Meet Andrea
Andrea O’Brian, Executive Director
Andrea O'Brian, as the Executive Director, provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for PCTE while offering steadfast support to the Program Director. With a tenure at Princeton Montessori School that commenced in 2005, Andrea brings nearly two decades of experience as an independent school administrator to her current role. Renowned for her adeptness in fostering professional growth, she has spearheaded transformative professional development endeavors for administrative teams, emphasizing crucial interpersonal competencies. A sought-after speaker, Andrea regularly shares her insights on leadership at esteemed local and national conferences.
In addition to her impactful leadership within the school community, Andrea has lent her expertise to various accreditation endeavors, serving on accreditation teams for both independent and Montessori schools. She also held a distinguished position on the executive board of the New Jersey Montessori Administrators’ Corporation (NJMAC) from 2018 to 2020.
Andrea's academic journey reflects her commitment to excellence in education. She holds a Master of Arts in Education, with a specialization in Montessori Studies, from St. Catherine’s University, MN, and a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from The College of New Jersey, NJ. Her professional credentials include an American Montessori Society (AMS) Administrator credential obtained through Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ. She has further enriched her knowledge through participation in the AMS Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist (ABAR) Professional Development Course and completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Head of School – Middle Years Programme (Cat.1) training. Andrea's multifaceted background underscores her unwavering dedication to educational excellence and inclusive leadership practices.
Meet Huma
Huma Kazmi, Director
Huma Kazmi is the Program Director at the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE) in Princeton, NJ. A passionate Montessorian, she brings over two decades of experience as a teacher, mentor, and instructional leader in both school and adult learning environments. Her work is rooted in fostering transformation in adult learners through reflection, equity, and core Montessori principles.
A graduate of PCTE herself, Huma has served the program in multiple roles—including Elementary I–II Field Consultant, Instructor, and Level Coordinator—where she has contributed to curriculum design, practicum supervision, and the development of accessible, rigorous adult learning experiences. Her leadership emphasizes creating a collaborative and inclusive learning community in which adult learners are seen, supported, and challenged.
Since 2005, Huma has also served as a Montessori Upper Elementary teacher and Program Coordinator at Princeton Montessori School, where she mentors interns and teachers, guides curriculum development, and partners with Student Services to support student growth.
Huma holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of London and AMS Elementary I–II credentials. She has completed the AMS Elementary Instructor Academy and Director Academy. Huma's vision centers on inclusive, flexible programs that balance theory and practice while remaining firmly grounded in Montessori pedagogy. She is committed to advancing justice, equity, and access through both in-residence and online learning. For Huma, PCTE is more than a training center—it is a space where transformation, growth, and purpose come to life.