In 1999, I moved to Harrisonburg from Richmond, VA, to attend James Madison University. There, I received a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, with a concentration in Social Work, and a minor in Environmental Studies.  In 2006, while serving as an owner of The Little Grill Collective, I was invited to join the Woodland Montessori family as an assistant to one of my closest friends. Stepping into a Montessori classroom for the first time as an adult, I found myself flooded with memories.  As a child, I attended Montessori for Primary and part of Elementary, and my mother was also a Montessori guide for some time when I was a child.

In 2009 my son, Oliver, was born, and in 2012 came Melody, my daughter.  During the time when my children were young, I continued to work for Woodland part-time as an art teacher, an office assistant, and a substitute in the classrooms.  During this time, I was also able to attend an Orton Gillingham training to learn specific tools for helping children who need additional support learning to read.  When both of my children were old enough to attend Woodland, I stepped out of the Little Grill Collective to turn my full attention to Montessori education (and my own family).  I attended the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies to obtain my AMS (American Montessori Society) certification for ages 3-6. In 2014, I stepped into my current role as a Primary Guide.

Watching and guiding young children in their own process as they discover the world around them, and the power that they have within, is one of my life's greatest joys.  When not in the classroom, I enjoy hiking and camping, cooking and eating, playing the violin, and playing games.

I first encountered Montessori in 2010 when I started my journey with Woodland as an afternoon assistant. Since then I have fallen in love with Montessori education.  I am moved by the joy, purposeful movement, and independence that fills the classroom on a daily basis. I have spent time working as an Administrative Assistant and an afternoon Lead Teacher. I am currently working with Mariana as her assistant and teach Elementary P.E. I am looking forward to starting my Montessori training in the summer of 2018 to become a Primary Guide.

I first came to Woodland Montessori as a parent of a vivacious three year old. It was then that I fell in love with the Montessori philosophy and how the environment allows children to move freely while encouraging their curiosity. In 2016, I began working part-time at Woodland as a substitute and afternoon Assistant. I’m currently a full-time Primary Assistant for Jackie, and I love working with the children in such an inspirational environment.

I received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Boise State University in my hometown of Boise, Idaho. During that time, I began working at Lakewood Montessori, which served children ages 18 months-6 years, and I loved how independent and thoughtful the children were. A couple years after I graduated from BSU, I decided to become an AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) certified Elementary Guide. I enrolled in a graduate program that pairs with Montessori training centers and through this program, was able to earn my AMI certification and a Masters of Education simultaneously. The majority of the course was at the Montessori Institute of San Diego in southern California, with the Masters degree issued by Loyola University of Maryland, which I received in 2015.

I have enjoyed working at Woodland Montessori since 2009. During my time at Woodland I have taken on several roles. I first began as the afternoon lead teacher, which is where I fell more in love with the Montessori philosophy. Throughout my years at Woodland, my roles have included afternoon lead teacher, morning assistant, administrative assistant, substitute, and assistant director. I feel each position has given me a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy, and the school community as a whole.

However, I never quite understood the layers of Woodland until I became a school parent myself. Both of my children started at this school when they were two-and-a-half years old. Witnessing the love and support each and every staff member gives to my children, and all of the students, is overwhelming. My children are now a confident elementary student and a social three year old, and Woodland has grown to be their second home.

I have always enjoyed working with children. I previously taught elementary education in public school, which is where I met Jackie many years ago. I first came to Woodland as a parent., being drawn to many things about Montessori education.

In particular, I love seeing children being so naturally interested, learning wherever they are. Montessori education recognizes and appreciates this fact. In this way, children are valued and their interests are acknowledged and nurtured. This keeps the fire for learning burning, something that I appreciate both as a teacher and a parent.

In my role at Woodland, I enjoy working with the elementary students, providing reading support, as well as outside administrative help in the office.

I was born in Colombia, so my first language is Spanish, but have lived in the United States for 17 years. I have two beautiful daughters, a loving husband, and five pugs. I like to sing and to bake rich cakes.

It is a privilege to be a part of the Montessori Method, and even more to be a part of watching your children grow and develop. I love that I can see the students grow in each part of their lives.