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School Administration

Fatima Asghar

Head of School

Mrs. Asghar has been working in Montessori classrooms in some capacity since 1989. She was immediately drawn to Maria Montessori’s ideas after she first observed a Montessori environment-she was amazed at the level of concentration and independent work displayed by the children. Mrs Asghar quickly came to appreciate the uniqueness of the Montessori Method, and to believe deeply in the difference that it can make in the lives of children. In 1997, Mrs. Asghar received her AMI Diploma in her then hometown of Hyderabad, India. After moving to the United States, she taught for two years in a Montessori school in College Station, Texas. She then moved to California in 2000 to join LePort’s Huntington Beach campus team as a Head Primary Teacher. In 2008, Mrs. Asghar was promoted to the position of Montessori liaison. While continuing to teach a full class, in her new capacity she also took on the role of offering teachers both administrative and academic support. Over time, her quiet leadership and genuine dedication to students and staff earned her the deep respect of teachers, parents and management. In 2010, Mrs. Asghar was offered, and heartfully accepted, the position of Head of School at LePort School Huntington Harbor. As the Head of School, Mrs. Asghar oversees all operations, and ensures that each student at the school receives the highest quality Montessori education. In her spare time, Mrs. Asghar enjoys playing basketball and tennis with her family, cooking, sewing, and decorating.

Lillie MacDonald

Assistant Head of School

Ms. Lillie MacDonald was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California. She received her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach in anthropology and worked at a preschool as the teacher’s aide for two-year-olds. While working there, she completed 15 units in Early Childhood Development from Santa Ana College. She then moved to Georgia where she worked in the library at an elementary school. After a year and a half, she moved back to California to be closer to her friends and family, and also for the weather. Ms. Lillie's passion in administration and her love of working in a school setting led her to pursue an administrative support role at LePort. In her spare time, Ms. Lillie loves going to Disneyland, taking her dogs to the beach, seeing the latest movies, and spending time with her family and friends.

Jachelle Generosa

Admission Coordinator and Administrative Support

Ms. Generosa first began her journey as an educator in 2008, by tutoring and teaching parent and child classes while gaining her Early Childhood Education units. She continued her studies in both Child Development and Music and went on to work in various preschools throughout the Orange County area. She worked in her first Montessori school in 2014 and trained at Montessori Teacher Academy in Dana Point as well as the inaugural cohort at Eagle Montessori Teacher Academy in Idaho and went on to lead Montessori Classrooms at the Infant, Toddler, and Primary levels. After over ten years of being in the classroom, Ms. Generosa gladly accepted her current position here at LePort Montessori’s Huntington Harbor Campus, where she is able to introduce families to the wonders of Montessori learning! Outside of the school environment, Ms. Generosa enjoys music and theatre, singing in her church choir, and spending time with her friends and family!


Tiffany Yonekura

Business Manager

Ms. Tiffany Yonekura has always had a passion for child development. Her passion led her to devote her career to childhood education. She began her education at Golden West Community College, and eventually went on to study Child and Adolescent Development at California State University, Fullerton. She completed her education with a teaching credential and master’s degree in education from Hope International University. In addition to child development, Ms. Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family and sharing her love of reading with her children.

Infant

Sumayaa Sheikh

Head Montessori Teacher (Infant)

Ms. Sheikh is a compassionate and well-educated member of our team. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in English Literature. Prior to joining LePort, she worked as a teacher for 12 years. Ms. Sheikh believes that teaching is a sacred profession and that it enhances the purity of mind, and honesty of your inner self. In 2023, Ms. Sheikh had the opportunity to take the Association Montessori Internationale Montessori Assistants to Infancy training (0-3 years old) and she is completing her training from the Southwest Montessori Institute of Montessori Studies. Ms. Sheikh is also the mother of two children. In her spare time, Ms. Sheikh enjoys cooking.

Luziminda Dabuet

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Dabuet was born and raised in the Philippines and currently lives in Seal Beach. She received her Bachelor's Degree from St. Paul College of Manila in Education with a minor in Math. She also earned her Master's Degree from Ateneo de Manila University in Language and Literature Teaching. Ms. Dabuet has been working with children of all ages for decades. Teaching has been integral to her life, and school has always been her second home. She has coordinated various after-school activities and clubs like sports (volleyball), dance, arts and crafts, and guitar club. She has also taught in multiple Sunday schools. Before joining LePort, she worked as an English and Math private tutor at Sylvan Learning Center in Beverly Hills and Huntington Beach. She loves to spend her free time dancing, hiking, and walking on the beach.

