani
Vice President
Ruth is a strategic, execution-driven finance and product leader with 25 years of experience in treasury, payments, and capital markets, navigating complex and highly regulated environments. She and her husband have two young children, ages 8 and 10, who have benefited from a Montessori education since preschool. The profound impact of the Montessori approach on her children’s development is a key motivation behind her desire to serve as a Board member.
Cathie Perolman
Board Member
Cathie, an educator who has worked in the public and private educational world for 50 years, has a BS degree in Elementary Education and M Ed in Education with a concentration in Reading from Edinboro University in PA. She received her AMS 3-6 Montessori diploma from Center for Montessori Teacher Education in North Carolina. Cathie has served children, faculties, administrations and Adult Learners at many schools and teacher training facilities in various roles. She is the owner of Cathie Perolman Educational Materials and the creator of the Color Coded Sound games and Rainbow Reading System used across the globe to help beginning readers. She is excited to help support this school!
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Board Member
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Amy Hruschak
Board Member
Amy Hruschak began teaching Montessori in 3-6 classrooms in 2012. She has worked in private Montessori schools in the northern Cincinnati area. She has a Master's of Education in Montessori from Xavier University and is AMS credentialed for ages 3-6, as well as licensed in the state of Ohio for kindergarten to third grade. Amy was drawn to Montessori after a career in journalism that included designing pages and writing headlines for The Cincinnati Enquirer. Her daughter graduated from Azalea Montessori School. She was thrilled to join Azalea in its third year of existence and is committed to serving our Norwood neighborhood!
Felicia Williams
Board Member
Felicia E. Williams is a native of Atlanta, GA and after several years of living around the world she currently resides in Locust Grove, Ga. She holds a BS in Business Administration from Fayetteville State University and an MBA from Saint Leo University. For over 30 years she has been a Civil Service employee working in finance, budget and project management. Outside of work, she is very active in several volunteer organizations. She enjoys spending time with her two children and her dog Leo. She also enjoys working out, traveling, and reading.