Average teacher tenure: 12 years
Our Faculty & Staff
The heart of Country Montessori School is our people. Our Montessori-credentialed teachers and dedicated staff create calm, respectful classrooms where children are known, supported, and challenged every day.
We’re proud that many of our educators have been with CMS for a decade or more. Several are CMS alumni parents – and some are even CMS grandparents. When we say “community,” we mean it.
What Does It Mean to Be Montessori Credentialed?
Montessori teachers complete specialized training through an accredited program recognized by the American Montessori Society (AMS). This preparation includes child development, Montessori philosophy, classroom leadership, lesson design, and a supervised practicum in a Montessori environment.
Every lead teacher at Country Montessori School holds an AMS credential for the level they teach, reflecting our commitment to authentic Montessori education and professional excellence.
Adela Corrales
Principal - Executive Director of Montessori Center for Teacher Education
Ms. Corrales has been with CMS since its founding in 1989. She has served as an Early Childhood teacher, Early Childhood Curriculum Director, and has led the school as Principal since 2008. Ms. Corrales also serves as the Executive Director of the Montessori Center for Teacher Education and is deeply committed to fostering a strong Montessori community. She holds an AMS Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential (ages 2½–6) and a B.S. in Human Services.
Jose Bolaños
Director of Admissions
Mr. Bolaños joined CMS in 2017 and currently serves as Director of Admissions and Marketing. He holds a BA in English and an MA in English Literature. With a background in educational program leadership, he is passionate about supporting families and sharing the value of Montessori education.
Susan Kolle
Director of Development
Ms. Kolle joined CMS in 2019 and serves as the Director of Development. She holds a multi-subject teaching credential and a degree in Marketing. She is committed to supporting CMS’s mission and community.
Heidi Forhan
Business Manager
Ms. Forhan joined CMS in 2023 and is part of the administrative team. She brings her extensive years of Accounting experience and enthusiasm for education. She is excited for the opportunity to support the CMS community.
Karin Osterberg
Director of Montessori Center for Teacher Education
Ms. Osterberg has been with CMS since 2001, originally serving as an Early Childhood teacher. She holds an AMS Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential (ages 2½–6). A proud CMS Alumni parent and grandparent, she now leads as the Director of the Montessori Center for Teacher Education.
Wendy West
Early Childhood Teacher
Ms. West has been part of CMS since 1994. She holds an AMS Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential (ages 2½–6) and brings over three decades of Montessori teaching experience. All three of her children have attended Country Montessori School.
Hirona Tsang
Early Childhood Teacher
Ms. Tsang joined CMS in 2019 as a classroom assistant and is now an Early Childhood teacher in the Bumblebees classroom. She holds an AMS Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential (ages 2½–6) and enjoys supporting young learners on their Montessori journey.
Reyna Estrada
Early Childhood Teacher
Ms. Estrada joined CMS in 2022 and is an Early Childhood teacher in the Dragonflies classroom. She holds an AMS Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential (ages 2½–6) and a B.A. in Public Health. She is dedicated to nurturing independence and a love of learning in her students.
Martha Jacdedt
Early Childhood Teacher
Ms. Jacdedt joined CMS in 2025 and holds an AMS Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential (ages 2½–6) and brings with her a wealth of experience in Montessori education. She has worked in Montessori education since 2017 and is deeply passionate about working with children.
Katie Marr
Early Childhood Teacher
Ms. Marr has been part of CMS since 2020, starting as a classroom assistant before stepping into her role as an Early Childhood teacher in the Ladybugs classroom. She holds an AMS Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential (ages 2½–6). She enjoys the creativity of the Montessori method and fostering a lifelong love of learning in her students.
Jessica Ramirez
Early Childhood Teacher
Ms. Ramirez became part of the CMS community in 2023 as an assistant teacher. After completing her training she stepped into the role of Early Childhood teacher. She holds an AMS Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential (ages 2½–6). She is committed to creating a nurturing and engaging classroom environment for her students.
Erika Dukes
Lower Elementary Teacher
Ms. Dukes joined CMS in 2006 and holds an AMS Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential (ages 2½–6) and an AMS Elementary I Montessori Teacher Credential (ages 6-9). She also holds a BA in Spanish and holds a Single Subject Credential in Spanish with an emphasis on Psychology and Cross-cultural Language, and Academic Development. She is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive classroom where students thrive academically and socially.
