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.
OUR EDUCATORS
Earth Classroom 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ms. Elizabeth May, Lead Teacher
Montessori 3-6 Teacher Certification
Degree in Early Childhood Education
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.
Ms. Miranda Restivo, Assistant Teacher
BA In Liberal Arts
Ms. Miranda has been working with children for 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. She is working on her 3-6 Montessori Certification.
Mars Classroom 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Ms. Jonna Crowder, Lead Teacher
Degree in Early Childhood Education
Montessori 3-6 Teacher Certification
Ms. 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. Ms. 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, Assistant Teacher
BA in Special Education
Montessori 3-6 Teacher Certification
Certified in Understanding Interventions & Therapies in a Montessori Setting
Ms. Andrea has been working with children for the past couple of years and has been around the Montessori environment her whole life. She finds joy in working with children and watching them evolve into smart, confident, and creative individuals. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2022 with a degree in special education and is beginning her Graduate program at Sacramento State to get a Master’s in Elementary Language and Literacy focusing on Dyslexia.
Mercury Classroom 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Mrs. Doreen Holden, Director and Lead Teacher
Montessori 3-6 Teacher Certification
Preliminary Designated Subject Adult Education Teaching 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. Olesya Rozhenko, Assistant Teacher
BA in Child Development
Montessori 3-6 Teacher Certification
Ms. Olesya has been working with children for the past 2 years. She finds it important to cultivate a lifelong love for learning and focus on developing cognitive, social, and emotional skills in children. Ms. Olesya is also enthusiastic about incorporating music and art into the students’ daily routines. She graduated from Sacramento State University in 2023 with a degree in Child Development.
AFTERSCHOOL 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.