Meet Our Staff

Administration

Kristin Edwards, M.Ed., Co-Founder and Director

Kristin Edwards has always had a lifelong love of children and a desire to take care of them. Starting at age eleven, she was a mommy’s helper and realized her gift: neighborhood children listened, liked and responded to her. At the University of New Hampshire, she took an independent study course and spent two semesters as an observer in a third grade public school class. Heeding advice from her teacher/coach, she completed her Child Psychology degree, took a break from seeking a Masters degree and moved to California. While traveling from New Hampshire, she saw a video about Santa Barbara. Smitten, she applied for an assistant’s job at a Santa Barbara Montessori school. Although she knew nothing about Montessori, she was hired on the spot because she “asked the right questions.” Within a short time, she saw something at her private school that public school had not done a good job with her: teaching math. She thought it odd that Montessori elementary school students were easily learning and applying math concepts via individualized learning rather than rote. This realization was compounded when she saw how confident 13 year-old girls were with their bodies and self-esteem. It was then she was sold on the Montessori Method and the opportunity to make her own positive impact teaching children. Kristin decided to earn the Master’s degree she had shelved years earlier and enrolled at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. MISD then teamed with Loyola College in Maryland—America’s most prestigious Montessori program—to earn her Montessori Diploma and M.Ed. Returning to California, she moved to San Diego and taught as an assistant and then head teacher for three years. While at this new Montessori school in San Diego, she saw a need to create and provide a positive environment for both children and teachers. It was then she saw herself as an administrator—giving fellow teachers a voice as a way to empower the children they taught. She decided to build her own school in 2000. Still, it took seven long years to realize her dream. With the help of dozens of supportive families, a real estate agent who endlessly sought potential sites, and an investor’s group, the dream was realized. She was seven months pregnant when the school opened in September 2007. Starting from scratch, her team now has 200 students aged eighteen months to eleven years in toddler, primary and elementary school programs. Kristin built Lifetime’s elementary school in San Diego (Grades 1-6) to accomplish one thing: creating and building top-notch students who are confident and self-assured. The goal: ensuring that her students will be prepared for college while withstanding the pressure of the middle and high school years. “I am so blessed to have heard my calling,” she says. “I’m able to expand this passion I’ve had toward children to enable then to be independent thinkers and joyous about learning. It’s the best thing any parent can ask for.”

Ms. Kimbra Whitted, Assistant Director

Kimbra Whitted is a native Californian and the new Administrative Assistant at Lifetime Montessori. Kimbra has managed as many as 14 sites and 19 programs in the Poway Unified School District. She has also worked as an Ancillary Program Manager and Preschool Director at My Element Montessori in Carlsbad. Kimbra received her A.A. Degree in General Education at Cerritos College, because she wanted to broaden my overall knowledge in a variety of subjects, such as English, history and science. She believes you cannot stop learning so she continues to take online courses in business administration and childhood education. She is now working on her BA in Communications. The title she is most honored to hold is “Mom.” Her husband is a retired Marine and she is blessed beyond measure with two amazing children from high school age to college. Her ties to the military have allowed her and her family to call San Diego home. During her free time, she enjoys reading, journaling, walking/running, bike riding, hiking and watching American Ninja Warrior. The challenge of working for Lifetime Montessori is an exciting opportunity and she is really looking forward to getting to know many children and their families.

Ms. Lauren Caster, Office Assistant

Born and raised in San Diego, Lauren's passion for children's education, success, and advocacy started as a teenager. She absolutely adored spending time with children; knowing she could make a positive impact was something she wanted to strive for. After obtaining her Associate's in Child Development, she continued to San Diego State University to obtain her Bachelor's in Education in 2006. Knowing she wanted to be a teacher, she graduated from National University with a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential and a Master's in Education in 2009. After years of teaching, Lauren decided to pursue the administrative side of Education and is ecstatic to call Lifetime Montessori School home. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her husband and two children, cooking amazing dishes, baking delicious desserts, capturing photographic memories, and quilting for Quilts for Kids.

