Nancy Morales
Lead Lower Elementary Teacher
Hello, my name is Nancy Morales. I joined St. Mary’s Montessori School in 2016 and I am thankful for the opportunity to work in a nurturing and loving place where children experience new challenges that build their personality, confidence, and knowledge. The passion and sentiment of knowing one can make a difference in a student’s life is gratifying. My journey in SMMS began as a PM Care teacher for Primary age children (3 to 6 y/o), engaging them in the after-school hours with enriching crafts, songs, and care. A year after, I became an assistant in a Primary environment and after assisting for three years, I obtained my global American Montessori International diploma for Elementary (ages 6 to 12) from The Montessori Institute of San Diego, CA. I have been guiding our second plane students since 2020. In 2003 I accepted an office job for a catholic school. Within my first couple weeks, I was placed in the first-grade classroom to substitute as the assistant. It was then that I knew this was my calling and started my child development education at East Los Angeles College. I worked for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for 10 years as a teacher assistant, substitute, tutor, and taught Kindergarten for three years. I am Mexican American, born and raised in East Los Angeles, CA. I have three awesome children who keep me on the “know” on the “go” and “coffee”! I enjoy drawing, painting, and organizing! If I had any spare time I would pick up on playing tennis again, spend more time with my siblings and travel. I feel blessed to work alongside our amazing staff and support our SMMS community by providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for our children to self-construct and thrive in. Looking forward to another great school year!
Sherangi Perera
Lead Guide for Marigold
Hello, My name is Ms. Sherangi Perera and I have been working at St. Mary’s Montessori School from 2018. It has been such an amazing journey with the staff and the children! I started my journey at the St Mary’s Fontana campus as an assistant teacher and then I moved to the Rancho campus. I became a lead guide in 2022 with a brand new class named 'Marigold'! I have always wanted to be a teacher. My grandmother had her Montessori training and her own school. She was my inspiration to become a Montessori guide. I got my Montessori diploma/ training at 'Good Shepherd Maria Montessori Training Center, Sri Lanka'. It was a very inspirational and fascinating experience. In my spare time, I like to read books and listen to music. I'm grateful and thankful for all my experiences and the memories that I gained from the staff and the kids here at St. Mary’s and I look forward for more exciting times together!
Jessica Barrett
Assistant Teacher
Hello, my name Ms. Jessica Barrett and I have been with St. Mary’s since 2021. I started as an assistant teacher and my goal was to eventually lead a classroom. I have gotten the opportunity to take the AMI training and become a lead guide. I have been enjoying learning more about Montessori education. My priority is to create a safe, healthy, and educational environment for your child. I am mother of two beautiful girls that are 11 and 2 years old. I studied early childhood education at Cerritos College. I have worked with children from the ages 6 weeks old to school age children. I’ve also wanted to teach and inspire young children. On my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love to have picnics at the park and go on walks. I am looking forward to this journey on guiding and caring for your children.
Maryanne Surendranathan
Lead Primary Guide
Hello, I am Ms. Maryanne! I am an AMI certified Montessori teacher with over 35 years of Experience. Through my training I have picked up many valuable subjects, such as child psychology, history and geography. The added knowledge I have in these subjects areas has helped me better my teaching skills through the years. As an added perk I ask so hold a certificate for Music and Drama. I am also an accomplished piano player. During my spare time, I enjoy gardening, cooking, and reading. I I am very passionate about my work and deeply enjoy what I do!
Achala Karunarathne
Lead Primary Guide
My name is Achala Karunarathne, I have been a member of St. Mary's Montessori School since 2019 and I am an AMI Montessori teacher with 11 years of teaching experience. I obtained my AMI diploma for primary age from Good Shepherd Maria Montessori (AMI) training center, Sri Lanka. Teaching is a childhood passion which I have developed into a career. I believe it's a service rather than a career as this is the starting point of education of every human in this world. I am very excited being around kids and teaching them by applying my skills and teaching experience. Also, I really enjoy the time I spend with children as their curiosity leading me to research on new things which help me to enhance my knowledge. I like exploring and learning new things in my spare time and cooking is one of them. I look forward for all the adventures at SMMS!
Tania Galan
Infant Community 2 Guide
Hello, my name is Tania Galan. I’m the Lead Guide in the Peach Blossom Environment. I was born in Austin,Texas. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband for 27 years. I’m a proud mother of three. My oldest who graduated from Baylor University and my two daughters which my second is soon to be graduate at Berkeley and my youngest at UCLA. I moved here four years ago. I found St.Mary’s and have been with the company for four years. St.Mary’s gave me the opportunity to earn my AMI diploma one year ago. I earned my Child Development Certification at Austin Community College. I have over twenty years working with young children. I have the passion of working with young children. I truly enjoy my value time with my family and enjoy traveling.
Deseree Jones
Director
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!
Melanie Oblitas
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!
Brissa Martinez
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.
Alondra Velazco
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.
Gina Hernandez
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!
Yesica Nieto
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.
Harita Priya Bonthu
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.
Gizem Nigg
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!
Eva Rincon
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.
Karen Valera
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.
Lorena Vizcaino
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.
Ariana Becerra
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.
Farnaz
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.
Yudith Chavez
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!