Our Guides

Miss Zoe | Nido Lead Guide

Hi there! My name is Zoe and I am the Lead Guide of the Nido classroom. I have worked at MCS for the last 7 years and I am so excited for this upcoming school year.

I was born and raised in Santa Cruz. I’ve worked with children of all ages in many capacities; tutor, behavioral technician, after school science program coordinator, babysitter etc. I graduated from Sonoma State University in 2019 with a BA in Early Childhood Development. In Spring 2021, I took a course at UCSD and am now a Lactation Education Consultant.

I graduated from the Montessori Institute of San Diego where I received my AMI 0-3 diploma (woo!!) in 2022. I spent 8 months participating in the course online and then 5 weeks down in La Jolla where I was able to learn hands on and collaborate with other educators. Although San Diego is beautiful, I am definitely a NorCal gal! In May 2025, I graduated with my Masters of Education from Loyola University Maryland! The focus of my studies were the accessibility of Montessori education, building community, and creating a sense of belonging for children, staff, and families alike. I’ve just joined the Human Rights/Social Justice board of AMI and am excited to continue my work!

I love being able to watch infants communicate and evolve into the people they are going to be. It’s super important to me that babies feel accepted, and respected in our environment. They thrive with our trust and our love! Our classroom is full of joy and positive energy, which is something I take a lot of pride in. When I’m not working, you can find me at the beach or walking around town. Or hauling too many groceries from Whole Foods.

Miss Alaina | Nido Assistant

Hi all, my name is Alaina, and I’m so excited to be continuing in my second year as the Nido assistant guide this year! I have always enjoyed working with young children, which led me to pursue my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Cabrillo. I then transferred to San Jose State University, where I received my Bachelors degree in Child and Adolescent Development in Fall of 2025.

This past summer I started my AMI Montessori 0-3 training with Montessori Stoppani Institute in San Diego, Ca., and am so excited to transfer to the Monterey campus, once opened, to be the first Nido lead guide there! When I’m not working, I enjoy all things outdoors, and spending time with my friends and family.

Miss Marina | Nido Assistant

Hi, my name is Marina! I am so excited to be a part of the Nido community! I grew up in Felton and later moved to Oregon, where I attended the University of Oregon and earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology. I lived in Oregon for seven years before moving back to Scotts Valley.

I have worked with children since I was young, starting in childcare at Toadal Fitness. Most recently, I worked one-on-one with students as a Behavioral Technician. I became interested in Montessori schools because I love the Montessori approach to teaching and learning. I believe babies are capable of so much, and it is amazing to watch them learn, explore, and accomplish things independently. This is now my second school year with MCS and I look forward to continuing in my role.

In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends. I’m very active and enjoy going on walks, playing tennis and ping pong, swimming, and trying new activities. I’m excited to continue working with children and to be part of the Montessori community!

Miss Ana | Nido Assistant

Hello! My name is Ana, I have worked with children of all ages as a caregiver, teacher’s aide, and IMSE-certified tutor. I hope to bring warmth, respect and care to the classroom while continuing to learn and grow in early childhood education.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends. In my free time, you can usually find me working on an art project! I’m looking forward to this upcoming school year and being a part of this community!

Miss Shannon | Lead Puffin Guide

I am so excited to join the Montessori Community School team as a Toddler Guide! I will be relocating from the Dallas, Texas area to fulfill my dream of living in beautiful California.

I have been an AMI School Consultant at the 0-3 age level since 2021 and have 20 years of experience guiding Montessori toddler communities. I also offer consultations for those seeking to set up a Montessori style environment for their children at home. I earned my B.A. in Sociology from Southern Methodist University in 1991 and my Assistants to Infancy Diploma from the Montessori Institute of North Texas in 2006. Prior to my Montessori work, I served parents and children as a parent educator with Parents as Teachers, a La Leche League Leader, distributor of baby slings, and child care provider.