Ms. Charity, Administrative Assistant

I have been teaching both traditional and Montessori approaches for 7 years. I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors. My husband and I have two teenage children and three dogs. During my leisure time, I love reading, practicing calligraphy, being outside, and traveling to explore more of our amazing world! Montessori education is all about helping children learn how to explore and engage with their surroundings by sparking their curiosity and fostering a love of learning. We don't force our students to learn but instead, create a rich environment filled with resources that enable them to make choices. I believe that the Montessori approach is an excellent framework for teaching children how to learn. I hold a bachelor's degree from Ball State University and am AMI-certified through the Montessori Institute of North Texas.

Elementary Teacher

Areli Carrillo (Millipede Classroom)

After completing her bachelor's degree in Spanish Literary and Cultural Studies at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA, Areli made her way to Chicago where she discovered Montessori education. She was fascinated by how each child could pursue their interests and learn in a hands-on manner within the classroom. Areli has been working in Montessori classrooms for the past 11 years, holding a Montessori Elementary I-II certification for children aged 6-12. She has worked in both primary and elementary classrooms, spending 7 years at a Montessori language school in Chicago and the last 4 years in the Austin area. Areli has recently moved back to California and is excited to start a new school year at Lifetime Montessori. As a head teacher, she strives to create a strong sense of community and trust with her students and parents. Areli is passionate about helping students grow into whole individuals and not just focusing on their intellectual development. In her free time, she enjoys reading Spanish literature and traveling to different countries.

Primary Teachers

Ms. Vicki McQueen (Bumblebee Classroom)

Vicki McQueen has been a Primary teacher at Lifetime since 2011. She received her 0 to 6 Montessori Certification from St. Nicholas Montessori Centre in London. Upon her completion, her desire to further learn and deeply understand the Montessori Pedagogy brought her to San Diego, California. She attended the Montessori Institute of San Diego and completed her Primary Training in 2005. Since then she has taught here in California and has taught at a Montessori school in Japan. She fell in love with the cultural diversity in her classroom, which is the main reason why she has decided to stay in the United States to teach. Vicki lives with her husband and daughter, their two dogs Luda and Nala, and their bearded dragon, Benjamin. She enjoys going to the beach, exploring the city, attending various events, travelling, and most of all spending time with her family.

Ms. Shaminee Keenawinna (Caterpillar Classroom)

Shaminee Keenawinna's school experience in the United States started when she immigrated here at the age of ten. She went on to pursue her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry at San Diego State University. Halfway through her third year of University, Shaminee realized that her true passion was educating children and improving their livelihood. Growing up with a mother who worked in a Montessori school, she was exposed to the Montessori Method at a young age. When she saw the impact that the guide had on the children, Shaminee realized how different the Montessori Method was compared to the public school system. This made her realize that the Montessori Method was the method she wanted to learn, master, and bring forth to the children. Shaminee received her AMI certification from the Montessori Institute of San Diego and went on to work at an AMI Montessori school in Irvine. She then decided to move to San Diego to be closer to her family and friends. Shaminee is truly excited to continue her Montessori Journey with the children, families, and staff at Lifetime Montessori. In her free time, Shaminee enjoys going on hikes, traveling, exploring different parts of Southern California, and spending time with her family.

Ms. Michelle Christensen (Dragonfly Classroom)

Michelle Christensen moved from the East Coast at an early age and is happy to call San Diego her home. She earned a BA in Communication from California State University San Marcos. Michelle realized her passion for Montessori education while her son attended Lifetime Montessori years ago. She subsequently enrolled in the AMI certification program and successfully completed the AMI Primary training from MISD (Montessori Institute of San Diego) in 2017. While attending MISD, Michelle conducted her practice teaching placement at Lifetime, and once again fell in love with the school and the passion it exemplifies for Montessori principles and all of the children and families who attend the school. Michelle began her career with us in the Summer of 2017 and is grateful to be a part of the Lifetime family. She enjoys running, hiking and gardening with her family.

