Committed to the Montessori Method
Mariposa Montessori Teaching Community
With a shared passion for nurturing young minds and the development of the whole child, Mariposa educators deliver a transformative learning experience for our beloved preschoolers. With our exceptional teacher ratio for toddlers at 5:1 and Primary at 8:1, including capacity for kindergarten curriculum, our educators are hands on with the ability to learn about, care for, and teach each individual child at their own pace.
Mariposa educators align their mixed-age classrooms to our curriculum and core values, yet adjust their approach and style to their unique classroom and to each individual child. Mariposa focuses on Montessori-style learning through the use of Montessori materials and practical applications, social emotional understanding and growth, aspects of STEM including science and a robust focus on math, writing and reading, art, music, yoga, and more. Our educators are in tune with developing strong, caring individuals who become life long learners with a focus on being creative and cultured global citizens, compassionate friends, and academically strong students.
Mariposa Executive Director
Rekha Mundkur is the executive director at Mariposa Montessori and has held the role since 2019. Rekha, a former universal prekindergarten teacher, is passionate about early childhood education 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, including Teaching and Administration. Rekha has her Montessori Leadership Diploma from the American Montessori Society and working on her Executive Leadership certification with Cornell University. With eight years in administration and ten years as an educator, Rekha is an experienced, dedicated, and compassionate leader for our Mariposa educators and community.
Mariposa Head of Academics
Grishma Dave is one of our veteran Primary guides since 2004 and has now taken on a new role as our Head of Academics. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Product Design and has a Masters in Montessori Education with AMI. She is excited to be in this new role of enriching our curriculum, providing parent information sessions and mentoring our staff.
Mariposa Educators
Mariposa educators possess a deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy and its profound impact on early childhood education. Some of our teachers have been with Mariposa for over 20 years, bringing their passion and care each day into our bright classrooms. All of our educators participate in on-going professional development to stay ahead of and apply new learning approaches into our classrooms.
Toddler Program (18 months - 3 years) – Chrysalis
Irma Ortiz, Lead Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design
Early Childhood Education Certificate
NAMC Montessori Primary Certificate & Candidate Montessori Infant/Toddler Teacher Certificate
With Mariposa since 2010
Femke Truijen, Guide
Bachelor’s Degree
NAMC Montessori Infant/Toddler Certificate
Previous experience as an elementary teacher
With Mariposa since 2024
Toddler Program (18 months - 3 years) – Caterpillar
Felisia Kelly, Lead Guide
Bachelors in Business Administration & Accounting
Early Childhood Education Certificate
NAMC Montessori Infant/Toddler Teacher Diploma
With Mariposa since 2021
Hanan Sharif, Guide
Associate Degree in Science
Early Childhood Education and Master Teacher Certificate
NAMC Montessori Infant/Toddler Certificate
With Mariposa since 2022
Primary Program (2.9 years-Kindergarten) – Blue Morpho
Mariella Ruta, Lead Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Law
MMTC Montessori Primary Certificate
With Mariposa since 2017
Azarmidokht Mokhlessi, Guide
Bachelor's in Physical Education
NAMC Montessori Primary Certificate
With Mariposa since 2023
Roopa Navale, Assistant Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce
Early Childhood Education
Primary Program (2.9 years-Kindergarten) – Monarch
Munawar Ahmed, Lead Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences
Early Childhood Education Certificate
AMI Montessori Primary Certificate
With Mariposa since 2003
Carla Lucio Ueda , Guide
Bachelor’s in Business Management & MBA in Marketing
NAMC Montessori Primary Certifiicate
With Mariposa since 2024
Nasrin Kazemi, Guide
Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
NAMC Montessori Primary Certifiicate
With Mariposa since 2024
Substitute Teaching
Riya Patel, Assistant Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Candidate: Early Childhood Education Degree
Previous experience as an elementary teacher
With Mariposa since 2021
Zahra Rahmannia, Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
NAMC Montessori Primary Certificate
Previous experience as a Montessori educator
With Mariposa since 2021