Mark & Alison Aromando, Owners
Alpine Montessori of Sparta and Oak Ridge is owned by Mark and Alison Aromando. They grew up in Florham Park and Summit, met in high school, graduated from Villanova and Georgetown Universities respectively and then when married, settled in Madison, NJ, where they currently reside with their three children ages 8, 12 and 14.
They know first-hand the challenges of looking for good childcare and early education, as they were both working in NYC when their children were young. Finding the right childcare and opportunity for education is one of the most important decisions parents have to make and, therefore, they want to help others as we all try to balance work and family.
Through the Alpine schools, they provide the same loving and safe environment to families that they searched for years ago when their children were young. Through the Montessori method, Alpine offers a philosophy that fosters self-directed growth for children with a natural curiosity and desire for knowledge, understanding, and respect. Through the Alpine staff, they develop students who are knowledgeable and capable with a strong sense of self. As a result, Mark & Alison are thrilled to own such special schools responsible for the development of the whole child and fortunate to witness daily the powerful effects of a place ‘where early engagement becomes education for life’.
Doreen Gorman, Director and Lead Teacher
Doreen has been with Alpine Montessori since 1996. Doreen has her director’s certification from the National Academy of Educators and Caregivers as well as certification for the care and development of infants and toddlers from Norwescap. Doreen has two Montessori certifications in Infant and Toddler Education and Pre-Primary Education. Doreen takes great pride and care in the development of materials and activities for all Alpine Montessori children and is trained in CPR and first aid. Doreen says, “My love of the Montessori philosophy encourages me to develop new materials throughout our Alpine environment. I am so proud of our school and hope every attendee ultimately feels like they are part of the family.” When not at school, family is the center of her life. She spends lots of time enjoying time with family and walking outside with her dogs.
Karen Wiegman, Lead Teacher
Karen has been at Alpine Montessori since 1998 and has been working with children since 1985. She has a degree in Social Studies as well as a P-3 teaching certification from Caldwell College and is trained in CPR and first aid. Karen has a passion for teaching the whole child and loves to see our Alpine children grow both personally and academically. When not at school, Karen enjoys spending all of her free time with her family.
Allison Murray, Lead Teacher
Allison has been with Alpine Montessori since 2003. Allison has a Psychology Degree with a minor in History and concentration in the arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her love of history continues, continually reading and studying the topic to this day. She is trained in CPR and first aid. Allison passionately engages the children with critical thinking exercises and challenges them to be creative in their classroom tasks every day. She has been a resident of Sparta since 1978 and loves spending time with her family and enjoying a variety of outdoor activities to relax in her free time.
