Our Team - Montessori Kids Universe

Meet Our Fuquay Varina Team

Meet Our Team Montessori Kids Universe Fuquay Varina recognizes that our caring, dedicated teachers are what makes our school so valuable. MKU Fuquay Varina recruits and maintains a high-quality staff through an intensive selection and vetting process. We provide on-going professional development and growth opportunities within our school, and foster a healthy work environment for our employees. Meet the most important aspect of our school: Our quality teaching staff!

Joann Feyen

Head of School

Early childhood professional with an Associates in Early Childhood Development and Montessori certification for ages 3-6. She values creating safe environments where children succeed and believes in supporting teachers with respect and encouragement.

Owners

North Carolina residents with two children who discovered Montessori philosophy through their own kids’ education. They opened MKU Fuquay Varina to provide this educational opportunity to their community.

Reny O'Connell

Mrs. Morales began working with children in 2019 and transitioned into early childhood education in 2023. She was drawn to Montessori for its child-centered philosophy and focus on independence. She is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging environment for young learners.

During this time, Mrs Morales learned about Montessori education and was immediately drawn to its child-centered approach, respect for independence, and emphasis on fostering a love of learning. She deeply admires the Montessori philosophy and is eager to continue growing within it.

Outside of work, Mra Morales is married and has a daughter and a son. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and taking walks with her two dogs, which she finds relaxing and grounding.

Ms. Guadalupe

Maria has been working with young children since 2016 and embraced the Montessori method in 2024. She values the calm and peaceful Montessori environment and is passionate about creating a nurturing and tranquil classroom where children can grow in independence and responsibility.

She has had the opportunity to engage with children from diverse backgrounds, helping them grow and develop during their formative years.

Maria embraced the Montessori method in 2024, attracted by the calm and peaceful environment compared to other schools and daycares. She is passionate about fostering a nurturing and tranquil atmosphere for her students.

Outside of school, Maria enjoys crafting and hiking. She has been married to her husband for 16 years, and they have a 22-year-old son.

Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” This quote resonates with Maria as it emphasizes the importance of nurturing independence and responsibility in children.

Ms. Morgan

Maria began her teaching career in 1996 and embraced the Montessori method in 2000. She is committed to creating a loving, respectful, and stimulating learning environment. She finds great joy in supporting her students as they grow, build skills, and develop their full potential.

Offering her students genuine care and creating a loving and respectful environment has always been central to her work. She aims to provide a safe and stimulating atmosphere for learning.

Maria embraced the Montessori method in 2000, finding it to be the best way to help people grow and transcend. She finds immense satisfaction in witnessing her students’ growth, building their skills, and developing their potential.

Outside of school, Maria enjoys painting, cooking, swimming, playing basketball, walking with her pets, and gardening.

Maria’s family includes her husband Horacio, her son Carlo, and their two beloved pets, Megan and Poochie.

We are delighted to have Maria as part of our MKU Fuquay Varina family, where her dedication and passion continue to inspire and nurture our young learners every day.

Ms. Maria

Mirtha began her teaching career in 2014 and finds working with children to be deeply rewarding. She embraced the Montessori method in 2024 and is passionate about fostering independence and a love for learning. She values being a caring and supportive presence in every child’s growth.

She has found working in childcare to be a very rewarding experience. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact on children’s lives, whether through educational activities, emotional support, or simply being a caring presence.

Mirtha embraced the Montessori method in 2024, driven by her passion for fostering a love for learning and independence in children.

Outside of school, Mirtha enjoys crafting, which allows her to express her creativity and unwind.

Mirtha is a proud mother of two children, a boy and a girl, and they have an 8-year-old English Bulldog named Roxy who brings joy to their household.

Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” This quote resonates with Mirtha because it reflects the potential and importance of each child.

Ms. Girija

Mrs. Francy Perdomo was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and graduated in Law from Universidad Libre de Colombia. She has been living in the United States for the past 10 years.

She is a proud mother of four children—two daughters and two sons—and also a grandmother to a 7-year-old granddaughter. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling with her family, going to the movies, hiking, and watching sunsets with a good cup of coffee.

