Meet Our Staff
Tammy Harbison
Executive Director
Tammy has managed Sun and Stars Montessori since 2008 with the goal of creating an early childhood environment that offers the best possible learning experiences for every child.
A former Montessori student herself, she believes self-directed learning is the foundation for curiosity, independence, confidence, and lifelong success. Tammy feels grateful to be part of the magic that unfolds at Sun and Stars each day.
Maria Garcia
Lead Montessori Teacher- Suns
Maria has been part of Sun and Stars Montessori for more than 40 years. She considers it a privilege to have taught alongside so many respectful, caring, and talented teachers during that time.
Maria enjoys preparing the classroom environment to reflect children’s interests and provide meaningful challenges. She is dedicated to guiding and nurturing each child’s natural love of learning..
Nelida Jacobo
Lead Montessori Teacher- Stars
Neli has been part of Sun and Stars Montessori for nearly 20 years and continues to love and learn alongside the children each day. She especially enjoys working with two-year-olds, appreciating their curiosity, honesty, bravery, and sense of humor.
For Neli, the children are an important part of her life, and she cares deeply for each one. She hopes to retire at Sun and Stars, a place she believes is filled with love and happiness.
Lucero Guzman
Lead Montessori Teacher – Little Dippers
Raised in St. Helena, Lucero values her community and the strong relationships she has built with Sun and Stars parents, teachers, and children. As a teacher in the Little Dippers class, she feels fortunate to witness so many “firsts” and to share in these important, formative years.
Lucero especially enjoys watching toddlers grow in confidence as they explore, form relationships, and begin to express themselves in new ways. She appreciates the positive environment, thoughtful team, and overall sense of joy at Sun and Stars.
Johanna Muessel
Lead Teacher – Suns
Johanna was born and raised in Finland, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching at Sun and Stars Montessori for 10 years.
Before joining the school, Johanna followed her love of adventure, travel, and teaching around the world, working as a preschool teacher in Cambodia, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Finland, and the United States.
Teacher - Suns
Alexia was born and raised in St. Helena. In addition to teaching at Sun and Stars, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at SSU. She has a natural ability to engage and connect with children.
She values the ways in which the Sun and Stars Montessori environments nurture social development, creativity, and self-expression. Alexia deeply appreciates the strong sense of community at Sun and Stars, which includes teachers, children, and families.
Rosaura Alvarez Calderon
Teacher – Stars
Originally from Mexico City, Rosaura brings creativity, adaptability, and a calm presence to the Sun and Stars community. She is dedicated to supporting children in learning and practicing Spanish throughout the day.
With a degree in psychology, Rosaura brings both curiosity and a deep interest in lifelong learning to her teaching. She strives to make a positive difference in every child’s educational journey.