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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.

Madisyn Glenn

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

Maddy was born and raised in Cedar City, Utah. She graduated from Cedar High School in May of 2020 and moved to Salt Lake City in the fall of 2020 to attend the University of Utah. She has worked several different childcare/teaching jobs for various ages. She is majoring in Human Development, minoring in psychology, and getting a certificate in applied positive psychology and is expected to graduate in the spring of 2024.

Marina Hayes

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Early Childhood Staff, Staff Bios.

Marina has always loved children, and has previously worked in after school programs, as a nanny, and most recently as the lead preschool teacher at a local daycare. Marina developed their interest in Montessori while pregnant, and has been enthralled with it ever since, implementing it both with their own child and the students that they teach. They are tremendously excited to have the opportunity to teach at a Montessori school and grow their own skills in this unique style of education.

Oscar De La Cruz Ruiz

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

Oscar moved his family to the US in 2018 seeking a better education and life for his daughter. She is currently at the Utah Military Academy in Riverdale training to be a pilot for the United States. Oscar worked for the Peruvian Air Force for 30 years starting at age 17. He started with 4 years of boarding school to work on aircraft instruments for 12 years. Then, he worked in Human Resources for 14 years. Besides his family, Oscar is interested in soccer, music, and painting.