Eileen Minarik

Eileen has been actively involved in the Montessori Community since 1974 as a parent, assistant teacher (Primary), lead teacher (Primary, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary), as a teacher trainer and consultant (Primary) and as a grandparent (since 2007.) As a parent she helped to establish the Montessori program at Green Hedges School in 1976.

Eileen founded Reston Montessori in 1984, which she operated out of her home for two years. In 1986 she took on a partner and they worked together for eight years. In 1994 Eileen sold Reston Montessori to her partner and founded Sunset Hills Montessori.

For the past few years she has welcomed children of former students to the school and also has added former students to the SHMS staff.

In 2014 Eileen retired as a lead teacher and is no longer responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school but is in continual contact with the SHMS Administration.  During the Pandemic Eileen served as a resource teacher for the elementary teachers.

For most of the history of SHMS she greeted each child every morning.  She is very happy to return in September 2023 as a greeter several days a week.

Eileen is a voracious reader who is surprised that she loves her NOOK  and Kindle e-readers as well as “real” books. She also loves to do arts and crafts, especially paper crafting.

Eileen is a major Harry Potter fan.  So far she has the 1st book in 14 languages.  Now that people are starting to travel again she is hoping to add to her collection.