The Children's House of Washington 

Our Story

The Children's House of Washington opened its doors in the heart of Georgetown, a historic neighborhood in Washington DC, in September of 1981. Founded by a Montessori trained educator named Patti Harburger, CHOW was built upon the pillars of curiosity, community, and diversity. CHOW  is a welcoming, nurturing, and transformative place for early learners, and a flourishing community of students, alumni and families.

The Children’s House of Washington, led by CHOW Director Monica Brewer who has been with the school for over two decades, is a thriving environment of discovery, and innovation for students and families. 

Monica Brewer 

Executive Director, CHOW

Monica Brewer has been teaching at The Children's House of Washington for over two decades and in a Montessori school setting for over three decades. She was first introduced to the Montessori-based curriculum at Mater Amoris Montessori.

Inspired by her fourth-grade elementary school teacher Mrs. Williams, she devotes herself to providing a nurturing and inspirational environment to help children realize their full potential. Learning Montessori-based curriculum at Mater curriculum was a life changing experience that brought up mixed emotions.

She drew a comparison from her learning experience as a child and felt deprived, but this ignited a strong desire to take part in implementing this unique style of education to children. Also, she has a wonderful rapport with the children, parents, and community, using humor, talent and insight along with her training.

Valerie Valentine

Associate Director, CHOW

Valerie Valentine has been teaching at The Children's House of Washington for over two decades. She has a degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master's in Early Childhood Education. 

She has multiple hours in professional staff development in Early Childhood Education and Montessori Assistance training. Valerie also has a Food Handler’s Certificate.  Valeries is a multi-faceted leader at CHOW. She is a very caring, considerate, and impressive educator. The kindness and commitment she exudes is reflected in her interactions with students, parents, and the greater CHOW community. 

She plays multiple roles as a classroom assistant, children’s morning crafts teacher and is in charge of the children’s lunch time. There is no one with greater patience, kindness or quick response to a situation than Valerie.

Jennifer Berry

Head of Arts and Play Programs, CHOW

Jennifer Berry has been teaching at The Children's House of Washington since it opened it doors in 1981. For over 40 years she has been serving the community as an educator, summer programs founder, and arts program leader.

Jennifer has taught generations of students at CHOW, and is deeply loved by the CHOW community. She is trained in French, English history and math, additionally, she has multiple hours in professional development training as well as Montessori Assistant Training. She is a deeply empathetic, passionate and experienced educator.  

Jennifer is a true renaissance woman, able to do most anything. All her collective skills give her the ability to provide the children rich art programs of sculpture, painting, collage, collaboration, creativity, and fantastic crafts.