Contact us: (505) 582-3898
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2025-2026 School Year with Aftercare:
M-F 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Instructional hours 8 am - 2:30 pm
Ms. Caitlin
Director
(she/her) After pursuing my BS in psychology at the University of New Mexico, I have been passionately curious about education. I’m particularly interested in the inner workings of the early childhood experience, such as developmental milestones and effective educational techniques. I have my Montessori Credential and am completing my Child Development Certification at CNM.
I now have 10 years of first-hand experience in how students learn best, including how to organize the classroom, and the ways in which school support structures are crucial for each child’s educational success. I have served as a support staff, a lead teacher, an assistant director, and acting director at two different preschools. I joined SMMS in 2022 and accepted the director position in 2023. I love how the Montessori environments imbed the respect for the child & self and the environment into the routine. These are foundational corner stone to a peaceful journey through life! At St. Mark’s Montessori School, I look forward to continuing good working relationships with the staff, students, and families here.
I will focus on my responsibilities as director with care, intention, and understanding. I want to lay a foundation where our students can blossom and feel at home in their learning environment.
“Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence.” - Maria Montessori
I enjoy serving the growing community of St. Mark’s Montessori School and leading the school into new chapters of student achievement. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and fossil hunting with my husband and pampering my bunny.
OUR STAFF
ADMINISTRATION
Ms. Rocio
Operations Manager
(she/her) Ms. Rocio has been working in childcare centers since 2019. She has learned from children while also teaching/guiding them. She loves watching children grow through different stages and celebrating milestones. She has her Child Development Certification and Early Childhood Program Administration Certification. Ms. Rocio's personal goals for the future and for life are to cultivate gratitude and positivity with the people around her. She enjoys going to walks with her husband and kids. She also like to spend time alone watching movies and cooking.
Ms. Jenny
Admin Assistant & Aftercare Guide
(she/her) Ms. Jenny is an Albuquerque native but spent time living in Colorado, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. She has over 15 years of experience in childcare and early education, and is also experienced in office administration. She enjoys guiding young children in learning about themselves and their environment. It is incredible to watch them grow and gain confidence. She is attending CNM to obtain her degree in early childhood education with a concentration in program administration. In her free time, she loves to garden, do puzzles, explore new restaurants and spend time with family.
PRIMARY PROGRAM
Teacher Sofia
Primary 1 Summer Guide
Sofia (she/they) grew up in Gallup, New Mexico, and is excited to be back in the Land of Enchantment. She began working with youth four years ago in outdoor therapeutic settings in southern Utah, where she learned the importance of meeting children where they are and supporting their growth in meaningful ways. While working for a nonprofit in West Virginia, she discovered her love for teaching through hands-on learning rooted in real-life skills. After returning to New Mexico, she felt called to continue the fulfilling work of child development. She connects strongly with Montessori values and is passionate about helping children build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. She is very excited to work with the students of SMMS and be part of this community.
Ms. Olivia
Primary 1 Summer Assistant
(She/ her) Olivia is an Albuquerque native and is pursuing her bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with a minor in psychology. She has over 3 years of experience working in an early childhood education setting working with a behavior technician where she grew her passion for working with and advocating for children. She has a deep appreciation for the Montessori method of teaching and the unique experience it provides for learning. In her free time she likes to paint, read, and go hiking with family and friends.
Ms. Santana
Primary 2 Summer Lead
(she/her) Ms. Santana is originally from Las Vegas, New Mexico and has made Albuquerque her new home. She has more than three years of experience in early childhood education including working in Montessori environments where she developed a deep appreciation for child—led learning and independence. She has completed her 45-hour course in Early Childhood Education and is excited to continue learning and growing by working towards her Montessori teaching license while at SMMS. Santana is dedicated to creating a warm, respectful, and nurturing classroom where every child feels valued, safe, and supported. She is passionate about supporting children as they grow, explore, and discover the world around them.
Ms. Abi
Primary 2 Summer Assistant
(she/her) Ms. Abi grew up in Los Lunas and has 5 years of experience as a private nanny. She enjoys taking herbalism and nutrition classes at UNM and is in training to receive her emotion code certification. She would like to work with families to educate and support them in their health and wellness goals. Ms. Abi is very excited to connect with the community at SMMS and to further develop her knowledge of the Montessori method.
TODDLER PROGRAM
Ms. Lena
Toddler 1 Summer Lead
(she/her) Ms. Lena is joining us as an Assistant in Toddler 1. She is currently pursuing her bachelor degree at UNM in business management with a minor in early childhood education. When not working, Ms. Lena is a full-time student and enjoys spending time with her family. She is looking forward to getting to know the children and families of SMMS!
