The role of the Montessori Guide is to observe each child and present individual lessons as the child is ready for them. Guides propose questions that promote learning and allow the children to be actively absorbed in doing activities they themselves have selected.
The Guide controls the environment, not the children. The child's effort and work is respected, and the guide, through extensive observation and record keeping, plans individual projects and lessons to enable each child the opportunity to learn what she needs to in order to progress. Assessments are not based on grades, high-stakes tests, or homework but, rather, by ongoing observation, compilation of portfolios or work, and by supporting mastery of concepts.
Our learning environments support a bilingual, inclusive, and equitable approach to Education. 63% of our staff members are bilingual. Each classroom includes at least one native Spanish speaking Assistant and an English speaking Lead Guide, however, many of our head faculty members are also fluent in Spanish.
Faculty
Toddler House
Becky Buendia, Level Coordinator (bilingual)
Hummingbird Toddler House Lead Guide
Dinora Chicani (bilingual)
Hummingbird Toddler House Assistant
Rebeca Flores (bilingual)
Butterfly Toddler House Lead Guide
Jenny Quezada (bilingual)
Butterfly Toddler House Assistant
Tori Miller
Educational Support Assistant, Toddler House
“Scientific observation then has established that education is not what the teacher gives; education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences upon the environment.”
Children’s House
Marcela Durlanich, Level Coordinator (bilingual)
Jackrabbit Children’s House Lead Guide
Claudia Flores (bilingual)
Jackrabbit Children’s House Assistant
Maria Mar Cabillo, Chef (bilingual)
Jackrabbit Children’s House Interim Assistant
Haley Robling
Bobcat Children’s House Lead Guide
Leydi Bojorquez (bilingual)
Bobcat Children’s House Assistant
Tess Kimura
Gray Fox Children’s House Lead Guide
Yadira Barnett (bilingual)
Gray Fox Children’s House Assistant
Audrey Roodvoets (bilingual)
Cactus Wren Children’s House Lead Guide
Marali Bancesfuerte (bilingual)
Cactus Wren Children’s House Assistant
Heather Waldorf, Gardening Specialist (bilingual)
Educational Support Assistant, Children’s House Program
Lower Elementary
Ruchira Fernando, Elementary Level Director
Coyote Lower Elementary Lead Guide
Karina Quezada (bilingual)
Coyote Lower Elementary Assistant
Rebeca Godfrey (bilingual)
Black Bear Lower Elementary Lead Guide
Elvia Shepard (bilingual)
Black Bear Lower Elementary Assistant
Lisa MacIsaac
Educational Support Assistant, Elementary Program
Upper Elementary
Franciso Bailon (bilingual)
Falcon Upper Elementary Lead Guide
Denise Morón-Benentiz (bilingual)
Falcon Upper Elementary Assistant
Support & Specialty Assistants
Jalen Hunter
Natasha Bachrach, Art Teacher (bilingual)
Rebecca Sievert, Creo Farm Manager (bilingual)
Carpentry Instructor
Leadership and
Administration
Jill Rovira
Head of School
Jennilyn Costantini
Communications & Development Director
Barbara Miller
Finance Manager
Lauren Franchek
Marketing & Program Director
Brenda Giblin
Administrative Assistant
Sarah Loewenthal
Administrative Support