Our Teachers

Melinda

Elementary Program Director

Melinda is a Santa Barbara, California native. She attended California State University, Northridge, where she earned a B.A. in Child Development, along with a multiple-subject teaching credential in Elementary Education. She later completed the AMI Montessori Elementary Training at the Montessori Institute Northwest in Portland, Oregon and earned a Master’s Degree in Education at Loyola University, Maryland. Melinda has years of experience as an elementary Montessori teacher, and she previously worked as an Instructional Assistant both in traditional and Montessori schools in grades K-6 for several years. She has also worked in special education and at an outdoor school as a naturalist for a sixth-grade science camp. She feels privileged knowing that, as a guide, she has the opportunity to help children build strong foundations, inspire them to learn, and follow their passions.

Leah

Primary Program Directress

Leah is a Santa Barbara native, a Montessori mom and a Montessori child herself. She received her AMI Primary training from Janet McDonell at the Washington Montessori Institute in 2001 and obtained her Masters in Montessori Education from Loyola University. Leah has taught at AMI Montessori schools in Seattle, Marin County and Santa Barbara.

Claudia

Primary Program Directress

Claudia was born and raised in El Salvador. She graduated from the University of Louisville in Counseling & Guidance and also has a degree in Special Education. In 2015 she completed her AMI Montessori studies at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. Claudia has taught at AMI Montessori schools in Atlanta, Georgia, Los Angeles, Pasadena and Altadena, California.

Rosie

Toddler Program Teacher

Rosie was born and raised in Goleta. While studying at UCSB she discovered her passion for working with young children and has been working in a preschool setting ever since. She appreciates children’s innate curiosity and respect for the world. Her goal is to provide a safe and healthy learning environment that allows children to explore and discover.

Corina

Toddler Program Teacher

Corina is a Southern California native. She has over 7+ years experience in working with children and in a Montessori environment. Corina has her certificate in Early Childhood Education from Santa Barbara City College. She is committed to providing your child with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning. She plans to continue her career in Montessori programs and desires to open her own school in the future. 

Itzayana

Infant Program Teacher

Itzy is a native of Santa Barbara. She holds 3 Early Childhood Education certificates from SBCC including Infant/Toddler development, ECE, and Associate Child Care Teacher. She chose this career early on in her studies and has loved it ever since. Her passion is to be able to be there for children and see them grow and develop from the youngest of ages. 

Yvette

Infant Program Teacher

Yvette was born in Los Angeles and raised in Santa Barbara. She graduated from Santa Barbara City College with an associates and 3 certificates in the field of Early Childhood Education. She is excited to be part of the SCM team and to learn more about the Montessori philosophy. In her free time she likes to go to different parks with her two children.