Promise Bass

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Bass was born and raised in California. She has been working with children for over 3 years now. Ms. Bass previously attended California University Long Beach and she is currently continuing her Early childhood education. She recognizes the honor of taking care of and teaching children, who she believes are the foundation of our society. She enjoys going to Disneyland and enjoys singing songs with the children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and catching up on her favorite shows and movies.

Rebeca Jimenez

Head Montessori Teacher (Infant)

Ms. Rebeca Jimenez has worked in the Child Development field for many years. She has completed more than 25 units in Child Development. In 1998, she received her preschool director certificate and worked as a preschool director for 5 years. Ms. Jimenez joined LePort as an Assistant Teacher in 2016, and shortly after, decided to pursue her Montessori training. Ms. Jimenez attended the Montessori Institute of San Diego and graduated with her AMI Assistants to Infancy (0-3 years) diploma in August 2018. She enjoys teaching children and seeing their growth academically and socially. In her spare time, Ms. Jimenez enjoys being active and attending classes at the gym, and she enjoys spending time with her family.

Thamar Barragan

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Barragan was born and raised in Huntington Beach and earned her ECE credits through Goldenwest College and Theoria. Ms. Barragan will be continuing her education this spring. Growing up, she always knew she wanted to work with kids. Ms. Barragan is still new to the Montessori philosophy but has enjoyed watching children gain independence at such a young age. Outside school, she likes to spend her free time with her family. She enjoys traveling and trying new coffee places.

Chelsey Palomino

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Chelsey Palomino was born in Huntington Park and raised in LA. She has been working with children for three and a half years and is currently working on her child development degree. She loves drawing, completing creative crafts, and working on projects around her home. She enjoys working with the children and likes doing hands-on activities with the children. She loves seafood, enjoys spending time with her family, and traveling to Mexico with her family and boyfriend.

Christle Fells

Head Montessori Teacher (Infant)

Ms. Christle Fells was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and presently resides in Long Beach. With 13 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to working with infants and toddlers. She successfully completed the Child Development program at Los Angeles Southwest College, earning her Associate Teacher Infant & Toddler Certificate. Currently, she is enthusiastically pursuing her Montessori training specifically tailored for infant and toddler studies. Prior to her journey here at LePort, where she joined in August 2016, Ms. Fells had the privilege of serving as a childcare provider and substitute teacher. On a personal note, Ms. Fells cherishes the joy of being a mother to her daughter and son, who is currently attending LePort Huntington Harbor. Ms. Fells finds solace in her passion for baking and cherishes the precious moments spent with her beloved family.

Azza Basilios

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Azza Basilios was born and grew up in Cairo, Egypt. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Ein Shams University in Egypt. She worked as an English teacher for fourth and fifth graders for twelve years and then she met her husband and had two children. Ms. Basilios then moved to the United States and has lived in Huntington Beach for the past ten years. She always had a passion for learning and so she continued her education and earned her units in Early Child Development. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling especially to Paris, Dubai, and Turkey. She enjoys drawing, coloring, cooking and learning new recipes with her children.

Lenora Alvarez

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Lenora Alvarez, a San Diego native, currently resides in Huntington Beach with her boyfriend and dog, Coca. She acquired her Early Childhood Education units through Theoria Technical College and is presently pursuing a degree in Social Work. With nearly 2 years of experience, she has been actively engaged in working with children. Apart from her passion for childcare, she finds joy in reading, watching movies, spending quality time with her dog and boyfriend, as well as honing her culinary skills.

