Committed to the Montessori Method
Executive
Rekha Mundkur is the executive director at Mariposa and has held the role since 2019. Rekha, a former universal prekindergarten teacher, is passionate about early childhood and believes in each child’s potential.
Rekha holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics management, and an associate degree in early childhood education – teaching and administration. Rekha has her Montessori Leadership Diploma from the American Montessori Society. With over six years in administration and ten years as an educator, Rekha is an experienced, dedicated and compassionate leader for our educators and community.
Educators
Mariposa educators possess a deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy and its profound impact on early childhood education. With a shared passion for nurturing young minds and the development of the whole child, they deliver a transformative learning experience for our beloved preschoolers. Teacher ratio for toddlers is 4:1 and Primary 7:1 - which includes capacity for kindergarten curriculum.
Toddler Program – Caterpillars
Irma Ortiz, Lead Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design
Early Childhood Education Certificate
NAMC Montessori Primary Diploma
Since 2010
Felisia Kelly, Lead Teacher
Child Daycare Management Diploma
Early Childhood Education Certificate
NAMC Montessori Infant/Toddler Diploma
Since 2021
Hanan Sharif, Assistant Teacher
Associate Degree in Science
Early Childhood Education and Master Teacher Certificate
Assistant Teacher at Mission College Child Development Instructional Lab
Since 2022
Primary Program – Swallowtails
Junko Khabir, Lead Guide
Associate Degree in English Literature
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
NAMC Montessori Primary Diploma
Since 2003
Bita Rofogaran, Guide
Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Early Childhood Education studies
NAMC Montessori Primary Diploma
Since 2019
Annie Tollick, Assistant Teacher
Certified Emergency Medical Technician
Work experience at Los Gatos & Saratoga Recreation
Since 2023
Primary Program – Monarchs
Munawar Ahmed, Lead Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences
Early Childhood Education Certificate
AMI certified.
Since 2003
Mariella Ruta, Lead Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Law
Resource Teacher Elementary–High School and Italian instruction
MMTC Montessori Primary Certificate
Since 2017
Azi Mokhlessi, Assistant Teacher
Bachelor's in Physical Education
Assistant Teacher at Daves Elementary and ChildCare Careers
Work experience at Los Gatos & Saratoga Recreation
Candidate: Early Childhood Education Degree
Since 2023
Primary Program – Blue Morpho
Grishma Dave, Lead Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Industrial & Product Design
Master of Education in Montessori Education
AMI certified
Since 2004
Sarah Mohmady, Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design
Early Childhood Education Certificate
NAMC Montessori Primary Diploma
Since 2019
Emily Butler, Assistant Teacher
Bachelor's degree in Psychology & Education
Since 2023
Substitute Teaching
Riya Patel, Assistant Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Candidate: Early Childhood Education Degree
Previous experience as an elementary teacher
Since 2021
Caroline Wagner
Bachelor's Degree in Law & Paralegal Studies
Previous experience as a Montessori educator
Since 2023