Montessori Preschool & Elementary in Poway, CA
Average teacher tenure: 12 years
Meet Our Montessori Teachers & 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.
Prefer to talk first? Call (858) 673-1756
- Every lead teacher AMS-credentialed
- Many with CMS 10+ years
- Serving Poway since 1989
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). Training covers child development, Montessori philosophy, classroom leadership, lesson design and a supervised practicum in a Montessori classroom.
Every lead teacher at Country Montessori School holds an AMS credential for the level they teach.
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.
Kim Macdonald
School Operations Coordinator
Ms. Macdonald joined CMS in 2026 as our School Operations Coordinator. She brings years of experience in marketing and design, along with a strong background in organization, creativity, and bringing ideas to life. Known for adding her own special touch of creativity and “dazzle” to everything she does, she is excited to support our students, families, and staff while helping make the CMS community an even more welcoming and engaging place.
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
Teacher, Preschool & Kindergarten
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
Teacher, Preschool & Kindergarten
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
Teacher, Preschool & Kindergarten
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
Teacher, Preschool & Kindergarten
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.
Vanit Dhaliwal
Teacher, Preschool & Kindergarten
Ms. Dhaliwal joined CMS in 2026 and brings more than 25 years of experience leading Montessori classrooms. She holds an AMS Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential (ages 2½–6). She is passionate about Montessori education and brings a wealth of experience in guiding students, fostering independence, and creating a nurturing classroom community.
Denisse Shah
Teacher, Preschool & Kindergarten
Ms. Shah joined CMS in 2026 as a Montessori teacher. She has trained in AMS Early Childhood Montessori education and is passionate about education, family, and helping children develop a love of learning. She is excited to bring her enthusiasm for education to the classroom and share that passion with her students.
Erika Dukes
Teacher, Grades 1–3
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
Teacher, Grades 1–3
Ms. Odenwalder joined CMS in 2000 and 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
Teacher, Grades 1–3
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
Teacher, Grades 1–3
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.
Katie Marr
Teacher, Grades 1–3
Ms. Marr has been part of CMS since 2020, starting as a classroom assistant before stepping into her role as a teacher. 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.
Kathy Rader
Teacher, Grades 4–5
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
Teacher, Grades 4–5
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 Owls classroom. She holds AMS Montessori Teaching Credentials in Infant & Toddler (birth–age 3), Early Childhood (ages 2½–6), and Elementary II (ages 9–12). Her broad Montessori training gives her a strong understanding of child development across multiple stages of learning. Both of her sons are proud CMS students.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sophia Faulder
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Faulder joined CMS in 2025 as an assistant teacher. Ms. Faulder is passionate about education and excited to share her creativity, and enthusiasm with the CMS community.
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 brings an extensive background in music education and has recently completed her training in AMS Early Childhood Montessori education. She looks forward to building on her musical experience and enriching the CMS music program through a deeper understanding of Montessori philosophy and practice.
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.
Meet our teachers in person
On a guided tour you’ll step into our classrooms, watch children working independently and see our teachers guiding with purpose. We’ll also answer your questions about programs, academics and admissions.
Prefer to talk first? Call (858) 673-1756