Meet Anna Garcia, the Sequoia Lead Teacher!
With 19 years of experience in Montessori education, Anna is a passionate educator who obtained her Primary Montessori Certificate from the National Center for Montessori Education. She has worked in various Montessori programs, including authentic, progressive, public charter, and infant-toddler settings, always in a lead teaching role. Anna is also in the process of earning her Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education from Sierra College.

Anna's journey into Montessori began at 17 when she took a Montessori teacher's assistant course and was gifted Maria Montessori's The Formation of Man by her father. Inspired by the poeticism of Montessori’s words and the living example of those principles in the classroom, Anna developed a deep commitment to human education with regard and reverence for all stages of development. She fosters independence and creativity in her students through her "The Way" approach, which focuses on safety, body control, making good choices, and friendship.

Outside the classroom, Anna is an avid gardener and loves storytime, making language learning fun for her students. Fun fact about Anna? She’s a P.O.S.T. trained 911 dispatcher! Her favorite Montessori material is the red knobless cylinders, which she finds to be the perfect tool for teaching perseverance.

Meet Cassandra "Cassie" Montgomery, our Acorns Teacher!
Cassie has been immersed in the Montessori world since 2016, starting as an assistant and now leading her own classroom. She holds a Montessori Primary Certificate and completed her training at the Maria Montessori Teacher Training program. With a background in traditional preschools, Cassie brings a unique blend of experience in creating safe, inviting, and growth-oriented environments for young learners.

Cassie's teaching philosophy centers on nurturing the whole child—emotionally, socially, and academically. She believes in fostering independence by providing a classroom where everything a child needs is within reach, encouraging them to explore and learn at their own pace. Her classroom is a cozy, colorful space that feels like a second home, designed to draw children in and keep their focus.

Outside of teaching, Cassie loves to read, spend time with her family, and visit the beach. She brings a calm and patient presence to the classroom, essential qualities for early childhood education. Her favorite Montessori material is the cultural maps, which not only engage children in a detailed process but also result in a beautiful, pride-filled creation that they can take home.

Lori Sturm, Assistant Teacher in Redwood
With 20 years of experience in both Montessori and non-Montessori schools, Lori has taught infants to elementary students across Sacramento, Cameron Park, Davis, Maui, and Oregon. She holds a BA in Fine Art from CSU Sacramento, an MA in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix, and a Montessori Primary (3-6) Teacher Certificate.

Lori believes in the philosophy that “children are people too.” She creates a nurturing, engaging environment with natural materials and focuses on fostering independence and creativity. Lori's approach is to follow the child, meet them where they are, and make learning fun with positive discipline and encouragement.

Outside of teaching, Lori enjoys traveling, writing, illustrating children’s books, making jewelry, reading, swimming, and painting. Fun fact: She lived in Maui for 10 years, spent 4 months every winter in Mexico, and is a published author working on three children’s books. Her favorite Montessori material is the bead chains, perfect for making multiplication fun and easy.

Meet Brittaney Girdler, Assistant teacher in Acorns
Brittaney Girdler brings over a decade of early childhood education experience, with a special passion for the Montessori method. She holds an Associate Teacher Certificate and an Infant/Toddler Montessori Diploma from the North American Montessori Center. Her educational journey began at Santa Rosa Junior College and continued with specialized Montessori training, which deepened her understanding of child-led learning for young children.
Brittaney’s teaching career has spanned various settings, including play-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired, and Montessori environments. After discovering her passion for Montessori education, she joined Santa Rosa Montessori School, where she has flourished as an educator for three years. Brittaney values hands-on exploration and fostering children’s independence, which aligns perfectly with Montessori principles.
Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a respectful, nurturing environment that honors each child’s curiosity, individuality, and cultural background. Brittaney believes in empowering children through meaningful, practical activities and fostering their self-confidence, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
In the classroom, Brittaney incorporates her vibrant personality and creativity to make learning joyful and engaging. Her favorite Montessori activities are in the Practical Life area, where children learn essential self-care and life skills that build independence and pride in their accomplishments.
Outside of teaching, Brittaney enjoys spending time with her two daughters, Aveah and Evangelina, through activities like painting, cooking, nature walks, and cozy movie nights. She also loves crafting holiday wreaths and cheering on her favorite sport—softball, which she played for 12 years. A fun fact about Brittaney? She’s a twin and comes from a family of five children!

