Staff

Ms. America Villa completed her training to be a Primary Spanish Assistant Teacher through the Montessori Stoppani Training Center in Tijuana in 2022 and the AMI Primary certificate to be a Head Spanish Guide in 2024. Ms. America is from Los Ángeles, California but grew up in Tijuana. Five years ago, she started working in a traditional elementary school, but when she had the opportunity to work at La Jolla Montessori School, she didn't think twice about taking the job! Read more

Ms. Lucia Escobar earned a Master’s Degree in Culinary Arts in 2010 and spent several years working as a sous Chef in Mexico. After working as a teacher at a bilingual school in Mexico for two years, she discovered her love and passion for children. Upon moving to San Diego, she continued working with children as a babysitter and nanny. She’s excited to join the La Jolla Montessori School and bring her enthusiasm and expertise to the community. Read more

Ms. Laura Juarez earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2018 and completed her AMI Primary certificate to be a Head Spanish Guide in 2024 through the Montessori Stoppani Training Center in Tijuana. She is originally from Tijuana and began her professional career working as a Head Guide at Jardín del Saber 'Albert Einstein'.Ms. Laura strongly believes that the Montessori method is the ideal way to unlock every child’s potential. Read more

Ms. Asa earned her AMI Montessori Diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2018, followed by completing her Master’s Degree in Montessori Education from Loyola University, Maryland in 2019. She has worked in AMI Montessori schools since 2016. Read more

Ms. Kristine Withem earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and spent five years serving as an Assistant Teacher at the Montessori Community School of Salt Lake City. She holds certificates in the Foundations of Montessori and Montessori Approaches to Special Education. Ms. Kristine worked as a co-teacher at the Appalachian State University Childcare Development Center from 2022 to 2023. Read more