Mrs. Francy has always admired the work of educators and strongly believes in the positive impact they have on children’s lives. For the past five years, she has worked with toddlers, a stage she truly loves. She enjoys welcoming them each day with their joy and curiosity, while helping create a learning environment filled with love, freedom, and meaningful experiences.

She feels grateful to MKU Fuquay Varina for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful family.

Ms. Marissa

Mrs. Belén Zárate began working with children at the age of 18, and from that moment, education became a true passion in her life. She has always been deeply interested in being part of children’s development.

She has always been deeply interested in being part of children’s development and feels inspired by witnessing their growth, curiosity, and daily learning process. This passion led her to pursue and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy, further strengthening her commitment to early childhood education.

Her professional focus has always been centered on working with young children. Mrs. Belén has experience supporting children with diverse learning needs, including children on the autism spectrum and children with ADHD. She values creating inclusive, supportive environments where every child feels understood and encouraged to thrive. She is particularly drawn to the Montessori method because it provides children with the freedom to learn, explore, and discover at their own pace while building independence and confidence.

Ms. Dayana

Mrs. Gloria Agudelo was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and holds a degree in Business Administration. She began her career working as an administrative assistant for a government entity dedicated to protecting and supporting children.

Mrs. Gloria has been married to her husband, Cristian, for over 16 years and is a proud mother of two children, Dylan and Mariana. She loves traveling, learning about new cultures, and connecting with people through meaningful conversations and laughter.

In 2022, her family moved to the United States to begin a new chapter filled with growth and opportunities. Inspired by educators in her family, Mrs. Gloria has always believed that education is the foundation of life. She is excited to be part of MKU Fuquay Varina, where she looks forward to supporting children’s growth and contributing to a nurturing learning environment.

Ms. Aileen

Mrs. Diamelis Ramírez began working with children in 2014 and has developed a strong passion for early childhood education. She is dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and respectful learning environment.

Mrs. Diamelis believes that every child learns in their own unique way and strives to provide meaningful experiences that foster curiosity, independence, and a love for learning.

Mrs. Diamelis appreciates the Montessori method because it encourages independence, hands-on exploration, and allows children to grow at their own pace. She finds great joy in guiding children through daily discoveries and celebrating the small milestones that contribute to their overall development. Supporting children’s emotional, social, and academic growth is something she considers both a privilege and a responsibility.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Diamelis enjoys spending quality time with her family, participating in creative activities, and continuing her professional growth as an educator. She values collaboration with colleagues and believes that strong partnerships between teachers, children, and families are essential to a child’s success. Mrs. Diamelis is proud to be part of the MKU community and is committed to nurturing each child’s individual learning journey with care and dedication

Ms. Maricela

She worked as a nanny for two years, caring for a child from the age of one to three. During this time, her love for working with children grew as she had the opportunity to support the child’s early development.

During this time, her love for working with children grew even stronger, as she had the opportunity to support the child’s early development and witness her learning and growth firsthand. This experience also sparked her interest in the Montessori method, as it encourages children to explore, discover, and learn in a natural and independent way.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and going out with her friends. Caring for children is not only her profession, but also something she is truly passionate about.

Ms. Lindsey

Mrs. Diana Sosa has always had a deep vocation for working with children, inspired by her background as a social worker and her strong desire to support children in their overall development.

Throughout her experience in educational settings, she has focused on creating a safe, loving, and respectful environment where children feel secure, valued, and encouraged to learn and grow. She believes that nurturing each child’s emotional and social well-being is an essential part of early childhood education.

What attracted Mrs. Diana to the Montessori method is its unique approach to teaching, rooted in love, respect, and the recognition of every child as a unique individual. She enjoys guiding children within a prepared environment where they can explore independently, learn at their own pace, and build confidence through meaningful experiences. She finds great joy in observing children develop independence, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility in their daily routines.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Diana enjoys playing tennis, cooking, and spending quality time with her family. She loves having conversations with her children, going for walks, and connecting with nature. Her family includes her husband, Rodrigo, and their three children, Juan, Luciana, and Juana, who inspire her daily commitment to supporting the well-being, growth, and happiness of every child she works with.