Toddler

Karla Mata-Luna

Head Montessori Teacher (Toddler)

Ms. Karla was born and raised in Orange County. She's known that she wanted to work with children since she was in the second grade. She received her Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Fullerton College and is continuing her education in Childhood and Adolescent Education at California State University, Fullerton. Ms. Karla has worked at the Anaheim YMCA for over 3 years prior to joining LePort Montessori. Apart from working with children, Ms. Karla enjoys hiking with her fiancé and dog Toto, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Fabiola Ramos

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Fabiola Ramos was born and raised in Michoacán, Mexico. Ms. Ramos is a fluent speaker of both English and Spanish. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree and teaching credential in Liberal Arts from California State University Long Beach. Before transferring to Cal State Long Beach, Ms. Ramos attended Golden West College. During that time, she volunteered at daycare and decided to pursue her passion for working with young children. She is excited to be part of the Leport community and provide children with the best learning experience. In her spare time, she likes to bake, create arts and crafts, travel and spend time with her family.

Alma Arzate

Head Montessori Teacher (Toddler)

Alma Arzate joined us in 2012 and is excited about becoming a valuable addition here at LePort Schools. Ms. Arzate has gained experience by volunteering as a Child Life Specialist from 2010 through 2012 at Miller Children’s Hospital at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. There she had the opportunity to interact with infants through adolescents. She also earned her certificate of completion in Careers with Children, which involved an additional year of experience at the LBCC Children’s Center. Ms. Arzate completed her AMI Montessori teacher training for the 0 to 3 age group at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her fiancée, creating personalized jewelry, cooking, and enjoys meditating every morning.

Alexandra Kahm

Junior Montessori Teacher

Ms. Kahm graduated from the California State University, Long Beach with a degree in Communications. She partnered her degree in communications with her love for animals and lived in South Africa for three months educating the public about cheetah conservation. After returning home and resuming her nanny position, she realized she wanted to pursue a career in early education. She has become very interested in child development and has been taking classes at Long Beach City College. Ms. Kahm looks forward to beginning her teaching career at LePort.

Lisa Hawkins

Head Montessori Teacher (Toddler)

Lisa Hawkins has been a head toddler Montessori teacher at LePort Huntington Harbor since 2015, and has been working as a Montessori teacher and childcare provider since 1995. She attended Northern Arizona University until 2005 where she majored in Sociology and minored in Psychology with an emphasis on child development. In addition to this and because of her love of learning she also minored in indigenous studies, anthropology and women's studies. In 2007 she began Montessori teacher training for ages 0 to 3 at The Montessori Institute of Denver and received her Montessori degree in 2008. She is the mother of 3 awesome children, all of whom have been a part of LePort Montessori: her oldest as a teaching assistant and the other 2 as students. In her free time she loves spending time with her husband and her children. She loves roller skating and biking at the beach, going to Disneyland and all the other local theme parks, playing racquetball, watching movies, playing Magic the Gathering and most recently coaching soccer for her youngest son’s team!

Ellie Groos

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Groos was born and raised here in Huntington Beach and moved back after graduating from San Francisco State University. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Child Adolescent Development and a double minor in Recreation and Special Education. In San Francisco, Ms. Groos worked in a preschool as a teacher’s assistant. Ms. Groos knew before going into college that she wanted to work with young children and she is very excited to be here at LePort. In her free time she loves going down to the beach and going on a new hike. Ms. Groos looks forward to being in the classroom with your children during this school year.

Alexandria Rafferty

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Rafferty is a California native, mainly raised in the Long Beach area. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. While pursuing her degree, she worked as a toddler teacher on campus for two years which fueled her passion for child development. She strongly values spending quality time with her family and friends. In her free time, she enjoys antique shopping, kayaking, reading and traveling.

Veronica Jaramillo

Head Montessori Teacher (Toddler), Spanish Immersion

Ms. Jaramillo was born and raised in Southern California. She has worked in the preschool setting since 1999. She holds a Montessori A to I Diploma (ages birth through 3) from the Montessori Institute of San Diego. In addition, Ms. Jaramillo has completed numerous early childhood education courses and continues to expand on her knowledge by participating in various courses and seminars.
Ms. Jaramillo has worked as a Head Toddler Teacher, Program Specialist, and School Site Director. She is a dedicated teacher who loves and respects the children. She is supportive of each child’s unique individuality and delights in watching their independence and love of learning grow.

