Amy was born in Colorado Springs, but grew up all over the world including a stent in Australia for five months where she attended fourth grade.  After graduating from college, Amy began her career as a  Montessori assistant and continued her education to become a fully trained Montessori teacher.

Amy is passionate about the Montessori Method of Education and sent her son to a Montessori school as a toddler through 2nd grade. Amy joined Growing Light in 2015, and has been an integral part of the team ever since.  Amy’s interests include listening to audio books, cooking, gardening, sewing and jewelry making. She is also the proud owner of three cats.

Ana is from Guatemala and is married with two wonderful children. She became a preschool teacher in 1999 and has loved it ever since.  She first started working as a teacher aid in South of Market Child care having her own child in that school. As she was gaining experience, she began to take CHDEV classes and completed her AA degree in 2012 . During that time of her career, she had the opportunity to take several trainings that helped expand her learning. She also had the opportunity to work in different schools.  She worked for 18 years in the last school center including 11 years as a transitional kindergarten as well as the after school program.

As a teacher, she loves to interact with each individual child to provide a safe and nurturing hands on learning
environment where they can explore and expand their learning.

One of her passions is singing. She actually sings in a choir every Sunday and loves to sing with the children!

Awa was born and raised in Senegal, West Africa. She speaks Woolof, French, Bambara, English and Spanish. She enjoys teaching cultural studies and different languages to the children. When she is not at school, Awa loves to cook or work on her foundation to help poor children and try to make a difference in the world.

Originally from Guatemala, Dina is married and has two wonderful sons. She started working with children three years ago and absolutely loves it. Children bring her so much joy! She is thrilled to be joining the GLMS community and is excited to get to know the families and the children.

Faye was born in Guangdong China, and can speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. She has been working with children for over ten years.  In her free time Faye enjoys music and reading books. She also likes to travel with her family.

Felisa “Feliz” Aguas was born in the Philippines and speaks Tagalog, English and Thai. She now lives in Oakland and loves its weather. Feliz enjoys being with her students as they make her feel younger and inspired. Feliz loves teaching  her students new songs especially interpretative or action oriented ones. She also enjoys teaching dance, and loves telling stories and letting children discover things through exposing them to nature.

Whenever she has time, Feliz travels alone by public vehicle and enjoying thousands of different views along the road. She also enjoys watching movies and comedy shows. Feliz feels blessed to be a part of Growing Light Montessori School.

Fernando was born and raised in the Bay Area, and has over 10 years of teaching experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal studies with an education concentration from San Francisco State University, and loves sharing his passion and curiosity for discovering new ideas and experiences with his students.

As a fluent Spanish speaker, Fernando appreciates cultural diversity within the community and is excited to share Spanish with the children in his classroom

In his free time Fernando enjoys cooking, hiking, gardening, art, practicing yoga, and martial arts. He is grateful to be part of such a wonderful school and community, and looks forward to growing with everyone while working with such caring educators!

Gladis has been part of the Growing Light Montessori team since 2009 . She is an Oakland native, and her parents are from Mexico. Spanish is her first language and she loves sharing it with the children. In the classroom Gladis enjoys participating in art projects, and outdoor play with her students. In her free time, Gladis enjoys spending time with her family, 

Jennifer was born and raised in Oakland but moved to Hayward a few years ago! She speaks both English and Spanish! Her father is from Mexico, and she has 3 younger siblings!  She absolutely loves going to concerts, doing arts and crafts, watching movies, spending time with her family and friends as well as traveling to Mexico!  She volunteered at her youngest sibling’s elementary school and spent time with the kids in her class. She helped them with what they didn’t understand on their assignments as well as simply spent quality time with them outside during free time! She is super excited to be joining the GLMS team!

My name is Kavisha. I am originally from the beautiful Fiji Islands. I
migrated to the USA in the year 2006 with my family. I have worked
with children for about 20 years now. I believe in providing a joyful
learning experience that nurtures and prepares every child with a love
for learning. I am married and have 3 wonderful children. In my spare
time I love hanging out with my family. I like to learn languages and can
speak 4 languages. I am excited to be a part of the GLMS team.

Teacher Koey was born in Guangzhou China. Fifteen years ago she and her family immigrated to the USA. She speaks Cantonese, Mandarin and English. She likes to teach children to respect and love each other, and help them learn about different cultures and continents. When she’s not at school, Koey likes to travel, watch movies, and listen to music.

Laura semi retired from her full time teaching position as a Montessori teacher at GLMS Kensington campus. We are so lucky to have her working with us in another capacity. Laura was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. She has been a California resident for 40 years. Laura has a BA in Human Development and an AMS teaching credential. She has been a preschool teacher for 22 years and a children’s dance and movement teacher since 1989.

Laura enjoys teaching all subjects, but especially loves sharing nature with children. She believes art education is essential in early education and encourages children to BE thinkers and creators.

Laura enjoys ballet and ice skating among other hobbies. She also loves spending time with her husband, Carlos Arellano.

Teacher Lupita was born in Tepic, Nayarit Mexico. She was raised in Mexico and the Bay Area. She speaks Spanish and English. Special interests she enjoys sharing with the children are face painting, music, dance, arts and crafts, story time and Spanish. In her free time Lupita loves being outdoors, fitness, reading inspirational books, and writing in her journal.

Teacher Rebecca was born and raised in Southern California. She speaks English and studied French and Italian. She enjoys teaching the children cultural studies, math, science, arts and crafts and folk dancing. When she’s not at school she likes to spend time watching movies, reading, knitting and playing the cello.

Rocio was born and raised in Oakland California. She is a mother of two children. She is fluent in Spanish and English. She enjoys spending time with her children and spending time outdoors. Rocio is excited to join GLMS. She is excited about learning, curiosity and fun!

My name is Saras and I was born in the beautiful Fiji Islands. I migrated to
USA in the year 2006 with my husband and two kids. I have been
working with children in a preschool setting since year 2009. I love
working with little kids. They bring me so much joy. I have 3
grandchildren and they are my world. I love being a grandma. I speak
Hindi and English. My hobbies are cooking and gardening. I love to work
in my rose garden at my home on my days off. I feel that every child is
special in their own way. I have so much love to give and I am so
thankful I get to work with children.

Teacher Van was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City in Viet Nam. She speaks Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Van loves working with children and enjoys activities like arts and crafts projects, teaching Montessori Math and sharing interesting stories. When she’s not at school, Van absolutely loves going to the beach, traveling, shopping, watching movies, trying different foods, and spending time with her dear family.