Our Teachers
Learn More About the Amazing Teachers at Redwoods International Montessori
Our Teachers at Redwood International Montessori
At Trimont, we believe exceptional teachers form the heart of an extraordinary education. Our educators are more than instructors. They guide, mentor, and model lifelong learning while nurturing the whole child. Rooted in the Montessori philosophy, they foster independence, curiosity, and confidence, helping children grow both academically and personally. By designing classrooms that inspire exploration and discovery, our teachers encourage students to follow their natural interests, leading to meaningful and lasting learning.
Our dedicated team serves families at both our San Ramon and Redwood City campuses, bringing diverse experience, international perspectives, and a passion for child-centered education. When you step into a Trimont classroom, you will see teachers modeling kindness, respect, and lifelong learning, and children who feel valued, supported, and confident to succeed. We are proud to introduce the educators who make Trimont a place where children grow, explore, and achieve their potential.
Why Our Teachers Make a Difference
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Montessori-Trained Experts – Our educators receive specialized Montessori training to guide children through self-directed learning.
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Child-Centered Approach – Teachers act as facilitators, encouraging independence while offering support when needed.
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Diverse Backgrounds – With international experience and a wide range of expertise, our teachers bring global perspectives to the classroom.
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Passion for Lifelong Learning – Our team is continually growing in their own education, modeling curiosity and discovery for students.
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Nurturing Environment – Each teacher is committed to creating a safe, welcoming space where children feel valued and inspired.
Annagi Liles
Redwoods International Montessori
As the founder of The Redwoods International Montessori, Annagi Liles brings over 30 years of experience in Montessori education to the community here in Redwood City and San Ramon, holding an AMI ( Association of Montessori Internationale) certification for Preschool education. Driven by a belief in the power of child-centered learning, Annagi is dedicated to providing a supportive environment where children can explore their natural curiosity and develop a lifelong love of learning. Their passion for the Montessori method stems from their own experiences as a student and their desire to share this transformative approach with their families
Diptishree Bisoyee
AMI Montessori Teacher
Dedicated, fully credentialed AMI Montessori Teacher with many years of experience in the Montessori environment. Diptishree also has a degree in Psychology BA from India. She brings all of this knowledge and experience into the classroom to help our students excel.
Janice Morimoto
Montessori Site Supervisor
Janice Morimoto is a highly experienced Site Supervisor with 34 years of dedicated classroom and administrative work. Reliable and dependable, she consistently prioritizes the best interests of the children. Janice is invaluable as both a Site Supervisor and classroom teacher at TRIMONT, known for her exceptional communication skills with parents. She is also certified to teach in Preschool classes and the Toddler Program, bringing her expertise and passion for early childhood education to every learning environment.
Vijaya Laxmi Kuppa
AMI Montessori Teacher
Vijaya Laxmi Kuppa is a resourceful and enthusiastic AMI Montessori teacher with extensive experience in guiding young learners in Montessori preschools. Fully credentialed and deeply passionate about early childhood education, she specializes in designing age-appropriate activities tailored to each child’s aptitude and interests. With a strong focus on fostering independence and social development, Vijaya creates nurturing environments where children thrive academically and emotionally.
Wendy Mockson
Montessori Teacher
Wendy Mockson is an experienced early childhood educator with multiple years in the preschool environment. She is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Canada College. Wendy specializes in classroom management, curriculum development, and Spanish immersion programs, fostering engaging and inclusive learning experiences for young children.
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FAQs
How do Montessori Teachers differ from Traditional Instructors?
Montessori teachers act as guides rather than lecturers. They encourage self-directed learning, provide hands-on materials, and help students build independence and problem-solving skills rather than relying solely on rote instruction.
What is Montessori Preschool?
A Montessori school is an educational environment based on the philosophy and methods developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. Montessori schools are designed to nurture a child’s natural curiosity, independence, and love of learning through hands-on exploration and self-directed activities.
Key Features of a Montessori School
1. Child-Centered Learning
Instead of a teacher delivering lessons to the whole class at once, students are encouraged to explore subjects at their own pace. Teachers serve as guides, introducing materials and concepts when each child is ready.
2. Multi-Age Classrooms
Children of different ages learn together in the same classroom (for example, ages 3–6 or 6–9). Older children mentor younger ones, while younger children are inspired by observing older classmates.
3. Hands-On Materials
Montessori classrooms are filled with specially designed learning materials that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and discovery through tactile, visual, and practical engagement.
4. Focus on Independence
Students are given freedom within boundaries, learning to make choices, manage time, and take responsibility for their learning and environment.
5. Whole-Child Development
Montessori schools emphasize not only academics but also social, emotional, and practical life skills, helping children grow into confident, capable individuals.
6. Prepared Environment
Classrooms are intentionally designed with order, beauty, and accessibility in mind so that children can move freely, select work independently, and feel inspired to learn.
In short, a Montessori school fosters independence, curiosity, and respect for others, preparing students not just for academics but for life.
What Ages Does the Redwoods Montessori School Teach?
Redwoods International Montessori serves children during some of the most important early years of growth and development.
Ages we teach at The Redwoods International Montessori:
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Toddler Program (Available at the Redwood City Location): Beginning as young as 18 months, children are introduced to the Montessori environment through activities that build independence, motor skills, and language development.
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Preschool / Primary Program: From ages 3 to 6, children continue their Montessori journey with a focus on hands-on learning, problem-solving, and foundational academic skills, while also developing social and emotional confidence.
What is the AMI designation for Montessori Teachers?
AMI stands for Association Montessori Internationale, the organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1929 to safeguard her educational philosophy and ensure it is practiced authentically around the world.
An AMI diploma represents the highest international standard in Montessori teacher training. AMI-certified educators are trained to understand the unique stages of child development and to guide children through hands-on, self-directed learning in a way that fosters independence, curiosity, and confidence.
What does AMI Training Mean for Teachers?
An AMI diploma indicates that a teacher has completed rigorous training that includes:
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In-depth study of child development from birth through adolescence
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Mastery of Montessori philosophy and methodology
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Hands-on practice with the full range of Montessori classroom materials
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Observation and teaching practice in real Montessori classrooms under supervision
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International standards that are recognized and respected worldwide