My favorite things to do include traveling, listening to music, dancing with my husband, completing jigsaw puzzles, watching General Hospital and adding to my Snoopy collection. I love being a wife to an artist, and a mom to three adult children and my cat.

Miss Kim | Puffin Assistant

Hello, I’m Kim and I am so excited to start my ninth year here at MCS! I started my journey in the Nido room, and quickly fell in love with the babies! I felt so honored to watch them grow and learn, to be a part of their first school experience.

There were lots of giggles and hugs, and so much fun. I watched year after year the little ones grow and move on, they are all amazing children with amazing families! This year, I will continue in the Puffin class, where I will be assisting Miss Shannon and the toddlers.

Miss Sam | Jellyfish Lead Guide

Hello! My name is Samantha, but you can call me Sam. I am the lead guide of the Jellyfish Community. I’ve been working with children for over 11 years, and I spent over 2 years in a small home based daycare until I joined MCS in November of 2023. I love watching, helping, and growing with the children. I believe that every child has natural capabilities and it’s our job to help them nurture and grow those capabilities. This is my first Montessori experience and I’m so grateful to be here. I’m so excited to follow the lead of the child and grow with them. I completed my AMI Montessori 0-3 Assistance to Infancy Diploma through Montessori Northwest, and have been thrilled to further add to my knowledge about early childhood and the Montessori Philosophy.

I was born and raised in Santa Cruz. I currently live in San Lorenzo Valley with my dog Oneida and my family, who I am very close with. If I’m up in the mountains, you can find me by the river, hanging with my family, in the dunes, tending to my chickens, or exploring the forest with my dog!

Miss Citlallin | Jellyfish Assistant Guide

Hi, My name is Citlallin and I am an Assistant Teacher in the Jellyfish classroom. I just started at MCS over the summer. I went to school at Cabrillo College and went through their Early Childhood Education Program and did the student teaching at the preschool there. I have previous experience in working in a montessori school at my previous job. I have also completed my AMI Montessori Assistants Training. I am excited to be a part of a new school and ready to have an open mind while contributing to a safe and engaging environment for children growth. I have worked with many children from infants to toddlers over the years.

I was born in Seattle and grew up in LA and Santa Cruz/Aptos, so I understand the hot and cold weather. I love the outdoors and gone camping growing up. I love making things like jewelry and painting on leather and just painting in general. The creativity goes on when you’re working with children, you always have to be flexible and creative! I love working with children because it makes me happy to see them bloom into the young, independent child they will become. I look forward in getting to know everyone!

Miss Izzy | Jellyfish Assistant

Hello! My name is Izzy. I’m an Assistant Teacher in the Jellyfish classroom. I’m very fortunate and excited to start my fourth year at Montessori Community School. I completed my Early Childhood Education coursework through Montessori’s training program, alongside my AMI Montessori Assistant Training. I have also taken the AMI Montessori 3–6 Orientation Course. I plan to continue my Montessori training by taking more Early Childhood Education and Infant & Toddler-level courses. I’m a firm believer that you can never learn enough!

It is an honor to work alongside such a devoted team to maintain a safe, inspiring, and nurturing environment for our students. I truly love witnessing and supporting children as they develop independence, reach their full potential, and explore the world around them.

In my free time, you can find me creating art and jewelry, visiting the beach, hiking in nature, or enjoying quality time with my friends and family. I am thrilled to be a part of another wonderful year at MCS. I look forward to all the learning!

Miss Melissa | Otter Lead Guide

Hello! My name is Melissa, and I am the Lead Guide of the Otter Primary Classroom. I was born and raised in a small town in New Jersey and moved to California seven years ago. Living in Northern California has been such an amazing adventure, and I truly love being here.

I bring over 15 years of teaching experience, working primarily in Early Childhood Education, and this will be my fifth year with MCS. In 2024 I graduated from Montessori Northwest, where I received my AMI Montessori 3-6 Diploma, which has deepened my passion for guiding young children through their early years of growth and development.