Ms. Iana Startseva (Centipede English Speaking Teacher)

Iana grew up in snowy and beautiful Russia and loves to go home and visit her family on holidays, go skiing and have a great time with her grandma. Iana graduated Chelyabinsk State Pedagogical University in Russia and has a bachelor’s degree in Teaching Russian Language and Literature. Iana’s mom was a fantastic role model so she decided to be just like her and become a teacher. After being an Assistant Teacher at LMS, she decided to do the training to become a Head Teacher. She received her AMI diploma from the Montessori Institue of San Diego and was thrilled to be hired as a Teacher back at LMS. Her previous experience includes teaching in an early childhood development center, years of babysitting, and working at a Montessori school in Chicago. She sincerely loves to work with children; their smiles are the best reward!

Ms. Mayra Salvador (Grasshopper Spanish Speaking Teacher)

Ms. Mayra was born in México City and raised in San Diego, California. She attended Palomar College to obtain ECE Child Development Credits. Then she transferred to Ashford University. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science. Ms. Mayra found her passion for working with children during High School. As part of her child development class, she was able to work at a preschool. Since then, Ms. Mayra continued furthering her education in child development. Ms. Mayra found her Montessori passion while seeking the best education for her son. She fell in love with Maria Montessori’s Philosophy and enrolled her son in a Montessori school. Soon she was able to work in the Montessori Spanish immersion class at the same school as her son. After three years, Ms. Mayra was given the opportunity to further her Montessori education and attended MISD. Since then, she is extremely thrilled to continue working with children and at the same time, inspire children to be bilingual. Maria Montessori is a true inspiration to Ms. Mayra. During her free time, Ms. Mayra dedicates her time to her son Max. They enjoy being outdoors exploring beautiful San Diego.

Ms. Karina Reynoso (Centipede Spanish Speaking Teacher)

Karina Reynoso was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico, where she attended University, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in International Business. Growing up in a border city, Karina became fully bilingual at an early age. It was shortly after becoming a mother that she discovered Montessori. She felt the calling to become a Montessori guide, a dream she materialized a few years later. In 2009, Karina graduated from MISD In La Jolla, and then she earned her M.Ed. at Loyola University. After working in Montessori environments in Tijuana for seven years, Karina moved to San Diego and successfully started a family child care that offered a Montessori program. Unfortunately, her business had to shut down as a result of the pandemic. Today, Karina feels happy and blessed to be able to do what she loves and be part of a great team and community in LMS. In her personal life, Karina enjoys spending time with her husband of 22 years and stays busy with her two teenage children. Nothing is more important to her than creating beautiful memories with her family. She also enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and nurturing her life-long friendships.

Shanshan Xie (Grasshopper English Speaking Teacher)

Shanshan Xie grew up in China’s Fujian province in a family of teachers. She began teaching college courses almost immediately upon her graduation but found over time that this did not satisfy her as much as teaching children, which she did as a part-time side job for years. Unfortunately, for much of this time, chances to learn the authentic Montessori methods in China were scarce and chances to work applying them were even more scarce. Upon relocating to California after almost two decades of college teaching, she began formally studying for her AMI diploma through the Montessori Institute of San Diego and applying them to guiding her own children in their development. Her teaching practice took place at Lifetime Montessori School, an experience so enriching and inspiring that she decided to return there as soon as possible. When not teaching and studying, she loves to travel, cook, hike, working out, and camping, usually in the company of her husband and two children. She has a Master of Arts in English Education from Fujian Normal University and speaks Mandarin and English fluently as well as Hokkien and Cantonese conversationally. She loves San Diego and is incredibly excited to have the opportunity to continue her teaching journey here.

Ms. Alejandra Bonfil Penella (Firefly Classroom)

Alejandra Bonfil Penella is a professional with a solid academic background and experience in the field of education. She graduated in Psychology from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City and has stood out in her career for her passion and dedication to child development. With a Master's Degree in Work Psychology, Organizations, and Human Resources Management, she has promoted growth for both the teams and the overall organizations she has been part of by leading education for working teams and several areas of HR. She acquired a diploma as a Montessori Guide for children aged 3 to 6 from the Montessori Institute of San Diego (MISD) to strengthen her pedagogical approach and understanding of children's learning. Alejandra greatly enjoys creating a stimulating and enriching environment for the growth and development of her students, leaving a positive impact on the lives of the children and families she has worked with. Alejandra enjoys teaching her students in English and Spanish since she finds joy in connecting with them through different languages and enhancing their learning experiences. In addition to her professional pursuits, painting is another of her passions, and she finds solace and creativity in expressing herself through art. Furthermore, Alejandra loves traveling, embracing the opportunity to explore new cultures and destinations whenever possible.