Ms. Emma

Mrs. Beebers brings decades of experience working with children in both educational and volunteer settings. She values Montessori education for its emphasis on safety, independence, and child development. She enjoys witnessing children grow and thrive each day.

During her engineering career, Mrs. Beebers volunteered teaching elementary school children from low-income families, as well as adults who were unable to complete their education earlier in life. She also taught high school students in the Mexican Air Force alongside her professional work and later taught university-level courses in International Business and Law.

Mrs. Beebers values the Montessori philosophy for its strong emphasis on children’s safety, independence, and development. As part of the Montessori community, she enjoys spending time with young children and witnessing their growth each day.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Beebers loves being outdoors and connecting with nature. Her favorite activities include hiking and swimming, and she enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures with her family.

Ms. Kira

Mrs. Moreno brings decades of experience in art and education to her Montessori classroom. She values nurturing each child’s love of learning while supporting confidence and individuality. She creates a respectful and encouraging environment for every student.

While living in Colorado, Mrs. Moreno had the opportunity to work at a Montessori school for the first time, where she was drawn to the method’s focus on nurturing a child’s love for learning rather than emphasizing final outcomes. She especially enjoys the Montessori environment because it allows children to learn at their own pace and according to their individual needs.

Mrs. Moreno believes that when children feel supported, encouraged, and valued, they develop a strong sense of belonging and confidence in their own abilities.

Outside of school, she enjoys painting and is a folk art artist. She also appreciates relaxing at home watching Netflix. Mrs. Moreno has lived in 12 cities across four countries, speaks three languages, and has traveled to 27 countries. These life experiences inspire her to teach children respect, empathy, and appreciation for cultural differences.

Mrs. Moreno wants parents to know that she deeply values the trust they place in teachers. She works each day to ensure that every child feels equally loved, supported, and safe, and she ends each day with many stories and a smile.

Ms. Rachael

Ms. Romo has worked in early childhood education since 2008. She is passionate about Montessori’s emphasis on independence and respect for the child. She especially enjoys guiding Primary-aged students as they grow in confidence and self-direction.

After moving to Fuquay Varina in 2012, Stephany discovered the Montessori method and connected deeply with its emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for the child. She believes children are capable, self-directed learners when given a well-prepared environment. Stephany enjoys presenting lessons and then stepping back to observe as children confidently lead their own learning.

Outside of the classroom, Stephany enjoys caring for plants and she is actively involved in her church community, attending every Saturday with her family. She is a proud dog mom to two large dogs, Mona and Bella. Lastly, Stephany is delighted to be part of the MKU Fuquay Varina family and is honored to help guide children while upholding and sharing Maria Montessori’s philosophy of education.

Ms. Katie

Mrs. Chavez brings over two decades of experience working with infants and young children. She values creating a calm, nurturing environment that supports early development. Her approach is patient, respectful, and child-centered.

She has primarily worked with infants, focusing on their early development, and also brings experience in administrative roles. Her background includes supporting classroom organization, communicating with families, and helping maintain smooth daily operations, allowing her to effectively support both children and the overall program.

Mrs. Chavez was drawn to the Montessori method for its respect for each child as an individual. She values its emphasis on independence, hands-on learning, and allowing children to learn at their own pace within a calm, prepared environment.

Her teaching style is patient, respectful, and child-centered. She believes in guiding children rather than directing them and focuses on creating a calm, supportive environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to develop confidence and a love for learning.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Chavez enjoys reading, listening to music, and organizing her space. Family is very important to her, and parents appreciate her many years of experience, calm presence, and commitment to building trusting relationships while providing a nurturing environment where children can thrive.

Ms. Abby

Mrs. Salazar has worked with children since 2012 and is passionate about fostering independence and language development. She values structured, respectful Montessori environments that help children feel confident, capable, and secure.

She began her professional journey working with infants, a stage she truly enjoyed, and built lasting relationships with families—many of whom she remains in contact with today. Knowing that these families hold positive and meaningful memories of her work continues to be deeply rewarding for her.

Over time, Mrs. Salazar expanded her experience to include toddlers, particularly two-year-olds, an age she describes as curious, joyful, and full of discovery. This is the age group she currently works with.