Brittaney’s dedication, positivity, and love for her work make her a cherished part of the School community.

Ingrid Rodriquez, Assistant Teacher in Sequoia
With a strong foundation in early childhood education, Ingrid holds over 12 early childhood education units and a Teacher Assistant Certificate from Santa Rosa Junior College. She brings valuable experience from her time as a Lead Teacher in play-based learning at The Little School House and as a bilingual (English/Spanish) Kindergarten Instructional Assistant at Cali Calmecac Language Academy.

Ingrid’s passion for teaching began in third grade when she helped younger children read, sparking her love for guiding kids through their learning journeys. She’s inspired by the Montessori approach, admiring its peaceful, holistic nature and the way it fosters independence and discovery in children. Ingrid believes in building welcoming relationships and creating environments that naturally invite exploration and learning.

Outside of the classroom, Ingrid treasures family time, especially with her 3-year-old son, who also attends the program. Fun fact: about Ingrid? She’s fascinated by the Montessori Trinomial Cube, a tangible algebra formula that has become her favorite Montessori material.

Meet Ms. D, Our Wonderful Teacher Support/Assistant!
Dionicia Nevarez, lovingly known as Ms. D, brings over 5 years of experience to her role at Santa Rosa Montessori. She holds certifications in Early Childhood, Montessori Overview, and Assistant Teaching from the Montessori Teacher Education Center.

Ms. D has worked with children of all ages, supporting Montessori classrooms at Tiburon Montessori, Montessori de Terra Linda, and now here at Santa Rosa Montessori. Her expertise includes assisting with curriculum setup, playground supervision, nap time, aftercare, and engaging children in science and art activities.

When called upon to lead a classroom, Ms. D ensures consistency by following established schedules and curriculum, guiding and redirecting children as needed. She believes in the Montessori philosophy of allowing children to learn by doing, and she loves witnessing their growth and independence as they discover the world around them.

🎨 Fun fact: Ms. D is an artist! She enters her artwork into the Sonoma County Fair each year and enjoys refinishing wooden dollhouse models, painting, and working with pastels. Her favorite Montessori material? The Sorting Cup and Ball Work, which is both colorful and versatile, encouraging creativity and focus.

Alla Mulholland, Office Manager and Substitute Teacher!
Alla wears many hats at Santa Rosa Montessori, seamlessly balancing administrative duties and classroom support. With a Master’s in Public Administration, an AMI Montessori Primary Guide Certificate, and an M.Ed. from Loyola University Maryland, she brings a wealth of knowledge to our school.

As Office Manager, Alla keeps things running smoothly—handling billing, parent communication, social media, and even giving school tours. When needed, she steps into the classroom, offering just the right mix of guidance and challenge to our students.
Her teaching philosophy? "Inspire interest, and the child will learn." Alla believes in fostering independence while respecting each child’s unique journey.

Fun fact: Alla is a doula and an artist! Her works are in private collections in USA and UK. Her favorite Montessori material? The Number Rods, which combines math and creativity in the most fascinating way.

We’re so grateful for Alla’s dedication to our community and her passion for Montessori education!

Meet Ms. Becky, Our Dedicated Substitute Teacher!
Rebecca DeLair, known as Ms. Becky, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role at Santa Rosa Montessori. With an Early Childhood Teaching Certificate and a Master’s degree in Curriculum Development with an emphasis on Gifted and Talented Education, she’s a true advocate for creative and individualized learning.

Ms. Becky has an impressive background, having taught 3rd grade in public schools while also serving as a Science Liaison, Principal Substitute, and Student Support Team Coordinator. Her Montessori journey began at Santa Rosa Montessori, where she applies her years of experience and her belief in hands-on, exploratory learning.

As a teacher, Ms. Becky fosters a kind, loving, and positive environment, encouraging children to learn through trial and error, exploration, and independence. She has a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy, having integrated its principles into her teaching in traditional public schools as well.
🎨 Fun fact: Ms. Becky attended five different elementary schools as a child! In her free time, she enjoys quilting, reading, camping, and hiking. Her favorite Montessori material? The Puzzle Maps—perfect for combining her love of puzzles and all things math.
We’re thrilled to have Ms. Becky’s patience, positivity, and expertise as part of our Montessori family!