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Our Village

The Leadership Behind the Mission

Four Queens natives. Four decades of commitment. One shared calling — to ensure every child in their community has access to education that transforms lives.

Ms. Pringle

Ms. Pringle

CEO and Executive Director · Cofounder

Born into the mission in 1984 as one of her mother's first Montessori students, Ms. Pringle holds a Master's in Theatre Education and a Bachelor's in Theatre and Performance Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education. After teaching in NYC District 29, she partnered with Pringle in 2013 to expand SAMAOL — building an institution that treats every child's potential as a sacred trust.

Leadership

The Executive Village

Together, these women represent more than just an executive leadership team — they are a village of Queens natives who have returned to their roots to build a sustainable, heart led institution.

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Monica L. Pringle

Founder · Visionary · Director Emerita

The original architect of Montessori education in Queens — cofounder of the L.A. Wise Memorial Montessori Center (1981) and founder of St. Albans Montessori (1985). Her vision of a 1st through 8th grade community campus is now being realized.

LisaRoxanne Walters-Jeffers

LisaRoxanne Walters-Jeffers, Esq.

Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

A Queens native and practicing attorney who has spent over a decade protecting the legal integrity of SAMDCC/SAMAOL with deep governance expertise and an unwavering commitment to social equity.

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Dana Anthony

Chief Operating Officer

Brooklyn-born and Queens-raised culinary expert who bridges community based heart with corporate-level efficiency — and oversees SAMAOL's Farm to Table nutrition program, bringing culturally expansive cuisine to every school day.

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Tiayakka Morrell

Chief Program Officer

Queens native, Montessori child, and entrepreneur whose dual lens as family provider and teacher grounds curriculum innovation in real world community realities and the needs of the next generation.

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