Mr. Daniel Yang (Firefly Classroom)

Daniel Yang was born and raised in Nanjing, China, where he majored in biotechnology in college. He later obtained a master's degree at the National University. During the pandemic, he worried about his 3 years old daughter's education. He learned about the Montessori education method and applied it with good results to his daughter's education. Later he went to Montessori Institute San Diego (MISD) for more systematic and professional training. During his training, Daniel worked as a teaching assistant at Mission Bay Montessori Academic (MBMA). After graduating from MISD, he worked as a co-teacher in the same school. In his spare time, he teaches Chinese at San Diego State University and enjoys taking his daughter to the zoo and various outdoor activities.

Toddler Teachers

Ms. Cristina Barragan (Beetle Classroom)

Cristina Barragan graduated from the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2005 and worked at a local Montessori school for 7 years. In 2012, she moved to Huntington Beach for another job offer to open a new Spanish Immersion in the Toddler Program. It was a wonderful experience to witness how quickly young children learn other languages. It was upon speaking to a friend who took the Montessori training in 2001 that sparked Cristina's interest in this educational system. After doing some research she fell in love with the Montessori philosophy and approach. She loved the fact that it is designed to help children individually with their task of inner construction physically and intellectually and offers the essential elements for optimal development. “Education as an aid to life” is the quote that captured her attention. She writes: "I am interested in anything that is interesting. I tend to gravitate towards computer, science, and music. I will just as likely find an article on a political, religious, or historical topic just as interesting as an article about astronauts in space or even an interesting book. I have played the guitar and piano since I was 8 and have become fairly accomplished at it. Music is important to me, and I find it to be a satisfying relaxation. I can never tell when I will be interested in something. But that is what makes life an interesting hodgepodge of many facts, experiences, activities, and lessons. I love working with children and my ultimate objective at Lifetime Montessori School is to help the students to learn independently and retain the curiosity, creativity, and intelligence with which they were born and to prepare and maintain the physical, intellectual, and social/emotional environment within which the children will work and develop."

Ms. Faride Assad (Cricket Classroom)

Ms. Faride has been a Toddler Teacher since 2015. She completed her Associates Degree in Child Development in 2011 and then her AMI Training, Assistant to Infancy, from the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2017. Prior to joining Lifetime Montessori School, she worked as a Toddler Head Teacher in an Spanish Immersion program in which she was amazed to see the capability of the children to naturally learn and absorb a second language. Ms. Faride comes from a family who is very passionate about the Montessori philosophy; two of her three sisters are Montessori guides in the Bay Area and one of them owns her own Montessori school in San Francisco. She loves spending time with her family, especially with her new son “Enzo”. Her favorite hobby is to go for a walk with her English bulldog “Biggie”, her son & husband. Ms. Faride has a caring, patient, and loving nature, which is perfect for the toddler environment she enjoys the most.

Ms. Valerie Golden (Butterfly Classroom)

Ms.Valerie was born and raised in California and has always been extremely passionate about working with children. After working in Special Education for 15 years, Ms. Valerie decided to pursue a career in Montessori education. Ms. Valerie has worked in Toddler and Primary environments. After working in a Montessori school for a couple of years, Ms. Valerie fell in love with the teachings of Montessori and decided to attend MISD to earn her A to I diploma. In the summer of 2017 Ms. Valerie graduated from MISD. Ms. Valerie holds many certifications in the area of child development. Ms. Valerie has two grown children and many hobbies that occupy her free time.

