Anna Betina is our Toddler Division Coordinator and Half-Day Toddler teacher here at GMS. She was born and raised in Ukraine and has been teaching since 2009. She began with GMS in 2017 and has a Montessori accreditation in infant and toddler care.

She and her husband, Hristo, have their daughter, Mimi, who is in fourth grade here at GMS. Outside of the classroom, Anna loves live music, but also a quiet nap.

GMS: Why did you choose to work at our School?

AB: I did my research based on Montessori theory and fell in love with the method here.

GMS: What excites you most about working in your division?

AB: It excites me to see children as capable human beings and it gives me huge feedback, which inspires me as a teacher.

GMS: What aspect of the Montessori method inspires you the most?

AB: A toddler's sensitive periods and how to prepare the environment that facilitates those effortless windows of learning.

GMS: What do you enjoy learning from our students, and what do you enjoy sharing with them?

AB: How to be patient and see the child. I love sharing my positive attitude to problem solving.

GMS: What do you enjoy learning from your coworkers, and what are you excited to share with them?

AB: Learning how to listen. Recently, we started sharing articles and podcasts across our division on how to support children in a fast-changing world and how to support this in the classroom. It was very exciting and inspiring.

GMS: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn from your résumé or CV?

AB: I used to be a ballerina and during my teenage identity crisis, I switched to wrestling for 3 years.

GMS: Where did you grow up, and do you mind sharing one favorite memory from childhood? 

AB: My favorite memory is playing outside with my friends without adult supervision. Also, going to camps each summer without parents for 6 weeks.

GMS: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are they named?

AB: I have a Black Pomeranian named Mia.

GMS: Of all the places you’ve traveled to, what is your favorite destination and why?

AB: Italy because there is a lot of history and nature to explore.

GMS: If you could travel anywhere else, where would it be and why?

AB: Japan because I’ve never been there and would really love to experience the culture.

GMS: What is something you don’t get to do often but it still feeds your soul?

AB: Visiting my family in Europe.

GMS: What is your favorite snack?

AB: My favorites are seaweed and dried fruits.

GMS: You’re going out with friends? Do you meet for coffee or cocktails? What is your favorite drink from those selections?

AB: I like to drink coffee or tea, or a virgin cocktail.

GMS: Other than Dr. Maria Montessori, who would you like to meet from history and why? 

AB: J. Lacan because I would love to understand his theory firsthand.