Maria Chancay – Director
My name is Mrs. Maria Jose Chancay, former Assistant Director at Bexley Montessori. I was born in Ecuador where I majored in Accounting and Auditing at Laica Eloy Alfaro University of Manabi as well as receiving a licensed certification in Early Childhood at the Catholic University of Santiago of Guayaquil. I moved to the United States in 2014.
My journey in education began with a strong belief in the transformative power of early learning. I’m with BMS since 2021 and have my Child Development Associate and Director Credential from Pasco Hernando College.
I have been married 8 years and have a beautiful son who is 6years old. My family is very important to me, and I am thankful to have their support to work towards my professional goals here at Bexley.
My goal is to impart daily the Montessori philosophy to our staff, children, and families. By creating an environment that is independent and respectful while allowing a joyful atmosphere for learning and fostering each individual for the community and world.
My hobbies are spending time with my family, going to the beach, dining out, and traveling out of the country.
My vision at The Bexley Montessori is to understand the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, where each child is recognized as a unique individual with their own set of talents and capabilities. Bexley Montessori School is my home away from home and I feel fortunate to be part of such a wonderful team.
As the director, I’m not just shaping the minds of today but laying the foundation for a future filled adult with endless possibilities.
Larissa Alfaro
My name is Larissa Alfaro. I’m from Honduras and have lived in the United States for 19 years. I am married and a mom of two amazing boys. It is a privilege to be part of The Bexley Montessori School family as The Young Children 2 Lead Teacher. I have taught for six years and have my National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA). I am a Montessori train teacher.
As a Montessori teacher, I enjoy seeing the children gain skills to help them advance into their future. I enjoy teaching in all classroom areas, but the practical life area resonates with me, and I hope with the children, too. Every day, I give my best to teach with joy and patience, and I do everything to build trusted relationships with the kids and their families. My love for my students always motivates my actions towards kind solutions to problems and joyful learning experiences. My goal will always be that my students feel loved, safe, and free to learn.
I feel blessed with the love I receive from children… that is the best award I can receive. I try my best every day to fulfill the commission in this quote by Maria Montessori: “The greatest sign of success for a teacher…is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.”
In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing soccer with my sons and their friends, and spending time with my family.
Gina Gomez
My name is Gina Gomez and I am a dedicated Teacher’s Assistant at Bexley Montessori School. With a year of experience as a lead teacher in a Montessori program, I am able to bring knowledge to the class. I am currently in the process of earning my Child Development Associate certification, which further enhances my understanding of child development and effective teaching strategies.
I am a proud wife and mother of two wonderful children, ages 2 and 5. Family is incredibly important to me and I cherish every moment I spend with my loved ones. I find joy in creating memorable experiences and supporting the growth and development of my children.
Outside of work and family, I am an active contributor to my Baptist church, where I volunteer my time to help others and foster a sense of community. I believe in the importance of giving back and having a positive impact on the lives of those around me.
As a paraprofessional, I strive to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for my students. I am dedicated to assisting the lead teacher, providing individualized attention to each child and fostering their independence and love of learning. I am passionate about the Montessori approach and its ability to cultivate a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
With my experience, continuing education, and commitment to personal and professional growth, I am excited to continue making a difference in the lives of the young students at Bexley Montessori School.
Maria Cala
My name is Maria Cala. I am a Teacher’s assistant at Bexley Montessori School. I was born and raised in Cuba. I moved to the United States in 2006. I am the mother of one daughter, attending the University of Florida. One of my favorite things to do is spend time with my family.
I have a masters in Primary Education from Cuba. I have experience working in childcare since 1994. I have worked in various childcare careers, including teaching, babysitting, and teacher’s assistant. Teaching children has always been something that brings me happiness. I am currently working on the Montessori courses. Every day at Young Children 2, I will help the children gain skills and knowledge that will help them in the future.
I look forward to fostering a welcoming environment in the classroom to help students learn and grow. I am happy to be part of the Montessori team.
Maria Portillo
My name is Maria Portillo. I am from Venezuela, and I have a big boy. He is 28 and lives in Argentina Buenos Aires. I enjoy walk every day in the afternoon around my neighborhood and ride bike and I love my big family I have seven sisters and one brother, and I have fifteen nephews.
Background: I am a Lawyer in my country and now here in EEUU I am doing my child development certification. I hope I will have continuous training in Montessori to growth child development.
Favorites: Color: Blue. Food: Arepas. Hobbies: Dance, ride bike, Yoga and I love to go to the beach.
Melisa Cala
My name is Melisa Cala. I was born in Cuba I came here to the United States when I was 1 year and a half, I was raised in Tampa most of my life. I currently working on the Montessori courses. I enjoy spending time with all the children at Bexley Montessori School, I have always loved children from a young age and hope to spend many years with the children.
I enjoy spending time with my family, baking, and traveling.
Estrella Bullock
My name is Estrella Bullock, I am from Spain. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Madrid, Spain. I moved to the United States in 2013. In 2015 I started working at a public school in St. Louis (MO) as a Kindergarten Teacher’s assistant.
I started working at The Bexley Montessori School in March of 2022, I am Teacher Assistant and enjoy it very much.
Currently I am completing some Montessori Courses and my career in Early Childhood Education (CDA) as part of my continued education.
I love spending time with the children’s here and being a part of their growth.
My hobbies are spending time with my family going to the beach, visit new places and traveling to Spain each year to visit my family and friends.
I am very happy to be a part of The Bexley Montessori School.
Alie Garcia
My name is Alie García Paz. I am of Cuban nationality. I’m 25 years old. I graduated in medical health. I have currently been working as an assistant at Bexley Montessori since May 2023 where I really enjoy the Montessori method. It is really a beautiful experience to work with children and see the process in which they are developing their independence. I am also completing some Montessori courses as part of my education to continue improving. I would love to continue working on this beautiful job and grow professionally.