Meet The Teachers

Martha Krane
Director and Head Teacher
I'm Miss Martha, director and head teacher at Circle of Friends. I helped open the school in 2008. I attended Bay Path Jr. College and worked many years as a Medical Assistant. After having my own children, I went back to school for Early Childhood Education and earned my Montessori Certification in 2006. I reside in Westbrook with my husband and have two grown girls in their twenties.

Deri-Ann Weiss
Co-teacher
My name is Miss Deri-Ann. My family has lived in East Haddam since 2010. My husband, Ever, and I have four children, two girls and two boys. Their ages are 14,11,8, and 6. Prior to being married and having children, I worked as a lead team teacher at Winfield Children's House; a Montessori school in Falmouth, Maine. I enjoy camping and spending time outdoors with my family.

Shaivite Nichols
Assistant and art teacher
Raised in an interfaith, international community in Central Florida-by way of Arizona and New York-I left that ashram for Miami, Mexico, and Central America where she trained in a variety of fine arts media as well as jewelry making and silversmithing.
I created an art history-based studio art curriculum for Florida students at a K-8 school and co-founded a parent-accompanied, pre-kindergarten program in art, music, and science. When my younger child graduated from MCOF in 2018, I welcomed the opportunity to join MCOF as an assistant teacher and the art teacher.

Jennifer Hickey
Assistant teacher
I am Miss Jennie. I have been a part of the MCOF family since 2016. With a short break in 2020, I am so happy to be back teaching! I studied Early Childhood Education at Mitchell College in New London and hold an Associates degree. I live in Chester with my husband, Jared, and my step-son, Colton. I love spending time outside and baking yummy treats!