Ms. Sandrine Buntin earned her Degrees in Behavioral Sciences as well as in Child Development and Family Services. She also received a certificate of completion of the Early Childhood Essentials Course from the Authentic Institute of Montessori and a Site Supervisor Permit Certification from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Ms. Sandrine has worked in education for her entire professional career as a teacher, Assistant Director, Director and owner in a preschool setting for over 30 years. After working as a Director at All Saints Preschool for the past 12 years, it was a natural transition to open Shadowridge Montessori School at the same location while offering Montessori education to the Shadowridge community.

Ms. Sandrine’s goal is to promote a fun, educational, safe and inviting preschool experience for staff, parents, and children alike. She is thrilled for the opportunity to provide a quality Montessori environment for children 18 months to six years old, and guide them to become happy, independent problem solvers.

In her free time, Ms. Sandrine enjoys spending time with her five children and traveling back to France to visit her family.

Ms. Ruby Smith graduated from Palomar High School with honors and continued her education at Southwestern College, where she focused on Early Childhood Development. With more than a decade of hands-on experience in childcare and preschool settings, she brings a deep understanding of early childhood environments to her administrative role. Ms. Ruby is dedicated to providing exceptional support to families, students and staff alike. By maintaining clear communication, streamlining administrative processes and cultivating a warm, welcoming school environment, she ensures the school community beautifully reflects true Montessori principles. 

Ms. Ruby was born and raised in San Diego, California, and is one of nine children—with six sisters and two brothers. Growing up in such a large, vibrant family shaped her into the person she is today: exceptionally patient, kind, and a good communicator.

In her free time, Ms. Ruby enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, and swimming in the ocean.

Ms. Rosario Villegas earned her Associate of Arts and a Montessori Toddler Guide certificate from the Association Montessori Internationale in 2024.  Her first experience working with children was 4 years ago when she worked as a behavioral therapist serving children with autism. She enjoyed being a part of their lives and seeing them develop into more independent and confident human beings. As a result, she decided to pursue an assistant teacher role at Shadowridge Montessori School and she completed her foundational courses in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Rosario values helping children achieve their full potential by harnessing their uniqueness and she feels that the Montessori pedagogy allows for that to happen. She brings one year experience of working with children 3-6 years old.

Ms. Rosario was born and raised in Guanajuato, Mexico but has lived in California since 2005 and has been married to her husband, Leo, since 2018. 

In her free time, Ms. Rosario enjoys traveling with her husband Leo, exercising, hiking, dancing and spending time with her family, especially with her nephews which bring her so much joy. 

Ms. Yadira Guanulema-Barba earned a Montessori Primary Guide diploma from the Centro de Entrenamiento Montessori FDH in Quito in 2023, completed her Montessori Toddler Guide training in 2026, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design Engineering. She has over five years of Montessori teaching experience. Self-taught, she learned and applied the Montessori philosophy to her motherhood and has sought to promote it in supporting the families of her local business. She is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where each child can develop holistically, encouraging independence, self-discipline and mutual respect. She seeks to cultivate a spirit of peace and collaboration in young children.

Ms. Yadira was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador and enjoys traveling around her country and learning from the indigenous people of the different regions.

In her free time, Ms. Yadira takes pleasure in spending time with family, working with her own hands by knitting with crochet hooks, drawing and gardening.

Ms. Amya King earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, Psychology and Sociology. She’s been a reading tutor with foster youth and elementary school kids. Her goal is to become a therapist, working with a multitude of communities. She is aiming to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology minoring in Sociology and to join a Masters program after graduation. 

Ms. Amya was born in Seattle, Washington and grew up in San Dimas, California. 

In her free time, Ms. Amya enjoys reading books, doing arts and crafts, listening to music, watching Netflix and cooking.

Ms. Alejandra Anahi Jacinto earned her Montessori Toddler Guide certificate from the North American Montessori Center in 2019. Ms. Alejandra comes with 17 years of experience in early childcare education. With the last 6 years working with 6 wks to 3 years olds. Ms Alejandra hopes to make learning a joyful experience, help grow self-confidence, and encourage curiosity, and independence.   

