Creative Minds
Montessori School
Established 2013
STAFF
​​Diane Bauso
Diane is our Head of School and has been teaching Elementary children in the Montessori classroom for 25 years. Her Master’s Degree is interdisciplinary in both Psychology and Special Education. Her thesis focused upon Alternative Educational Programs for Exceptional Children. Diane also holds certification in “Family Development” through Cornell University. After working in the Montessori classroom for several years, Diane began her formal Montessori training at CME (Center for Montessori Education) at the College of New Rochelle, New York. For 3 years, she participated in the Summer Internship Program for Primary Certification, ages 3-6. Diane then received her Lower Montessori Elementary certification through the North American Montessori Center in November 2006. She received her Upper Elementary Certification in 2016. Diane is a member of the American Montessori Society, Association Montessori International and the International Montessori Council. Diane also has certification through the American Montessori Society as an Elementary Reading Specialist. She remains dedicated to providing ongoing training to all of the CMMS teachers and support staff in the Montessori theory, methods and curriculum to ensure authentic Montessori practices are followed at all times. Diane also enjoys leading the children in Spanish, Art and Gardening.
Diane Bauso
Head of School
Primary, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary Directress
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Isabella "Bella" Granato
Bella is a co-directress in our Primary Environment. She trained as a Pre-K teacher in the BOCES Early Education Program and worked in the BOCES Pre-School. Bella also taught at the BOCES Summer Steam Program. Bella attended Cayuga Community College where she studied Early Childhood Education and has an Undergraduate in Child Psychology. She began her Montessori Primary training in April 2025 and also worked in the CMMS Summer Program. Bella is working for her Primary certification. Bella brings with her an artistic flair that is both beautiful and precise. Her inspiration comes from natural science and fine art.
Isabella "Bella" Granato
Primary Co-Directress
Grace Moskov
Grace is a co-directress in our Primary Environment. She began her studies in Early Childhood Development during her senior year working in their Pre-K classroom. The following year, Grace enrolled at Buffalo State University where she studied Early Childhood Education. She performed her internship as a teacher's aide at Herman Elementary School in Auburn, NY. Grace also worked as a Sunday School teacher at Holy Family's Sunday school program in Auburn. She started her Montessori Primary training in August of 2025 and is working toward certification. Grace brings with her an education that emphasizes a child's individual needs, striving to ensure that each student feels valued and free to explore different form of self expression. Grace is passionate about making Art, believing that everyone has the right to learn how to use Art as a tool to share their unique perspective with the world. Sharing this tool with children is a paramount part of her approach, as each child deserves a safe place to express their creative mind.
Grace Moskov
Primary Co-Directress
Mallory Leader
Mallory is our Yoga Directress for Primary, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary classes and focuses on physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation in a fun, age appropriate way that builds physical skills and promotes well being. Mallory also guides the children in exploring their chakras and uses crystal singing bowls and simple yoga postures to discuss, clear and charge these energy centers.
Mallory Leader
Yoga Directress