Mrs. Salazar was drawn to the Montessori method because it closely aligns with her organized and structured teaching style. She values the Montessori philosophy for its emphasis on independence, autonomy, and respect for each child’s individual pace of development. She believes in preparing a well-structured environment where children feel confident, capable, and secure.

She especially enjoys supporting language development through one-on-one interactions, helping children develop their first words, improve pronunciation, and strengthen communication skills. This is one of the most meaningful aspects of her work in early childhood education.

Her teaching style is structured, consistent, and respectful, with a strong focus on fostering independence and self-discipline within clear and supportive boundaries.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Salazar enjoys spending quality time with her four-year-old son—teaching, playing, reading books (especially the No, David series), going for walks, and listening to music. She has been married for 11 years, is originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, and speaks Italian, a language she formally studied.

Señora Isabella

Mrs. Tori Martinez began working with children immediately after high school, following a lifelong passion for teaching and early childhood education. She brings experience working with children from 6 weeks to 10 years old.

She brings experience working with children from 6 weeks to 10 years old across free-play, nature-based, and Montessori environments. Mrs. Martinez has also worked as a Registered Behavioral Therapist, supporting children with autism and diverse learning needs.

She is deeply drawn to the Montessori philosophy for the independence, confidence, and sense of responsibility it nurtures in children. Mrs. Martinez loves guiding students as they develop practical life skills and grow into capable, self-assured learners. As both a Montessori guide and a parent to two children, Theodore and Naya, she values strong partnerships with families and believes in supporting each child’s development both at school and at home.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Martinez enjoys spending time with her family, visiting the zoo and the DoSeum, and caring for her cat, Squeaky.

Leah Cantu

Ms. Leah Corona is honored to be part of the Montessori Kids Universe of Fuquay Varina community. Working with children of all ages has always been a natural passion for her, which led her to pursue a career in education.

She began as a Teacher Assistant working with children ages 18–24 months, where she developed a strong appreciation for early childhood development and the importance of a nurturing, structured environment.

She later served as a Substitute Teacher, primarily in Special Education classrooms from Kindergarten through 5th grade, experiences that strengthened her patience, adaptability, and ability to support diverse learning needs. Ms. Leah is drawn to Montessori philosophy because of its focus on independence, hands-on learning, and respect for each child’s individual pace.

Her teaching style emphasizes kindness, structure, and encouragement, creating a safe environment where children feel valued and confident. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking, singing, reading with her husband, and exploring new cuisines. She looks forward to continuing her growth as an educator while supporting the children and families of MKU Fuquay Varina.

Lianeth Brown

Mrs. Brown brings a diverse educational and leadership background to her Montessori classroom. She values independence, confidence, and practical life skills, and enjoys supporting children as they grow into capable and self-assured learners.

Mrs. Brown’s journey with children began in 2016–2017 while volunteering in a Kindergarten classroom at a U.S. military base in Stuttgart, Germany. What began as an opportunity to spend time near her daughter quickly became a true calling, laying the foundation for a meaningful and fulfilling career in education.

She later joined Spanish Grove in Fuquay Varina, Texas, where she began as a Toddler Assistant and was soon entrusted with leading her own classroom as a Lead Guide. Through this experience, Mrs. Brown developed patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of how to enter the child’s world with respect—guiding with love, thoughtful observation, and purposeful redirection while ensuring every child felt valued and important. She has since worked in additional schools that further enriched her professional growth and strengthened her passion for early childhood education.

Currently, Mrs. Brown is gaining experience within the Montessori environment, whose child-centered approach has deeply inspired her. She values the Montessori focus on independence, self-confidence, and practical life skills, and especially enjoys observing children grow into capable and confident learners. Her teaching philosophy centers on empowering children to believe in themselves, encouraging them to try before saying “I can’t,” and supporting them through challenges with patience, teamwork, and reassurance.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Brown enjoys spending quality time with her 14-year-old daughter, who is her greatest pride. She also loves caring for her two dogs, Wall-E the Goldendoodle and Charlie the Morkie. In her free time, she enjoys biking, skating, going to the gym, reading, and learning about leadership and personal growth.

Mrs. Brown is grateful to be part of the MKU Fuquay Varina family and looks forward to continuing her Montessori journey as she grows each day as a guide for her students.

