Assistant Teacher

Hello! I’m Melanie Oblitas, and I’m excited to join St. Mary’s Montessori School as an assistant teacher. This role allows me to support young children as they grow, learn, and explore the world in a natural, play-based environment. I graduated from Cal State San Bernardino and have three years of experience working with children, from newborns to one year old, in my community church. Through this, I’ve seen first-hand the profound impact of positive interactions on a child’s development in their earliest years. In the classroom, I’m passionate about fostering a nurturing space where children feel supported and encouraged in their growth. Outside of work, I love spending time in nature and capturing scenic landscapes through photography. I’m also an art enthusiast and enjoy visiting museums like the Getty and the Riverside Art Museum to explore abstract art. Plus, I’m always on the hunt for new coffee shops to try!

Assistant Teacher

Hello everyone! My name is Brissa, and I am an assistant teacher at St. Mary’s Montessori School. I hold a degree in Education Studies from UC San Diego, where I developed a passion for fostering the growth and development of young learners. I have 2 years of experience working in early childhood development. Throughout my work, I have focused on supporting children’s social and emotional growth and nurture their natural curiosity. Outside of the classroom I spend time outdoors where I hike and take photos of my findings. I am excited to bring my knowledge and joy for knowledge to the classroom. I hope to inspire children to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace.

Receptionist

Hello everyone! My name is Alondra, and I am the new Receptionist for St. Mary’s Montessori School. I was born and raised in Tecomán Colima México. I came to California when I was 11 years old and started middle school at Kolb Middle School in Rialto CA. I had great teachers who made learning English easy and enjoyable. I obtained my Business Administration, and Social & Behavioral Science Associate Degrees both from San Bernardino Valley College. I genuinely enjoy doing crafts, scrapbooking, journaling and party decor. I am a Hello Kitty collector since I came to this country. My first experience at the Ontario Mills Sanrio shop was out of this world and I been a fan ever since. On another note I am forever grateful with St. Mary’s Montessori School for giving me this opportunity of employment. My customer service and administrative skills will come in handy to provide the best service to parents, students and staff.

Receptionist

Hello! My name is Mrs. Gina Hernandez I have always had love and passion in making a difference in someone’s life. I have built my career in clerical/management for over 18+ years. Within the past 6+ years I have become a caregiver, in which it helps full feel my passion in helping others, including my own husband whom I lost to cancer in 2019. My priority with God’s guidance is to stay motivated, continue to push and never give up. In my free time another passion of mine is classic cars which I enjoy driving with my grandbabies, my family also my closest friends making memories in the beautiful outdoors. I am so grateful and honored in joining also looking forward to building a strong bond with my new family at St Mary’s Montessori School. Every day is a new way to stay humble and grateful!

Assistant Teacher

Hello St Mary’s Montessori Family. My name is Yesica M. Nieto and I am so excited to be back and be part of the St. Mary's Montessori Family. I say be back because I had already worked for St. Mary's since 2018 to 2022 but unfortunately I had to take some time off to care for my children. I want to start by saying that I am a mom of 2 wonderful children Adriansito who's 6 years and attended St. Mary's for about 4 years and now little Alison who is 1 year old and now will be attending St. Mary's Montessori. I am married to a wonderful man. On my free time I like to craft, hike, go to the beach, and spend as much time as possible with my family. I also love to cook and bake. I been in the child development field for 10 years. I had a pleasure to work with infants, toddlers, as well as primary children. Working with children is extremely wonderful. Little ones teach you as much as you teach them. Every single child is unique and I just love to see them grow and accomplish every single milestone.

Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Mrs. Harita Priya Bonthu. I love spending time with kids and I feel extremely fortunate to work as an Early Childhood Educator where I have the opportunity to take care, teach, nurture, and watch them grow and help each child progress in all areas of development. I believe in working towards this in a positive, fun environment where each kid feels safe and comfortable. I completed Early Childhood Development 15 Units from El Camino College. I have served many young children in their growth and development. I spend my free time with my family and my lovely 5years daughter, love traveling. I look forward to working with you as partners in your child’s growth and development.

Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Gizem Nigg and I am happy to be working at St. Mary’s Montessori School. I have always wanted to be around children to help nourish their growth. I have a bachelor's degree from Istanbul Aydin University in early childhood education. I gained experience in child development through many internships and various programs during my studies in Turkey. The opportunity came for me to work in the United States when I applied through an Au Pair program in 2019. I was with families in Chino, San Francisco, and Houston where I worked with infants and toddlers for multiple years. I decided to further my education at California State University of Long Beach during 2022 to improve my professional English. I really like to travel in my free time and have been fortunate enough to have seen 18 states with my husband during our road trips. I have always been a fan of the beach and experiencing new activities. Overall, I am honored to have joined the team at St. Mary’s Montessori School, and I look forward to helping everyone grow!

