Leela joined Oak Grove Montessori School as Head of School in 2024. She has been involved in Montessori education since 2008 and was previously the Head of School at The Cornerstone School in Stratham, New Hampshire and the Assistant Head of School and Director of Admissions at the Montessori School of Huntsville in Alabama. Leela holds a Masters of Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody School of Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Analysis and Policy with an International concentration from Boston University, and is trained in Orton-Gillingham, a multi-sensory approach to reading instruction. In addition to her work in early childhood and outdoor and experiential education settings, Leela was a wildlife scientist and researcher specializing in ornithology. She is passionate about whole child education and social emotional learning and how Montessori education is well positioned to meet these needs. Leela finds purpose in cultivating relationships as part of the prepared, school-wide Montessori environment to support children, teachers, and families on our journey together.
Born and raised in the ‘Quiet Corner’ of Northeastern Connecticut, Leela is delighted to be able to serve a community near to her heart with quality Montessori education. Leela grew up in a multigenerational household and her return to New England has provided that same opportunity for her own children to have instilled in them the importance of family. As a family they enjoy being active and spend a good deal of time skiing in the winter and camping, canoeing, biking, and hiking the rest of the year. Leela is an avid birdwatcher, a hobby that’s been passed down several generations of Pahls. One of their favorite, more sedentary, all family activities is to collaborate on the crossword puzzle together. Everyone has their expertise, adults and children alike, and it is a team effort (like so many things in life)!