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 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, 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 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! 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, 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.

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 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.

Hi I’m Vanessa Valdespino, I came into this school with a passion to help kids grow. I have always loved being around kids and i find it really inspiring to see how fast they learn and grow within the right environment. This is why I understand the values this Montessori academy has and why I will stand by them. I don’t have much experience working with kids, but I have learned a lot about the Montessori technique and have seen how this Montessori academy has helped your kids learn more about their potentials and what they strive for. I am excited to see how they develop over the years.

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 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 Julie and I’m the english teacher for the Panda classroom! I currently attend the University of Washington and study neuroscience with a focus on child studies. Through my education, I learned more about the Montessori philosophy and am excited to join Avocado Montessori Academy! As the English teacher, my greatest joy is watching children feel safe, confident, and excited as they discover a new language. It’s a gift to be part of their journey and see them grow!

With over 14 years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Tracy brings an exceptional blend of expertise, passion, and commitment to nurturing young learners. Her journey in education has spanned prestigious international institutions and leadership roles, making her a remarkable asset to our school community.

Educational Background and Professional Training:

Ms. Tracy holds a Montessori certification for ages 3-6 from the American Montessori Society and an English Education diploma. She has enriched her professional skills through advanced training programs, including:

- The EMTTA course at Etonkids International Kindergarten.

- A 3-6 Early Childhood Montessori course (American Montessori Society).

- Training and collaboration with Montessori Institute of America (MIA) trainers in Seattle.

- Certification in Positive Discipline strategies.

Extensive Teaching and Leadership Experience:

Ms. Tracy’s professional journey includes diverse roles that highlight her dedication to fostering holistic child development:

- Avocado Montessori Academy Bellevue Campus (2024-present)

- Academic Leader at Etonkids International Kindergartens (2021-2023)

- Leader Teacher and Training Assistant at Beijing Kidi Montessori Academy (2014-2019)

- Leader Teacher at Maple International Academy (2012-2014)

Ms. Tracy is dedicated to fostering a love of learning in children, helping them build independence, confidence, and curiosity. She believes in creating an enriching environment that supports children’s growth in every aspect—physical, cognitive, emotional, and social.

I am Maggie, a graduate of the University of Washington with a major in Communication and Education. I volunteered extensively at two public elementary schools in Seattle during my undergraduate years. After gaining work experience, I pursued a Master's in Teaching at Seattle University to further my passion for education. I now hold a graduate diploma in education and a teacher's certificate in Washington state. I am thrilled to be a part of AMA, where I can learn and grow alongside my students and colleagues in the Montessori environment.

Hello, My name is Mia, I have more than 3 years of experience in the early educational field and this is my first year working at AMA. I used to work for a public school preschool program with 4-5 year age kids. I finished my bachelor's degree in China and associate degree in Dallas.

My two boys are now growing out of the 1-6 year age group so it is nice to have that constant here. The conversations that I have with the kids are the most fun parts. I love how trusting they are and they can come to me about anything. I love working at AMA because it’s a very warm and welcoming place. The first day I worked here I saw teachers and kids running around at the playground, having big smiles while riding ponies and dancing in the bubbles. I know this is the working environment that I want to stay in. I feel blessed to get to come to school everyday to see the joy of learning and exploration of ingenious materials.

Hello, my name is Allijah (pronunciation: uh-lie-yuh), and I am the English teacher on the Bee Preschool team. I was born, raised, and studied here in the Seattle area, where I also had the privilege of growing up in a Montessori school, which inspired my passion for this unique approach to education. I began working in Montessori education in 2019 and have since continued to deepen my understanding of children’s individual developmental journeys. I am passionate about teaching and supporting each child’s growth, appreciating the uniqueness in how they learn and thrive. As an English teacher, I strive to create a nurturing and engaging environment where children feel confident and excited to explore a new language. Seeing my students grow and flourish in their language development is both rewarding and inspiring, especially when children find the joy in learning something new.

Hi! My name is Annie Chi, and I am excited to join the school community this year. I was born and raised in the small town of Duvall, Washington, where I spent much of my time playing outdoors. After college, I spent 13 years in banking, volunteered extensively, and spent several years as a stay-at-home mom. Eventually, I felt called to Montessori education and began training for an AMS certification. In 2014, I earned my Associate Early Childhood Credential through MACTE.

Since then, I have loved being part of children’s growth—both in confidence and academics. I am passionate about Montessori education and the way it nurtures creativity and independence. I am committed to inspiring a love of learning and a deep respect for the environment through enthusiasm and dedication.

In my spare time, my husband and I enjoy biking, hiking, camping, traveling, cooking, and spending time with our two grown children.

Hi, my name is Xu Xu, and I’m delighted to be part of the Avocado Montessori Academy! I earned my bachelor’s degree in Education and graduated from Johns Hopkins with a master’s degree. After graduation, I taught at a bilingual school for three years and have always been passionate about nurturing children's minds during critical development periods.