Daniela Mata

Assistant Teacher, Spanish Immersion

Ms. Mata was born and raised in Orange County. She is currently working on her Early Associates of Science Degree in Early Childhood Development at Fullerton College and plans on continuing her Bachelor's degree in Childhood Education at California State University, Fullerton. She has wanted to work with children since she was in elementary school. She loved to play teacher and would spend her time tutoring her younger siblings and cousins.

Apart from working with children, she loves to cook and bake. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family and taking her dog Mika on walks.

Yareni Flores

Assistant Teacher, Spanish Immersion

Ms. Flores was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California. She always wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember. She attended Orange Coast College to earn her Early Childhood units. Ms. Flores has worked with toddlers since 2016 and she is very excited to start her new journey at LePort. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and going on long walks with her dog.

Reham Adly

Head Montessori Teacher (Toddler)

Mrs. Reham Adly was born and raised in Egypt. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts. Mrs. Adly had always been interested in child development and after graduation, she began designing children’s furniture. However, after getting married and having her first child, she decided she wanted to share her passion for art with children. So, in addition to her interior design work, she worked as an art teacher for five years, teaching children how to paint and draw. When she moved to the United States, she completed her child development classes and worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at the LA Mission College Child Development Center. Mrs. Adly enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband. She loves drawing and photography. In addition to English, Mrs. Adly is also fluent in Arabic.

Kindra Erickson

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Erickson was born and raised in South Dakota, and she currently lives in Seal Beach. Before moving to mainland California, she lived on Catalina Island for a year and a half, so she’s always happy to share fun facts/tips about the island. She has wanted to work with children ever since she was young, especially because she grew up with a parent who is also a teacher. Ms. Erickson is the sixth teacher in her family.
Apart from working with children, she loves to read, write, and be at the beach. She also enjoys spending time with her fiancé, and volunteering with the Surfrider Foundation.

Kari Gallo

Head Montessori Teacher (Toddler)

Ms. Kari Gallo was born in Mexico City, Mexico. At the age of 3, her life changed forever when her parents decided to move to California. Ms. Gallo realized she wanted to teach at an early age. When she was a child, she enjoyed pretending she was a teacher and mimicking what she had seen her teachers do!

Ms. Gallo attended the Orange County Regional Occupational Program (ROP) where she received her Infant/Toddler Assistant certificate. From that time on, she knew that she wanted to pursue her passion in working with children. Ms. Gallo found an even deeper passion, especially for the Montessori philosophy, once she started working at LePort. She is very intrigued by the Montessori methodology. Each day she looks forward to learning something new and incorporating the philosophy into her work, as well as with her own children. Both her son and her daughter attend the LePort Huntington Harbor campus. Ms. Gallo has completed her AMI Assistants to Infancy training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her children and go to Disneyland.

Sukaina Munjee

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Sukaina Munjee is from Pune, India and relocated to the United States along with her family in February of 2023. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature in the year 2000. She has over 10 years of teaching experience and has completed her Teachers Training and holds a diploma in Montessori Training from India. She also has experience working with children with special needs and learning difficulties since 2022. In her free time she enjoys painting, reading, cooking and traveling. She has such a great passion and love for children and that is the driving force for her being in this wonderful profession of teaching.

Primary

Andrea Lockrem

Head Montessori Teacher (Primary)

Mrs. Dias was born and raised in Sri Lanka. She received her Association Montessori International training at Good Shepherd Maria Montessori Training center where she herself attended as a child. Mrs. Dias Moved to America in 2002. She taught in Florida for 9 years and moved to California in 2011 where she joined our LePort, Woodbridge campus. She worked there for 7 years. Later on she took up an offer to be a director at a Montessori school in Irvine. She then proceeded to run a successful Montessori home daycare. Mrs. Dias has two grown children, a daughter and a son, who were educated through the Montessori method. After the children left the nest, she moved to Huntington Beach. She once again yearned to be in the classroom and joined our Huntington Harbor campus. Mrs. Dias is thankful for the opportunity to work in a nurturing, loving environment where children can learn and experience new challenges that will help build their confidence while they grow. During her spare time Mrs. Dias loves to cook, garden, go camping, practice yoga and do all forms of crafts. Being a Montessori child, parent and a teacher with over 30 years of experience Mrs. Dias is a huge advocate of Montessori Education. Mrs. Dias is dedicated to serving the child and lives by one of her favorite quotes said by Dr. Montessori: “Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but by the endeavor to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence.”

