Staff

August 8, 2024
Ms. Cinthya Ramirez Rivera is a Primary Spanish Guide @La Jolla Montessori School

Ms. Cinthya Ramirez Rivera

Mrs. Cinthya Ramirez Rivera began her educational journey at a preparatory school before attending MISD in La Jolla, California, in 2002. After earning her certification as a Children's House Guide (3-6 years), she dedicated 14 years to Montessori Paolini, a leading Montessori school in Tijuana. During this time, she gained invaluable experience, while also pursuing a Psychology degree at Univer Universidad. Her studies highlighted the crucial need for parent education, a focus she has maintained throughout her career. With over 20 years of experience in Tijuana's educational landscape, Mrs. Ramirez has excelled as a lead guide in various schools. Read more
September 28, 2023
Ms. Cherie, Primary English Guide at La Jolla Montessori School

Ms. Cherie

Ms. Cherie is an AMI Montessori Guide with international experience and earned a Master’s degree in Montessori education from Loyola University Maryland. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Statistics. Ms. Cherie’s journey with the Montessori method began after her college graduation when she was captivated by its child-centered approach and the philosophy of following the child’s interests. She found the concrete nature of the Montessori math curriculum particularly appealing and has witnessed the profound impact of these strategies firsthand. Read more
December 14, 2021
Ms. America Villa Primary Spanish Guide at La Jolla Montessori School

Ms. America Villa

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
August 10, 2019
Ms. Mara Smith Primary English Guide La Jolla Montessori School

Ms. Mara Smith

Ms. Mara Smith earned an Associate's Degree in Child Development, a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Crafton Hills College in 2006 and a CA public school Teaching Credential from the University of Redlands in 2008. Mara’s passion for early childhood started when she took her first course in child development and decided that was where she wanted to focus her future. Read More
November 7, 2024
Ms. Lucia Escobar Primary Spanish Guide at La Jolla Montessori School

Ms. Lucia Escobar

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
April 26, 2022
Ms. Asa Samoori Toddler English Teacher

Ms. Asa Samoori

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
August 10, 2019
Ms. Lili Garcia Toddler Spanish Guide at La Jolla Montessori School

Ms. Lili Garcia

Ms. Lili Garcia earned her Associate's Degree in Early Education from Southwestern College in 2006 and then her AMI Assistants to Infancy and Primary Diploma for children ages 0-6 years old from The Montessori Institute of San Diego (MISD). Read more
August 23, 2024
Ms. Natalie Kelly La Jolla Montessori School Toddler English Assistant Teacher / Toddler EDP

Ms. Natalie Kelly

Ms. Natalie Kelly earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art from California State University Channel Islands in 2015. She spent many years working as a Summer Camp Counselor, babysitter, Library Assistant, Museum Engagement and Education Lead, and as a Nanny. She found La Jolla Montessori School while working as a Preschool Substitute Aide and quickly felt drawn to the Montessori way. She believes working with children is her gift and direction forward in life. Read more
August 8, 2024
Ms. Diana De Leon Spanish Toddler Guide @La Jolla Montessori School

Ms. Diana De Leon

Diana De Leon earned a Bachelor's in Psychology from the Autonomous University of Baja California in Tijuana, MX in 2016, obtained her primary AMI assistant course from MISD in 2013, earned her AMI Assistant to Infancy (0-3) diploma from Montessori Stoppani in 2022 and recently completed her Masters in Special Education from CETYS University in Tijuana in 2024. She started an infant community in Tijuana where she worked for 3 years and has experience working with autistic children using ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. I believe in sharing the Montessori philosophy as a way of living, changing the way adults see children and how we educate future generations. Read more
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