Committed to the Montessori Method
Mariposa Montessori Teaching Community
With a shared passion for nurturing young minds and the development of the whole child, Mariposa educators deliver a transformative learning experience for our beloved preschoolers. With our exceptional teacher ratio for toddlers at 4:1 and Primary at 7:1, including capacity for kindergarten curriculum, our educators are hands on with the ability to learn about, care for, and teach each individual child at their own pace.
Mariposa educators align their mixed-age classrooms to our curriculum and core values, yet adjust their approach and style to their unique classroom and to each individual child. Mariposa focuses on Montessori-style learning through the use of Montessori materials and practical applications, social emotional understanding and growth, aspects of STEM including science and a robust focus on math, writing and reading, art, music, yoga, and more. Our educators are in tune with developing strong, caring individuals who become life long learners with a focus on being creative and cultured global citizens, compassionate friends, and academically strong students.
Mariposa Executive Director
Rekha Mundkur is the executive director at Mariposa Montessori and has held the role since 2019. Rekha, a former universal prekindergarten teacher, is passionate about early childhood education and believes in each child’s potential.
Rekha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Economics Management, and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, including Teaching and Administration. Rekha has her Montessori Leadership Diploma from the American Montessori Society. With over six years in administration and ten years as an educator, Rekha is an experienced, dedicated, and compassionate leader for our Mariposa educators and community.
Mariposa Educators
Mariposa educators possess a deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy and its profound impact on early childhood education. Some of our teachers have been with Mariposa for over 20 years, bringing their passion and care each day into our bright classrooms. All of our educators participate in on-going professional development to stay ahead of and apply new learning approaches into our classrooms.
Toddler Program (18 months - 2.5 years) – Chrysalis
Irma Ortiz, Lead Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design
Early Childhood Education Certificate
NAMC Montessori Primary Certificate & Candidate Montessori Infant/Toddler Teacher Training
With Mariposa since 2010
Femke Truijen, Assistant Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree
Candidate: Montessori Infant/Toddler Teacher Training
Previous experience as an elementary teacher
With Mariposa since 2024
Toddler Program (18 months - 2.5 years) – Caterpillar
Felisia Kelly, Lead Guide
Child Daycare Management Diploma
Early Childhood Education Certificate
NAMC Montessori Infant/Toddler Teacher Diploma
With Mariposa since 2021
Hanan Sharif, Assistant Teacher
Associate Degree in Science
Early Childhood Education and Master Teacher Certificate
Candidate : Montessori Infant/Toddler Teacher Training
With Mariposa since 2022
Primary Program (2.5 years-Kindergarten) – Blue Morpho
Grishma Dave, Lead Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Industrial & Product Design
Master of Education in Montessori Education
AMI Montessori Primary Certificate
With Mariposa since 2004
Emily Butler, Assistant Teacher
Bachelor's Degree in Education & Psychology
With Mariposa since 2019
Mahrokh Bahrami, Assistant Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree
Candidate: Montessori Primary Teacher Training
With Mariposa since 2024
Primary Program (2.5 years-Kindergarten) – Monarch
Munawar Ahmed, Lead Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences
Early Childhood Education Certificate
AMI Montessori Primary Certificate
With Mariposa since 2003
Mariella Ruta, Lead Guide
Bachelor's Degree in Law
Resource Teacher Elementary–High School and Italian Instruction
MMTC Montessori Primary Certificate
With Mariposa since 2017
Azarmidokht Mokhlessi, Assistant Teacher
Bachelor's in Physical Education
Assistant Teacher at Daves Elementary and ChildCare Careers
Work Experience at Los Gatos & Saratoga Recreation
Candidate: Montessori Primary Teacher Training
With Mariposa since 2023
Primary Program (2.5 years-Kindergarten) – Swallowtail
Junko Khabir, Lead Guide
Associate Degree in English Literature
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
NAMC Montessori Primary Certificate
With Mariposa since 2003
Carla Lucio Ueda , Guide
Bachelor’s in Business Management & MBA in Marketing
Montessori Primary Certifiicate
With Mariposa since 2024
Nasrin Kazemi, Assistant Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
With Mariposa since 2024
Substitute Teaching
Riya Patel, Assistant Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Candidate: Early Childhood Education Degree
Previous experience as an elementary teacher
With Mariposa since 2021
Zahra Rahmannia
Bachelor's Degree in
NAMC Montessori Primary Certificate
Previous experience as a Montessori educator
With Mariposa since 2021