Juanita G. Valenzuela

Mrs. Valenzuela enjoys supporting infants as they reach important developmental milestones. She greatly values creating a nurturing, environment where children feel confident, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.

Mrs. Valenzuela has experience working with infants from 6 weeks to 12 months old.

What she enjoys most about the Montessori environment is guiding children toward independence and self-regulation while respecting their unique learning pace. She values creating a safe space where children can express their emotions freely and develop confidence through supportive guidance.

Mrs. Valenzuela describes her teaching philosophy as child-centered and supportive. She strives to provide a calm, structured environment that encourages hands-on learning, self-exploration, and thoughtful decision-making. Her role as a guide is to observe closely, support when needed, and allow children to take ownership of their learning.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Valenzuela enjoys exploring new learning activities and materials that spark children’s interest and curiosity. She has been happily married for 31 years and is a proud mother of two daughters and grandmother to five grandchildren, who motivate her each day to be the best guide she can be.

Known for her patience and attentiveness, Mrs. Valenzuela takes pride in supporting each child’s individual needs. She enjoys finding creative ways to engage children, helping them build confidence and independence, and offering unconditional love as they grow and learn.

Debanhi Gonzalez

Debanhi Gonzalez is a licensed psychologist with over eight years of experience supporting children in educational and therapeutic settings. She has extensive experience across many diverse environments.

Debanhi values Montessori’s emphasis on independence and creating structured, nurturing environments where children can thrive. She spent several years working in a rehabilitation center in Mexico focused on strengthening skills for children with special needs. Additionally, she worked for three years in a preschool program and four years in a Pre-K 4 classroom, supporting early childhood development through structured and nurturing learning experiences.

She is particularly drawn to the Montessori method for its emphasis on independence, confidence, and lifelong success. Debanhi values the Montessori philosophy of teaching practical, everyday knowledge in a free, safe, and respectful environment that allows children to thrive at their own pace.

Her teaching style can be described as fun, structured, loving, and engaging. She believes in creating a classroom atmosphere that is playful yet purposeful, where children feel supported, respected, and encouraged to explore.

Outside of school, Debanhi enjoys playing video games, going on hikes, and spending quality time with her dogs. She comes from a close-knit and supportive family, raised with strong values of kindness, respect, and unity.

One unique aspect Debanhi enjoys sharing with families is her love for social interaction and the arts. She has participated in musical and dance events and enjoys being actively involved in her community.

Daniela Fersaca

Ms. Fersaca began working with children as a ballet teacher and later embraced Montessori education. She values independence, respect, individuality, and helping children grow confidently at their own pace.

Ms. Fersaca values the individuality of each child and appreciates the Montessori philosophy for allowing children to grow at their own pace, without comparisons, while focusing on strengthening their abilities and supporting areas where they may need additional guidance.

What Ms. Fersaca enjoys most about teaching is fostering positive social interactions among children, always grounded in respect and responsibility. Her teaching philosophy can be described as “let them be,” paired with clear boundaries and mutual respect, allowing children to grow naturally while reaching important developmental milestones.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Fersaca enjoys reading, writing, and creating crafts. She comes from a family that strongly believes in allowing children to play and truly be children.

Ms. Fersaca is known for her talkative, joyful personality and her contagious laughter—especially when shared with the children in her care—which helps create a warm, welcoming, and engaging learning environment.

Evelyn Ferniza

Mrs. Evelyn brings creativity and patience to her Montessori classroom. With a background in graphic design, she enjoys supporting children as they build independence and pride in their routines and learning.

She began working with children six years ago, and later became an au pair, which helped her discover how much she truly enjoys supporting young learners. Since then, she has continued working with children in educational environments and has found joy in helping them grow in confidence and independence.

Mrs. Evelyn was drawn to the Montessori method because it encourages independence, respect, and hands-on learning. She enjoys teaching in a Montessori setting because she loves seeing children develop new skills, build routines, and feel proud of their progress each day.

Her teaching style is patient, consistent, and supportive, with a focus on creating a calm classroom environment where children feel comfortable learning and exploring. She also enjoys bringing creativity into the classroom through engaging activities and visual materials.