Hello, my name is Chef Eva Rincon and I have been part of St. Mary’s Montessori school since 2014. I am incredibly grateful to be able to cook for these wonderful children and for all the staff. I inherited my passion for cooking from my beloved mother who was always preparing food for me and my siblings, who were always waiting for the time to enjoy her delicious dishes. For me, every day is a new challenge to be able to prepare healthy food for the children of the campus. I have had the opportunity to work for both campuses, but I am fortunate to work out of our Fontana campus. I hope to have the opportunity to meet all the parents, and to be able to obtain the most valuable thing that exist in my job "the smile of a child, who returns at home happy for having eating something that he likes at school. My second hobby after cooking is tending to my garden. I love going for walks with my husband, and when my daughter is home, we love to visit botanical gardens and spend time together.

Assistant Teacher

Hello, my name is Ms. Karen and this is my second year working here at St. Mary’s and truly enjoy and look forward to continue working with the company. As I continue my studies in Early Child Development and plan on pursuing working with kids as my career I find St Mary’s being a major key. Working with kids has always been a great enjoyment as well find it very rewarding in a sense where I help the child learn and grow but so does each child I’ve worked with find.

Assistant Teacher

Hello my name is Lorena Vizcaino, and I have been part of St. Mary’s school since 2016. I have over 10 years of early childhood experience and have really enjoyed guiding the infants excel in the Montessori environment by gaining independence and confidence. Working with children has always been a passion of mine. I have always worked with children, starting with babysitting my own siblings at a younger age and volunteering at my church’s nursery. I find inspiration everyday through working with the infants as an Assistant teacher in Gerber Daisy by knowing that I am part of their first school experience. It’s a gift for me to watch them grow and explore the world around them and gain their independence. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family, visiting new places and trying different kinds of foods.

Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Ariana Becerra, I am the Assistant teacher for the Buttercup Class. I have been part of the St. Mary’s Montessori School since 2016. Since joining, I have had the opportunity to support and collaborate with children of various ages which influenced my passion for working in our 3-6 primary program.Since working at St. Mary’s I have served many young children and their families though guiding children in their growth and independence. My objective as an Early Childhood Educator, Montessori Guide, is to encourage normal desire for independence and high sense of self-esteem and to help children learn how to observe, question, and explore ideas independently. I received my Early Childhood Development Units in 2008. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. It is an honor to be working with all of you and I look forward to creating more lasting memories.

Assistant Teacher

My name is Farnaz Ahmed and I had the privilege of joining St. Mary’s in 2014 and watch it grow over the years and become one of the leading AMI certified schools. I am an AMI certified teacher and have 22 years of experience of working in this field. l took early retirement but came back with my passion to still work around children and see them grow with a strong commitment to provide a safe and enriching environment for students of all the ages.

Lead Primary Guide

Hello, my name is Mrs. Yudith I am the primary lead in the Calla Lily environment. I have been a part of our St. Mary's for 7 years, I have my diploma from The Montessori Institute of San Diego where I became AMI certified. Prior to joining St Mary's I had been working with children for ten years in a traditional school setting. Some of my favorite past time activities are going to the movies, trying new recipes at home and spending time with my loved ones. I truly enjoy my role in our environment. I love seeing the children discover and learn new things every day. My favorite part is when I get the opportunity to observe a child overcome a task, they once felt was impossible to master. That to me is the best reward!

Lead Infant Community 2 Guide

Hello! My name is Ms. Stephanie, and I am the Lead Montessori guide in our Sweet Pea Environment. I have been teaching at St. Mary’s for 7 years and I absolutely love what I do. My passion is working with the 2-3 year old’s as this age group has shaped me to be the best teacher. My children bring me so much happiness and I love to see the growth from when they first start to throughout the year. I will continue to give all my best to the children in my care.

Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher

My name is Ms. Liz Martinez, and I have worked at St. Mary’s since 2018. Since joining, I have had the pleasure in working with all the ages, which influenced me in working with children 0-3. I have guided and collaborated with children in helping them towards their independence, and it is such an amazing thing to observe. Young children are capable of doing so much with the guidance and collaboration of the adult. It makes me happy to be able to guide the children at this age. In 2022, I received my AMI 0-3 Global Diploma at The Montessori Institute of San Diego under the instruction of Alejandra Rosas. I am currently the Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher in Gerber Daisy at our North Fontana Campus. In my free time, I love to go to different restaurants to eat, watching movies, and spending time with my family and friends. I am looking forward to meeting new families and ensuring the success of our children towards their independence.