AVOCADO MONTESSORI ACADEMY Admin Team

Hello, my name is Alisa!

I was born and raised in Japan and moved to Seattle in 2023. 

I graduated from Kwansei Gakuin University with an early childhood education bachelor’s diploma in 2021.

Through my education, I began to earn interest in the Montessori Method and I am really excited to start my journey as lead teacher at Avocado Montesso

Hello, my name is Alisa!

I was born and raised in Japan and moved to Seattle in 2023. 

I graduated from Kwansei Gakuin University with an early childhood education bachelor’s diploma in 2021.

Through my education, I began to earn interest in the Montessori Method and I am really excited to start my journey as lead teacher at Avocado Montessori Academy!

I really enjoy seeing children smile wide when they see their parents come pick them up. I want to support children to feel happiness and joy through learning and playing with friends and teachers, so that they may go home with a big smile on their face:)

In my spare time I enjoy playing with my two beautiful cats, traveling, reading, and studying Spanish!

Ms. Gina is a dedicated Montessori lead teacher with an AMS training background, and entrepreneur. She is passionate about fostering growth in both children and animals. Ms. Gina is an early educator with almost 20 years of experience. With expertise in communication, leadership, and classroom management, Gina creates an engaging, develop

Ms. Gina is a dedicated Montessori lead teacher with an AMS training background, and entrepreneur. She is passionate about fostering growth in both children and animals. Ms. Gina is an early educator with almost 20 years of experience. With expertise in communication, leadership, and classroom management, Gina creates an engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environment that encourages independence, curiosity and compassion. She loves working with her team and parents to embark on a journey of exploration, development and fostering a love for learning. Besides work , Gina loves to spend time with her family and enjoy traveling.  

Hello, my name is Caity Carrillo and I am the lead teacher of the Elephant toddler classroom. I graduated from Oregon State University in June 2023 with a BA in science. I majored in biology with a pre-education option. Previously, I worked at Linn-Benton Community College where I was an assistant volleyball coach and a tutor in psycholog

Hello, my name is Caity Carrillo and I am the lead teacher of the Elephant toddler classroom. I graduated from Oregon State University in June 2023 with a BA in science. I majored in biology with a pre-education option. Previously, I worked at Linn-Benton Community College where I was an assistant volleyball coach and a tutor in psychology, chemistry, and biology. I have always loved working with kids and I am passionate about supporting the development of their purpose, identity, and self-regulation. Currently, I am taking courses through MEIPN to gain my certification as a Montessori lead teacher. Even though I am not yet certified, I have gained lots of experience working under our Toddler Director, August Teng, and I am continuing to learn about Montessori philosophy through class work and classroom experience. Outside of the classroom I enjoy playing volleyball, making puzzles, cooking and gardening. My goal is to bring my passion for learning to the classroom to support the individual growth and development of each child that enters my classroom.

Hello, my name is Lacey, and I am an AMI-trained Montessori educator with a background in Early Childhood Education and a passion for creating a warm, respectful, and engaging environment for young children.

I hold an AMI Montessori Diploma for children ages 2.5–6 and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I also have experience

Hello, my name is Lacey, and I am an AMI-trained Montessori educator with a background in Early Childhood Education and a passion for creating a warm, respectful, and engaging environment for young children.

I hold an AMI Montessori Diploma for children ages 2.5–6 and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I also have experience working in bilingual learning environments and teaching Mandarin to young children. Through my teaching experiences, I have learned the importance of observing each child carefully, respecting their individual pace, and encouraging them to become confident and independent learners.

Guided by the Montessori principle of freedom through self-discipline, I support children in developing independence, confidence, and a sense of responsibility. By carefully observing each child, I prepare meaningful experiences and materials that support their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.

I believe that children learn best when they feel safe, respected, and genuinely cared for. Inspired by Montessori philosophy, I strive to create an environment where children can explore, make choices, develop independence, and build a love of learning through meaningful hands-on experiences. 

