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Our GMS Team
At Garden Montessori School, our team is made up of dedicated educators, specialists, and administrators who share a deep commitment to Montessori principles and the whole-child approach to learning. Collectively, our staff brings over 285 years of combined Montessori teaching experience, along with strong educational credentials and a genuine passion for guiding children with respect, intention, and care.
All Lead Teachers at Garden Montessori School are Montessori-certified. Each Early Childhood classroom—including Kindergarten- is led by a highly qualified teacher who holds a Bachelor’s degree or higher, is a certified teacher or has three or more years of teaching experience, and/or possesses specialized skills or expertise that support high-quality instruction.
From our Executive and Administrative Teams to our Lead and Assistant Teachers and Enrichment Specialists, each member of our community plays an important role in creating a safe, nurturing, and thoughtfully prepared environment. Together, we support every child’s independence, confidence, and love of learning while partnering closely with families to foster a connected, mission-driven school community.
Executive Team
Garden Montessori School is led by an experienced Executive Team with a deep foundation in Montessori education, leadership, and school operations, bringing decades of combined experience to our school community.
Together, the Executive Team ensures Garden Montessori School remains a mission-driven, high-quality Montessori environment grounded in experience, stability, and authentic Montessori practice.
Co-Founder * Director of Finance
Patricia Gutierrez
Patricia, Co-Founder and Director of Finance holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and is American Montessori Society (AMS) Infant & Toddler Certified, with nearly 20 years of experience in Montessori education, blending financial expertise with a deep understanding of Montessori environments.
Co-Founder * Head of School
Stefani Ruskin
Stefani, Co-Founder and Head of School, is finalizing her Master’s Degrees in Montessori Education and a Master's Montessori Leadership and is American Montessori Society (AMS) Certified at the Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood Levels, bringing almost 30 years of experience in Montessori teaching and leadership.
Co-Founder * Director of Facilities
Sonia Campuzano
Sonia, Director of Facilities holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and an American Montessori Society (AMS) Early Childhood Credential, with almost 20 years of Montessori experience, supporting school operations and educational integrity.
Administration Team
Our Administration Team provides daily leadership, organization, and support to ensure a safe, nurturing, and well-run school environment. Ms. Nicole, our School Coordinator and Health Liaison, holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Director’s Credential, supporting school operations and health-related needs. Ms. Yelitza, our Administrative Assistant, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, is American Montessori Society (AMS)–certified in Early Childhood, and holds a Director’s Credential, bringing both educational and administrative expertise. Ms. Rosalia our Family Relations, Admissions & Community Engagement Coordinator, holds a Master’s Degree in Special Ed and supports admission, families, staff, and daily school operations.
Ms. Nicole
School Coordinator
Ms. Yelitza
Administrative Support Coordinator
Ms. Rosalia
Family
Toddler Team
Our Toddler classrooms are guided by Montessori-certified Lead Teachers in each room, ensuring a strong foundation rooted in respect, independence, and purposeful movement. Together, our Toddler Team brings a combined 70 years of Montessori experience, thoughtfully supporting children during this critical stage of early development.
Ms. Jessica
Butterfly Class
Ms. Luisa
Butterfly Class
Ms. Ashley
Hummingbird Class
Ms. Ruby
Hummingbird Class
Ms. Marlene
Firefly Class
Ms. Liliana
Firefly Class
Early Childhood Team
Our Early Childhood classrooms are led by highly qualified educators who are deeply committed to Montessori principles. All Lead Teachers hold Bachelor’s degrees and are American Montessori Society (AMS)–trained for children ages 3–6, bringing a combined 50 years of Montessori experience to Garden Montessori School.
Our Assistant Teachers are either certified Montessori Assistants or are actively working toward Montessori certification, supporting the prepared environment and partnering closely with Lead Teachers to guide each child’s growth with care and intention.
Ms. Kimberly
Bumblebee Class
Ms. Rachel S.
Bumblebee Class
Ms. Diana
Dragonfly Class
Ms. Kerry
Bumblebee Class
Ms. Annabelle
Robin Class
Ms. Rachel F.
Robin Class
Support Team
Ms. Beatriz
Substitute & Suppor
Ms. Jyllian
Montessori Support & After School
Ms. Marcela
After School & Support Staff
Enrichment Team
Garden Montessori School’s Enrichment Team is made up of dedicated specialists who have each been part of the GMS community for over a decade, bringing continuity, expertise, and a deep understanding of our Montessori philosophy.
Our Music Specialist brings over 45 years of experience working with children and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, with a background in both public and private schools. Coach Eammon, our Physical Education teacher, is also a former GMS parent who supports children’s physical development, confidence, and teamwork through purposeful movement. Ms. Laura, our Kindergarten Informational Technology (KIT) instructor, holds a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) and thoughtfully integrates technology in a developmentally appropriate, Montessori-aligned way.
Ms. Jeanne
Music Specialist Teacher
Coach Eammon
Physical Education Teacher
Ms. Laura
Informational Technology Teacher