While earning a B.A. in philosophy and linguistics at the University of Colorado at Boulder, she taught part-time at a local Montessori preschool and became fascinated by the lives of young children.
Having attended a Montessori school herself at age three, she decided to study Montessori education's principles and methods by completing Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) training at Washington Montessori Institute and earning an M.Ed. in Montessori Education at Loyola College in Maryland. After directing several classroom environments for 2 1/2- to 6-year-olds, Daisy served on Greater Pittsburgh Montessori Society's (GPMS) Board of Directors from 2005 through 2009 and is Immediate Past Chairperson. Besides operating Household Harmony, she works as Director of Communications & Sales Support Specialist at The Simplex Group, Inc., a technology consulting firm, and is a member of Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP) and Mobilize and Empower the South Hills (MESH). She serves on the Board of Directors for The Milk Truck, and donates her time to WYEP 91.3 FM, The Sprout Fund, Riverlife and Three Rivers Film Festival, too.
In addition Daisy volunteers locally with The Samburu Project, helping to support sustainability, self-sufficiency and cultural integrity in developing countries; as well as with the Pittsburgh Chapter of Children's International Summer Villages (CISV), an independent, non-political organization promoting peace education and cross-cultural friendship.
A contributor to Music Together Teacher Notes, the Expectant Mother's Guide to Pittsburgh, Rhythm of the Home and The Awl, Daisy became a Music Together teacher at the suggestion of Ketti Bottonari, who recognized the harmony between its philosophy and Montessori's and felt sure the common themes would resonate with her sister. She was right, and now Daisy is happily singing again!
Having initially undergone Music Together Teacher Training in 2006, three years later she completed a practicum and advanced coursework. She was then awarded Music Together Certification Level I status by the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, NJ, for outstanding achievement in teaching, musicianship, articulation of program philosophy and parent education. In 2011, Daisy completed Jim Donovan's Rhythm Renewal Drumming Facilitator/Teacher Training Level I.
In addition to teaching conventional Music Together family classes, she's pleased to bring an intergenerational Music Together outreach program to guests, staff members and local families at The Grand Residence at Upper St. Clair, and at Asbury Heights in Mt. Lebanon--both assisted-living facilities. Daisy also delivers the Music Together Preschool program to children with special needs in inclusion classes at The Early Learning Institute's South Hills and Penn Center preschools.
Daisy was honored in November of 2009 as one of Pittsburgh Magazine and PUMP's 40 Under 40. You're welcome to inquire about the Nickelodeon Parents' Picks Award-winning party activities she offers, and also the educational presentations she gives to community groups about how collaborative experiences like making music together can enrich family life.