In my free time I enjoy riding my bike, going on road trips, exploring the beach, and spending time with my partner and our mischievous dog Chita. I am excited to share this journey with your children and to create a joyful, nurturing, and inspiring classroom community together.

Miss Brianna | Otter Assistant Guide

Hi everyone! My name is Brianna, and I’m so happy to be part of the MCS community as a Teacher Assistant. Before joining MCS, I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician at Brite Horizons, a school in Scotts Valley supporting students with severe behavioral challenges and autism, and before that I was part of the activities staff at a locked psychiatric rehabilitation facility. Those experiences taught me so much about patience, connection, and meeting each child exactly where they are.

I’m currently pursuing my Master of Social Work at the University of Massachusetts Global, with a focus on direct practice with youth, and I’m passionate about child welfare, youth mental health, and trauma-informed care. Bringing that background into my work with children here at MCS feels like a natural extension of everything I care about. Outside of work, I love spending time at the beach, being outdoors, and hanging out with my family.

Miss Shikha | Dolphin Lead Guide

This is my third year at Montessori Community School, and I am very happy to continue my journey with the MCS community. I am an AMI-trained Primary Guide and have been working in Montessori education for nearly a decade. My Montessori journey has given me the wonderful opportunity to work with children, families, and educators in India, Thailand, and the United States. Each of these experiences has shaped me as an educator and deepened my respect for children and my belief in the Montessori philosophy.

I also hold an AMI School Administrators Certificate, and over the years, I have especially enjoyed not only guiding children but also supporting educators and partnering closely with families. I strongly believe that children thrive when there is trust, consistency, and a strong connection between home and school.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is watching children gradually become more independent, confident, responsible, and connected to their community. I feel very fortunate to be part of their early years and to witness the many small but meaningful moments of growth that happen each day.

Miss Gemma | Dolphin Assistant

Hello! I am Gemma, and I am proud to serve as an apprenticeship assistant guide in the Dolphin classroom. I am embarking on a new chapter of my life as a teacher, under the guidance of Ms. Shikha, my Lead guide. This is my first experience as an assistant guide, and I am honored to be part of the Montessori Community School. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply what I have learned at MTEC (Montessori Teacher Education Center). The past year I have been studying with MTEC to complete my AMS Montessori training and I look forward to applying my knowledge this school year.

Originally from the Philippines, I bring many years of experience in the healthcare field, having worked in different countries caring for individuals and supporting families. Caring for others has always been at the heart of who I am. Today, I am following my passion for Early Childhood Education and have the privilege of supporting children during their important years of growth and development.

I am excited about this journey because it allows me to utilize my growing knowledge, especially in caring for children who require extra understanding, patience, and support. Witnessing each child’s growth, learning, and overcoming challenges affirms my purpose.

I am committed to mastering Montessori methods here at MCS and completing my teaching practicum. I look forward to nurturing and supporting each child’s unique development with unwavering compassion and dedication.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, sewing, gardening, walking on the beach, hiking, and exploring creative projects with my daughter.

Miss Jessica | Dolphin Assistant

Hi, everyone! My name is Jessica, I am joining the Dolphin class this year and I couldn’t be more excited! I am originally from Gilroy, and just moved over to Santa Cruz this year. I started working with children as an RBT (Registered Behavior Technician), and fell in love! I learned so much from the children I worked with, and grew alongside them. I find so much joy in watching them learn and grow, and helping them along the way.

In my free time, I love to engage with anything art related. I love photography, music, and writing. I enjoy going to concerts, eating ice cream, vintage markets, and thrifting!

Miss Madelynn | Head of School

Hello all, my name is Madelynn, and I am the Head of School here at MCS! I have been entwined in the Montessori philosophy since birth; growing up, my parents and grandparents had a deep love for the method and when I was young, they started this wonderful school, MCS.

