Featured
Born and raised in Northern California, Aman has a BA from California State University, Sacramento and a Master’s from the University of California, Davis. Aman received her AMI Diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego. Her hobbies include baking, traveling, and reading. Email: waylandmontessori@gmail.com
Sanj is originally from California and has a BA from California State University, Sacramento. Sanj received his AMI training from the Montessori Training Center of New England. He enjoys exploring the great outdoors, cooking, and going on road trips.
Danielle, our Assistant Director, studied English literature and creative writing, as well as child psychology, at California State University, Sacramento. She completed her Lead Teacher training from the Montessori Institute of San Diego. Danielle integrates her creative background into the classroom to offer a well-rounded experience for her students. “My goal is to lay the foundations for kind, curious, and empathetic individuals who will one day make their own unique imprints in their world. As our school expands, I’m excited to grow and learn with every student.”
Dama was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Educational Management. She completed her AMI Primary teacher training at Montessori Northwest. From a young age, Dama knew she wanted to work with children, and this passion shines through in her interactions with her students. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family.
Bella grew up in Lincoln and has spent the last three years working in freelance childcare, focusing on children ages 1-10. Her passion for childcare and social services has always driven her career aspirations. Bella is excited to join our team at Rocklin Ranch Montessori and begin her journey in caregiving. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Kelsey grew up in the greater Sacramento area and graduated with a BA in Asian Studies from CSU Sacramento. After moving to Japan to work as an English teacher for two years, she discovered her passion for education. Upon returning to the U.S., Kelsey pursued Early Childhood Education at Sierra College and began working in the field as a daycare teacher.
She has since completed her AMI Primary Teacher Training at Montessori Northwest in Portland. Kelsey is dedicated to fostering social-emotional learning and encouraging creativity through art in her classroom. Her enthusiasm for nurturing children's growth and development shines through in her teaching.
In her free time, Kelsey enjoys exploring the arts, spending time outdoors, and engaging in creative projects.
Araceli, originally from Forest Grove, Oregon, has is a valued teacher of the Rocklin Ranch Montessori team. With a genuine passion for working with children, she excels in our Willow classroom, where she cares for our youngest group of students. Araceli's ability to connect with children and communicate effectively with their parents has made her an integral part of our community.
Outside of work, Araceli enjoys hiking, cooking, and swimming—three activities that keep her energized and inspired. Her enthusiasm for nurturing and educating young minds shines through in everything she does, and she continues to make a positive impact at Rocklin Ranch Montessori.
Karina grew up in Loomis and pursued Deaf Studies for two years at Sierra College. With 8 years of experience as a nanny, she has worked with children of all ages, from newborns to teens. In her free time, Karina enjoys camping, fishing, and running. She is thrilled to be a part of Rocklin Ranch Montessori, not only to further her career in early childhood education but also because she loves witnessing the growth and learning of young children.
Meet Yelena! Born and raised in Northern California, Yelena has always had a deep passion for working with children. Although she originally pursued a degree in science, she soon discovered that her true calling was in teaching young children.
"I truly don't feel like my job is a job because I love what I do so much. I get excited to come to work each morning and see their sweet faces. The connections I've built with the children and staff at this school are something I cherish. It brings me immense joy to watch these young children learn new things each day and grow."
In her free time, Yelena enjoys working out, visiting the beach or the city, and spending quality time with close friends and family.
Caroline relocated to Rocklin after spending thirty years in Boulder, Colorado, where she raised her two children. In Boulder, Caroline was both a Montessori teacher and director for over a dozen years, holding her Montessori credential for ages 3-6. When her son was accepted to a UC school last spring, she decided it was the perfect time for a new adventure and made the move to Rocklin. Caroline is thrilled to be part of Rocklin Ranch Montessori, as the school stood out to her during her search of the area. On weekends, you can find her exploring the coast or mountains with her dog, hiking and enjoying nature.
Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, Betzy grew up in California and recently earned her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from American River College. With 15 years of experience working with children, Betzy is continually inspired by their kindness, energy, and the joy they bring into her life. She finds immense fulfillment in her work, believing it to be the most rewarding job of all. Betzy loves to travel, watch movies, and stay active. "I’m thrilled to be part of this incredible school and to have the opportunity to expand my knowledge. I greatly admire Rocklin Ranch Montessori's work ethic and its positive impact on children's lives."