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. Zuleyma Martinez earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Justice Studies & Sociology concentrating on Children, Youth and Family. Her goal is to become an Assistant Director.
In her free time, Ms. Zuleyma enjoys hiking, going to the movies, spending time with family, and hanging out with her dog. She also enjoys discovering new places to eat around San Diego & North County.
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. 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. Dani Chea is currently working towards an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working as a Montessori teacher for over 2 years now and started her journey as an assistant to a Montessori Guide at a local Montessori school. She strives to create a safe and loving environment for all her students and is overjoyed that she can be a part of their journey. Ms. Dani hopes that she can help assist both staff and families in creating a smooth path for learning and growing.
Ms. Dani is from Oceanside, California and attended All Saints Preschool briefly as a child.
In her free time, Ms. Dani enjoys spending time with friends, reading, shopping, and trying new activities.
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. Claire Bellomy earned her Montessori Primary Diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2017. She brings with her four years of Montessori teaching experience, including three years at the company school of a leading Southern California aerospace company. With a passion for early childhood education and a deep appreciation for the Montessori method, she is dedicated to creating an engaging and nurturing learning environment for young minds to thrive. She is always keen to share about the Montessori pedagogy, so please ask away!
Ms. Claire was born and raised in France and lived in several European countries throughout her first career.
In her free time, Ms. Claire enjoys good books, thought-provoking movies, and exploring California with her husband James and their German Shepherd Kovu.
Mr. Saul Diaz earned a Montessori Teacher Diploma in the city of Morelia, Mexico, where he completed his training. He was very lucky to have an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) center located in the city where he was born. He worked as lead Montessori guide in South Dakota where he had the chance to work for two years with the wonderful Sioux Falls community. His goals are to keep learning and helping from this wonderful method and one day become a Montessori teacher trainer.
Mr. Diaz was born and raised in Morelia, Mexico and spent five years living in Cancun—where people are always happy, friendly, and ready to help!
In his free time, Mr. Diaz enjoys a good book, hiking, dancing, and traveling the world!
Ms. Judy Napolitano earned an Associate Degree in Child Development and is presently working towards a degree in Social Work. She has experience working as a nanny and a volunteer in the foster care community and has always wanted to be a teacher.
Ms. Judy is from San Diego and has 12 nieces and nephews of all ages.
In her free time, Ms. Judy enjoys spending time with her two cats, Luna and Tigger, and loves all things puzzles and art.
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. 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. 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. 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. Ariana Gallegos is working on her Associates at MiraCosta College. She has been working in childcare for 5 years and has 2 years of Montessori experience. Her goal is to earn an Associates Degree in Child Development and a Montessori certification.
Ms. Ariana is from Oceanside California.
In her free time, Ms. Ariana enjoys [spending time with family and going to Disneyland.
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. Amy Mesinas earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Child Development. She volunteers at her church working with children on the weekends. Her goal is to continue to create a warm and inviting environment for students and parents.
Ms. Amy is a native of Vista, California and happy to live in the same city where she grew up.
In her free time, Ms. Amy enjoys going to the beach, spending time with family, traveling and trying new foods.
Ms. Vanessa Grimsley earned a Certificate of Achievement in Child Development as an Associate Teacher and a Child Development Assistant Permit from Palomar College in December 2022. Additionally, she possesses an Associate Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences (May 2012), an Associate Degree in University Studies with an emphasis in Education (May 2014), and an Associate Degree in Arts and Humanities (March 2019). Ms. Vanessa has 2 years of experience working with children and is passionate about fostering their understanding of the five senses.
Ms. Vanessa, a native of North County, San Diego, combines her passion for education with her extensive knowledge in child development.
In her free time, Ms. Vanessa enjoys volunteer work, actively supporting others in their professional endeavors and developing empathy by understanding their feelings. As a people person, she cherishes visiting with her relatives and is a proud pet parent of a Boston terrier dog which she loves taking for walks.