ANNA MARIE RUIZ Owner, Director 2, Montessori Guide, Consultant
I was born and raised in Bastrop, Texas, and attended the University of Texas night school, where I studied Psychology and English. I was employed by the State of Texas for 30 years and after retirement, opened my own Montessori School in Bastrop, which I owned for 17 years. I am the founder of two Montessori schools in Austin. I received my director’s license in 2005 from the Child Care World Wide Institute and I am also a member of Professional Administrator & National Credentials. I received my Montessori certification for Ages 3-6 from the United Montessori Association in 2006 and Montessori certification for ages 0-3 from NAMC in 2022 and have been a Montessori guide for over 17 years.
DOLORES MARTINEZ Owner, Bookkeeper, Montessori Guide
I am a retiree from the Texas Workforce Commission after 30 years of service. I retired from IRS after eight years. I attended ACC and studied Accounting, Computer Science, and Child Development and received my Montessori certification through the North American Montessori Center in 2006. As a grandmother of 4, I am very involved in their upbringing. The Montessori philosophy takes full advantage of the child’s motivation to learn selfdiscipline and independence at a young age. Practical life in Montessori is a purposeful activity that develops motor control and coordination, critical thinking, and concentration.
GLORIA TORRES Owner, Human Resources
I worked at Odom Elementary as a Community Representative for the Bilingual Program and was the liaison between the school and parents. In the
office, I was responsible for maintaining student immunizations and attendance records. I have been around children throughout my working career and believe that we can always learn from them. I’ve also worked with the Legislative Budget Board office and the Texas Education Migrant Program and Curriculum. After a short retirement, I returned to work at the Texas Department of Licensing Regulation (TDLR) as a legal assistant. I received my Montessori certification for the 0-3 age group in 2022 from NAMC.
Valerie Pena Montessorian, Assistant DirectorDirector CertifiedAges 3-5
Hola Amigos! I have over 22 years of experience caring for children and writing curriculums for ages 3-5-year-olds. I was born in Carrizo Springs, Texas. I grew up learning and speaking Spanish through my father who is from Mexico. I am excited to be hired as the Spanish Immersion Program Coordinator at Itzcali Montessori and Spanish Immersion School. It is exciting and challenging for me because I get to teach these wonderful children this beautiful language. I love to see them learning and repeating things I teach them in Spanish. I look forward to the day when I will carry on a conversation with them. I am a certified Montessori Guide for ages 3-6 Years from North American Montessori Center. I also hold a Director’s license from the Child Care World Wide Institute and I currently serve as Assistant Director and Montessori Guide.
Daniela Castillo CarrilloDirectorMontessori for children aged 12 to 35 months
Daniela began working at Itzcali Montessori School on March 2022. She has 7 years of child care experience. She is from Merida in the Yucatan, Mexico. Spanish is Daniela’s first language. While at Itzcali Daniela obtained her Montessori certification from the North American Montessori Center for ages 0-3 years and her Director’s certification from Child Care World Wide Institute. Daniela holds a Psychology degree from Universidad Modelo a private university in Merida. The university uses academic models from the University of Mexico.
Miriam Carrera AMI Montessori Guide (3 – 6 Years)
Hailing from Venezuela, Miriam Carrera is a certified AMI Assistant with extensive experience in early childhood education. Miriam has previously worked alongside Ms. Marie at another Montessori school and will now be bringing her expertise to our Montessori classroom. Her passion for Montessori methods will be instrumental in fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for our young learners.
Yanitza Rolon MACTE Montessori Guide (24 – 35 Months old)
Yanitza Rolon holds a MACTE certification and has extensive experience in early childhood education. She will join us as a Montessori guide for our Toddler classroom (24-36 months). With a wealth of experience in early childhood education, Yanitza is dedicated to creating a supportive and enriching space for our toddlers. Her background and skills will be invaluable in supporting the development of our youngest learners.
Sandy Cardenas Substitute teacher and Floater
Sandy Cardenas has been a member of our team for the past year and a half. Originally from Mexico, Sandy’s role as a substitute teacher and floater allows her to infuse her enthusiasm and expertise into various classrooms. Her passion for working with children makes her a dynamic and integral part of our team. Sandy also enjoys sharing her love for the Spanish language, further enriching our educational environment.
Sarah Reyes Guide Assistant (24–35 months old)
Sarah Reyes, our dedicated guide assistant from Itzcali, brings five years of experience in early childhood education to our team. Originally from Mexico, Sarah specializes in working with children aged 24–35 months. Her extensive knowledge of child development and her unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds create a supportive and stimulating learning environment. Sarah’s ability to connect with each child and her innovative approach to teaching makes her an essential part of our educational community.
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