Jayde Filipiak

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Filipiak grew up living all around Southern California. She went to Washington State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising with a Minor in Spanish. She always loved working with children and decided upon graduating that education was truly her passion. After graduating, Ms. Filipiak was offered a position at a preschool as a floater. After a year at that preschool, she moved to New York and began working as a teacher’s assistant in her first Montessori environment. This is where her love for the Montessori curriculum bloomed. She moved back to California in 2023 to be closer to her friends and family, and is extremely happy to be in such a beautiful place doing what she loves.

Brittney Rojo

Head Montessori Teacher (Primary)

Mrs. Brittney Rojo was born and raised in Buena Park, California. She always knew she wanted to work with children and completed her Early Childhood Education units at Fullerton College and Laguna Tech. Mrs. Rojo’s first introduction to the Montessori philosophy was in 2007 when she began working for a school in Fullerton. She instantly fell in love with the Montessori method. Mrs. Rojo enjoys watching the children grow and seeing the interactions in mixed age classroom. Mrs. Rojo’s daughter also attends the Huntington Harbor campus, and she is very excited to watch her own daughter now grow in our Montessori program. In her spare time, Mrs. Rojo enjoys spending time with her husband and her daughter, and enjoys going to the movies, reading, and scrapbooking.

Abelina Gomez

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Abelina Gomez was born and raised in Long Beach California. She has been working with children since 2017 when she started her degree in Early Childhood Education. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree at California State University Channel Islands and has been fortunate enough to work at some amazing preschools. She has grown to love seeing children learn through their experiences, interactions and being proud of their accomplishments as young learners. She is very excited to be working at LePort Huntington Harbor and learning the philosophy of Maria Montessori. She is excited to grow with the school so that she may help children grow both academically and individually. Outside of school some of her favorite things to do are spend time with her friends and family, go to the beach, and read at the park.

Xenia Monroe

Head Montessori Teacher (Primary)

Mrs. Monroe earned her AMI Primary Diploma at the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2015 and received her bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton in 2012. Prior to joining LePort, she worked as a primary childcare teacher at another Montessori school for 4 years. Additionally, Mrs. Monroe has over 4 years of volunteer experience working with the Child and Adolescent Student Association, Club Teach, and various child-centered educational programs. Mrs. Monroe is thankful for the opportunity to work in a nurturing, loving environment where children can learn and experience new challenges that will help build their confidence while they grow. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Monroe enjoys playing board games, reading, swimming, archery, watching documentaries, and rooting for local sport teams!

Lauri Federwitz

Junior Montessori Teacher

Mrs. Federwitz has been working with children since 1989, and loves the experience. Mrs. Federwitz earned her BA in Liberal Studies with an English concentration from Cal State University Long Beach, her AA in General education from Cypress Junior College, and her Early Childhood units from various colleges. When she first observed a Montessori environment, she was amazed at the level of concentration and independent work displayed by the children. Mrs Federwitz quickly came to appreciate the uniqueness of the Montessori method and to believe deeply in the difference that it can make in the lives of children.

In her spare time, Mrs. Federwitz enjoys spending time with her family and going shopping.

Pamela Wiggins

Head Montessori Teacher (Primary)

Ms.Wiggins has been working in the field of education since 1997, and has been a member of LePort Montessori schools since 2008. She has an AA degree in Business. In her spare time she loves to hang out with her son experiencing new and exciting adventures with him.

Bailey Padilla

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Bailey Padilla is from Flagstaff, Arizona and moved to Huntington Beach three years ago. She completed her Early Childhood Education units through Theoria Technical College. Ms. Padilla enjoys working with children and believes that while we can teach them a lot, they can also teach us so much!

Shumaila Syed

Junior Montessori Teacher

Mrs. Shumaila Syed has been a part of our LePort team as an Assistant Teacher and she has a great passion for working with children. Mrs. Syed was born in Pakistan and received her Bachelor's in Psychology. She immigrated to the United States over 20 years ago and furthered her education at Orange Coast College, where she studied Child Development. This year she earned her AMI Diploma at Southwest Institute of Arizona. Mrs. Syed's personal life is all about her family and hobbies. She has four lovely children with her husband. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, sewing, cooking, and hiking. She is trilingual and speaks fluent English, Hindi, and Sindhi.

