Melissa
P1 Head/Primary Grade Level Head
In 2003, Melissa joined the FMS staff, with over 12 years experience in education, including several years teaching English to Japanese students in Japan. She dedicated a couple of years helping to start a Montessori Charter school in Colorado, and in 2013, FMS was fortunate to have Melissa return to our school. Melissa holds a BA in English, an MA in Education and is Montessori certified for primary aged children. Melissa is also accredited to teach the Montessori method to perspective Montessori teachers. Melissa’s calm manner is matched by her eye for seeing the needs of the child and guiding them to the work and the lessons that best serves them. Her favorite thing about Montessori and teaching is “the level of respect given to the students and igniting the spark of interest in the world around them.”
Diana
P1 Co-Teacher/Spanish Immersion Teacher
Diana brings a precise and friendly flair to all of her lessons. Having begun her teaching career with FMS in 2005, she has mastered the art of combining her Montessori training (American Montessori Society certified for Primary aged students) with the beauty of the Spanish language. Children are empowered by Diana’s clarity and enthusiasm for using the Spanish language and are able to experience their Spanish lessons as naturally as the ones delivered in English. Diana says, “I love children and to be able to work with them every day is the most amazing experience for me. I love the Montessori philosophy.”
Kini
P1 Support Teacher
Kini has been part of our community for several years now. Her two sons go to school at FMS and she taught Hula to our primary school students after school. She joins us with a myriad of experiences. She has taught at the high school, middle school, and elementary school levels. In addition, she most recently taught preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten Music and Movement here in Las Vegas. Behind her experience is a Masters in Education from Azusa Paciifc University and certifications in Orff and Music Together. Kini loves that Montessori fosters a love for learning and teaches skills essential for our children’s futures: independence and a good work ethic. In her free time, Kini likes to spend time playing board games with her kids, planning events, and dancing hula. We are honored to have Ms. Kini as a staff member at FMS.
Yesenia
P2 Head/Spanish Immersion Teacher
Yesenia’s (aka Jessie) natural warmth and quiet manner bring a peaceful and inviting feeling into the classroom, as she delivers clear lessons using the Spanish language. Jessie joined the FMS teaching staff in 2006, after obtaining her AA degree in Liberal Arts and working in the field for five years. Jesse holds an Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society. Her favorite features about the Montessori method are the “home-like environment, mixed-age group classes, hands-on learning, and the order and harmony of the classrooms.”
Sadie
P2 Co-Teacher
Sadie Schmidel joined the Primary teaching staff in 2019. With a MS degree in Education and a BA in English including specific work experience in early childhood (toddler through 2nd grade), Sadie brings a wealth of experience to her position. Sadie’s enthusiasm for the Montessori process has long been established, as two of her children attended FMS for primary and lower el. She has seen firsthand the love of learning, the value of process, and the power of igniting curiosity in a young mind. She is looking forward to experiencing the Montessori method from inside the classroom and contributing her experience to the FMS team.
Ana
P2 Support/Dual Language Program Teacher
Ana (aka Julie) joined the FMS teaching staff in 2010. Julie is a certified Montessori preschool/kindergarten teacher accredited by the North American Montessori Center. Julie also holds a BS in nursing, Licensure of Nursing, and Nurse Doctorate from her native country of Costa Rica. Julie interacts easily with all her students in a natural and friendly way, giving them ample opportunities to practice their Spanish speaking skills. Julie’s eye for details is matched by her playful interaction with her students and reflected in her comment, “I love the Montessori curriculum and working with the children and my peers. I am especially excited about sharing the Spanish language and culture with my students.”
Isabel
P3 Head Teacher
Isabel Garcia brings an impressive 16 years of experience as a lead Montessori teacher to our school. Originally from the vibrant city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Ms. Isabel is a native Portuguese speaker who brings a rich cultural perspective to her teaching. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Universidad Paulista, which has deeply informed her understanding of child development and education. Her dedication to the Montessori method led her to Las Vegas, where she obtained her International Montessori teaching degree in 2001. Furthering her expertise, she achieved her early childhood education credentials from the American Montessori Society in 2021, also in Las Vegas. Ms. Isabel’s passion for fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment is evident in her innovative teaching methods and commitment to each student’s growth. Her dynamic and compassionate approach makes her a treasured member of our educational community. She is dedicated to creating a classroom atmosphere where children feel valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Alisa
P3 Co-Teacher
Alisa joined the FMS teaching staff in 2004, having 9 years of education experience under her belt, and credits in Early Childhood Education. Alisa obtained her Montessori certificate (for primary aged students) in 2014. Alisa’s steady manner and quiet assuredness imparts a love of learning to her students and is instrumental in helping her students develop confidence in their own self-perceptions. Alisa has seen the advantage of working with her students over a three-year cycle and “the chance to really get to know the students and discover what makes them tick. I’ve seen my students blossom through the three-year cycle and I love to witness the tremendous growth in my students as they prepare to enter first grade.”
Laura
P3 Support Teacher
Laura Moxely, our long-time beloved substitute teacher, is now the supporting teacher for the P3 classroom. Originally from Virginia, Laura holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She has a wealth of experience, having previously taught kindergarten in Virginia before staying home and raising her five children. The community cherishes Laura for her warm and nurturing approach to teaching. We are thrilled she is now a permanent part of our school community. Her dedication and enthusiasm make her an excellent addition to our team, and we are confident that she will continue to positively impact the lives of our students at FMS. Laura’s commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment ensures that every child in her classroom will thrive.
Mary
P4 Head Teacher
Having achieved the rigor of sitting for a BS degree in Chemistry, Ms. Mary attended the London Teacher Training College and received her Montessori Certification (for primary aged students). Ms. Mary was a welcomed addition to the FMS teaching staff in 2012, bringing 12 years of experience in education to her position. Her quiet manner and deliberate style helps guide her students in an easy and clear way enabling them to grasp the deeper meanings of their lessons. She loves “to see academic and social growth, and to build self-confidence and independence in children.”
Lauren
P4 Co-Teacher
Ms. Lauren started her Montessori teaching journey with us in 2014. She studied early childhood development, elementary education, and Montessori in university. She admires how the Montessori philosophy encompasses social, emotional, and practical life skills in addition to academics. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors. Her talent as an educator does not go unnoticed and we are so thankful to have her on campus with us.
Carla
E4 Support Teacher
Ms. Carla is originally from sunny Los Angeles, California. Before becoming a teacher, she worked in the banking industry. Now, she has several years of teaching experience and earned her Montessori certification. She loves that Montessori allows children to learn at their own pace in a safe and prepared environment. She says, “I am so grateful to work in a place that values my talents and supports the continuation of my education. I love having more than just a job, it is a career that gives me purpose, makes me proud, and one I value.” Her dedication to learning and growing as a teacher is amazing. To say we are grateful for her presence would be an understatement.