OUR EDUCATORS

It is our mission to build a school community that embraces the diversity of our students, parents, and teachers
Through our community, we will nurture the individual spirit of each child through the Montessori Method

Earth Classroom: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Ms. Elizabeth May, Lead Teacher

Degree in Early Childhood Education
Montessori 3-6 Certification

Ms. Elizabeth is Montessori trained in early childhood education and is a valuable asset to Sundance Montessori. Ms. Elizabeth’s immense experience and knowledge in Montessori and her natural passion for teaching young children encourage confidence in her students. Ms. Elizabeth guides her young students with graceful ease as they engage in their early learning experiences.

Mrs. Doreen Holden, Director & Lead Teacher

Montessori 3-6 Certification
Preliminary Designated Subject Adult Education Credential

Mrs. Doreen has worked with children for over 20 years. She is a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and this expertise has helped create a classroom environment that is vibrant with the hum of happy, engaged students. Mrs. Doreen has taught with Sundance for many years and as a result, has had many families returning with their younger siblings to enjoy the benefits of her dedicated teaching. Mrs. Doreen works with staff to implement curriculum needs and program support. She works with the faculty to develop and implement student status and progress-tracking procedures. Mrs. Doreen helps maintain and foster positive and constructive interactions with students and parents.

Ms. Abigail Stewart, Assistant Teacher

Associate Teachers Certificate

Ms. Abbie has been working with children in preschool for the last 3+ years, and has enjoyed seeing the children grow and learn. She has completed her Early Childhood Education units and received her associate teachers certificate. In her experience with Montessori she has enjoyed seeing how it encourages independence in children and allows them to progress at their own pace and gain confidence in their abilities. Ms. Abbie loves connecting with children personally and hearing their unique ideas and supporting their personal growth and learning journey. In her free time she enjoys baking, painting, and spending time with friends and family.

Mars Classroom: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

Mrs. Jonna Jackson, Lead Teacher

Degree in Early Childhood Education
Montessori 3-6 Certification

Mrs. Jonna has been teaching in early childcare since 2013. Her love for art, music, and movement inspires children to get creative and build their imagination. Mrs. Jonna’s top priorities are to keep her students safe, happy, and independent. She also enjoys teaching her students sign language and incorporating it into their weekly lessons.

Ms. Andrea Holden, Lead Teacher

MA in Language and Literacy
BA in Special Education
Montessori 3-6 Certification
Certified in Montessori Interventions & Therapies in a Montessori Setting

Ms. Andrea has been with Sundance family for three years and has been connected to the Montessori environment her entire life. She enjoys working with children and takes pride in seeing them grow into confident, capable, and creative learners. Her biggest passion is teaching children how to read, believing it builds a strong foundation for future learning. Ms. Andrea received her Masters in Language and Literacy in 2025 from Sacramento State University after completing her undergrad from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2022 with a degree in Special Education. Ms. Andrea brings both warmth and fun to the classroom, creating a nurturing environment where every child is empowered to thrive.

Ms. Jennifer Caldera-Batkin, Assistant Teacher

BA Child Development

Ms. Jen began working with children as a Behavior Therapist in 2013. In this role, she worked with children with autism and other disabilities. She worked in center-based, in-home, and academic settings. After relocating to the Fair Oaks area with her family in 2018, she began working as an instructional assistant at a Montessori school. She appreciated the child-led philosophy and the overall sense of joy in the classroom. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Jen enjoys spending time with her family and pets. She also loves to read, paint, and crochet.

Ms. Kristin Brown, Assistant Teacher

Early Childhood Education Certificate

Ms. Kristin was introduced to Montessori education in early 2021 and immediately felt a strong connection to its philosophy, recognizing many similarities to how she had already was raising her two sons. She was especially drawn to Montessori’s emphasis on independence and the confidence children develop when they successfully complete tasks on their own. Ms. Kristin finds great joy in supporting children as they grow, learn, and discover their capabilities. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and sons, and relaxing with a good book.

Mercury Classroom: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Ms. Miranda Restivo, Lead Teacher

BA in Liberal Arts
Montessori 3-6 Certification

Ms. Miranda has been working with children for over 6 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Sacramento State in 2023. She strives to provide the children with a happy and bright environment while encouraging their independence and eagerness to learn. Ms. Miranda is enthusiastic about incorporating art into their daily lessons and supports children in expressing themselves through their creativity.

Ms. Aysia Tom, Assistant Teacher

BA in Psychology

Ms. Aysia has been working with kids since she was in high school starting out as an assistant coaching soccer. In the classroom, she has experience working with ages 2-10 in preschools and after school programs. Ms. Aysia received her undergrad from UC Irvine and recently moved to Folsom. Her hobbies include reading, running, cooking, and trying new foods.

Mrs. Bella Paciocco, Assistant Teacher

BA in Child and Adolescent Development

Mrs. Bella has been working with children for the past 6 years and loves every part of it! Mrs. Bella got her Bachelors in Child and Adolescent Development from Sacramento State University. When she’s not at work she loves to go on adventures with her dogs and her husband.

Moondance / Floater Teachers

Ms. Jennifer Schmidt, Moondance Teacher

BA in Child Development

Ms. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Development from Sacramento State in 2023. She has worked with children for over 5 years and strives to create a positive engaging environment for children to learn and explore amongst themselves and their peers.

Ms. Jeovana Ulloa, Moondance Teacher

BA in Psychology

Ms. Jeovana has a passion for working with children. She enjoys creating a fun, artistic, and enriching environment for students. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sacramento State University and has worked with children for the past few years.

All Sundance faculty are CPR and First Aid certified