Staff

Dr. Heather Davis is the Director of La Jolla Montessori School. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Child Development from the University of Georgia in 2001 and spent the first 15 years of her career working in public teacher education. In 2014, she relocated to San Diego and was able to pursue her long-time interest in Dr. Maria Montessori’s work. She trained as an AMI Primary Guide at the Montessori Institute of San Diego (MISD) and has experience serving as a Head Guide, a floating teacher, and an Administrative Assistant at AMI-affiliated schools, including three years as an English-speaking guide at MISD’s bilingual program from 2016 to 2019. Read more

Ms. Holly Hobson earned her Associates Degree in Social and Behavioral Studies and Psychology at Grossmont College in 2015, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, Cum Laude, at San Diego State University in 2017, and just recently completed the Office Professional Training Program at Grossmont College with a 4.0 in January 2024. She has experience working with children since she was in high school where she earned college credit working in elementary school and preschool classrooms. During college, Ms. Holly worked as a program instructor for various after-school programs. After college, she worked at a preschool as a floater and was promoted to teacher. Ms. Holly’s goal has always been to help others and she looks forward to helping the families of La Jolla Montessori School. Read more

Ms. Carmen Gaxiola studied English at St. Louis University in St. Louis Missouri and earned a Degree in Education Administration from Anahuac University in Mexico City. She studied Montessori in 1999 at the Montessori Institute of San Diego (MISD) and has been an AMI Montessori Guide for over two decades. Read more

Ms. Isobel Jia moved to San Diego after she completed her bachelor's degree at Purdue University in 2015. She received her AMI Primary Certification at the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2022. What Ms. Isobel loves the most about being a Montessori Guide is witnessing the growth and development of each child, fostering independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning. While she conducted her observation and practice teaching at LJMS, she was deeply impressed by the professionalism, dedication, and expertise of everyone here and she is excited to continue her journey of practicing the Montessori method. Read more

Ms. Wendy Lewis earned her Montessori degrees in Infant and Toddlers (0 - 3 years) as well as in Primary education (2.5 - 6 years) from American Montessori Society (AMS) in 1997. With over 25 years of experience in Montessori education, she is passionate about creating nurturing environments where children can develop to their full potential and thrive—which has always been a priority in her professional life. Her career has encompassed a diverse range of roles as an educator including Assistant Teacher, Head Montessori Guide, and owner of her own Montessori school. Ms Wendy has also served as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting children with special needs. This breadth of experience has equipped her with a strong foundation in early childhood education and a proven track record of success. Read more

Ms. Katia Ledon earned her American Montessori Society (AMS) Certification in 2012 from the Centro De Ensenanza Montessori and began her career working at Buona Terra Montessori School in Tijuana. Then in 2015, she completed her AMI Primary Certificate from the Montessori Institute of San Diego. For five years, she led a Spanish immersion classroom at Kinderhouse Montessori. Read more