Mrs Annie Deng (Director)
Hello everyone! My name is Mrs Annie, and I am the director of the Reach Montessori Preschool. I have a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from East China University. I speak Mandarin and English.
When I came to the United States, I continued my studies in ECE at San Jose City College. In 2003, I received my Montessori Certification from the National Center for Montessori Education. After twenty years of teaching in the Montessori field, I am pleased to be the director of Reach Montessori Preschool.
I sincerely enjoy working here with all the wonderful children and teachers. I have always had a passion for teaching and working with young children.
I love spending time with my family when I am not at school. I also like gardening, travelling, and relaxing while watching movies.
Mrs. Kaur (Assistant Director)
I am Ravinder Kaur. I grew up in New Delhi, the capital city of India. As a child, I always dreamed of being a teacher because my school years were the best years of my life. I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from Delhi University. After that, I completed a computer certificate course. I met my husband, married, and moved to the USA. My husband is a software engineer, and we live in the Evergreen area of San Jose. I am blessed with two boys. I speak English and Hindi.
I volunteered at their school when my kids went to preschool and kindergarten. I felt that kids were learning in a very playful way. This whole experience made me return to my dream of becoming a teacher. I have completed my Early Childhood Education Teacher units from De Anza College. I have been a preschool and pre-k teacher at A Plus Academy preschool in Sunnyvale for two years. I have been working at Reach Montessori since 2019, and I taught five years of Pre-K and Kindergarten program here. As a teacher, I want to provide a healthy and playful environment where children can grow. I plan, implement, and evaluate infant and toddler care and preschool or kindergarten programs as an administrator.
Ms. Dian Dupic ( Teacher)
Hi, I am Mrs. Dian. I have three grown children, all of whom are married, and I also have four grandchildren. They are ages 2, 5, 6, and 7. It is so much fun to see them together or one-on-one. I also have a husband named Tim, whom I met many years ago in college. I have an A.S. degree in Child Development and a bachelor’s degree with a Sociology major.
I have enjoyed working with children as a childcare provider or teacher for many years. Some of the preschools I have taught at are Action Day Primary Preschool, West Valley College Preschool, Neighborhood Christian Preschool, and Willow Vale Christian School. I love connecting with children in a supportive way as they play and learn.
I enjoy playing cards, watching movies, and sewing when not teaching.
Mrs. Jennifer Valencia ( Head Teacher)
Hi, my name is Jennifer Valencia. I was born in San Jose, California, and I am the mother of four boys and two girls. I speak English and Spanish.
I am a patient person who can work with children of all ages. I worked in a childcare facility for over four years before joining Reach Montessori Preschool in 2022. I enjoy the career I choose.
I am a fully qualified teacher pursuing my Montessori Training credential course in MTEC, CA. I enjoy reading books with children, doing fun art activities, doing science experiments, and helping with homework. I like the joy children transmit and all the love they share daily.
In my spare time, I love being with my family, going to the park, and playing baseball with my children.
Ms. Anna Guardado ( Infant Teacher)
Hi, my name is Anna Guardado. I was born in El Salvador and moved to California when I was 16. I speak Spanish and English. I have two daughters and two sons.
I studied my Infant and Toddler courses at Theoria Technical College. I am now pursuing the Montessori Early Childhood Education units at Montessori Training USA in Sunnyvale. I have worked with Infant and Toddler children for eight years at HeadsUp Montessori Preschool in Palo Alto and San Jose. I have a calm and peaceful demeanour, and children gravitate towards me. I possess patience, creativity, and dedication, vital for nurturing infant and toddler growth. I wish I could make strong, trusting relationships with parents and have been instrumental in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
In my spare time, I enjoy fishing with my family, going to the park, and participating in many kid’s activities.
Ms. Vafa Jabrayilova (Teacher)
Hello. My name is Vafa. I’m from Azerbaijan. I’m married and have one son. I speak Russian, Turkish, Azerbaijani, and English.
I graduated from the University of Economics with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. Shortly after undergrad, I became a child development specialist in Azerbaijani and worked as a teacher assistant for two years. Upon discovering the Montessori Philosophy, I began pursuing the Montessori early childhood education credential at the San Francisco Bay Area Montessori Teacher Education Center. I enjoy working with children and educating them. I hope to carry forth the pedagogics of Montessori education and continue nurturing young children in Reach Montessori Preschool with my knowledge, love and confidence.
In my free time, I like to spend time with my family, go to restaurants, play with my son, and watch movies.
Ms. Co Nguyen (Teacher)
Hi, I am Ms. Co. I came to the US with my father from Vietnam 30 years ago. I speak Vietnamese, French, and English.
I hold a BA degree in French from Vietnam. I was a French teacher at a Middle school in Vietnam. After I came to the US, I completed my AA degree in Child Development at San Jose City College.
I have worked at Good Samaritan Preschool and Little Friends Preschool. I am a preschool teacher with 17 years of experience teaching 1-year-olds in childcare. I am recognized for my ability to develop and implement activities. I communicate openly with parents and administrators regarding students’ growth and well-being. I love children and have worked with numerous families over the years.
I like to travel and see the world when I am on vacation. I also enjoy gardening in my backyard.
Ms. Eliška Nejedlá ( Summer Camp Teacher)
Hello! My name is Eliška Nejedlá. I was born in the Czech Republic, and I moved to the Bay Area when I was five. I speak English and Czech, and I am working on learning Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.
I am studying at Saint Mary’s College of California with Multiple Subject Teacher Education as my primary and Spanish as my minor, so I usually work at Reach Montessori Preschool during school breaks. I have also worked at the Czech School of California on Saturdays during the school year since I was twelve years old. I volunteered as the preschool teacher’s assistant for four years before I was hired as the Assistant Preschool Teacher for another three. In the fall, I will have my own classroom as the teacher for the younger preschool group. I enjoy reading books to children and helping them learn.
In my free time, I enjoy reading books, knitting, crocheting, weaving, and going on hikes.
Careers
If you are interested in a joining Reach Montessori, you may submit an application any time. Please be sure to state the type of position for which you wish to be considered. We keep applications on file for at least 6 months. We will contact you if a position for which you are qualified becomes available.
We prefer you submit your resume to reachmontessoripreschool@gmail.com