Pembroke Hill announces that Dr. Sherri Danyali, the founding head of Guidepost Montessori in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., has been appointed the PHS early childhood division head beginning July 1, 2023. Sherri takes over the division leadership from Pamela Robb who is retiring after 20 years with Pembroke Hill.

In her role at Guidepost Montessori, Sherri was involved in the launch of the school - hiring the teaching and administrative teams, earning accreditation and creating a welcoming culture of learning, collaboration and connections. She is also responsible for student enrollment and retention, program quality and campus outreach.

Prior to her current position, Sherri led the early childhood division at Shorecrest Preparatory School, an independent school in St. Petersburg, Fla. While at Shorecrest, she guided faculty through changes in curriculum and grew the school program. Sherri designed return-to-school plans as well as new policies and procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also assisted with the construction planning process for a new early childhood school building and playground. As a member of the school’s senior leadership team, Sherri participated in numerous committees, including the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board Committee, The Center for Teaching and Learning, Student Stress and Wellbeing, and Little STEAMakers.

In her 25 years as an educator, Sherri has taught prekindergarten, kindergarten and second grade in both public and private schools in Florida and Georgia.

“We are looking forward to Sherri joining Pembroke Hill,” said head of school Brad Shelley. “Her vast early childhood administrative experiences and commitment to the Reggio Emilia pedagogy make her ideally suited for our school. Sherri is a community builder who understands the importance of relationships among teachers, students and families and how they positively impact the teaching and learning environment.”

Sherri said, “I am thrilled to be joining the Pembroke Hill School community. When I visited campus, it was clear to me how much the educators value working together to create a welcoming and inclusive school environment where students thrive. It is exciting to have the opportunity to build upon the strong foundation of relationships, joyful Reggio-inspired teaching and learning, play and care that is evident in the early years, preschool and prekindergarten programs.”

She continued, “As an early childhood school leader, I have studied the Reggio Emilia approach with teachers and have observed children wonder, explore, engage in projects, investigate, ask questions and develop as individual and group learners. Leading a school division influenced by this philosophy that supports children’s learning and growth is work I enjoy and find meaningful.”

Sherri holds a doctorate of education from Nova Southeastern University with dual concentrations in educational leadership and curriculum and teaching. She also earned a master's degree in education with a major in early childhood education from Georgia State University. Currently, she is enrolled in the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School Certificate program in school leadership and management.

Active in professional networks, Sherri is involved with the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Harvard Principals’ Network, North American Reggio Emilia Alliance and The American Montessori Society.

In her spare time, Sherri enjoys spinning, cooking, reading and spending time with her husband Joe, daughter Zoie and son Brett.

“I know that Sherri and Joe will be valuable additions to our school community,” Brad said. “Please join me in welcoming them to the Pembroke Hill family.”