President
Meryl Whiteman
Meryl Whiteman’s dedication and passion for innovative methods of education, as a contributing factor to transforming children’s happiness and their joy of learning, began in her early teaching career. Her experience and contributions to that cause, in both public and private preschools and elementary classrooms as a teacher and administrator, span five decades.
Meryl’s innovative methods transformed classrooms in New York City (NYC) and Phoenix, AZ. She co-founded the New Vision (K-12th grade) Public School, The Renaissance School, Creating Leaders for the Renaissance of New York—the first of its kind instituted by NYC public school teachers. Meryl is also co-owner and Co-Executive Director of Lefferts Gardens Montessori (LGM), a toddler through 6th-grade school operating for fifty-one years, founded by her mother, Lenore G. Briggs (1928-2015), as a family legacy.
Captivated by the Montessori method of education, Meryl broadened her perspective and experience in child development, deepening her passion for contributing to children’s growth. Meryl believes that a high-fidelity Montessori education is at the pinnacle of interrupting the pipeline from school to prison. To address the hand-in-hand concerns of education and society today, she created the 501(c)(3) non-profit Nutmeg Tree Montessori Inc.
Meryl holds a master’s degree in education, a Certified Diploma in Primary Montessori Education, as well as Montessori Education Certificates from Elementary through Adolescence, including Montessori Administrator’s training in strategic planning for inclusion and educating children and their families with disabilities.
Cindy Whiteman
Cindy Whiteman is a seasoned professional whose career reflects a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Her journey began with a childhood dream that became a reality when she joined Cirque du Soleil at the age of 11. This early experience fostered her dedication to learning, growth, and building meaningful connections—qualities that have shaped her approach to life and work.
With nearly three decades in the entertainment industry, Cindy has held diverse roles, including acrobat, production manager, creative director, casting advisor, senior contract advisor, and company manager. Alongside her artistic pursuits, she developed robust technical and business acumen, becoming a 4x Salesforce Certified Administrator and leveraging these skills to solve complex organizational challenges. Her time in sales further honed her ability to build relationships, understand client needs, and drive results—all while staying true to her values of integrity, respect, and collaboration.
Cindy’s leadership style is grounded in empathy, adaptability, and a focus on fostering inclusive environments. Her experience managing multidisciplinary teams and navigating cultural diversity has deepened her commitment to creating spaces where every individual feels valued. She believes in the power of education and community to unlock potential and bring out the best in people.
As a Montessori school board member, Cindy brings her creativity, organizational expertise, and passion for growth to support the school’s mission of nurturing curious, independent, and confident learners. Her approach mirrors the Montessori philosophy: seeing potential in others, fostering their unique strengths, and encouraging lifelong learning.
Cindy’s diverse background and proven ability to balance creativity with structure make her a valuable advocate for the Montessori vision of education. She is honored to contribute to the school’s continued success and innovation.
Aqila Norris
Aqila Norris is an experienced educator, advocate, and entrepreneur with deep roots in Montessori education and a lifelong commitment to fostering child development. As a proud alumna of a Montessori school, Aqila’s early educational experiences instilled in her a love of learning and independence that continues to shape her professional philosophy. Her passion for Montessori extended into her family life, as she chose to send her own children to Montessori schools to provide them with the same rich, child-centered education that she values deeply.
Aqila also brings hands-on experience to her understanding of Montessori pedagogy, having worked for one year in a Montessori classroom with 2- and 3-year-olds, where she cultivated environments that nurtured curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young learners.
Academically, Aqila holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Hampton University and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. Her graduate studies equipped her with a strong foundation in child development, curriculum design, and inclusive teaching strategies.
As a certified prenatal yoga teacher, doula, and metaphysical minister, Aqila’s holistic approach to education and well-being makes her a unique asset to any educational community. She is deeply committed to ensuring that children and their families feel seen, supported, and empowered, bringing a lens of inclusivity and care to her work.
Aqila is the founder of Soul Work Studio, a wellness space that bridges the mind, body, and spirit through yoga and holistic practices. Her leadership in this space demonstrates her ability to create environments that foster growth, self-discovery, and connection—principles that align seamlessly with Montessori education.
Through her diverse experiences as a student, parent, educator, and advocate, Aqila brings a heartfelt dedication and multifaceted approach to everything she does.
Lynn Tollet
Lynn Tollett spent more than 20 years in banking, beginning as an Office Manager/ Administrative Assistant in consumer lending at Republic National Bank before moving into the Consumer Credit Department. In 1996, she was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager, and in 1999 became an account executive in the Mortgage Corp. for HSBC BANK USA, which acquired Republic National Bank. From 2005-2011, Lynn served as Vice President/Business & Community Development officer with the same department.
In 2010, one year before retiring from banking, Lynn became a Personal Trainer/Yoga Instructor and founded the Lifetime Fitness & Holistic Center in Brooklyn, NY. Most recently, Treasures of the HEART, Ltd. was registered to do business in Barbados on April 26, 2024. The company will own and manage a Holistic Health and Healing Arts Guest House catering primarily to family and friends. The house will be used for events such as Yoga Retreats, Art Events, and events catering to holistic health and healing.Lynn Tollett earned a B.F.A. and an M.F.A. in Dance/Choreography/Kinesiology from the United States International University in San Diego, CA. Her career in Dance spanned 15 years before joining the Financial Sector.
Dr. Beverly Poellnitz
Dr. Beverly Poellnitz (Dr.Bev) is a passionate educator with over thirty years of experience across all levels of education, from K-12 to the college level. Holding a doctorate in higher education and a master’s degree in public education, she has dedicated her career to empowering learners and shaping innovative educational strategies. Certified as a Master Storyteller, Dr. Bev combines her expertise in education with her talent for connecting with diverse audiences through the power of narrative. Her work has extended beyond the classroom, serving on numerous nonprofit boards to champion causes in education, community development, and social equity. Dr. Bev’s leadership and commitment to lifelong learning make her a respected figure in the field of education and an inspiring advocate for transformative change.
Kimberland Hernandez
Kimberland Hernandez has nearly two decades of experience in education. Kimberland has dedicated her career to empowering students and fostering innovative learning environments. She holds an Ed.S. degree in Education Administration and a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Teaching and Learning, and principal certification, showcasing her deep expertise in instructional leadership and educational development.
Throughout her career, Kimberland has been a champion for student success and an advocate for various learning styles and methodologies. Her passion for progressive education aligns with the Montessori philosophy of nurturing independent, lifelong learners. Kimberland brings exceptional organizational skills, a strategic mindset, and a commitment to the nonprofit’s mission to provide high-quality, child-centered education.
Lamar Thompson
Lamar Thompson’s photography experience spans three states and three decades. Currently a Phoenix-based creative, his passion for photography began in his early high school years while living in New Jersey. In New York City, with an eye on portraits in black and white, he later ventured into photographing the world of jazz and rock music.
His photography is published in the book RIGHT TO ROCK by Maureen Manon, which documented the Black Rock Coalition. He is also featured on various record labels, such as those of Cassandra Wilson, Steve Coleman, Jean Paul Bourelly, and other artists.
As an experienced event photographer for over 20 years, Lamar has also developed expertise in studio portraits, environmental portraits, conferences, and high-end event photography. Lamar’s passion also spilled into medical ophthalmology, and he taught art and photography in Arizona’s public school system.
He has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and, as a medical photographer, headed the Ophthalmology Imaging Department at Long Island College Hospital, Long Island Vitreoretinal Consultants, and Yeshiva University. As a fine arts photographer, Lamar will contribute his talents to Nutmeg Tree Montessori Inc.