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.
Glory Perez – Montessori Curriculum Directress
I am Ms. Glory, Montessori Curriculum Directress at Bexley Montessori School.
I am a compassionate and dedicated person, who has spent my entire life cultivating a deep understanding of human development and education. With a diverse educational background and extensive experience, I have seamlessly combined my academic experience with my roles as a loving mother and grandmother.
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, from an early age I had a great inclination and passion for understanding and helping others. This passion led me to obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work, with a concentration in Children and Adolescents, laying the foundation for a career focused on compassion, empathy, and community engagement.
In 2015 I moved with my entire family to Tampa, where I was presented with the opportunity to work as a Montessori Teacher Assistant at our sister school WC Montessori School. Place where I was given the opportunity to be a Montessori Lead Teacher, a position I held for 8 years. Driven by an unwavering commitment to enhance my knowledge, I completed a master’s degree in child and Adolescent Psychology. This advanced degree provided me with a deep understanding of the intricate nuances of child and adolescent development and empowered me to positively impact the lives of children.
Recognizing the importance of early childhood education, further expand your educational repertoire by earning a master’s degree in Montessori Pedagogy. And my most recent achievement was by obtaining my director credentials. This unique combination of academic qualifications offered me a comprehensive understanding of both traditional psychological approaches and progressive educational methodologies.
In 2022, I was offered the opportunity to be the Montessori Advisor for Bexley Montessori, an offer that I took as a professional challenge. With extensive experience in various educational settings, she assumed the role of lead teacher in the Young Children’s classroom. This process has helped me hone my skills and acquire great professional experiences. Through years of academic search and practical application, they positioned me as a trusted Montessori advisor, contributing significantly to the development and implementation of effective teaching methodologies.
Beyond my professional accomplishments, something I am immensely proud of is my role as a mother, wife, and grandmother. The values of compassion, empathy, and education that define my professional life extend perfectly to my role within my family. By balancing the demands of a thriving career and a fulfilling family life, I have exemplified the importance of holistic development.
Throughout my career and personal life, I am pleased to have left an indelible mark on the lives I have touched. My commitment to understanding human behavior, along with my background in child psychology and Montessori education, has made me a respected figure in both academic and family circles. Today I continue to inspire others, nurture young minds, and foster a love of learning.
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.
Melisa Moreno
My name is Melisa Moreno, and I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. After completing one year in Criminal Justice, I relocated to Tampa in 2018. I began my career path as an assistant teacher at Wesley Chapel Montessori School. One year later, I was offered the position of lead teacher. It was then that I discovered my passion for teaching and working with children. I am a certified Childhood Professional (CCP) and have been working in Montessori environments for four years. I am currently the PP1 Lead Teacher at The Bexley Montessori School. I am grateful for this opportunity to work in such an amazing school and I strive to uphold the Montessori philosophy while instilling valuable principles and values in my students. Additionally, I have recently completed my Director Credential in order to continue growing in my professional career. Apart from my work, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, going to the beach, and socializing with friends.
Taïna Duplan
My name is Ms. Taïna. I am currently a Lead Teacher at Montessori School. I am from the Island of Haiti. I am also a wife, mother of 2 and grandmother of 7- and 4-year-old handsome boys. I like having family time, cooking, dancing, and crafting. I moved to Florida originally from New York.
I have a Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Science and Psychology. In 2007 I started teaching Second Grade students and managing an after school program. During the past 10 years I have gained experience working in early childhood education as a Preschool and VPK teacher.
I am very happy to be a part of the Montessori family and it is a pleasure to help the children succeed with fun learning activities.
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.
Jazmin Carmona
My name is Jazmín Marcano and I am the lead teacher of the Nido salon. I am a Venezuelan national but I have been living in the U.S. for 6 years. I have a degree in Learning Difficulties, a degree I obtained at the National Open University in Venezuela. I also have an RBT in Behavior Analysis Certification for Registered Behavior Technician. I also own my CDA. Among my work experiences in this country I have worked as a teacher’s assistant in Miami and after moved to Tampa in 2023 began work as a teacher at BMS. The experience in this new environment has awakened a great interest in the Montessori Philosophy, which is why I am currently taking courses leading to being a trained Montessori teacher.
A little about me, I am of Venezuelan nationality, wife, mother of 3 and grandmother.
I consider myself a vocational teacher because I love my profession. I have worked in the educational sector for 24 years, of which 5 have been in Early Childhood Education.
Martha Castro
My name is Ms. Martha. I am from Venezuela. I am married and have four boys, and I have eleven grandchildren. I graduated with a law degree in Venezuela. I have over 6 years’ experience working with children. I am incredibly happy to be a part of The Bexley Montessori Montessori School.
Sandra Tovar
My name is Sandra Tovar, I am from Colombia, I have lived in the United States for 7 years, married with a daughter.
I really enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and reading.
I currently work at Bexley Montessori. It has been a wonderful experience to be able to work with the children and watch them grow every day. It is very exciting to see their daily progress in independence and especially the love they give me daily with their selfless hugs. It’s the coolest part of my job.
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.
Feda Aloqdeh
My name is Feda. I’m from Jordan. I am married and I have two boys. I graduated from Alzaytoonah University with a BA in math. I began working at The Bexley Montessori School in 2022 as assistant teacher. I have 2 years’ experience in Early Childhood Education. I am very happy to be part of this great team.
I love children, listening to music, traveling, and spending time with my family.
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.
Judy Carmona
My name is Judy Carmona, I am from Colombia, living in United States for 10 years, married with three children.
I enjoy family time, good food and traveling. Currently working at Bexley Montessori and enjoying the time seeing the kids growing.