All of our Teachers/Guides are diploma holders of the Association Montessori International (AMI). AMI was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1929 and is the recognized global standard for Montessori quality. VFKH teachers hold a Master of Education in the Montessori Method. The teachers at VFKH have been teaching the Montessori Method between 5 to 30 years and our classroom assistants have been with the school 3 to 20 years.
Susan Kelly
Limerick Campus
Head of School
Mrs. Susan Kelly was first introduced to Montessori through a survey of education course while receiving her Bachelor’s degree. Mrs. Kelly spent a summer applying the concepts in a free summer program she created and was amazed at how brilliantly the children responded! Thus, Mrs. Kelly headed to Washington D.C. for her post-graduate AMI studies in Montessori and became a Primary Guide. After meeting and marrying Mr. Edward Kelly, the two opened Valley Forge Kinder House and the rest is history! Now they have 5 children and 8 grandchildren. Mrs. Kelly loves tennis, biking, walking, reading, and family time.
Edward Kelly
Limerick Campus Office
Chief Administrator
Mr. Kelly founded Valley Forge Kinder House in 1977 with his wife, Susan Kelly. Originally from the area, Edward Kelly has lived in Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, Wayne, and Royersford. He came to learn about Montessori through his wife and together they opened the school and have been dedicated to educating their 5 children and many more children through the years. Mr. Kelly enjoys making “Dad jokes”, biking, travel, and road trips. Just ask about his cross-country road trips!
Diane Phelen
Limerick Campus
Primary Guide
Ms. Phelen started as a volunteer at VFKH in 10th grade and became very interested in Montessori. She continued on to college to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education. She then attended Washington Montessori Institute and completed her AMI Montessori Primary training. Ms. Phelen started teaching at VFKH in 1988 and has been here ever since! Over 30 some years. Ms. Phelen loves nature walks, singing, sewing, gardening, and children are her love.