Alexis Waters

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Alexis Waters is an Orange County native and has lived in Huntington Beach most of her life. She studied Early Childhood Education at Laguna Technical College. Ms. Waters has worked with children for the past seven years as a Teacher’s Assistant and a Nanny before she joined LePort team. She is excited for the upcoming years and new experiences at LePort. Ms. Waters enjoys the beach, bike riding and spending time with her family.

Joya Buxton

Head Montessori Teacher (Primary), Spanish Immersion

Ms. Joya Buxton grew up in the South Bay, and went East for college where she majored in Hospitality at Cornell University. She worked in Real Estate Acquisitions, Property Management, Interior/Landscape Design, and as a Prívate Educator. After having a baby in 2018 she enrolled her daughter at LePort after getting rave reviews from her nephew. She fell in love with the Montessori philosophy and it inspired her to get her AMI diploma and transition to a more child-friendly career. In her spare time she loves to cook, garden, and travel.

Jessica Cuellar-Mateo

Assistant Teacher, Spanish Immersion

Ms. Mateo was born in Orange County and raised in the Inland Empire. She started her journey working with children as a freshman in high school by volunteering in an elementary after-school program. She studied at UCI and majored in Spanish Literature and Language. Working in a school setting is a lifelong goal for Ms. Mateo; to have a positive lasting impact on a child's life and education by supporting and guiding them through their efforts to learn and grow. One of Ms. Mateo's true joy is watching a child learn and master a new skill or concept. She enjoys the arts and literature in all shapes and forms, which means she enjoys reading and singing every day.

Some personal hobbies include studying linguistics, learning about different cultures, and learning new languages.

Angelica Nava

Head Montessori Teacher (Primary), Spanish Immersion

Ms. Angelica Nava was born and raised in California. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development. Ms. Nava worked at a licensed preschool/daycare for five and a half years before exploring educational techniques outside traditional conventions. It is then that she became interested in the Montessori approach to teaching. She is amazed at the things children are capable of doing at such a young age with the proper guidance. She believes there is nothing more rewarding than working with children and being a part of their everyday learning.
In her free time, Ms. Nava enjoys reading and walking her two dogs. She loves spending time with friends and family, especially with her seven nieces and nephews.

Lina Quintana

Assistant Teacher

Lina Quintana was born and raised in Colombia. Ms. Quintana earned her Bachelor’s Degree in elementary and lower secondary education in Spanish and English Language. While pursuing her degree, she worked with different age groups ranging from preschool to elementary. Ms. Quintana moved to the US and has earned her units in Early Child Development. She enjoys hiking, reading and spending time with family.

Elementary

Lisa Kingman

Head Montessori Teacher (Elementary)

Ms. Lisa Kingman's passion for Montessori education started as an undergrad while attending the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Education followed by an Association Montessori International Montessori Primary Diploma at the Maria Montessori Institute London UK, and later an American Montessori Society Level 1 Elementary Credential at the Houston Montessori Center in Houston, Texas. Ms. Kingman enjoys supporting and creating quality personalized educational programs for each child. In her free time, Ms. Kingman appreciates hiking, the outdoors, and photography.

Jose De Jesus

Head Montessori Teacher (Elementary)

Mr. Jose De Jesus was born and raised in Michigan and graduated with a BA in sociology. In 2002, he began working with at-risk teenagers at Michigan State University and for several years afterwards in Chicago, as he saw a great need for mentors for future generations. A friend suggested he look into becoming a Montessori teacher, and upon researching Dr. Montessori’s method, he felt it was exactly where the traditional school system was failing. Mr. De Jesus graduated from the Elementary training course at the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee in 2010, and he and his supportive wife moved to California, where he began working for LePort Montessori as a Lower Elementary teacher. After the birth of his second daughter, Mr. De Jesus made the difficult decision to stay at home with his daughters, putting his teaching career on hold. Mr. De Jesus is incredibly proud to return to LePort Huntington Harbor to continue the important work of guiding Elementary students as they explore our amazing world!

