Mara Castro is a proud Arizona native, born and raised in the border town of Douglas, Arizona, neighboring Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. Growing up, she attended schools on both sides of the border, an experience that fostered her fluency in English and Spanish and nurtured a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions.
Mara earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Arizona. She began her college journey as a pre-med student with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician—a natural path, given her love for science and children. Her early career included work in academic research and the biomedical private sector. However, it was through discovering Maria Montessori’s educational philosophy that Mara found her true passion: working with children in education. She is AMS (American Montessori Society) certified to guide children ages 2.5 to 6 years and is also a Certified RCB (Redirecting Children’s Behavior) Instructor, further enriching her approach to child development.
Mara and her husband Francisco married and started a family. Following the birth of their first child, Mara became a dedicated homemaker and homeschool teacher to her children. When their oldest son began attending a Montessori school at age three, Mara was immediately drawn to the method. She found that its emphasis on observation and individualized learning harmonized beautifully with her scientific background. This sparked her involvement in the Montessori community—first as a volunteer, then as a staff member at four other Montessori schools. In 2011, Francisco and Mara founded Mis Manos Montessori School to serve other families in Tucson and Oro Valley.
All four of Mara and Francisco’s children—Francisco Jr., Diego, Isabella, and Camilla—have benefited from a Montessori education. Throughout the years, Mara has gained valuable experience from each of the four Montessori schools her children have attended. She now brings together the best of what she has learned to support and enrich the lives of the children she works with.
Mara and Francisco cherish their family life and take great pride in supporting their children’s dreams and aspirations. They value quality time together and continuously encourage one another to grow, learn, and thrive.
Alba Elisa Nichols-Lopez was born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. At the age of 5, her family moved to Arizona.
Alba joined Mis Manos Montessori School in 2013. She has an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and also holds two other diplomas; one in medical assisting and another in phlebotomy. Alba worked at St. Mary’s Hospital, where she took care of patients and also worked in the laboratory. Soon after, she was offered an opportunity to work with special needs children. This changed Alba’s life and it was a determining factor in her pursuing an Associate in Early Childhood Education. After receiving here ECE degree, Alba continued working with special needs children and concurrently worked part-time in a Montessori school in Tucson. As her interest in the Montessori method grew, she pursued her passion by earning her International Montessori Teaching certificate through NAMC (Canada), in 2017. Alba continues to update her knowledge and teaching methods through various Montessori continuing education courses. She hopes to complete her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) training through the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies in Mesa, Arizona in 2023.
Alba has four beautiful children. Anthony, her twins girls; Lesay and Andrea, and the youngest Elizabeth. When Alba is not at work, she enjoys going out with her wonderful family to the movies or to a nice restaurant. Spending time with her family is important to her. Alba likes to paint and read books.
Sandra joined Mis Manos Montessori in 2013 where she first experienced the Montessori Method. Sandra is a native Tucsonan and has four sons and two grandchildren. She discovered her love of children at a very young age while helping her mother teach a toddler Sunday school class when she was twelve. Her love of children carried on throughout her life through babysitting neighborhood children and then taking her first preschool job at age 18. Sandra has worked with preschool age children on and off for most of her life and consistently since 1999. She is amazed to see how beautifully this method helps a child gain independence and fosters a true love of learning. She feels that every day is an adventure and that she is learning as much, if not more than her students. Sandra earned her degree in early childhood education from Pima Community College.
In her spare time Sandra enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
My name is Selenne Castruita Gastelum. I was born in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, Mexico, and raised in Santa Ana, Sonora, where I completed high school. From an early age, I developed a passion for learning and helping others, which inspired me to pursue a degree in Psychology at the University of Sonora in Hermosillo. After graduating in 2006, I began my professional career as a Head of Pedagogy and Family Psychologist, supporting children and families in their educational and personal development.