I truly enjoy working with children and highly value the Montessori approach, which respects each child’s individual pace and potential. I received my Washington teacher certification this year, but to pursue a more professional role in teaching children here, I plan to obtain Montessori teaching certification. I look forward to exploring and growing together with the children in the AMA family!

Hello everyone!

My name is Vicky, and I was born and raised in Beijing, China. I’m currently majoring in Education at the University of Washington. I have a deep love for the Montessori approach because it nurtures children’s independence and curiosity through hands on learning and respectful guidance.

Previously, I worked as an assistant teacher in the Bee Class, where I had the joy of supporting young children as they grow everyday. That experience was incredibly meaningful to me and further strengthened my passion for the Montessori philosophy. It gave me a deeper understanding of how thoughtfully prepared environments and gentle guidance can truly empower children.

Looking ahead, I plan to pursue formal Montessori training through the AMS. I’m excited to deepen my knowledge and continue developing as an educator.

I’m so excited to be part of the Avocado community and look forward to connecting and growing together!

Hello! My name is Mounika, and I’m excited to be joining theAMA community. I began my Montessori journey in 2019, and since then I have continued to deepen my training and experience, eventually becoming a certified Montessori lead teacher. Over the years, I have independently led classroomsandsupported children in developing confidence,independence, and a natural love of learning. I amalsocurrently studying in college and working toward my EarlyChildhood Education Director Certification.Creating nurturing,peaceful environments where children feel respected andencouraged to explore issomething I truly enjoy. Outside of school and work, I love going on long drives, playing tennis, and hiking.I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of AMA and look forward to learning, growing, and contributing to this wonderful community.

Hello, My name is Ms. Yim
I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Thailand and completed my Montessori teacher training at the Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington in 2016. Since then, I’ve had the joy of teaching in Montessori classrooms for over 8 years.

I’m deeply passionate about guiding children through their early years—watching them grow, explore, and develop a love of learning brings me so much fulfillment.
I love making learning both fun and meaningful by offering hands-on activities that
spark children’s natural curiosity, and I strive to create a classroom environment
that nurtures their independence, confidence, and joy in learning. I enjoy supporting
each child as they discover their unique interests and strengths.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy going to the park, visiting the beach, and spending time at the dog park.

I’m thrilled to be joining Avocado Montessori Academy and feel honored to be part of your child’s early learning journey. I look forward to getting to know you and working together to support your child’s growth, development, and happiness.

My name is Lisa. I hold both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from the University of Washington. I am also certified in AMS 3–6 Montessori education. Over the past seven years, I have worked in different Montessori schools, gaining extensive experience in supporting young children’s academic, social, and emotional development. I am passionate about early childhood education and strongly believe in the Montessori philosophy of fostering independence, confidence, and respect. As a mother to a one-year-old daughter, I also bring a personal understanding of children’s growth and needs, which deepens my commitment to nurturing each child with care and dedication.

Hello! I am Ms.Sue and have been working in Montessori classroom with children since 2013. It has been great joy to work in Montessori classroom where children are accepted for who they are and challenged to become the best possible person. I truly enjoy watching children gaining independence and blooming in their own. I aspire to observe where each child is and bring adequate topics or materials to better their growth. As a teacher and a mom of two, my mission is provide the best start to a lifetime of learning. I am very honored to be in beginning of your child’s journey into the world.

Hello, my name is Anna! 

A little bit about me - I was born and raised in Washington state, I have lived in Seattle since 2017. I enjoy spending time outdoors, listening to music, traveling, spending quality time with those close to me, and I am a fur mama to four sweet pets, two dogs and two cats. 

My love for children has always been near and dear to my heart. Children’s wide eyed curiosity of the world around them has always been infectious and enlightening for me to be around. I pride myself in being an adaptable individual and with that I have worked in many different fields during my time in the workforce. I initially pursued a job as an infant teacher while studying esthetics in 2022. Though after completing my program I found myself drawn back to early childhood education due to the profound joy and fulfillment it brings. 

I have worked primarily with infants for the past three years, during this time I have felt my love for teaching grow exponentially. I am passionate about providing the support as well as the guidance infants and young children need in those early months/years of life. Being a consistent and compassionate caregiver is what I strive for on a daily basis. I aim to nurture each child’s exploration and support their developmental milestones.

I am so excited to be a part of the Avocado Montessori Academy team and I look forward to building relationships with you all. 

Hello! My name is Rio Koga. I was born and raised in Montana and moved to Washington several years ago. My family is originally from Japan, and I am fluent in both Japanese and English. While I am new to the Montessori approach, my experience in the Bellevue Bee Preschool classroom has shown me firsthand how Montessori practices nurture independence, confidence, and a love of learning. I am passionate about working with children, encouraging their curiosity, and supporting each child in discovering their unique strengths. I look forward to contributing to the classroom and helping create a positive, welcoming space for all learners.

Hello everyone, my name is Ms. Tina. I am a Montessori teacher currently in my internship phase. 

