About Us
We’re Emma and Mary - daughter and mom, also mom and grandma.
Mary’s Montessori Home was born from a dream I had when my own children were just months old and I had to return to work. I imagined a sun-filled, clean, nurturing home daycare - one that felt like a second home. I wanted the best of all worlds - a small, loving environment with one-on-one attention of a nanny, a few familiar little friends to grow up with, and a teacher who really knows child development and can gently guide each baby as they learn and grow.
More than anything, I wanted my baby to be safe and healthy - and surrounded by love. Because babies don’t just need bottles and naps. They need sunlight, calm voices, gentle hands, and real connection. That’s the heart of Mary’s Montessori Home. Our space is full of light and warmth, with a floral garden in front and a clean, peaceful environment inside, thoughtfully designed for infants and toddlers. We offer a safe and nurturing setting, guided by experienced caregivers who understand infant development and support each child with gentle, responsive care. Our approach blends the Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies to foster independence, creativity, and emotional growth. We’re here to give your baby the kind of care I would have wanted for my own - and to give you peace of mind every time you head off to work.
Our Team
Mary Yuan
Tanya Ferrara
Emma Zhang
Mary serves as the Director and onsite Supervisor at Mary’s Montessori Home (MMH). She brings decades of experience in postpartum and newborn care, having previously owned and operated a postpartum care center in China. She has also owned and managed three large preschools, each serving over 400 students, and supervised onsite directors a
Mary serves as the Director and onsite Supervisor at Mary’s Montessori Home (MMH). She brings decades of experience in postpartum and newborn care, having previously owned and operated a postpartum care center in China. She has also owned and managed three large preschools, each serving over 400 students, and supervised onsite directors and teaching teams across multiple campuses. At MMH, Mary is responsible for training all teachers, establishing best-practice care guidelines, and providing ongoing onsite supervision. She is also deeply involved in planning and preparing nutritious, home-style meals for children. She also introduces children to Mandarin speaking and writing.
Emma Zhang
Tanya Ferrara
Emma Zhang
I am the Founder and Director of Mary’s Montessori Home (MMH). I’m bilingual in Mandarin and English and passionate about creating thoughtful, research-based learning environments for young children. Drawing from educational approaches in both China and the U.S., I blend Montessori routines and independence with Reggio-inspired individual
I am the Founder and Director of Mary’s Montessori Home (MMH). I’m bilingual in Mandarin and English and passionate about creating thoughtful, research-based learning environments for young children. Drawing from educational approaches in both China and the U.S., I blend Montessori routines and independence with Reggio-inspired individualized learning and enrichment in arts, music, movement, and STEM, working closely with our head teachers to develop MMH’s unique curriculum. I also teach Guzheng and perform it at concerts or culture fairs.
Fun fact: I train in boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and wrestling, which influences how I think about movement, coordination, and confidence in young children.
Layla Wu
Tanya Ferrara
Tanya Ferrara
Hi, I am Layla. I am the co-director at MMH. I am an AMI certified Montessori teacher and have over 10 years of experience in early childhood education and school management. I also hold a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have taught and worked with children in both China and the US, supporting students from infancy throug
Hi, I am Layla. I am the co-director at MMH. I am an AMI certified Montessori teacher and have over 10 years of experience in early childhood education and school management. I also hold a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have taught and worked with children in both China and the US, supporting students from infancy through adolescence (ages 0–18). I bring a cross-cultural perspective to my teaching. I believe every child has unique potential, and I am dedicated to creating a warm, respectful, and well-prepared bilingual environment where children feel confident, independent, and joyful in their learning.
Favorite Quote: "Help me to do it myself."—Maria Montessori
Tanya Ferrara
Tanya Ferrara
Tanya Ferrara
I serve as the Head Teacher in the Lower School. I specialize in caring for young infants, including preparing homemade baby food, planning sensory and floor-based activities, and supporting infants through consistent routines. I have a gentle temperament and I am patient, attentive, and calm. I hold an ECE certification, a Preventative H
I serve as the Head Teacher in the Lower School. I specialize in caring for young infants, including preparing homemade baby food, planning sensory and floor-based activities, and supporting infants through consistent routines. I have a gentle temperament and I am patient, attentive, and calm. I hold an ECE certification, a Preventative Health and Safety Practices certificate for Infants, and CPR/First Aid certifications.