Outside of school, Mrs. Evelyn enjoys being creative, designing classroom materials, cooking, and spending time with her husband and her cat, Jasper.

Andrea Farek

Andrea began her Montessori journey in 2020 and enjoys supporting children as they learn at their own pace. She values independence, respect, and helping children build confidence through safe, purposeful work.

She grew up around her nephews and nieces and became an au pair while living in North Carolina. When she moved to Texas, she had the opportunity to work in a Montessori school and fell in love with the educational method.

Andrea embraced the Montessori method in 2020, driven by her passion for witnessing how children learn at their own pace and helping them work independently and respectfully.

Outside of school, Andrea enjoys cooking, boating on the lake, baking, hiking, and spending time with her son, husband, and dogs. She has a 6-month-old son named Samuel and two Labradors named Pepper and Banjo. Andrea loves spending quality time with her husband and their pets.

Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “We must help the child to act for himself, will for himself, think for himself.” This quote resonates with Andrea because it highlights the importance of fostering independence in children.

Adriana Alvarez

Adriana brings a strong educational background and multicultural experience to her Montessori classroom. She is committed to supporting each child’s holistic development and values open communication with families.

She has worked with both preschool and elementary-aged children, supporting the development of early literacy skills. One of her most impactful professional experiences includes working with children with special educational needs, where she contributed to the development of their skills, autonomy, and independence. Adriana brings a strong multicultural perspective to her work, having gained professional experience in both Mexico and the United States, including Monterrey, New York, New Jersey, and Fuquay Varina.

Outside of the school setting, Adriana enjoys spending time at home, taking moments to rest, preparing healthy meals, and caring for her garden.

Adriana is deeply focused on the holistic development of each child and believes that consistent, open communication with families is essential. She values working collaboratively with families to support meaningful academic progress and personal growth in every student.

Marsella Correa

Mrs. Correa has been teaching since 2002 and brings a warm, caring approach to her Montessori classroom. She values observation, creativity, and supporting each child’s emotional and cognitive development.

She has worked with children, an age she considers essential for emotional, social, and cognitive development. She is currently integrating the Montessori approach into her teaching practice, valuing it as a respectful, child-centered methodology that promotes independence, confidence, and meaningful learning within a prepared environment.

Marsella enjoys closely observing each child’s individual progress. Her teaching style is warm, caring, and respectful, incorporating art, singing, and active listening to support creativity, communication, and emotional connection.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys painting, cooking, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family, which includes her husband, her son, three dogs, and one cat. She is also a former Scout member, an experience that strengthened her values of service, teamwork, and respect for nature.

Yilmara Soto

Yilmara began her teaching career in 2018 and embraced the Montessori method in 2019. She is passionate about how children learn through hands-on discovery and interaction within a structured, prepared environment.

Yilmara has gained a positive and enriching experience in childcare and has learned to care for children while navigating the various challenges that come with the job.

She is passionate about how children absorb knowledge from their prepared environment through direct contact, practice, and discovery.

Outside of school, Yilmara enjoys listening to music, cooking, and taking care of her plants.

She lives with her husband, their two children, and two cats. The family enjoys watching movies together and visiting the beach during the summer.

Mari Santiago

Mari began her teaching career in 2021 and has experience working with Pre-K, toddlers, and now infants. She embraced the Montessori method in 2024 and values creativity, compassion, and patience in her classroom.

Mari believes that demonstrating love is essential in supporting every child’s growth and development. She was involved in helping, supervising, and teaching them with appropriate activities for their age, providing food, and facilitating play. She then worked with toddlers and now teaches infants at Montessori.

Mari embraced the Montessori method in 2024, finding it to be a daily reminder of the importance of maintaining creativity, compassion, and patience in her work. She believes that, like Montessori teachers, we can improve the lives of our children.

Outside of school, Mari enjoys going to the gym, shopping, and having brunch with friends. She has two children, both in college. She lives with her husband and son, while her daughter attends college at Ohio University. The family also has two dogs, a 14-year-old Yorkie and a 6-year-old Morkie.

Mari’s favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Of all things, love is the most potent.” She believes that demonstrating love to children is essential, no matter what.

