Montessori Learning School

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H. Catacora - Director

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Haydee hails from Peru, where she earned a BSc in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Peru in 2000. After traveling abroad and dedicating time to raising her two daughters, Haydee discovered her calling in early childhood education. She pursued and obtained her American Montessori Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Development in Tucson, Arizona. With four years of enriching experience in a Montessori setting, she founded the Montessori Learning School to offer children a hands-on, discovery-based education modeled on the scientific pedagogy of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Haydee's profound understanding of child development and her unwavering passion for education continue to shape the lives of her students and her school. She relishes in the daily discoveries her students make, illustrating her deep commitment to the Montessori method after more than a decade in education.

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L. Trew - Lead Primary Teacher

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Lilian Trew is a devoted educator with a BA in Child Development and Education from Miriam College. She deepened her expertise by completing her Association Montessori International (AMI) Primary training for children aged 3 to 6 at the Montessori Institute Northwest in 1995 and Assistants to Infancy training for children from birth to 3 years old at the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2000. Lilian’s extensive experience spans various educational settings in Manila, California, and Arizona, both in traditional and Montessori schools.

With her comprehensive AMI training and continuous professional development through numerous workshops, Lilian has developed a keen ability to recognize and appreciate the unique qualities of each child. She is passionately committed to the challenge of guiding each student to realize their full potential, believing that education is a tailored journey for every learner. 

Lilian’s favorite quote, which captures her educational philosophy, is from Dr. Maria Montessori: "The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn."

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E. Zunico - Lead Toddler Teacher

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Elisamar earned her degree in Comprehensive Education, specializing in the integral development of young minds, particularly those from birth to three years of age. With over seven years of experience in both traditional and Montessori educational settings, she has demonstrated a profound dedication to early childhood education. In February 2023, Elisamar expanded her expertise by traveling abroad to delve deeper into the Montessori methodology. She earned Montessori credentials for children aged zero to three and three to six from prestigious international training programs.

Since joining our community, Elisamar has become an essential part of our teaching team, admired for her deep understanding of child development, her nurturing approach, and her ability to unlock the potential in every child. Her journey from working in conventional educational environments to embracing the Montessori philosophy highlights her commitment to adapting and growing in her educational practices.

Elisamar's favorite quote, which beautifully captures her educational philosophy, is from Maria Montessori: "The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'"

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F. Maya., M.Ed. - Toddler Teacher Assistant

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Flora embarked on her journey in early childhood education as a kindergarten assistant in Phoenix in 1984. With a burgeoning passion for working with young learners, she pursued formal studies at Central Arizona College starting in 1985, where she earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. Driven by a commitment to support underprivileged and special needs children, Flora then joined W.A.C.O.G. Head Start in Mohave County as a teacher, where she also achieved her National CDA assessment.

Over her 13-year tenure with Head Start, Flora embraced the multifaceted challenges of the role, enriching her expertise through continuous education and numerous professional workshops. In 2003, recognizing her leadership potential and dedication, she was offered the role of Director. After thoughtful consideration, she accepted the position, managing and leading a successful educational center in Kingman, where she made significant contributions to the community.

Bringing over 30 years of experience in childhood education to our school, Flora is celebrated for her profound understanding of educational administration and her unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

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M. Ceciliot, B.A. - Administrative Assistant

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Marcia Ceciliot holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and a California Teaching Credential from California State University, Sacramento. Additionally, she possesses an Elementary Montessori Teaching Certificate from San Leandro Teacher College. Marcia's distinguished career spans over 30 years of teaching at Granite Bay Montessori in California, where she also served as the Children’s House Director for 10 years and the Upper Elementary Director for 4 years.

During her tenure at Granite Bay Montessori, both her son and grandson were students at the school, benefiting from the same nurturing educational environment she helped create. Marcia is a firm advocate of the Montessori method, believing it fosters independence and confidence, offers a comprehensive education, and nurtures a child’s natural thirst for knowledge.

Marcia recently relocated to Arizona, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Montessori principles.