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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.

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.

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.

Meg Mathews

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

Meg was born and raised in Utah County. She completed two years at Brigham Young University (2020-2022) before joining the staff at Montessori Community School. Meg has been enthralled with the Montessori Method since she was first exposed to it in 2020, and is unable to set aside her fascination. She looks forward to developing her abilities in a Montessori setting and working alongside the passionate staff at MCS. In her free time, Meg enjoys making art and playing card games with her husband.

Elise Pace

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

Elise was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has always had a passion for her creative expression through dance, art, music, and writing. Elise has a vast array of interests because she enjoys learning new skills often! She has a 9 year old son named Elliot who is her little partner in crime through their outdoor adventures together. Elise comes to Montessori in a support teaching role, and is very excited to grow with the community.

Karey Smith

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

Karey Smith was born in Lehi and is the oldest of five girls. She was an “Army Brat” and traveled all over until her family settled in New Jersey. She lived in England for a while and then returned to the U.S. to complete her Montessori Infant and Toddler training in Princeton, New Jersey. She then moved to Utah for her Early Childhood Education Montessori training. She has been working in Montessori since the age of 16! She loves to read, listen to music, watch movies, cross-stitch and spend time with her family. Little known fact about Karey: her sisters are all named with K’s – Krissy, Krisha, Kendra, and Kimberly. Her mom’s name is Karen. Her dad’s name: Bob!!