I have always had a passion for working with young children and have close to 30 years of experience in the early education field, primarily with preschool aged children. I've worked as a classroom assistant, lead teacher, assistant director, director, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapist, and business owner. I am a certified yoga teacher and certified SEL (Social Emotional Learning) and Wellness facilitator. I am in love with the Montessori method of learning and take joy in guiding young children along in their education experience. When I'm not busy teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and five children. As animal lovers, we also have a dog, a cat, and five chickens to care for!
After graduating from the UW – Madison, my career path led me to managing in Toys 'R' Us stores for six years. It is there my love for children began. After having my first child, I embraced my new role as a stay at home mom. When my child turned three, I visited numerous preschools and the academic, peaceful, and busy Montessori classroom was the best fit for my daughter. Soon after joining the Small World community, the teachers that were there for 26 years had decided to retire. I, along with my sister-in-law, applied for the job and have now been teaching for well over 20 years. Along with being a mother and wife, this has been one of the most rewarding experiences.
I come to Small World Montessori School with over 20 years of early childhood experience. I found out about Maria Montessori late in my education at UW-Parkside and began reading more about her methods and observing in Montessori schools early in my career. I believe in the power of the Montessori method to help a child reach their full potential. Over the years I have tried to incorporate as much of those methods as I could in other child care settings so I am thrilled to be working in a true Montessori school. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter. We especially enjoy biking, kayaking and camping.
Nothing brings me more joy than working with children—watching them grow into their best selves, creating memories that last a lifetime, and guiding them as they discover new things. As a parent myself, I bring genuine care and dedication to every child I have the privilege to work with. I have three years of experience in childcare, including my role as lead teacher in a “4’s classroom,” where I focused on preparing children for preschool readiness. Small World has been my first introduction to Montessori education, and serving as a substitute during the 2024–2025 school year was truly rewarding. I had the joy of seeing children gain independence and develop a love of learning—something I also embraced by learning from my peers and studying more about the Montessori method. It has been deeply gratifying to be part of the Small World team, where each day we come together to support every child in thriving in their own unique way.
When I was a child, I went to Small World for preschool. I have amazing memories of my experiences at this school that have stuck with me and shaped me into who I am today. So I can personally attest to the effectiveness of the Montessori method, and I believe these experiences have pushed me to have a passion for education. I am now on track to graduate with my associate's degree in early childhood education from Gateway, and then I will be moving on to get my bachelor's at UW Parkside. My main goal for the children I work with is to help them develop a love of learning. The thing I value most about preschool-aged children is their curiosity; they want to know about everything. So I plan to do everything I can to encourage them to continue to explore the world around them with enthusiasm throughout their lives.
Since I was 7,I always dreamed of becoming a teacher. That created a drive that led me on a path to achieve that dream. I currently have a degree in Pedagogy. I have been blessed to shared the last 8 years with many children who filled my heart with unforgettable experiences and memories. But it was not until I became a mother in 2023 that my interest in the Maria Montessori Method grew. Since I wanted my baby to develop all his skills freely and independently. I am eager to share my experience and passion for education with the entire Small World Montessori community. Currently I am studying to obtain my certificate in the Montessori Method. Some other things about me I am originally from Guatemala and I have lived in the United States for 4 years, I started studying the English language and having the support of my husband has motivated me to learn more and more every day. I love spending time with my husband, my baby and our dog Thor. I also really like cooking, baking and taking care of my plants.
I am originally from Mexico and have been working as a teacher assistant at Small World Montessori School for almost a year. My passion for working with children began when I used to visit Indigenous communities in Mexico to bring food, clothing, and spend time playing with children in need. Seeing their happiness and resilience sparked my desire to support and uplift young minds. I speak Spanish as my first language and English as my second. At school, I truly enjoy forming meaningful connections with the children, helping them grow, and celebrating their accomplishments -big or small. I deeply value the Montessori philosophy because it nurtures independence, confidence, and curiosity through hands-on learning. Being part of a team that encourages each child to explore at their own pace and discover their unique potential is incredibly fulfilling. I feel grateful to contribute to a space where learning in joyful, respectful, and child-centered.
Being the eldest sibling, I have always had the drive and passion to work with children. I started babysitting for family members when I was younger and eventually started taking Early Childhood classes in high school. In 2021, I joined my first childcare center and have been working with children for four years now. When I first heard of Montessori, I knew nothing about it, but I was eager to learn more. I have been with Small World as an Assistant Guide in Montessori Transitions for eight months now and have learned so much being here.
I’ve been working in Early Childhood Education since 2003 starting as an assistant and worked my way up to becoming a lead teacher. In 2018 while taking a few classes at Gateway I learned about Maria Montessori and the science behind her method and I was completely inspired. Now I also get to watch my own children building their confidence and learning at Small World too! I am so excited to be apart of this community, getting to know all these wonderful families and encouraging every child’s passion for learning. When I’m not teaching I enjoy spending time with my husband and two beautiful kids, embroidery, diy crafts and listening to podcasts.
I have worked at Small World for over 8 years as a substitute and now as a toddler room assistant teacher and administrative assistant. I am a Small World alumni myself and went on to earn my bachelor’s in psychology and criminal justice from UW Milwaukee. I have worked with children for most of my life nannying, substituting, and now teaching, and have grown such a love for working with children of all ages. Some of my favorite parts of working with the toddlers include the energy and joy they bring to the classroom, forming relationships with each child, and watching the child progress and grow. My goals at Small World are to be someone the child and their guardians trust, to provide a safe and loving environment for all, and to help children discover their own passions and interests.
I have a Bachelor's from UW-Parkside in Psychology, with certificates in mental health and research, as well as a Minor in women's studies. I initially wanted to become a marriage and family counselor to help primarily children, but I just found another way to do that! I started my journey with Small World and the Montessori Method as a parent. I wanted to provide my daughter with an excellent education that fostered independence and self confidence, while of course allowing her the chance to make some friends. Shortly into her second year in school I saw that they were looking for substitute teachers, and so I applied. As a young girl I had actually dreamed of becoming a mother and teacher, but after a short brush with substituting in the public school system I realized perhaps that path was not for me. However, substituting at Small World was one of the best decisions I have ever made. As soon as a position opened up on staff I applied, and now I am working toward my Montessori Certification. Beyond my passion for teaching I also have 2 beautiful children and a loving husband at home. I enjoy riding my bike with them, tending to my garden, updating my historic home, and perhaps a few too many trips for ice cream!
I have always wanted to work with children. While in high school I began my path towards teaching by taking classes in early childhood education. As an adult, the experience I have gained working with my own daughter and family continues to help me at Small World. While the Montessori approach was new to me when I began at Small World, I am already able to see its benefits. I love how the children are given so much choice in what they do each day. In my spare time I like to spend time with my daughter, go camping, bike, and craft.
