Meet the Staff

Maria has been a cherished member of Sun and Stars Montessori for 45 years, bringing a deep commitment to growth and patience to her work with children. Utilizing her AMS training, she thoughtfully prepares classroom environments that reflect each child’s evolving interests, creating opportunities for meaningful challenge and steady growth.

In addition to teaching Spanish, she is especially passionate about guiding children through their “Leadership Year,” the final year before Kindergarten, when they take on meaningful roles and responsibilities within the classroom. During this time, Maria supports each child as they strengthen their social and leadership skills—helping them become ready for their next chapter.

Neli has been a valued member of Sun and Stars Montessori for over 20 years, bringing a strong commitment to growth and healthy connections to her work each day. She continues to learn alongside the children, embracing new experiences and staying up to date with research that supports the home-school connection.

She especially enjoys working with two-year-olds, appreciating their curiosity, honesty, bravery, and sense of humor. Neli is dedicated to building meaningful connections with families to support each child’s unique needs and ensure they thrive.

Raised in St. Helena, Lucero brings a deep appreciation for family, community, and connection to her work at Sun and Stars Montessori. She values the strong relationships she has built with parents, teachers, and children, believing a supportive, family-centered environment is essential for every child’s growth.

As a teacher in the Little Dippers class, Lucero witnesses many meaningful “firsts” and approaches each day with adaptability, responding thoughtfully to the unique needs of the toddlers in her care. She values the joy and collaboration at Sun and Stars, where children, teachers, and families learn and grow together.

Johanna was born and raised in Finland, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. She brings a spirit of adventure and a deep respect for truth to her work, inspiring children to explore their world with curiosity, honesty, and confidence.

Before joining Sun and Stars Montessori, Johanna followed her love of travel and teaching around the globe, working in Cambodia, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Finland, and the United States. She is passionate about trying new things alongside the children, encouraging hands-on discovery and thoughtful risk-taking. Cultural connections and shared adventure are to be celebrated.

Rosaura supports children in learning and practicing Spanish throughout the day, fostering confidence and cultural connection. With a degree in psychology, she nurtures each child’s curiosity and sense of self, creating a thoughtful and engaging environment where children feel supported and families are valued as partners in learning.

Rosaura brings creativity, adaptability, and a calm presence to Sun and Stars Montessori. Guided by a strong sense of faith—an inner trust that positive outcomes are possible and that experiences unfold as they are meant to be—she approaches changes and actions with confidence and intention.

Alexia brings a natural warmth and ability to connect with children to her teaching at Sun and Stars Montessori. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at SSU, among many other endeavors.

Alexia fosters social development, creativity, and self-expression, taking the time to truly listen to each child. She is often seen smiling, laughing, dancing, and playfully engaging with students. She deeply values the strong sense of community at Sun and Stars, where teachers, children, and families work together with care, compassion, and mutual support.