Hello, I’m Amily!
Joining the Avocado team has been a pivotal moment in my career, fueling my passion for Montessori education.
With nearly five years of experience, I’ve found great joy in supporting children through their individual growth journeys.
I find immense fulfillment in accompanying children through their milestones and challe

Hello, I’m Amily!
Joining the Avocado team has been a pivotal moment in my career, fueling my passion for Montessori education.
With nearly five years of experience, I’ve found great joy in supporting children through their individual growth journeys.
I find immense fulfillment in accompanying children through their milestones and challenges alike.
It is a great honor to accompany children as they explore the world, witness their joyful moments, and support them in overcoming life's unique challenges. I am committed to continuous learning and eager to grow alongside these children in this caring environment.

My name is Angela Viviana Rincon. I am originally from Colombia, and I am bilingual in Spanish and English.

I am an AMS-certified Montessori Assistant Teacher with six years of experience working with infants and toddlers. I truly enjoy the Montessori philosophy because it encourages independence, confidence, and respect for each child’s i

My name is Angela Viviana Rincon. I am originally from Colombia, and I am bilingual in Spanish and English.

I am an AMS-certified Montessori Assistant Teacher with six years of experience working with infants and toddlers. I truly enjoy the Montessori philosophy because it encourages independence, confidence, and respect for each child’s individual development.

My experience as a mother has also helped me develop patience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of children’s needs. I am passionate about creating a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children can learn and grow at their own pace.

In addition to my work in education, I am a Chiropractor and Master Esthetician. 

Hello, my name is Cathy, and I’m thrilled to be joining Avocado Montessori Academy! I grew up speaking three languages, which has given me a strong appreciation for diversity and communication. I absolutely love working with children and have over four years of experience with toddlers, preschool, and pre-K age groups. Being around kids b

Hello, my name is Cathy, and I’m thrilled to be joining Avocado Montessori Academy! I grew up speaking three languages, which has given me a strong appreciation for diversity and communication. I absolutely love working with children and have over four years of experience with toddlers, preschool, and pre-K age groups. Being around kids brings me so much joy, and I’m passionate about helping them learn, grow, and thrive. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, and relaxing. I’m excited to bring my enthusiasm and experience to this amazing community!

Hello, my name is Fei, and I am the Chinese Teacher in the Giraffe classroom, nurturing children at the beginning of their Montessori journey. I believe that each child is a unique individual with their own interests, ideas, and pace of learning. My approach is guided by respect, careful observation, and gentle support, helping children f

Hello, my name is Fei, and I am the Chinese Teacher in the Giraffe classroom, nurturing children at the beginning of their Montessori journey. I believe that each child is a unique individual with their own interests, ideas, and pace of learning. My approach is guided by respect, careful observation, and gentle support, helping children feel safe, valued, and free to explore.
I support the lead teacher in creating a calm, well-prepared, and nurturing environment where children can grow their independence, confidence, and social awareness. I deeply value the trust families place in us and enjoy being part of the warm and consistent community at Avocado Montessori Academy for young children.

Hello! My name is Ms. Jiayi, and I am very happy to be part of Avocado Montessori Academy and have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the children.

My educational background is in psychology, which has deepened my interest in children’s emotions, behaviors, and development. It has also taught me that every child has a unique perso

Hello! My name is Ms. Jiayi, and I am very happy to be part of Avocado Montessori Academy and have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the children.

My educational background is in psychology, which has deepened my interest in children’s emotions, behaviors, and development. It has also taught me that every child has a unique personality, perspective, and pace of learning. When working with children, I enjoy listening to them, understanding their needs, and using patience and encouragement to help them develop confidence and independence. One of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher is watching a child go from needing support to proudly completing something on their own. 

Hello, I am Dephne, currently working as a Chinese assistant teacher at the Avocado Montessori Academy. With 8 years of experience in early childhood education, I focus on nurturing children's sense of independence through patient, step-by-step guidance, supporting them as they explore and grow.
Being attentive and detail-oriented by natu

Hello, I am Dephne, currently working as a Chinese assistant teacher at the Avocado Montessori Academy. With 8 years of experience in early childhood education, I focus on nurturing children's sense of independence through patient, step-by-step guidance, supporting them as they explore and grow.
Being attentive and detail-oriented by nature, I deeply enjoy working with children and take pleasure in supporting each child's individual development. I look forward to partnering with more families to witness every wonderful step of the children's growth in an environment of love and freedom!