I have a strong background in Business Administration, holding a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College and a master’s degree from Notre Dame de Namur University. I also have my masters in education from Whitworth University and my AMI Montessori 3-6 training from Montessori Northwest. I started working at MCS as the Assistant Director in 2013 and became Head of School after three years, delighted at the opportunity to lead our school. This is now my eleventh year as Head of School, and it is something I look forward to doing indefinitely.

My goal for our school is to create a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone feels welcomed, and all children are supported and respected as they unfold their unique personalities while receiving the very best AMI Montessori education. This is such a special community, and I am proud to be a part of it; our parents, guides, and children are filled with love and constant support.

I have two littles; one named Odin who started in Nido and is now in Otters, and another, Naomi, who is in Nido and will transition to Toddler soon. It has been exciting being on the parent side of the school! When I am not at work you can find me playing soccer, watching my husband Matt play beach soccer (diehard soccer family!), or going to/watching Niner games!

Miss Aurora | Assistant Head of School

Hi! I am Aurora and I am excited to continue for my fourth year as assistant director and work alongside Madelynn, my sister. I started my Montessori journey when I attended this school, MCS, in the Toddler and Primary program when I was a child! My parents also started this school so I have spent my entire life surrounded by the philosophy and developing a love for working with children. When I was just 14 I used to spend my summers or days off school helping my mom in the Nido classroom. I have always been drawn to working with the babies. My first year, I assisted in the Nido program and loved immersing myself into the classroom full-time. I also did my AMI Montessori assistants training for 0-3. This past summer I completed my AMI training for the 0-3 age through Southwest Institute of Montessori. I am also currently pursuing my BA in Early Childhood Education through Grand Canyon University.

My goal as assistant director is to be a source of support for families and staff so we can bring our community together and make it the very best place for our little ones to learn and grow.

In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, going to swimming holes, the beach, and hiking. I also enjoy hanging with my besties Odin and Naomi!

Miss Zoe | Floater and Front Desk

Hi! I am Zoë! I have been working at Montessori since April 2025 and I love it here and I’m excited for the new school year and new faces. I am in admin and I’m also a floater so you see me all over the place here. Before starting here I didn’t know anything about Montessori Philosophy but since I have started I have learned so much about it and I really enjoy watching the kids develop and figure things out on their own.

I have had the desire to work with children since I was a junior in high school. When I was a senior, I got assigned to a teacher’s assistant period in a first grade classroom and I fell in love with helping kids learn. I loved how excited they would get when they would see me come into their class, I was always greeted with the biggest group hug and that’s when I knew for a fact I wanted to work with kids. So finding Montessori Scotts Valley has been a blessing and dream come true.

A little about me is that I have lived in the San Lorenzo Valley for as long as I can remember. I went to the same high school that my dad and uncle went to and I even had a few of the same teachers. I graduated in 2023 and went right to Cabrillo for Early Childhood Education. I am still taking a few classes but I am mainly focused on working full time.

In my free time I hangout with my dog and mom outside in our garden. I hangout with my friends whenever I can. I like going to Loch Lomond on the weekends and going hiking and fishing. I love cooking, and I like doing my nails and my friends’ nails. You’ll notice I change them all the time and I even have the kids help me figure out what to do next. I enjoy going to hockey games and baseball games with my mom. I LOVE going to concerts with my friends, it is my favorite source of entertainment. I also do the Northern California Renaissance fair every year and I work the front gate.

Mr. Gerard | Front Desk Assistant

Hi, my name is Gerard! I am the younger brother to both Miss Madelynn and Miss Aurora. I grew up at this very school, having attended it all the way from Nido to Primary, and I can see how it greatly benefited my early development. I’ve helped out from time to time during the summer and have been eagerly waiting for the time that I can be a bigger help to the staff and the community!

My goal is to be a warm and welcoming face within this community and to encourage positivity and a welcoming environment! I am currently pursuing my education in business with a minor in early childhood development at Cabrillo community college.

In my free time, you’ll find me working out, playing baseball, or spending time with my family.