Elizabeth Peña

Junior Montessori Teacher

Ms. Elizabeth Peña was born and raised in Orange County, California. She is Mexican American and speaks both Spanish and English fluently. She has her Associate Preschool Teacher Certificate and Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Development. Ms. Peña has experience working with preschool, elementary, and high school students. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and is also taking her AMI Elementary training. Ms. Peña loves seeing how children enjoy working in Montessori classrooms, and she finds it so fascinating how children progress in the Montessori environment. When Ms. Peña meets a new student, she frequently recalls a quote by Dr. Maria Montessori: “It is the child who makes the man, and no man exists who was not made by the child he once was.” Ms. Peña believes that each child has his/her own place in the world and believes that unconditional love is the most important element in a classroom. Ms. Peña enjoys working with children of all ages! In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, jewelry making, and spending time with her loved ones.

Daniela Badea

Assistant Teacher

Mrs. Badea is an experienced educator who has dedicated her career to teaching children. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she has had the opportunity to work with students of various ages and backgrounds. Mrs. Badea began her teaching career as a math teacher in Romania, where she spent 16 years honing her craft. She then moved to Canada and transitioned to teaching elementary school for 8 years before relocating to California. Throughout her career, Mrs. Badea has been committed to helping students develop a strong foundation in math and other key subjects, inspiring them to reach their full potential both in and out of the classroom. Mrs. Badea is a multilingual teacher who is fluent in Romanian, English, and French. Her passion for language and culture shines through in her teaching. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Badea enjoys a variety of hobbies. She loves to knit, attend Zumba classes to stay active and healthy and listen to music to relax and unwind after a long day of teaching.

Additional Staff

Taraneh Massoumi

Assistant Teacher

Mrs. Tara Massoumi has been working with different age groups of children from preschool to primary and high school since 1983. She has a Master's degree in Ancient Cultures and Languages and a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. She also has an Associate degree in primary school education. She received her Early Childhood Education certificate from North Orange County Community College. In her free time, Mrs. Tara loves spending time with her family, doing yoga, swimming, and reading.

Lauren Thompson

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Lauren Thompson was born and raised in Long Beach, California. She attended Western Oregon University where she studied education and communication, on track to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Humanities. When she was younger she always knew that she wanted to work with young children . Ms.Thompson has been in the early education field for over 3 years. She has worked with infants, toddlers and primary aged children. She supports each child and watches their independence and loves seeing them grow. During her free time she likes to attend baseball games (Angeles are her favorite but she also enjoys the Dodgers), swimming, photography, watching TV, and spending time with her family (including international travel; Australia, China, Vietnam, Etc.)

Alondra Lopez

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Alondra Lopez was born in Orange and raised in Santa Ana, California. She always knew she wanted to work with young children to teach and inspire their young minds and pursued this passion by furthering her education. She graduated from Santa Ana College and earned her Associates Degree in Child Development, with an emphasis in Preschool and Early Childhood. Ms. Alondra looks forward to working with little ones to learn and gain experience in helping them grow to be young independent individuals. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with family and friends, enjoys reading, drawing, and gardening.

Rachel Harris

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Harris is a recent college graduate who was born and raised in Southern California. With a deep passion for any and all kinds of art, she has long wanted to couple it with her love for working with children. From camps to mentoring and now to full time care and teaching, Ms. Harris is eager to grow at LePort and engage more with the Montessori methods. Outside of work, she is an avid songwriter, loves to paint, and is a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Monica Fuentes

Assistant Teacher, Spanish Immersion

Ms. Monica Fuentes was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. In high school, Ms. Fuentes took the ROP Child Development class and from there, she became interested in Child Development. She graduated from Cerritos College with an Associate in Arts in Child Development/Early Childhood. In her free time she enjoys reading, relaxing and going to the mall and doing crafts. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her six nieces and nephews.

Mary Boatman

Outdoor Education Teacher

Mary Boatman has been teaching for 26 years. She started her teaching career as a substitute teacher for Orange County Unified School, and has also worked as a Preschool teacher. During this time Ms Boatman also gained experience as a personal trainer. She now devotes her teaching time to physical education.
In her free time, Ms Boatman enjoys playing sports and working out. She supports the Lakers whenever she can and also enjoys gourmet cooking.

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