Hi, I’m Penny.
I graduated from Beijing Normal University and have over six years of experience working with young children. I work in a Montessori environment, supporting children’s development of independence, confidence, and a strong foundation for learning. Gentle, observant, and deeply caring, I bring a calm and steady presence to th

Hi, I’m Penny.
I graduated from Beijing Normal University and have over six years of experience working with young children. I work in a Montessori environment, supporting children’s development of independence, confidence, and a strong foundation for learning. Gentle, observant, and deeply caring, I bring a calm and steady presence to the classroom, noticing each child’s emotional needs and offering thoughtful support during transitions or big feelings. I also provide Chinese language and cultural support to strengthen communication and partnership with children and families, helping create a respectful, emotionally safe, and nurturing environment where toddlers feel seen, understood, and ready to grow.

Hello! My name is Alison, and I am thrilled to be joining the Avocado team this school year! I recently graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Public Health-Global Health. I was born and raised in the Seattle area and grew up around many family members who are teachers themselves. My degree and my childhood inspires 

Hello! My name is Alison, and I am thrilled to be joining the Avocado team this school year! I recently graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Public Health-Global Health. I was born and raised in the Seattle area and grew up around many family members who are teachers themselves. My degree and my childhood inspires my passion for supporting children’s growth and development, along with my belief in Montessori values. I strive to support each child as best as I can and lead with respect and nurturing through their journey here at Avocado. As an English speaking teacher, I hope to instill confidence and excitement in the children as they are learning new vocabulary and improving their English language skills. In my free time I enjoy thrifting, going to the beach, spending time with friends, and exploring the Seattle area! 

My name is Aide, and I’m so excited to welcome you and your little ones to the Orca classroom for the new school year! It is truly an honor to be part of your child’s early learning journey, and I look forward to building meaningful and trusting relationships with each child and family.

I’d love to share a little about myself. I was born a

My name is Aide, and I’m so excited to welcome you and your little ones to the Orca classroom for the new school year! It is truly an honor to be part of your child’s early learning journey, and I look forward to building meaningful and trusting relationships with each child and family.

I’d love to share a little about myself. I was born and raised in Orange County, California, and moved to Kirkland, Washington, in 2014. Since then, I’ve made the beautiful Pacific Northwest my home while raising my family and continuing to grow personally and professionally as an early childhood educator.

I’m a proud mom of three wonderful children—Sophia, Bryson, and Ocean. All three of my children have experienced Montessori education, which has given me a special perspective as both a Montessori parent and educator.

My Montessori journey began in 2016, when I became deeply interested in early childhood development and discovered the Montessori philosophy. I was especially drawn to its emphasis on respect, independence, purposeful learning, and following each child’s natural curiosity. Watching my own children grow and thrive in Montessori environments inspired me to pursue this work professionally.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with infants, toddlers, and young children. I’m passionate about creating a calm, nurturing, safe, and thoughtfully prepared environment where every child feels respected, valued, and encouraged to explore at their own pace.

Working with infants and toddlers holds a very special place in my heart. These early years are filled with incredible growth and discovery, and I feel honored to support children as they develop new skills, gain independence, reach important milestones, and build confidence in themselves and their environment. I believe that strong, trusting relationships are the foundation for meaningful learning.

I also value partnering closely with families. Open communication and collaboration between home and school help us provide children with the consistency, security, and encouragement they need to flourish.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy paddleboarding, camping, spending time outdoors with my family, participating in church activities, exploring farmers’ markets, traveling, and enjoying a good cup of coffee. 

I’m incredibly grateful to begin this new school year with the Orca community. I look forward to getting to know each child’s unique personality, celebrating their growth, and creating many meaningful memories together.

Thank you for trusting us with your little ones. Please know that my door is always open, and I’m happy to connect with you throughout the year. 

Hello! I'm Ms. Sunny, and I have been working with young children in licensed early learning programs since 2021, in both lead and assistant teaching roles with children ages one through six.
What I love most about this work is how different every child is. One child needs a quiet reminder before a transition; another needs to be given a

Hello! I'm Ms. Sunny, and I have been working with young children in licensed early learning programs since 2021, in both lead and assistant teaching roles with children ages one through six.
What I love most about this work is how different every child is. One child needs a quiet reminder before a transition; another needs to be given a small job so they feel useful; another simply needs an adult who won't rush them. Learning to read those differences and then actually responding to them is the part of teaching I find most rewarding.
I completed my early childhood education certificate at North Seattle College and I also speak fluent Mandarin. I believe every child arrives already being someone. My hope is to notice who that person is, and to give each child what they truly need to grow. I finish most days feeling grateful to be part of these early years.
Childhood education has been my passion for years and spending time with my classes is a very rewarding experience. I wish to grow alongside each child as both a teacher and a friend. 