In 2008, I moved to Mesa, Arizona, where I was introduced to Montessori education through my first position at a Montessori school. This experience was transformative and sparked a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy and its child-centered approach to learning. Motivated to further my understanding and practice, I earned my AMI Primary Guide Certification in 2016. Later that year, I returned to Santa Ana, Sonora, and realized a lifelong dream by opening my own Montessori school. Through dedication to authentic, high-quality Montessori education, the school flourished, and in 2019, I expanded the program to include both Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms. During that same year, I began my AMI Elementary training, further strengthening my Montessori knowledge and teaching practice.
I firmly believe in the Montessori philosophy and the power of creating learning environments that foster independence, curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Committed to continuous growth as an educator and leader, I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education.
In 2024, I returned to the United States and am excited to begin this new chapter as a member of the Mis Manos Montessori team. It is an honor to join such a dedicated and welcoming community. I look forward to supporting each child’s academic, social, and emotional development while partnering with families and sharing my passion for Montessori education. I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped my journey, and I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in the lives of children and families.
Hello, my name is Maria Quezada. I was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, and spent my childhood in Tepache, Sonora, where I lived until I was 18. After graduating from high school, I returned to Hermosillo to pursue a degree in Educational Sciences at Universidad Kino.
Following my studies, I got married and relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where I have lived for the past 16 years. I am the proud mother of three children—Enzo, Yaleni, and Emily. I enjoy spending quality time with my family, exploring the community, and creating meaningful experiences together.
I am a responsible, respectful, and dedicated individual who is passionate about supporting children’s learning and development. I am committed to helping create a positive and nurturing classroom environment, assisting with educational activities, and encouraging children as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I look forward to contributing to a supportive learning community and helping each child reach their full potential.
Anyssa Fragoso is an AMS-certified Lead Guide in the Roadrunner Classroom and the Primary Program and Curriculm Coordinator.
Since 2011, Miss Anyssa has worked in Montessori schools throughout Tucson, Arizona, bringing over a decade of dedication to early childhood education. As a native Spanish speaker, she creates a warm, bilingual classroom environment where students are immersed in both language and culture. Passionate about celebrating the diversity of her students, Miss Anyssa thoughtfully incorporates each child’s cultural traditions into the curriculum, fostering inclusion, curiosity, and a deep sense of belonging. She is committed to nurturing independence, joy, and respect in every child she guides.
Militza Arlene Pesqueira Ortiz (Mili) was born in Sonora, Mexico. She has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON) and certified as a psychomotor therapist and early stimulation by Instituto de Capacitación de Sonora (ICATSON) and she is currently about to receive hertitle as a Montessori Guide for ages 3 to 6 years international by Centro de Enseñanza Montessori (CEM) which is under the AmericanMontessori Society (AMS) organization.
Her interest in the Montessori method was born during professional internships in college and from that moment on she applied it in her classes and therapies with children from 3 to 6 years old. She continued to learn the method over the years until she had the opportunity to study international certification as aMontessori guide.
Ms. Mili and her husband have two dogs, Sol and Luna. She likes hiking, painting with watercolor, and cross stitch. She really enjoys decorating, loves traveling and getting to know new places and cultures.
Iran Pesqueira Yon was born in Casa Grande, Arizona. At age 11 she moved to Mexico where she finished her education.
Iran pursued higher education at the Universidad of Sonora, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. During her university years, she undertook internships at various elementary and preschool institutions. where she did projects focused on promoting self higiene and addressing reading and language disorders. Iran has deep interest in child psychology and Montessori education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, traveling and learning how to play tennis.
Danielle Mead grew up in Snohomish, Washington, and recently moved to Tucson, Arizona, with her partner and their beloved cat, Goose. She is thrilled to begin this new chapter and become a part of the Mis Manos Montessori community.
Since beginning her career in early childhood education in 2017, Danielle has been dedicated to fostering children’s growth, independence, and lifelong love of learning. She holds a Washington State Early Childhood Education (ECE) Initial Certificate and earned her Montessori Primary certification (ages 3–6) through the North American Montessori Center (NAMC).
In addition, she has completed coursework in Lower Elementary Montessori education (ages 6–9) through NAMC. As a lifelong learner, Danielle is committed to continuous professional development and continually seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills. She believes that ongoing education enables her to better support the children, families, and communities she serves.
