Leadership & Talents
Kiani Richardson
Head of School & Owner
0-3 Montessori Credentialed NAMC
3-6 Montessori Credentialed MACTE
Staff DCF Credentialed
Director DCF Credentialed & VPK Endorsed
BA Math, Minor in Education
AMS Member
Ms. Kiani is married to Cody Richardson and mother of two boys, Andres and Diego. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Math with a minor in Education and is a member of the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society.
She started getting her experience teaching algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to middle, high school, and college students in 2007 until 2016, when she decided to open her school. During her college years, she researched the differences between the Montessori method and the traditional method of education. She has observed 10+ different Montessori environments and worked in different Montessori Schools. She is a trained 0-3 Montessori Teacher with North America Montessori Center, and 3-6 Montessori MACTE credentialed. Mrs. Kiani loves cooking with her children, reading, fishing, and spending time with her family. Her favorite children's book is "What Do You Do With an Idea" by Kobi Yamada.
She has proudly worked hard for the Navarre community to have the best authentic Montessori school, to change the womaking sure the families received an excellent Montessori experience.
contact: info@montessorinavarre.com
Ivia Santiago
Primary Lead Teacher
VPK Teacher
Assistant Director
0-3 AMS Montessori Certified Teacher
3-6 MACTE Montessori in process
Bilingual Teacher
BA in Elementary Education
Staff DCF Credentialed
AMS Member
Ms. Ivia Santiago is a mother of two boys, Edgardo 36, and Gary Ed 33. She is a passionate teacher who joined Navarre Montessori Academy in 2021. She has worked as an educator for twenty years, while 12 have been in Montessori. Her experiences include private, preschool, Montessori 0-3, and traditional public education in grades K-8th. Mrs. Ivia holds the AMS Montessori Credentials for 0-3 years old. She is currently in training for 3-6 with a MACTE-accredited institution. Her career as a Montessori teacher gives her the opportunity to change the world by working with today’s children. She desires to help children reach their potential and guide them toward meaningful growth. In her free time, she enjoys baking, cooking, and embroidery.
BA Psychology
Montessori Assistant Teacher Trained
Early Elementary Spanish Teacher
Mrs. Alyka Linares
Mrs. Alyka is married to Raymond Linares and dog mom of Pickles. She earned her Bachelors degree in psychology from California State University, Bakersfield, and she holds Montessori Assistant training certificate for primary,
Mrs. Alyka is assistant teacher for Primary and the Spanish teacher for Early Elementary. She is passionate about instilling a love of learning in her students. She believes our Montessori classroom provides the ideal environment for children to learn and grow, and she hopes to guide her students to become lifelong learners. In her free time, she enjoys reading and being with family and friends. Her favorite children book is I Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.
Toddler Lead Teacher
Bilingual Teacher
DCF 40 Hours
0-3 MACTE In-training Montessori Credential Teacher
Moraima Alvalle
Ms. Moraima is a mother of a girl, Marianne. Ms. Mora started working for Navarre Montessori Academy in August 2022 as an assistant and worked her way up and started training to become a lead teacher. Now, she is currently finishing her 0-3 Montessori training with a MACTE-accredited institution and lead teacher of one of the toddler classrooms.
Mrs. Mora is passionate about the Montessori philosophy of following the children, helping them work independently, allowing for the joy of learning, and fostering each child's natural wonder.
Her favorite children's book is Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise. Outside the classroom, she enjoys the beach and spending time with her daughter.
Mrs. Tina Laubach
Lead Toddler Teacher
0-3 AMS Montessori Credentialed Teacher
CGMS Teacher Trainer
Positive Discipline Certification
Mrs. Tina is married to Mike, a mother of three wonderful children, and a dog mom to Blake. Additionally, she is a grandma to two beautiful girls. Mrs. Tina was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Her college years were spent in a small city in Kansas not too far from her hometown, with an education focus on Mathematics and Humanities. After 15 + years in the dental industry as a practice manager, she decided to make a change. That change led her to Montessori Journey. It only took her one day as a substitute at her son's Montessori school to realize Montessori was what her heart longed for career-wise.
She has 13 years of experience in the Montessori toddler classroom and trains other teachers in CGMS. In her free time, she enjoys most things outdoors, such as camping, hiking, and kayaking. She loves reading, weaving, loom knitting, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. One of my favorite children's books is Sophie's Big Bed by Tina Burke
Ms. Maria Araujo
BA Accounting
MBA
Bookkeeper
Mrs. Maria Araujo holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting and a Master's in Business administration from the National Open University in Venezuela. Maria started with Navarre Montessori Academy in 2022. She believes Navarre Montessori Academy provides the ideal environment for children to learn and grow and loves what Navarre Montessori Academy offers. In her free time, Mrs. Maria enjoys jogging, cooking, and meeting new people.
Arelis Torres Ruiz