Hello! I’m Ms. Xiange, and I’ve always been passionate about education. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I continued this path by pursuing a Master of Education. I view education as a lifelong journey and hope to further deepen my impact through future doctoral studies. 

Although my academic training is not specifically in early childho

Hello! I’m Ms. Xiange, and I’ve always been passionate about education. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I continued this path by pursuing a Master of Education. I view education as a lifelong journey and hope to further deepen my impact through future doctoral studies. 

Although my academic training is not specifically in early childhood education, my introduction to the Montessori philosophy about four years ago marked a turning point in my professional journey. Its emphasis on child-led learning, respect for individual development, and the use of purposeful materials deeply resonated with me and inspired me to focus on early childhood education. I am currently enrolled in the MEIPN Montessori Teacher Certification Program at the Infant and Toddler level and have over two years of classroom experience in early childhood settings in the United States. 

As an educator, I find great joy in working with young children, valuing the mutual trust and growth in our relationships. At the toddler stage, I prioritize fostering independence as a fundamental goal. My aim is to create a safe and healthy environment that offers engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences to support each child’s fullest potential. 

One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Maria Montessori is: “The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” It is a privilege to be part of each child’s journey, helping them unfold into who they are meant to become.

Hello! My name is Ms. Miku and I am very excited to be a part of Avocado Montessori Academy!

Growing up exposed to many different languages in my life, I have a deep passion for language learning and feel the importance of having exposure from a young age. I have also always had an interest in working with children, previously in high scho

Hello! My name is Ms. Miku and I am very excited to be a part of Avocado Montessori Academy!

Growing up exposed to many different languages in my life, I have a deep passion for language learning and feel the importance of having exposure from a young age. I have also always had an interest in working with children, previously in high school and university, I had the opportunity to student teach in a 4th-5th bilingual classroom. I began working with toddlers 3 years ago and have loved the experience ever since. I love that I am able to assist the children as they learn the necessary tools in becoming independent!

Yolanda holds a bachelor’s degree and works as a teaching assistant. She is earnest and meticulous in her work, with a friendly‑going and relaxed teaching style that helps build a pleasant learning atmosphere. Caring and patient, she listens attentively to students and carefully answers all kinds of questions they encounter in study. She 

Yolanda holds a bachelor’s degree and works as a teaching assistant. She is earnest and meticulous in her work, with a friendly‑going and relaxed teaching style that helps build a pleasant learning atmosphere. Caring and patient, she listens attentively to students and carefully answers all kinds of questions they encounter in study. She focuses on guiding students to think actively and supports every learner to make steady progress and grasp course knowledge better.

Hi, I’m Ms. Daniela. 

I have over 4 years of experience taking care of kids, and I truly enjoy working with them every day. I have my AMI Montessori certificate, which has helped me understand how to support children in a calm, respectful, and hands-on way. I’m really happy to be part of Avocado Montessori School. It means a lot to me to w

Hi, I’m Ms. Daniela. 

I have over 4 years of experience taking care of kids, and I truly enjoy working with them every day. I have my AMI Montessori certificate, which has helped me understand how to support children in a calm, respectful, and hands-on way. I’m really happy to be part of Avocado Montessori School. It means a lot to me to work in a place where children are encouraged to be independent and learn at their own pace. I love watching them grow, try new things, and become more confident every day.

Hi everyone! My name is Bing Liu, and I’m so happy to be part of the Avocado family! I love spending time with children and truly enjoy being part of their learning, exploring, and growing each day.

I look forward to building meaningful relationships with the children and supporting them with patience, care, and encouragement. I’m excited 

Hi everyone! My name is Bing Liu, and I’m so happy to be part of the Avocado family! I love spending time with children and truly enjoy being part of their learning, exploring, and growing each day.

I look forward to building meaningful relationships with the children and supporting them with patience, care, and encouragement. I’m excited to learn and grow together and create many happy and meaningful memories along the way!