Sandra Martinez

Sandra began her teaching career in 2023 and quickly discovered her passion for working with children. She embraced the Montessori method in 2024 and values its focus on independence, cooperation, and kindness.

Working with children quickly became her passion, and she strives to improve her work every day.

Sandra embraced the Montessori method in 2024. She loves how Montessori teachers provide children with freedom, value their independence, and promote self-sufficiency and motivation. Sandra also appreciates the Montessori values of cooperation, kindness, and community strength.

Outside of school, Sandra enjoys spending time with her family and exploring more of Fuquay Varina. She has three children, Diego, Luciano, and Matias, and two small Pomeranian dogs named Mila and Nala.

Sandra’s favorite Maria Montessori quotes are, “Education is the best weapon for peace,” and “Of all things, love is the most potent.” These quotes resonate with her belief in the power of education and love.

Alexandra Trujillo

Alexandra began her teaching career in 2023 and embraced the Montessori method in 2024. She enjoys helping children build their confidence, independence, and practical life skills in a fun and engaging environment.

Alexandra believes children are capable and thrives on supporting their growth with encouragement and respect.

She loves working with children because there is always something new to learn from them, and they constantly show their love, making it a job she truly enjoys.

She loves seeing children become more independent and learning practical life skills in a fun and engaging way.

Outside of school, Alexandra enjoys drawing, painting, and reading. She has two pugs named Hercules and Zeus, and although she doesn’t have children yet, she looks forward to the future.

Alexandra’s favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” This quote resonates with her because she believes that children are smarter than we often think.

We are delighted to have Alexandra Trujillo as part of our MKU family, where her dedication and passion continue to inspire and nurture our young learners every day.

Yamile Johanna Romero Cruz

Yamile has extensive experience working with children, including those from vulnerable communities. She began teaching Montessori in 2024 and values witnessing children’s daily progress and growth.

Yamile is passionate about nurturing resilience, independence, and joy in every child she supports.

She has developed social projects with vulnerable populations, learning the importance of resilience in the lives of young children.

She loves interacting with children and witnessing their daily progress. Seeing their faces light up with amazement and satisfaction is something that comforts her at the end of each day, knowing that there is always progress in their development.

Outside of school, Yamile enjoys walking in the woods, spending time with her family, and traveling. She is a proud mother of two beautiful daughters, Gabriela (13) and María José (8), and with her husband, they aim to create cherished family memories.

We are delighted to have Yamile Johanna Romero Cruz as part of our MKU Fuquay Varina family, where her dedication and passion continue to inspire and nurture our young learners every day.

Martha Bello

Martha began her teaching career in 2015, working in social programs that supported vulnerable children and infants. She embraced the Montessori method this year and is committed to fostering an empathetic and inclusive learning environment.

She values guiding children while nurturing their natural curiosity and intelligence in every moment. Her dedication to promoting psychomotor development and emotional intelligence in babies and toddlers has been a cornerstone of her career.

Martha embraced the Montessori method in March of this year, initially implementing it with her own daughter. As a Montessori teacher, she is committed to fostering a positive, empathetic, and inclusive learning environment. She believes in the importance of guiding children and nurturing their natural curiosity and intelligence.

Outside of school, Martha enjoys dancing and playing with her two beautiful girls. She cherishes the time spent with her family, including her husband, who is her best friend, and their dachshund named Brownie.

Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence.” This quote resonates with Martha as it highlights the importance of respecting the unique way children see the world.

Zulima Avila

Zulima Avila has been teaching for a year and a half and embraced the Montessori method in 2024. She values Montessori’s connection to nature and enjoys incorporating environmentally friendly activities into everyday learning. She is passionate about supporting children as they grow and develop through observation and discovery.

As the mother of two girls, she has always felt a deep love for children, seeing them as the future. Teaching has been a beautiful experience for her.

She enjoys working in contact with nature, using environmentally friendly activities applied to everyday life.

Outside of school, Zulima loves walking in parks and enjoying nature.

Currently, she doesn’t have any pets, but in the past, she had dogs, cats, and turtles.

Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Let the children develop their knowledge by observing them.” This quote resonates with Zulima as it highlights the importance of allowing children to learn and grow through observation.