Ms. Alejandra is from Oaxaca, Mexico and came to the USA as a young child. She grew up in Vista. She is a mother to three boys and one girl.  

In her free time, Ms. Alejandra enjoys family time, gathering with friends, walks on the beach, hiking, going to the movies, and her morning Starbucks. 

Ms. Guadalupe Sotelo earned a Bookkeeping Accounting certificate in 2020 and completed Early Childhood Education courses from Mira Costa College and Palomar College from 2015 to 2019. Ms. Guadalupe is an experienced and passionate educator with a diverse background in early childhood education, production management, and quality control. She spent seven years as a lead Infant Toddler teacher at Discovery Isle Preschool, where she developed and implemented age-appropriate curricula, conducted child development assessments and trained new staff. Her commitment to safety and complaints ensured a nurturing and secure learning environment. Beyond her professional roles, she dedicated over three decades as a Religion Education Teacher volunteer at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, mentoring new teachers and fostering understanding of Catholic teachings for children aged 4 – 14. Driven by a desire to deepen her expertise, Ms. Guadalupe aims to learn more about the Montessori system of teaching to further build strong relationships with families.

Ms. Guadalupe is originally from Mexico City and bilingual in English and Spanish. She is caring, creative, and self-motivated.

In her free time, Ms. Guadalupe loves dancing and reading and spending time with her grandchild, Valerie.

Ms. Cruz Ofelia Lopez received her Toddler Guide Certificate in 2016 from the North American Montessori Center. She has 20 years of experience working in early childhood education. Before joining our team she was at The Growing Place Montessori for 11 years. Her goals are to develop connections and partnerships with parents, students, and coworkers. Also, to impart ethical living practices, and develop courage, integrity, honesty, and kindness.  

Ms. Cruz is from San Diego, California. She is married to her high school sweetheart and are going on 23 years of shared life together. She has a daughter and two fur babies Luna and Jett.  

In her free time, Ms. Cruz enjoys being with family, going to the movies, and at the soccer fields supporting her daughter.

Ms. Ariana Gallegos earned her Authentic Institute of Montessori Certificate in Early Childhood Education in 2024. She has been working in childcare for 6 years and has 4 years of Montessori experience. Her goal is to earn a Degree in Child Development.

Ms. Ariana is a native of San Diego and originally from Oceanside, California. 

In her free time, Ms. Ariana enjoys spending time with her family and going to Disneyland.

Ms. Ramajda Kajtezovic has obtained her full Early Childhood Education credits and has worked in the childcare field for over three years with children aged 0-10 years old. Her goal is to continue gaining knowledge within Montessori teaching and eventually become a Guide.

Ms. Ramajda is from Iowa and recently moved to California. She is a proud Bosnian and loves to enlighten everyone about her culture, traditions, history and fun facts about Bosnia and Herzegovina!

In her free time, Ms. Ramajda enjoys hiking, baking, spending time at the beach, reading and learning new songs on the guitar. She loves volunteering, fostering animals, picking up trash to keep the earth clean and helping her community!

Ms. Monica Santos Del Prado earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Education from Montessori University in Mexico. During her studies, she traveled throughout the Netherlands—from Amsterdam to Nienhuis. There, she was hosted by Nienhuis Montessori School and finished in the study room of Maria Montessori at the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) while earning a Montessori Historical Studies certification. As a head guide, Monica has been guiding and educating young children for the past six years.

Ms. Monica is from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. She is passionate about teaching and working with preschool and lower elementary-aged children.

In her free time, Ms. Monica enjoys going for a run, hiking, traveling, going to the beach, planning summer camps for kids and loves drinking coffee. She is family oriented and loves spending quality time with them.

Ms. Giselle Rios is currently working towards an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working in childcare for two years and has acquired the knowledge and skills needed to provide a nurturing environment for the students. Her goal is to earn an Associate’s Degree in Child Development and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.

Ms. Giselle is from Escondido, California.

In her free time, Ms. Giselle enjoys spending time with her cat Mambo and going to SeaWorld.