Ms. Iliana Gochicoa (Ladybug Classroom)

Ms Iliana has been a Montessori Guide since 2004. She was born and raised in Tijuana Mexico, and received her Montessori Primary training at Centro de Enseñanza Montessori. After several years of working as a Head Guide in the Primary environment she decided to take her Assistant to Infancy training to become a Montessori Toddler and Infant Guide at the Montessori Institute of Denver, CO. Since then, Ms. Iliana has been working in different schools across San Diego as a Toddler and Infant Head guide and as a Parent and Me teacher, working with parents to advise them on how to include Montessori philosophy on a daily basis at home. Ms Iliana enjoys spending time with her family, she has been married for 20 years and has two daughters, Stefanía who is 20 years old and attends San Diego State University, and Eleonor who is 3 years old and attends Lifetime Montessori school in one of the primary classrooms. She enjoys working with children because she likes to make a difference in the world.

Assistant Teachers

Ms. Rubina Bhatti (Caterpillar Classroom)

Rubina Bhatti has been with Lifetime since 2010. She graduated with a Bachelors in Economics and Statistics in Pakistan, moving to San Diego soon after. After being heavily involved in her own children's education and school, she worked as a volunteer in the Poway Unified School District. Ms. Rubina took classes to study early childhood development before starting her work at Lifetime. In her free time, Ms. Rubina likes to listen to music from various cultures, go for walks, and loves to spend time with her family.

Ms. Melissa Meyer (Extended Day Program)

Melissa Meyer grew up in Los Angeles, California, one of six children. She began babysitting at age twelve, sometimes committing to four jobs in a day! When her own two children were born, she became a stay-at-home-mom, but once they grew up, she knew she wanted to work with children again. She studied child development, and knew that the Montessori method appealed most to her ideals. When she began looking for a job, she discovered Lifetime Montessori. The beautiful campus, classrooms, and staff appealed to her immediately, and she was fortunate enough to be hired in early 2011! In her free time, Ms. Melissa likes to read, write, garden, and spend time with her family.

Ms. Coriander Lopez (Butterfly Classroom)

Coriander Lopez moved to San Diego in 2000 at the age of five, and has always enjoyed working with children. She started babysitting in high school, was a mother’s helper for a year while living in Japan, and has worked in several schools with children of various ages. She is currently working on a degree in Child Development at Cuyamaca College, and is very excited to be a part of Lifetime Montessori. In her free time, she likes to read, write short stories, and play board games.

Ms. Mona Ariss (Dragonfly Classroom)

Mona Ariss was raised in Lebanon and came to the United States when she got married in 1991. Her interest in child development started with volunteering in her children’s classes at the Poway Unified School District. As her children grew older, Mona began to look into a career focused in child development, as she enjoyed influencing and shaping young minds for the better. Mona received her Associate’s Degree in Child Development from Miramar College and began working as an assistant teacher at Easter Seals Head Start in Leucadia. Following that, she worked as a noon duty teacher at Del Sur Elementary School and with transitional kindergarten at Del Sur after hours, further inspiring her to pursue her career. She is happy to have joined Lifetime Montessori School as an Assistant Teacher in the Dragonfly room.

Ms. Fahreeba Saneii (Extended Day Program)

Fahreeba Saneii (also known as Reeba) has been working with children in San Diego since 2013. She received her Early Childhood Education at Miramar College. She learned about Montessori during her education and knew someday she would love to be a part of a Montessori community. Fahreeba is so passionate about children and loves to make a difference in their lives and help them to reach their beginning milestones. Reeba believes in children’s curiosity and loves to see them in an environment that provides the facilities to encourage their exploratory behaviors and let them grow their talents and follow their interests from the beginning. Fahreeba knows the Montessori method is the program that can help children in this way and is so happy to have the opportunity to work at Lifetime.

Ms. Vanesa Escalona-Bojorges (Bumblebee Classroom)

Vanesa Escalona-Bojorges was born in Mexico City. She moved to San Diego California at the age of 4 and graduated from Mt Carmel. Vanesa has had a passion with working with children since middle school. When she discovered Lifetime Montessori School she had never heard of Montessori. After working at LMS for 5 years, she tried other schools, but found herself back where she started. Vanesa is very happy and excited to be working with Ms. Vicki and being in assistant teacher for the Bumblebee classroom. She looks forward to bringing her one and only daughter to LMS with her so she can learn and understand what Montessori is all about. Vanesa loves to spend her free time with her baby girl and seeing her grow and experience all her first things. Vanesa also loves to go hiking, taking walks at the beach, traveling, crafting and visiting new places.