Outside the classroom, Danielle enjoys spending time in nature, reading, crafting, and discovering everything Arizona has to offer. She is excited to build meaningful connections with students and families while contributing to the nurturing, supportive environment that makes Mis Manos Montessori so special.
In 2021, fueled by a vision to create a deeply nurturing and authentic learning community, Mrs. Sunanda took a pivotal step in her career by founding her own Montessori school. Today, she proudly balances the roles of school founder and active classroom teacher, remaining grounded in the daily joy of education.
For Mrs. Sunanda, teaching is far more than a profession—it is a calling. There is nothing she finds more rewarding than being an active part of a child’s unique learning journey and witnessing the profound moments of growth, curiosity, and independence that define the Montessori experience.
Annalis joined the staff at Mis Manos Montessori School in 2017. AnnaLis was born on the East Coast but grew up in Sebastopol, California. She earned a degree in visual anthropology with a minor in environmental science, at Mills College in Oakland, California. She has a strong interest in natural sciences, hiking, arts and culture which she loves to integrate into her work with children.
As a child, AnnaLis attended a small private school that integrated Montessori with a nature emphasis. She has attended many Montessori continuing education programs over the years to support her work as an assistant in the Hummingbird classroom, and strongly believes in child-led education and the value of fostering independence in children.
Hello! My name is Lourdes Preciado, and I was born and raised in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. I’ve been proud to call Tucson, Arizona my home for the past 15 years.
I’m a proud mom of two wonderful children, Alexa and Armando, and a dog mom to three adorable pugs. I absolutely love the color pink and enjoy being surrounded by plants—especially tulips, my favorite flower. My day never starts without a cup of matcha or coffee! In my free time, I love spending time with my family and going for drives. When it comes to shopping, you’ll most likely find me at Target, Walmart, or Hobby Lobby.
I joined Mis Manos in 2024 as an assistant for Ms. Annalis in the Hummingbird class. I truly enjoy working with children and learning about the Maria Montessori philosophy. This year marks my first year as the Toddler Guide for the Verdin class, and I’m very excited for this new chapter.
I hold a Licenciatura in International Trade (Comercio Internacional) from CESUES in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.
Andrea has spent the past ten years working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and she genuinely thrives in the company of children of all ages. She has experience in the Montessori approach, which has helped her foster independence, curiosity, and a love of learning in young children. Her commitment to professional growth is evident in her ongoing participation in training courses and workshops focused on infant care and health.
Passionate about nurturing young minds, Andrea approaches her role with deep dedication and care. Her gentle, loving nature naturally draws children to her, and families consistently express their appreciation for the warm, attentive environment she provides.
Originally from Peru, Andrea moved to Tucson 22 years ago with her American husband, who had spent many years working in Peru. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, bringing a valuable bilingual skill set to her work. Andrea is also an avid dog lover, proudly caring for her three pups. Like many Peruvians, she enjoys cooking and embraces a healthy lifestyle centered around nutritious eating and regular exercise. She has a deep love for travel and is always eager to explore new cultures and traditions.
Dora joined Mis Manos Montessori School in 2018 and subsequently completed a Montessori Fundamentals certificate through The Center for Guided Montessori Studies in Tampa, Florida. Dora is from Sonora, Mexico and attended the Universidad del Noroeste where she earned a degree in graphic design. She met her husband in Sonora, who is from California. They married and eventually moved to Tucson with their children. They have been happily married for many years and have three children, Max, Anna Sophia, and Mia.
Dora learned about Montessori when she was a student working toward her graphic design degree in Mexico. She was asked to design packaging for Montessori materials. In order to do this she researched the product, and became curious about the simple, beautiful classic materials such as the iconic Pink Tower. In later years, she was invited to work as an after school care member of the staff at Mis Manos Montessori School. She has worked as an assistant in the Toddler Bluebird classroom and now works as assistant in the Primary classrooms.
Dora and her husband work together restoring and selling furniture. She is an artist and loves to paint, enjoys gardening, and spending time with her friends.