Ms. Rosella Araiza earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Education from Montessori Universidad. She started teaching while attending school, gaining experience with children ages 0-6. Her first approach to a Montessori environment was during middle school, it was such an amazing experience that it made her want to become a teacher. She aims to foster a positive/inclusive environment and build strong bonds between her students and parents.

Ms. Rosella is from Mexicali, Baja California, México. She is a mother to a little boy, raising him under the influence of the Montessori principles.

In her free time, Ms. Rosella enjoys spending time with her little one and family. She loves watching documentaries and going thrift shopping.

Ms. Alejandra Bonfil Penella earned a Degree in Psychology from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City in 2011 and has stood out in her career for her passion and dedication to child development. She acquired a diploma as a Montessori Guide for children aged 3 to 6 from the Montessori Institute of San Diego (MISD) in 2018 to strengthen her pedagogical approach and understanding of children’s learning. Ms. Alejandra greatly enjoys creating a stimulating and enriching environment for the growth and development of her students, leaving a positive impact on the lives of the children and families she has worked with.

Ms. Alejandra enjoys teaching her students in English and Spanish since she finds joy in connecting with them through different languages and enhancing their learning experiences.

In her free time, Ms. Alejandra loves traveling, embracing the opportunity to explore new cultures and destinations whenever possible as well as painting and Pilates.

Ms. Rachida Mouhafid holds nine years of experience passionately supporting the growth and independence of young children aged 3 to 6. She has successfully completed 30 units in Child Development and holds an Associate Teacher Permit. Her dedication is focused on continuous learning to provide every child with the specialized care and encouragement they deserve.

Originally from Rabat, Morocco’s beautiful capital, Ms. Rachida initially pursued studies in Political Science before discovering her true passion for Early Childhood Education. This diverse background contributes to her broad perspective and appreciation for global culture within the classroom.

In her free time, Ms. Rachida loves spending quality time with family and friends, discovering new places, and enjoying nature. She has a particular fondness for discovering waterfalls, reflecting her appreciation for beauty, movement and the natural world.

Ms. Laleh Tafreshi earned her Child Development certification from MiraCosta College and Theoria College. She has worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2005 as both a teacher and director. Her goals include helping each student reach their full academic potential and a love for learning.

Ms. Laleh is a San Diego local and currently lives in Carlsbad.

In her free time, Ms. Laleh enjoys cooking, watching the beautiful San Diego sunsets, playing with her family dog, spending time with her family and traveling.

Ms. Ladan Zamahd earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, an Associate’s Degree in Biotechnology, and Certifications in Child Development. She has been at All Saints’ Preschool for 18 years. Her goals are to continue providing child care with the passion and dedication she has shown in the past two decades.

Ms. Ladan is from Tehran, Iran. She immigrated to Laguna Niguel in the year 2000. She has lived in San Diego since 2005, with her hard-working husband, and two very loving boys, aged 12 and 20 (7th grader and UCSD Third Year).

In her free time, Ms. Ladan enjoys baking, going on walks, and watching her favorite shows with her family.

Ms. Razieh Fasaei earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art. She has more than 5 years of experience working with kids. Her goal is to assist teachers in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for the children.

Ms. Razieh is from Iran and she speaks Farsi. She is passionate about saving money to help people in need.

In her free time, Ms. Razieh enjoys spending time with her family, walking, doing art work and painting.

Ms. Isabel Navarro earned her Associate of Arts degree at Merritt College in Oakland, CA. Her first experience working with children began in 2020, when she worked as a playgroup coordinator for a non-profit organization serving children ages 0–5. She later transitioned into a full-time role as an assistant teacher with the City of Oakland Head Start program. Ms. Isabel’s goal is to continue supporting her community by providing encouragement and assistance to the young children and families she has the privilege of serving. She is deeply committed to teaching with love, respect, and inclusivity.

Ms. Isabel was born and raised in Nayarit, Mexico. She immigrated to the United States at age 18 and has lived in California since 1998. Recently, Ms. Isabel, her husband Tom, and their daughter Sofi moved to Southern California and are excited to spread roots in their new community.

In her free time, Ms. Isabel enjoys taking road trips with her family, cooking, hiking, and roller skating with her daughter.