Meet the North Fontana Directors

Founder and CEO- Head of Schools

Thank you for your interest in St. Mary's Montessori School. It was in 1994, after the birth of my son and daughter, that I embarked on the journey of becoming an educator. My son, whom at the time was two years old, was attending a "Montessori School" and I was very interested in this method of teaching. I did a lot of research and in 1995 I started one of the best experiences and journeys of my life, which includes majoring in Child psychology and completing the Association Montessori International (AMI) Diploma with honors, for children ages 2 to 6 years.

Reminiscing of my 23+ years as a Montessori teacher and Head of Schools, I know that the best gift we can give our children is a strong foundation during their formative years; from birth to 6. That is why St. Mary's Montessori Schools are dedicated to assisting children’s success spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. The "work" that the children will be engaged in will inspire them to create an importance of concentration, self-discipline, responsibility, critical thinking, respect, and concern for others.

We strive to teach our students, through words and personal example, that the gift of God's great love is to be shared with others in acts of Christian service to those in need within our school and in the community. We believe this is an integral part of helping our students develop into socially responsible and caring individuals. They learn that what they do and say is important, and that they have the potential to make a genuine difference in the world no matter how young they may be.

My experience working with children has brought so much joy to me and the families I have worked with. I look forward to working with each and every family at St. Mary's Montessori schools and thank you for entrusting us with the best years of your child's life. It has been a lifelong dream of mine that one day I will start my own Montessori School, and with the support of my family, friends and the blessing of God this has now become a reality.

Director

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Hello! My name is Ms. Deseree Jones, and I have been part of St. Mary's Montessori School since 2017. Since joining, I have had the opportunity to support and collaborate with children of various ages which influenced my passion for working in our 0-3 Assistants to Infancy Program. Since working at St. Mary's, I have served many young children and their families through guiding children in the growth of their independence. My objective as an Early Childhood Educator, Montessori Guide, and Administrator is to create physical and psychological safe havens for children thrive and grow, and to act as a mentor and resource for parents and fellow educators. In 2021 I received my AMI 0-3 Global Diploma at The Montessori Institute of San Diego under the instruction of Dr. Silvia Dubovoy and am blessed to be the Director of our North Fontana Campus. In my free time I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and attending live events. I look forward to building a strong partnership with you and your family!

Lead Primary Guide / Assistant Director

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Hello! My name is Ms. Kayla Morales, and I have been part of St. Mary's Montessori School since 2019. I am the Lead Directress of our Buttercup Environment in our 3-6 Primary Program. I have had the amazing opportunity to continue my work in the child development field with children between 3-6 years of age. Working amongst my great colleagues, I have had a phenomenal experience fostering independence, growth, and confidence in the children during their first plane of development. I am currently finalizing my AMI 3-6 training at The Montessori Institute of San Diego! Throughout my time here, I genuinely enjoy witnessing the social-emotional growth during this period of a child’s life. During my time away from my work, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I always look forward to collaborating with our amazing families to meet the needs of the child; I cannot wait to meet you all!