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Author: Alejandro Malespin

Lizbeth Ricse

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Infant Staff, Staff Bios.

Lizbeth Rosa Ricse Aliaga was born in Peru, Huancayo city. She completed her Primary Education studies from 2013 to 2017 at the National University of Central Peru (UNCP). In 2018, she began her work as a Primary Education Teacher in Public schools for 4 years. For this reason, her work takes her to different regions of Peru, where she knows different learning strategies according to social and economic conditions.

In 2023, she arrived in the United States, and moved to Utah. In 2024, she began a new stage of life at the Montessori Community School. With great enthusiasm for the future, and with the same passion as an educator, she enjoys being part of the growth of each of the children.

Claudia Navarro

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Staff Bios, Toddler Staff.

Claudia is Argentine. She studied Preschool Teaching, she served as Director of the Banking School and it was there where she began her path in teaching. She lived 4 years in Miami, she worked at the Smart Beginners preschool. She is interested in working in Montessori Education since it is based on training the child in respect, independence and order, which will help in the development of her life. Claudia is active, she loves her profession, she likes to travel and take on challenges.

Kayla Montoya

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Infant Staff, Staff Bios.

Mrs. Kayla has worked in early child development for eight years as a lead teacher, she has obtained her bachelors degree and looks forward to eventually furthering her education in this field. This is her first year working in a Montessori setting and she’s very excited for this new journey she will embark on. Mrs. Kayla enjoys guiding little minds of all ages and stages. Mrs Kayla and her husband just moved from California to Utah and are excited for their first snowy Christmas together.

Eliza Walkoviak

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Elementary Staff, Staff Bios.

Eliza was born and raised in Utah, spending time around the valley. They graduated from Hillcrest High School in 2019, where they studied in the International Baccalaureate program. Eliza studied at the U of U, studying Psychology and Family, Community, & Human Development, from 2019 to 2022. They will be starting their Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Westminster in fall 2023. When Eliza has downtime, they can be found with their cat or watching the newest cooking show.

Carmen Sosa

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Staff Bios, Toddler Staff.

Carmen was born in Peru, where she studied psychology until life brought her to Utah almost 12 years ago. She was looking for schools for her daughter when she found the Montessori method. She started working at a Montessori school in Park City where she founded their infant program, and completed her AMS Infant and Toddler Montessori Credential at the Westminster College Institute for Montessori Innovation (IMI). With 9 years of experience working with infants and toddlers, she believes that Montessori education is making a change in the world. In her free time Carmen enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, hiking, camping, eating and cooking.

Tristin Roberts

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Staff Bios, Toddler Staff.

Tristin Roberts is Salt Lake born and raised, but went to Minot State University to study Elementary Education. She joined us during the summer and favors the Toddler Program here at MSC. In her free time she loves playing with her 2-year old niece Sloane.

Grace Simpson

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Staff Bios, Toddler Staff.

Grace is originally from Missouri, but moved to Utah in 2017. Here in Utah she has discovered a love for the outdoors and when she is not reading or writing, she can be found hiking, climbing, and camping. Grace became familiar with Montessori education in 2022 and quickly became fascinated with the philosophy. Wishing to better understand it and explore the possibility of a career in education, she decided to join MCS as a support teacher in 2023.

Meet Carmen Olivera!

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Announcements, Blog, Community News.

Carmen is the new Infant Program Teacher. Carmen was born in Peru, where she studied psychology but life brought her to Utah almost 12 years ago. She was looking for schools for her daughter when she found the Montessori method. She started working at a Montessori school in Park City where she founded their infant program, and completed her AMS Infant and Toddler Montessori Credential at the Westminster College Institute for Montessori Innovation (IMI). With 9 years of experience working with infants and toddlers, she believes that Montessori education is making a change in the world. In her free time Carmen enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, hiking, camping, eating and cooking. We are delighted that she is joining our staff!

Farewell to Teachers

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Announcements, Blog, Community News.

We are saddened to share the news of our four departing teachers: Ms. Nozomi, Ms. Fernanda, Ms. Alyssa, and Ms. Kayla.

Nozomi first worked with us near the beginning of the Toddler program and it was a real pleasure to work with her. After working with us for a few years her husband took a new position in Texas and their family moved there and stayed for several years. After she returned to Utah we were delighted to offer her a position at our school again and we have appreciated all that she has contributed to our school community and particularly to her students. From Nozomi.

Fernanda has worked at our school since we began our Toddler program so many years ago. She has a special gift for teaching and a deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy which she always practices. Over the many years she has contributed so much to our community and particularly to the students (and their families) she has taught. Our toddler program will be very different without her.

Alyssa also taught at our school near the beginning of our Toddler program but later pursued an alternative career, married and had her lovely little Elanor. This year she returned to teach at our school and joined Fernanda in the Moons class. They have been a close knit team and have offered so much to your children. Our Admin team is very grateful for their contributions. From Fernanda & Alyssa.

Kayla began working as an assistant teacher with Ms. Ruby and it was clear that she had a natural gift as a teacher and was so well suited to working in a Montessori school. After a few years she completed her education to become a Certified Montessori teacher and continued to work with Ruby in the Aspens class. This year she moved to the Magnolias class as the head teacher and has been a wonderful guide and will be really missed by her co-teachers, who will continue to work together with a new certified teacher. It has been such a pleasure to work with Kayla. She always has such a pleasant attitude and is so supportive of her peers and the Administration. We will miss her very much but do understand how close she is to her family and how much she is looking forward to living closer to them. From Kayla.

We wish all these valued teachers the very best in their new adventures, and hope to keep in touch.

Arohanui,

Robyn