Montessori de Santa Cruz Staff

Everything with Joy!

Meet Our People

The role of the Montessori teacher is to help match each child with the work appropriate for them, adjusting as needed for every individual as they master concepts and look for challenges. The Montessori teacher is a role model, an educational resource, an observer and environmental engineer. Montessori de Santa Cruz teachers are truly caretakers of the educational and emotional growth of their students, while bringing their own individual flavor to their classic Montessori classrooms.

The training of the teacher is something far more than learning ideas. It includes the training of character. It is a preparation of the spirit.

-Maria Montessori

Mandy Huerta

Principal

Isabel Clarke

Registrar

Jocy Mendoza

Paraprofessional & Music Teacher

Lysette Cervantes

Primary Paraprofessional

Kate Valenzuela

Lower Elementary Lead Teacher

America Lozoya

Paraprofessional & art Teacher

Pryscilla Heredia

Lower Elementary Paraprofessional

Jolanne Palumbo

Upper Elementary Lead Teacher

Leah Thalheimer-Karam

Primary Lead Teacher

Elizabeth Mendoza

Gardening Teacher

What People Say About Us

Testimonials

"Todo es bueno, impresionante como los niños son amables, y aprenden rapido."
Millie Lopez
"Best pre-k and kindergarten program in southern Arizona, which sets a great foundation for moving forward into the upper Montessori levels! The staff is extremely dedicated and works to develop every student's potential throughout the year!"
Christina Romero
"Our two boys attend Montessori de Santa Cruz and absolutely love it. The teachers and staff are amazing. We have really enjoyed watching our kids learn and grow throughout their time attending the school. We look forward to many more years here and are so happy we decided to send our kids to Montessori de Santa Cruz!"
Ramirez-Tek Family
"Our family loves MdSC! Our kids thrive with the Montessori method. They are excited to go to school every day and can’t wait to tell us about their day when we pick them up. We love the smaller size and family-like environment that it creates. We’re looking forward to many more years here!"
The Spaulding Family
"The empathy the staff has towards its students is something you could never find at a standard government-run school!"
The Romero Family