Ms. Huda Alali (Extended Day Program)

Huda Alali was born and grew up in Iraq. She moved to the US in 2007 and San Diego in 2015, after living in St. Thomas, USVI and Kurdistan, Iraq for several years. Huda loves working with children because she learns a lot from them. Huda loves the Montessori method of instruction and teaching children independence. She is heavily invested in her son’s growth and education. She received her Associate Degree in Child Development in 2019. Prior to working at Lifetime Montessori School, Huda worked at Wee Care Preschool in Chula Vista for over one year.

Ms. Bita Khakbiz (Beetle Classroom)

Bita Khakbiz was born and grew up in Tehran, Iran. She ttended IAU university in Tehran where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a major in General Psychology. Bita has around 15 years of experience working with children in three different countries: Iran, Dubai, and the United States. Bita moved with her family to California in 2014. She attended Palomar College and completed units of Early Childhood Education and attended AMS training . After years of working with young children in local preschools and Montessori schools, Bita is happy to have found a home at LMS. Bita's favorite sport is Skiing which she enjoyed in the mountains in Iran. She also enjoys yoga, reading books, and watching movies.

Ms. Gisselle Hernandez

Gisselle Hernandez is pursuing her bachelor’s in child and adolescent development at California State University San Marcos. She has been working with children for several years, mostly in preschool and kindergarten environments. Gisselle’s passion is to help beautiful minds learn and grow to their fullest potential. She enjoys watching movies, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys arts and crafts. Gisselle is excited to get to know everyone and make everlasting memories with your child.

Lauryn Dove (Millipede Classroom)

Lauryn was born in Fontana, California. She moved to Maine to pursue Africana Studies and Gender Studies at Bowdoin College and fell in love with the scenery. After graduating, she worked as a kindergarten teacher and as a Learning Specialist for students with learning disabilities in Brooklyn. In working as a TA for a college-predatory program for high school students, a tutor for kindergarten through 12th graders, and a TA for several college classes, Lauryn has truly found her home in working with younger children and nurturing their natural curiosity. She has recently moved to San Diego and enjoys painting, swimming in the ocean, and learning and exploring nature.

Ms. Maya Abrahams (Ladybug Classroom)

Maya Abrahams moved to San Diego in 2020 after graduating from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. After working in Applied Behavioral Analysis for 3 years, Maya decided she would love to learn about Montessori education and teaching, and we are pleased to have her as part of our team! Maya enjoys an active lifestyle outside work with many outdoor hobbies, including rock climbing, camping, and hiking. Maya’s favorite part about working with young children is how they make her life and find joy in the little things in life!

Ms. Nicole Anderson (Cricket Classroom)

Nicole has 20 years of experience as an early childhood educator. She is passionate about shaping the minds and hearts of young children. Her journey into the world of Montessori education began in 2015 when she assisted at a Montessori school, and this experience changed her life. Nicole instantly fell in love with the Montessori pedagogy. Since then, Nicole has dedicated herself to continuous learning and growth in the Montessori approach. She understands the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest research and practices in early childhood education. She actively seeks out professional development courses to enhance her skills and knowledge further. Nicole has a growth mindset, always seeking new ways to evolve and improve as an educator. Nicole has worked in various roles throughout her career, including serving in the infant and toddler room, where she nurtured the development of the youngest learners. She has also led Montessori parent and child classes on the weekends, creating a supportive environment for families to engage in their child's early education. Nicole has an unwavering passion for her work. She firmly believes that teaching young children is not just a job but a true vocation. Her love for her profession shines through in the dedication and care she provides to each child under her guidance. Nicole's commitment and enthusiasm create a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters the growth and development of every child in her care. In her free time, Nicole enjoys exploring all art mediums with her daughter and has recently taken up pottery classes.