Mandy Odenwalder
Lower Elementary Teacher
Ms. Odenwalder holds an AMS Elementary I Montessori Teaching Credential (ages 6–9). She also holds
a BA in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Credential. She is passionate about guiding students through their academic journey while fostering independence, curiosity, and confidence in the Montessori environment.
Jess Stanphill
Lower Elementary Teacher
Ms. Stanphill joined CMS in 2019 holds a BA in Liberal Studies and an MA in Educational Leadership. She also completed the Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential and the Clear Credential Induction Program. As a dedicated Lower Elementary teacher, she brings a strong foundation in leadership and education to her work, supporting the academic and personal growth of her students.
Josh Cortez
Lower Elementary Teacher
Mr. Cortez joined CMS in 2021 and is a Lower Elementary teacher in the Eagles classroom. He brings extensive experience working with children and is passionate about fostering creativity, with a special interest in writing and journalism.
Kathy Rader
Upper Elementary Teacher
Dr. Rader has been a valued member of the CMS community since 2010. She holds a BS in Arts and Sciences and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, along with an AMS Elementary I-II Credential. As an Upper Elementary teacher in the Owl’s classroom, Dr. Rader is passionate about sharing her deep knowledge and fostering a love of learning in her students.
Ninette Roji
Upper Elementary Teacher
Ms. Roji joined CMS in 2023 as an Early Childhood teacher in the Dragonflies classroom and now serves as an Upper Elementary teacher in the Owl’s classroom. She holds an AMS Infant/Toddler Montessori Teaching Credential (birth-age 3), AMS Early Childhood Montessori Training (ages 2½–6), and has completed her AMS Elementary II Training (ages 9-12). Both of her sons are proud CMS students.
Sabreena Bray
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Bray joined CMS in 2025. She brings with her extensive experience in education, working in schools since 2016. She holds a MA in Educational Leadership and BS in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration. She is excited to share her passion and dynamic experience with the CMS community.
Mando Gomez
Assistant Teacher
Mr. Gomez joined CMS in 2024. Mr. Gomez holds a Preliminary Multi-Subject Teaching Credential as well as a BA in Animation. He has extensive teaching experience as a paraeducator in special education, a dual language immersion program and as an English teacher. He is excited to share his creativity and passion for education with the CMS community.
Ekaterina Sagakova
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Sagakova joined CMS in 2023 as an Early Childhood assistant teacher. She supports young learners in developing independence and confidence while embracing Montessori principles.
Karla Ochoa
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Ochoa joined CMS in 2024, bringing with her extensive experience in Montessori education and child development. She is excited to bring her creativity and enthusiasm to the CMS community.
Liana Brown
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Brown joined CMS in 2025. She holds a BA and AA in Anthropology. She is excited to share her passion and unique experience with the CMS community.
Kimberly Solorio
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Solorio joined CMS in 2024, bringing with her extensive experience in early childhood development. She has worked in education since 2017. She is excited to bring her creativity and enthusiasm to the CMS community.
Neha De
Assistant Teacher
Ms. De joined CMS at the start of 2025 as an assistant teacher. Ms. De has worked in early childhood education since 2017 in preschool and toddler programs. She is passionate about educating preschoolers and we are excited for her to share her experience with the CMS community.
Tracy Rendon
Enrichment Teacher
Ms. Rendon has been part of CMS since 2007. She teaches Physical Education to Elementary and Kindergarten students and also serves as an assistant teacher in the Eagles classroom. She is passionate about promoting physical development and teamwork.
Nadia Salas
Enrichment Teacher
Ms. Salas joined CMS in 2014 serves as the CMS Spanish teacher, working with students across all levels. She holds an AMS Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential (ages 2½–6), an MA in Public Health, and a BA in Communications. She brings enthusiasm for language learning and cultural exploration to the classroom.
Sangeeta Das
Enrichment Teacher
Ms. Das joined CMS in 2023 as the Music teacher for Early Childhood and Elementary students. She has a strong background in music education and is excited to share her passion for music with the CMS community.
Josh Rehkopf
Enrichment Teacher
Mr. Rehkopf has worked at CMS since 2011. He teaches Art for kindergarten through fifth grade, helping students express their creativity in a supportive learning environment.
Experience Montessori in Action
During a guided tour, you’ll step into our classrooms to see Montessori education first hand – children working independently, teachers guiding with purpose in a focused learning environment. We’ll also answer your questions about programs, academics, and admissions.
📅 Schedule a Campus Tour
Prefer to speak with us first? Call (858) 673-1756.