HMS Teacher Spotlight: Ms Ruglio

Pre-Primary Head Teacher

Please share a little background about yourself:

My name is Debbie and I am the lead teacher in the PrePrimary 2 class at our Garden Street Loft location. I currently live in Bloomfield and was born and raised there. I live with my boyfriend and have been with him for ten years now. I started working at HMS in September 2013 and have loved it every since!

How did you discover Montessori?

I first started working in a Montessori School in Verona for Aftercare. An opportunity for a maternity leave came up and I jumped on it right away. I fell in love with the method of Maria Montessori and wanted to learn more so I began the training. 

What inspired you to become an educator? As a child, I loved playing the ‘teacher’ role either by myself or with my older sister. When I was old enough I taught at my dance school. I also helped teach Sunday school classes at church and youth group. My sister and I started babysitting for our neighbors at a very young age. I knew I loved to work with children and show them new things. As I got older I was inspired by watching children grow and mature. 

What is your favorite area in the Montessori classroom? My favorite area of the classroom is Practical Life. I love to brighten up the class with different colors and change the objects every two to three weeks. The children can let their imaginary play come to life! 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time I am often found babysitting! If I’m not babysitting, I like to have a movie and/or show night at home with my boyfriend. I also enjoy spending time with close friends and with family. I have two nephews I am enjoying watching them grow up and I try to spend as much time with them as I can!