Joanna Yamashita (Resource Teacher for the Gifted)

Joanna Yamashita completed her A.M.I Montessori training at the Washington Montessori Institute when it was still located in the top half of a townhouse on S Street in D.C.   She received her B.A. in Political Communication from the George Washington University, her M.Ed. from Loyola College and her Endorsement in Gifted Education from James Madison University.  During her teaching career, Ms. Yamashita has worked with both upper and lower Montessori elementary students; and college and graduate students overseas as a Peace Corps volunteer and through her work with Voluntary Service Overseas.  She is passionate about providing students with experiences that help them to tap into their creative potential and give them opportunities to stretch their critical thinking skills.  In her spare time she and her daughter enjoy swimming and hiking with their cockapoo (who sometimes also swims).