TEAM
Jamie Coppa, Director
In working with several hundred families at Lily since its conception, Jamie's goal is to remove the obstacles and blocks created in a society of "not enough" and enhance the daily lives of parents and children who are a part of the Lily community. Through simple coaching methods and hands on work in the prepared environment, she aims to support the child in reaching their highest potential and self actualization as a result of the paren't commitment to the work. Her philosophy is largely based around the idea that when parents try one thing (ex: the weaning table and chair, toy rotation, adopting communication styles that reflect what we want to happen, etc.) and find success, they begin to implement more of the principles that create an ideal environment for all members of the family. At Lily Montessori, we take it one day and one class at a time.
Jamie Coppa received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education at Coastal Carolina University in 2011 and since graduating, has worked in many classrooms with children from birth through high school as an elementary education teacher, music educator, mindfulness and yoga instructor, and sound medicine facilitator.
Jamie holds an AMI Assistant to Infancy certification (0-3) from the Maria Montessori Institute in London and is an AMI certified Montessori for Dementia facilitator through the work of Jennifer Brush at the Brush Development. Jamie is also Level 3 Radiant Child Children's Yoga certified and practices sound healing through hr certification through the Institute for Holographic Sound and Inner Balance.
Ericka Uter, Lead Guide
Ericka Uter is a native born Nicaraguan and Asbury Park resident who is passionate about meaningful and community centered work along the Jersey Shore. Ericka is a Montessorian, a DONA certified birth doula, a reiki practitioner, and an avid mentor to the youth of Asbury Park through the organization KYDS.
When Ericka is not working as a 'konscious worker' and bilingual lead guide in parent toddler courses at Lily Montessori, she enjoys spending time in nature with her three beautiful children, frequenting community events, and always seeking to restore balance and peace to the waters within.
Ericka is a certified AMI 3-6 assistant guide from Washington Montessori Institute and is a currently enrolled in her full Assistant to Infancy 0-3 training at the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies.
Meet Our Board
Renée Ibáñez
Born and raised in Mexico City, Renee Ibanez is a seasoned Montessorian who moved to the U.S. with her family nearly two decades ago to continue her advocacy for social justice through education. Renee is both an AMI and AMS certified primary guide and the founder of Dahlia Montessori in Allenhurst, NJ. Renee runs a bilingual program (English and Spanish) and enjoys serving her community as a bridge between her native culture and the ethnic mosaic she curates as a part of her classroom and education work. When she’s not in the classroom and finding ways to share this incredible work, you can find Renee traveling, swimming, and enjoying her daily strolls on the boardwalk with her beloved dog.
Sayda Cano
Sayda received her degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. She worked as a classroom assistant for several years before receiving her 0-3 AMI certification in Assistant to Infancy from The Montessori Institute in Denver, Colorado. She has been a Lead Infant Toddler guide at Mastro Montessori in Shrewsbury and a Parent Educator for many years. She is currently a lecturer for the Montessori Philippines teacher training center. Sayda enjoys supporting Lily in their mission to guide families during the most crucial part of a child’s development.
Krista Salomon
Krista is the founder of KS&Co, a digital marketing consulting and management boutique based in Neptune, NJ, for purpose-driven companies. Krista has been in the digital marketing and advertising space for over 15 years, working for esteemed agencies and brands such as Ogilvy and Mather and Wyndham Hotel Group. She is married to Rodney Salomon, co-founder of Konscious Youth Development & Service, is a Montessori mom to her two sons, Kheru and Ra-Sekou, and enjoys cooking plant-based cuisine for family and friends.
Andria Procopio
Andria is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 9 years experience. She founded A Well Fed Mind, where she combines OT and holistic health coaching backgrounds. Andria supports children of all ages including those diagnosed with developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and ADHD. Andria strives to help her clients achieve a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle as these areas directly relate to improving self-regulation, the foundation of learning.