Toddlers in California

Diana has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education since 1996 in both Non-Profit and For-Profit Programs in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties. She has worked as a program director for Peninsula Family Service, Redwood City Child Development Program, Chabot-Las Positas Community College District and Kids Connection. Diana received her Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development from San Francisco State University and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning. She currently holds a California State Teaching Credential at the Program Director Level and is a certified trainer for the West Ed Program for Infant Toddler Caregivers. She is an active member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and has served as a Steering Committee member for the Alameda County Early Care and Education Planning Council. Diana has worked as a consultant for early childhood programs and as a mentor for practicum students entering the field of early childhood education. Diana’s lifelong mission is to serve, educate, and support young children, their families, and the community. While she enjoys every aspect of her job, her favorite place to be is in the classroom spending time getting to know each and every child she serves.

Hi, my name is Veronica Ibarra. I was born in Tijuana, Baja California, and raised here in East Palo Alto. I attended elementary and middle school in the Ravenswood City School District. Not only that, but I attended Woodside High School in Redwood City. After graduation, I attended Canada College in Redwood City, where I received my Early Childhood Education Certificate.

I’ve been a widow for the past 16 years. I have two children. My son is 32 years old and visually impaired. My daughter is still in school studying, and she’s 20 years old. Both my children attended Ravenswood City School District.

I have attended many different trainings, such as Montessori Assistant Training, Practical Life, ECERS, Assessments, Emotional Development, Challenging Behavior, Dual Language, Eligibility Training, CPIN, DRDP training, CPR/First Aid, Mandated Reporter, First Five, Big Lift, and many more.

I worked in the Ravenswood City School District for 12 years as a Teacher Assistant/Bilingual Clerk. In 2006, I came to work for Creative Montessori Learning Center and have been here for 19 years. I started in the classroom as a Teacher Assistant. I then became the Head Teacher for a few months for the toddler classroom. I was moved to the Purple Door, where I worked for several years until I had an accident. At that point, I was given the opportunity to work in the office. I started working in the office as an Office Assistant, then became the Enrollment Specialist, and now I’m the Assistant to the Director.

I love working with children.

I joined CMLC in June 2010. I have a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from National Taiwan University and a Master’s in General Engineering with a concentration in Client/Server Computing from San Jose State University. I have an AMI Primary diploma (3-6 years) from MTTCofNC (Montessori Teachers Training Center of Northern California). Additionally, I have an Associate Degree in Child Development from De Anza College.

I have more than 19 years of experience working with young children and more than 17 years of experience as a Montessori Guide. I have a passion for Montessori Education and working with young children.

Hi, my name is Roberto Polanco and I have been a teacher for almost 33 years at Creative Montessori. I enjoy working with children because they are full of life and there is never a dull moment with them. The children are our future and it is my honor and privilege to support them in their journey of learning and development.

Hi, I am Susie, and I am a Lead Teacher at Creative Montessori Learning Center. Before coming to Creative Montessori, I was a full-time student and worked part-time for a family caring for 2 lovely boys. I currently hold an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, and I’m working towards my Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts through Reach University, where I’m currently a full-time student. I also have my Site Supervisor permit through the State of California. I love working with children and seeing their eyes light up when they discover something new. I have been working at Creative Montessori for almost 9 years now. I have discovered how much I love children and enjoy my career through serving this community.

I have been teaching at the Creative Montessori Learning Center for the last 18 years. I grew up in Sri Lanka, with my sister and brother. I had my Montessori Teacher Training in Sri Lanka and then attended San Jose State University, where I received my B.S. degree. I am also a California mentor teacher for the San Mateo Regional colleges. My Husband and I have a son who just started his freshman year at college and a dog that rule our house. I am also an asst. scout master with my son’s troop. I love to travel, hike, ski, garden and bake in my spare time.