Lead Educator
Monica holds a Bachelor’s in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from the Pontifical Catholic University of Perú.
She brings a wealth of experience in early childhood education, bilingual instruction, and Montessori philosophy. Originally from Lima, Perú, Monica spent seven years teaching in International Baccalaureate schools, including Euroamerican College, Abraham Lincoln School, and Peruvian British School, where she supported children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. During these time, she also volunteered at the Ann Sullivan Center, supporting children with different abilities.
In 2012, Monica moved to North Carolina to teach in a dual language program in kindergarten with Johnston County Public Schools, and in 2014 she joined a Spanish immersion preschool in the Triangle, where she honed her expertise in early childhood development and bilingual education.
On 2020 she started her own program at home with a strong commitment to celebrating differences and ensuring Montessori education is accessible to all children. On 2022 she founded La Casita Montessori in Raleigh as a part time program and on 2025 Girasol Montessori a full time licensed Spanish Immersion Program in the same city.
Monica holds multiple professional credentials, including early childhood education certification from the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education, Level III Administration Certification, and North Carolina Early Educator Certification Level 12 for Early Childhood and School Age.
She is also trained in Montessori education, holding an AMI Orientation Certificate, and is completing her Primary AMS certification with The Center for Guided Montessori Studies and her Master’s Degree in Montessori Leadership through Sarasota University. She is additionally certified in Early Childhood Reading (AMS) and maintains current CPR training.
A dedicated member of the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Montessori Association of North Carolina, Monica is passionate about nurturing each child’s independence, curiosity, and love of learning. She values building strong partnerships with families and fostering culturally rich, inclusive classrooms where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Outside the classroom, Monica enjoys running and is a member of the North Carolina Road Runners Club, the New York Road Runners and is a student of the Theosophical Society of America, guided by principles of universal brotherhood, mindfulness, and holistic growth.
She believes her work has its own voice, embracing the connection between mind, body, and overall development a philosophy she brings into her teaching every day.