Ms. Maddy
Toddler 1 Summer Assistant
Ms. Maddy was born and raised in Brookings, South Dakota (Go Jacks!). During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked as a private nanny until she moved to Las Cruces to attend New Mexico State University in 2021. After graduating with a Bachelors degree in Individualized Studies in 2025, Ms. Maddy moved to Albuquerque with one of her sorority sisters. She loves helping children develop and hit their milestones. In her free time, Ms. Maddy likes to crochet, watch reality tv with her friends, play on her iPad, and read. She is excited to keep learning every chance she gets, as well as getting to know the children and families of SMMS!
Ms. Libby
Toddler 1 Summer Assistant
Ms. Libby is originally from Los Alamos, New Mexico. She is studying at the University of New Mexico to get her BS in Psychology and hopes to one day be a Child Psychologist. Her experience comes from spending time teaching little ones how to swim. Ms. Libby loves to swim and paint and read in her free time. She’s excited to learn the Montessori method and meet everyone!
Ms. Melanie
Toddler 2 Summer Co-Lead
(she/her) Ms. Melanie is our Toddler 2 Lead Guide after completing her Montessori credential earlier this year. She brings not only a familiar face to the students and staff, but a long history of experience in a variety of childcare settings including as a nanny and with the St. Mark's church children's program. Ms. Melanie has found following the child in the Montessori environment and nurturing their enthusiasm for learning to be inspiring and enjoys the fresh perspective that each child brings to her world.
Ms. Melanie is a graduate of the Albuquerque Academy, earned a BA in International & Intercultural Studies from Pitzer College. She also has a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University. She brings with her the invaluable experience of motherhood as a proud mom of a teenaged daughter. Ms. Melanie enjoys jammin’ out to all kinds of music, attending concerts, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.
Ms. Liz
Toddler 2 Summer Co-Lead
(she/her) Ms. Liz is joining us as a Toddler 2 assistant after being a substitute with us and a summer camp teacher since 2024. She brings over 10 years of childcare experience and is currently continuing her education at CNM for her Child Development Certification. Ms. Liz grew up in northern New Mexico and her family lives nearby. She enjoys road trips, music, cultural events, and spending time with her family.
AFTERCARE PROGRAM
Ms. Maya M.
Aftercare Guide
(she/her) Ms. Maya grew up right here in Albuquerque. She loves the rich culture, delicious food, and gorgeous landscapes New Mexico offers. Maya is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Family and Child Studies at the University of New Mexico. She has experience working with kids as a camp counselor for the YMCA, interning at Hubert Humphery Elementary, volunteering at Eldorado High Pre-K, and as a babysitter. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family and friends, travel, enjoy the outdoors, and bake. Maya is excited to support your children's growth as they discover both themselves and the world around them. She is very excited and grateful to be part of the wonderful SMMS community!
CHAPEL LEADERS
Mother Sylvia
Associate Rector
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Sylvia Miller-Mutia (she/her) serves as part time assisting priest at St. Mark’s with a focus on outreach, evangelism, and family ministry. She has previously served as Rector of St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Albuquerque, NM (2015-2018), Assistant Rector at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, CA (2010-2015) and Pastoral Associate for Youth & Families at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Belvedere, CA (2002-2009). She is married to Donnel (grief counselor, couples coach, artist, best dad ever), and they have three awesome kids: Lucia, Johanna, and Alex.
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Sylvia holds a BFA in Ballet Performance from the University of Utah, an MA in Liturgy and the Arts from Pacific School of Religion, and Certificates of Anglican Studies and Theological Studies from Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, CA. As a priest, dancer, and mother of three, she is passionate about inviting people of all ages to join in seeking the divine through worship, prayer, and practice that is embodied, sacramental, participatory, and inter-generational. Creation, creativity, and connection with family and friends are the gifts by which God nourishes, stretches and sustains her. You can learn more about Sylvia and explore various resources she’s created to support your spiritual growth at www.mothersylvia.com.
Deacon David
Deacon
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
David (he/him) grew up in Hannibal, Missouri. He attended the University of Kansas and lived in Kansas City, New York City, and Santa Fe before settling in Albuquerque. He has worked as an architect, interior designer, writer, waiter, bartender, male nanny (“manny”), and a church musician.
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David was ordained as a Vocational Deacon in June of 2017 and is happy to serve at St. Mark’s – a parish filled with diverse and wonderful people. As a married gay man, David knows how organized religion has made many people feel unwelcome at church or unworthy of God’s love. It is David’s mission to spread the true message of the Gospel: – that God’s mercy and love are available to everyone – regardless of how they identify, where they have been, or what they have done. David finds it especially important to impart these principles to youth. Through his position as our Director of Christian Education, David works to make sure every young person knows they are a blessed child of God and loved for exactly who they are.
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Having needed help through difficult times, David knows what being a part of a loving, supportive, spiritual community has done for him. He wants everyone to understand they can have the same experience.