With the help of the principal and owners, at Cave Creek Montessori, Kelsey, Kathy, and Roy Catalo, The Husband & Wife Law Team surprised a wonderful and deserving recipient with their monthly Teacher Appreciation Award. Soma Mandal was surprised in front of many of her students who were rounded up by Roy Catalo. Soma and her students were shocked as they weren’t expecting this surprise. Mark had a check for Soma in the amount of $250.00, a Teacher Appreciation plaque for her classroom, and a few more surprises! Mark expressed the importance of how much teachers do, but how few of them actually get the recognition they deserve. She was humbled and even more surprised when she was told that she would be featured on The Husband and Wife billboards throughout the Valley for a day. But the surprises didn’t stop there. Not only was she awarded $250.00 and an appreciation plaque, but Mark also rewarded Soma and her students with a pizza party!
Soma Mandal, Cave Creek Montessori
Soma Mandal earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Calcutta in 1993 before deciding to full fill her dream of becoming a teacher. Shortly after, she completed her Montessori training from the Montgomery Montessori Institute. She began teaching at Cave Creek Montessori in 2004. In her fifteen years at CCM she has made an incredible impact on the students and school community. She has watched her students receive college scholarships and attend many different prestigious schools throughout the country. As far as the school community, she has created many different events. For example she created Peace Day, where children honor peace leaders within the community, as well as Holi Day, which is a cultural tradition that she has carried on. Outside of teaching, Ms. Soma loves spending time with her two German shepherds. She also enjoys talking with her parents, who still live in India, and her son who is currently a sophomore at Princeton University. Ms. Soma truly has been inspiring children and adults through her love of education for many, many years now.