Shirley Burgess
Shirley Burgess
Shirley Burgess
Hi y’all! I'm Miss Shirley, and I’m the Lead Teacher in the Upper School of MMH. I am born and raised in South Carolina in a teacher family - both my mom and grandma are elementary school teachers. I studied Early Childhood Education and American Sign Language for my undergrad at North Greenville University.
My teaching style is upbeat, e
Hi y’all! I'm Miss Shirley, and I’m the Lead Teacher in the Upper School of MMH. I am born and raised in South Carolina in a teacher family - both my mom and grandma are elementary school teachers. I studied Early Childhood Education and American Sign Language for my undergrad at North Greenville University.
My teaching style is upbeat, energetic, and engaging. I love dance parties, reading with children, and making learning joyful.
Favorite quote: “Always keep learning.”
Carlee Howe
Shirley Burgess
Shirley Burgess
I am Carlee and I am the assistant teacher at the Upper School of MMH. I am a certified Montessori Teacher Assistant and Infant Toddler Certified. I specialize in infant care. My temperament is gentle and patient. I love cooking and baking, and crafting is my favorite. In my spare time, I teach crafting class to children at local churches.
Our Philosophies
Montessori + Reggio Emilia
At Mary’s Montessori Home, we embrace a blended philosophy of Montessori and Reggio Emilia that nurtures both independence and joy. Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared with Lovevery age-appropriate toys and materials that inspire children to explore, imagine, and problem-solve. Montessori principles encourage free thinking, confidence, and self-reliance, while Reggio Emilia reminds us to honor childhood as a time of wonder, play, and happiness. With gentle guidance from our teachers, children are supported in developing essential skills while enjoying the freedom to be curious, creative, and truly themselves. We believe learning should be both meaningful and joyful, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of discovery.
Mandarin Immersion
We also offer Mandarin immersion, introducing children to a second language during their most formative years. Research shows that early language learning strengthens brain development, improves memory, and enhances problem-solving skills. Through songs, stories, and playful daily interactions, children naturally absorb Mandarin while also gaining cultural awareness and confidence.
Our Programs
Mary’s Nursery (Lower School – Infants Under 12 Months)
Our Nursery offers a calm and predictable environment where babies receive individualized attention and responsive care. Daily routines follow each child’s natural rhythm for feeding, sleeping, and play. Teachers engage infants with gentle conversation, songs, and early language exposure throughout the day, supporting both emotional connection and cognitive growth.
Infants explore their surroundings through carefully chosen sensory materials that encourage safe movement, grasping, and early curiosity. Tummy time, soft music, outdoor air, and warm caregiver interaction form the foundation of each day. Every detail, from the temperature of a bottle to the softness of a blanket, is handled with quiet precision and love, helping babies develop a deep sense of trust and security.
Mary’s Montessori School (Upper School – 12-48 months)
As children transition into the Upper School, they enter an environment designed for exploration and independence. The day follows a consistent routine of lessons, movement, and sensory play, with a balance of structure and freedom to choose.
Toddlers begin participating in early practical life activities such as pouring water, feeding themselves, cleaning up, and dressing with guidance - all to build coordination and confidence. Teachers introduce language and pre-academic concepts naturally through conversation, storytelling, music, and observation. Group activities foster social awareness and kindness, while outdoor play encourages gross motor development and discovery of the natural world.
The Daycare That’s Anything But Ordinary
A One-of-a-Kind Place to Grow
Mary’s Montessori Home is a one-of-a-kind daycare, a place where the warmth of a home meets the quality and professionalism of a private school. Every detail, from our curriculum to our classroom layout, has been designed with intention, love, and the highest standards of care.
As a parent myself, I know how overwhelming it can be to research schools, join multiple waitlists, and never quite know where your child will end up. That uncertainty inspired me to create a space - a program that grows with your child from a few weeks old through TK, providing continuous, consistent premium care and education under one roof. No transitions, no stressful searches - just a nurturing, familiar environment that evolves with your child’s needs. MMH is a rare combination of a family-style daycare's individualized attention, center-style daycare's professionalism, and a private-school's quality of education.
Nutritious Meals
Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + Snacks
Not knowing what to feed the baby? Can't find anything the toddler wants to eat? Me too. Luckily we have grandma Mary. My mom Mary is a postpartum chef and we believe that healthy bodies fuel healthy minds. We provide nutritious, home-prepared, and organic meals thoughtfully designed for infants and toddlers. Our meal offerings include a variety of fresh baby foods and toddler-friendly dishes that support growth and development. Whenever possible, we encourage self-feeding, helping children build independence, fine motor skills, and a positive relationship with food.