 I truly enjoy being with children, especially in the Primary learning environment. Becoming a teacher has been my dream since childhood, and I feel grateful each day to accompany children as they explore and grow. I hope to support the children not only in their daily learning and development, but also to introduce them to the Chinese language through characters, classical poems, and idiom stories, helping them gradually become familiar with and interested in Chinese culture.

Hi! My name is Sijia, and I’ve been working in the field of education for 4 years. Education is my passion because I truly believe that every child has unique potential and talents, and it’s such a privilege to be part of their growth journey.
I am fluent in both English and Chinese, which allows me to offer children a diverse and enriching learning experience. As a mother myself, I have a deeper understanding of children’s developmental needs, which inspired me to focus on early childhood education. I aim to help young learners build a strong and loving foundation in their early years.I believe kindness and encouragement inspire a child’s love for learning. I strive to make lessons fun and engaging through creative activities, creating a safe and happy space where every child feels supported and valued.

Hello, my name is Lucy!

I was born and raised in Jiangsu China and have 12 years of working experience as a trainer. Since moving to Seattle, I have worked as a Chinese teacher at a Chinese school, teaching literacy reading, Pinyin, and first grade texts. In June 2024, I joined the AMA team, deeply attracted by the Montessori method, each child is unique, I will give children enough love enough support, respect each child's growth pace, so as to help children complete personality development and finally burst out teaching results!

Hello, my name is Luyao Deng. I majored in Early Education in college, and after graduation I worked at an international kindergarten in China for four years. During that time, I gained valuable experience working with young children and discovered how much I enjoy supporting their growth and learning.

As a teacher, I believe every child is unique and deserves patience, encouragement, and care. I focus on creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment where children feel confident to explore, learn, and express themselves. My goal is to support each child’s development while building strong, positive connections with both the children and their families.

Hello, my name is Xiaojun Ma. I am originally from Beijing, China, and moved to beautiful Seattle three years ago. Since then, I have been working in the school, specializing in the care, supervision, and early education of children aged 6 months to 2 years. I am passionate about supporting children of all ages and backgrounds as they grow and thrive. I believe in nurturing their independence, creativity, and confidence, so they can explore the world around them in a healthy and joyful way.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and discovering new places, especially when it comes to trying delicious food. On weekends, you can often find me hiking or fishing, making the most of the great outdoors.

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!

Hello! My name is Ms. Mi, and I am happy to be here at Avocado! I am an undergraduate student at the University of Washington studying Psychology with an emphasis on Child & Youth Development, and I am passionate about supporting children as they grow cognitively, emotionally, and physically. With previous experience in 2nd, 3rd, and 8th grade classrooms, the toddler age group stood out to me as this stage is marked by such rapid and meaningful development. I’m inspired by the Montessori philosophy that surrounds a child-centered approach and emphasizes independence, and it’s a joy to see our students’ growth in the classroom everyday.

Hello! My name is Ms. Trinity, and I am excited to be part of the Avocado Montessori community! I am a Seattle native and recently graduated from Seattle University with a degree in Psychology. I have spent the past six years teaching in multilingual classrooms and believe that honoring children’s home languages helps foster belonging and confidence. I am continually inspired by children’s natural curiosity and growing independence, which is what drew me to the Montessori approach for its respect for each child’s individuality and emphasis on social-emotional growth. I am grateful to be part of a community that values curiosity and care, and I look forward to learning and growing alongside our students and families!

I am an early childhood educator at Avocado Montessori Academy, originally from Spain. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education and Special Educational Needs. I am currently continuing my learning through the IMI Montessori Master’s program in Barcelona.
From the beginning of my career, I knew that traditional education was not the path I wanted to follow. This led me to explore different educational approaches and settings, including a forest school in Spain, an early childhood school in Ireland, and now Avocado Montessori in the USA. Each experience has helped me better understand my role as an educator and continue shaping my own educational path.
Montessori education resonates with me because it respects the child as a whole person and values observation, patience, and trust in each child’s individual rhythm. I see myself as an educator who is still learning, reflecting, and growing every day.
Working with toddlers is especially meaningful to me. I care deeply about the children I work with and approach my role with love, respect, and presence. I am aware of my areas for growth and intentionally work on them, always trying to be the best version of myself for the children I work with.

Hello! My name is Meri, and I am excited to be joining Avocado Montessori Academy.
I worked for seven years in a Montessori school in Germany, beginning in 2017, and quickly fell in love with its child-centered philosophy. I am passionate about supporting children’s independence, curiosity, and love of learning, and I value creating a respectful and nurturing environment.
I am a proud parent of three grown children, and in my free time, I enjoy taking long walks with my husband.

Hello! I'm Ms. Jessica, a Montessori teacher in training with a background in design and visual arts. Through experience leading children's activities and youth development programs, I've developed a warm, patient approach to supporting young learners of different ages and cultural backgrounds. As a trilingual speaker in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese with a creative perspective, bringing unique approaches to creating engaging learning environments. Looking forward to applying Montessori principles to help children develop their independence and love for learning.