Primary
Debby Chueh
Head Montessori Teacher (Primary)
Ms. Debby Chueh graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Adolescent Development. In 2013 she received her Montessori Primary certificate from Capital Education Institute. Ms. Chueh was born and spent the majority of her childhood in Taiwan. She is fluent in both Mandarin and English. Before she joined the LePort family, she worked in different schools, including a Chinese immersion school. Outside of the classroom, she likes to read educational books, watch dramas, and cook.
Yuan Li
Assistant Teacher, Mandarin Immersion
Ms. Yuan Li was born and raised in Kunming, China. She is fluent in Mandarin. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the Yunnan Normal University in 2010, and later obtained a Master’s Degree in computer science from Xiamen University. She previously worked at the largest futures company in China until she had her first child. After becoming a parent, she developed a strong interest in early childhood education and started taking various courses related to children’s education in Beijing, including obtaining certifications in Lactation Consultant and Positive Discipline for Children aged 0-6. She is highly skilled in teaching using Mandarin. Both of her children grew up in a Montessori environment, which made her deeply appreciate the Montessori education. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, watching movies, hiking and making pour-over coffee by herself. She likes Chinese food and Chinese culture.
Trina McGaffey
Head Montessori Teacher (Primary), Mandarin Immersion
Ms. Trina Zhang has been a member of our LePort Mandarin campus community since early 2016. She earned her Association Montessori Internationale diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego. She also received a certificate in child development from Imperial Valley College.
Ms. Zhang grew up in Singapore and in the past has worked in investment banking as well as for Knight Frank as a real estate broker. She later earned a diploma in special education. Ms. Zhang previously lived in Tokyo for a few years as well as other major cities. In Chicago, she studied art and attended Ray College of Design. She also spent time in New York City, where she earned a computer business diploma from Drake Business School. Ms. Zhang has been working with children in preschools for more than ten years. Prior to joining LePort, she worked for the Imperial County Office of Education and Kids R Us (Early Care & Education Programs). Her aim is to guide each child to reach their fullest potential. In her spare time, she enjoys arts and crafts, cooking, gardening and music.
Ms. Zhang grew up in Singapore and in the past has worked in investment banking as well as for Knight Frank as a real estate broker. She later earned a diploma in special education. Ms. Zhang previously lived in Tokyo for a few years as well as other major cities. In Chicago, she studied art and attended Ray College of Design. She also spent time in New York City, where she earned a computer business diploma from Drake Business School. Ms. Zhang has been working with children in preschools for more than ten years. Prior to joining LePort, she worked for the Imperial County Office of Education and Kids R Us (Early Care & Education Programs). Her aim is to guide each child to reach their fullest potential. In her spare time, she enjoys arts and crafts, cooking, gardening and music.
Acai Gu
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Acai Gu graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Master’s Degree in Visual Arts. She grew up in China and is fluent in Mandarin. Ms. Gu worked at an
elementary school as a director assistant in an international program. After that, she was a
tutor of international students. However, after she got married and had a child, she spent all
her time on her son and started to focus on child development. Ms. Gu sent her child to a
Montessori School and became so impressed with his progress and development. She enjoyed listening to his stories from the school at that time. Ms. Gu has a true passion for working with children and helping them make progress in all areas.
elementary school as a director assistant in an international program. After that, she was a
tutor of international students. However, after she got married and had a child, she spent all
her time on her son and started to focus on child development. Ms. Gu sent her child to a
Montessori School and became so impressed with his progress and development. She enjoyed listening to his stories from the school at that time. Ms. Gu has a true passion for working with children and helping them make progress in all areas.
Fangfang Yang
Assistant Teacher, Mandarin Immersion
Ms. Fangfang Yang is from Beijing, China and is fluent in Mandarin. She graduated from the Yamamashi Gakuin University with a degree in Global Economy. She had 7 years of experience in education when she worked in Japan. Ms.Yang is the mother of two girls, and she enjoys spending time with them. They have shown Ms. Yang how to live the present moment to the fullest and also help her realize how much she loves being with children. It is a delight for Ms. Yang to observe the children freely explore and learn. Ms.Yang believes early childhood education strongly correlates with the successful adults children grow up to be, therefore, she is committed to lifelong learning and growing together with the children. Ms. Yang wants her job to be not just a job, but an opportunity to give love and see joyous children every day!
Yolanda Yang
Head Montessori Teacher (Primary), Mandarin Immersion
Ms. Yolanda Yang Laoshi began her LePort career as the English teacher at the Irvine Mandarin campus. After a few years, she transitioned to teaching Mandarin. She grew up in Orange County, California in a bilingual household, speaking Mandarin and English. Yang Laoshi received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Northwestern University and worked for several years in Quality Systems before deciding to become a Montessori teacher. She earned her American Montessori Society credential from the Montessori Teacher Education Program at University of California Irvine. She looks forward to sharing the wonder and joy of learning with future generations.
Ruby Xu
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Ruby Xu earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and has 25 years of experience working as a head teacher in a kindergarten in China. She was an active participant in the local preschool education community and has received multiple certificates and awards from the city’s education board. After moving to the United States, Ms. Xu brings her passion and experience to LePort Montessori as a Mandarin assistant teacher, aiming to create a supportive learning environment for children. In her spare time, Ms. Xu enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.
Michelle Xu
Head Montessori Teacher (Primary), Mandarin Immersion
Ms. Michelle Xu is from China and is fluent in Mandarin. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Han Language and Literature from the University of Ji Nan. She also holds an Associate of Science Degree in Child Development from Irvine Valley College in addition to the Montessori Fundamentals certificate. Ms. Xu has extensive experience working with children of all ages. She has been teaching Mandarin since 2003 to a variety of different age groups in language schools throughout Irvine, which helps her see the progression of child language learners over the years. Ms. Xu has been teaching at LePort since 2016, and she possesses a strong desire to help children grow and succeed in everything they do. Ms. Xu especially enjoys finding children's talents when they are between 3-6 years of age, and helping children develop their individual potentials. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Xu is a mother to an adult son. Ms. Xu enjoys cooking, yoga, playing instruments, and spending time with her family.
Maria Hernandez
Head Montessori Teacher (Primary)
Ms.Maria received her American Montessori Society certificate at Capital Education in 2018. Her past work experiences include working as a special education teacher at Yorba Linda/Placentia school district. She also has worked at other Montessori schools in Fullerton and Laguna Niguel as a lead Teacher and Spanish Immersion teacher in the primary classroom for four years. Ms. Maria joined LePort in 2013.