We also understand that every child has unique dietary needs and family traditions. For parents who prefer to prepare meals at home, we welcome cold lunches from home, giving you peace of mind and flexibility. Whether children are enjoying our wholesome meals or those lovingly packed by their families, we strive to create a calm, supportive mealtime environment that nurtures healthy eating habits for life.
A Glimpse of a Day at Mary’s Nursery - Lower School
8:30-9 AM – Gentle Arrivals & Warm Welcome
Each baby is greeted with soft music, warm smiles, and individual hellos. Parents share updates as we ease into the day.
9 – 9:30 AM – Morning Feeding & Cozy Floor Time
Infants enjoy bottle feeding, while older babies settle in with floor time - exploring soft Montessori toys, rolling, crawling, and connecting with caregivers.
9:30–10:30 AM – Morning Nap
Little babies usually need their 1st nap around this time. Our nap room is equipped with blackout curtains, sound machine and individual cribs.
10:30–11:00 AM – Story Time & Gentle Songs (Outdoor)
Books, finger plays, and soft songs bring language to life. Older toddlers may help turn pages or point to familiar pictures.
11:00–12:00 PM – Physical Exercises (Outdoor)
Belly time, rolling around, army crawling, chasing a soft ball on our soft matted outdoor area with shades, or watch the trees, birds and squirrels while breathing fresh air in our cute little tent.
12:00–12:30 PM – Second Feeding & Floor Time
Babies are hungry after all those outdoor workouts! Bottles are served to little babies, healthy pures are served to babies starting solids.
12:30–2:30 PM – Noon Nap
This is usually a long mid-day nap for most babies. Don't we all want one?
2:30–4:30 PM – Lessons, Movements, Sensory Play
We introduce early language through constant gentle conversation, songs, and naming objects during play. Using the Montessori approach, caregivers engage babies in purposeful sensory activities—touching, listening, and observing—to build awareness and connection. Each interaction becomes a lesson in movement, language, and discovery.
4:30–5:30 PM – Calm Play & Pick-Up
The day winds down with quiet activities, cuddles, and time for reflection. We share updates with parents about naps, feedings, and milestones.
A Glimpse of a Day - Upper School
8:30–9:00 AM – Happy Arrivals & Independent Settling-In
Children are welcomed with warm greetings and gentle encouragement to place their belongings away independently. Morning music and familiar routines help them transition smoothly from home to school while parents share quick updates with teachers.
9:00–9:30 AM – Morning Circle & Language Warm-Up
We begin the day with circle time, including songs, movement, calendar awareness, and simple group discussions. Children practice listening, turn-taking, and expressing themselves through words, gestures, and songs.
9:30–10:45 AM – Montessori Work Cycle (Indoor & Outdoor)
Children engage in hands-on Montessori activities designed to build concentration, independence, and fine motor skills. Activities may include:
Practical life exercises (pouring, transferring, sorting)
Early math and language materials
Puzzles, matching, and sequencing
Outdoor exploration and purposeful movement
Teachers observe, guide, and introduce lessons individually or in small groups based on each child’s developmental readiness.
10:45–11:15 AM – Snack & Social Time
Children enjoy a healthy snack while practicing table manners, self-feeding, and polite conversation. This time supports social development and independence in daily routines.
11:15–12:15 PM – Gross Motor Play & Nature Exploration (Outdoor)
Children participate in active outdoor play—running, climbing, balancing, ball play, and imaginative movement. We encourage observation of nature, cooperative play, and physical confidence in our shaded outdoor area.
12:15–12:45 PM – Lunch
Lunch is a calm, communal experience. Children practice self-help skills such as using utensils, cleaning up, and making choices. Teachers model gratitude, patience, and respectful communication.
12:45–2:30 PM – Rest Time
Children transition into rest time with soft music, dim lighting, and a peaceful atmosphere. Younger children nap, while older children rest quietly with books or calming activities as needed.
2:30–4:00 PM – Enrichment, Art & Sensory Exploration
Afternoons focus on creativity and deeper exploration through: Art and open-ended creative projects, Sensory play, Music, rhythm, and movement, Storytelling and early literacy activities, Teachers encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and self-expression while supporting each child’s emotional and cognitive growth.
4:00–5:30 PM – Free Play, Reflection & Pick-Up
The day winds down with relaxed indoor or outdoor play, peer interaction, and reflection. Teachers connect with parents at pick-up to share highlights, progress, and joyful moments from the day.