Contact us: (505) 582-3898
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2026-2027 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
(she/her) Ms. Jenny is returning as the administrative assistant and is excited to teaching science enrichment and aftercare this year as well. She has been at SMMS since July 2025 and has enjoyed getting to know the students and community over the last year. She has about 15 years of experience working with children of all ages in a variety of settings, as well as experience as an office manager, and business owner. She is currently pursuing her Child Development Certificate and Early Childhood Program Administration associate’s degree at CNM. She enjoys creating a positive environment for children to explore, while supporting their development and independence. She also values fostering relationships with each child that creates a sense of safety while at school. She looks forward to another great year with SMMS!
PRIMARY PROGRAM
Ms. Laura
Primary 1 Lead Guide
(she/her) Ms. Laura is a keystone of our St. Mark’s Montessori School family. She has been a Montessori teacher since 2008, both as a Lead Montessori Guide with St. Mark’s Montessori School since its inception in 2013 and as an Assistant Montessori Guide at St. Timothy’s Montessori School from 2008-2013. Ms. Laura obtained her MACTE /AMS Associate Early Childhood Credential in 2013. She was the Lead Guide in our Toddler Classroom for many years before moving to the position of Primary Lead Guide in 2019.
Ms. Laura has a special knack for creating a beautifully prepared Montessori classroom environment and is proudly providing an authentic Montessori experience to our Primary students. When you step into Ms. Laura’s classroom you will likely find a calm and peaceful energy. Her patience and caring nature with the children are remarkable and her students often report that she is quite “funny”.
Ms. Laura is the mother of four children and two grandchildren whom she travels to visit during her free time. Ms. Laura enjoys spending time with her dog Lilly, family and friends. Attending music concerts, shopping at Dollar Tree, and thrift stores.
Ms. Christi
Primary 1 Assistant Guide
(she/her) Ms. Christi is originally from Nebraska and recently returned to New Mexico after living in Maine, having previously called Santa Fe home for eight years. She lives in Albuquerque with her partner, their 2 ½ year old daughter, and their dog. They have loved exploring everything the city has to offer. As a family, they enjoy spending time outdoors, visiting local parks, hiking, camping, browsing the farmers market, and taking trips to the aquarium. Christi recently discovered a love for watercolor painting and enjoys finding time to be creative. She is passionate about working with young children and loves the way the Montessori philosophy encourages independence, curiosity, and confidence while providing a thoughtful, structured environment. She looks forward to pursuing her Montessori credentials and continuing to grow as an early childhood educator.
Ms. Kathia
Primary 2 Lead Guide
(she/her) Ms. Kathia is a mom of two children (ages 6 and 3 years old). She is bilingual in Spanish and English. She has been working at SMMS since 2023 and has achieved her Montessori credential. She loves to see how many different ways of learning children engage with and to see how well they care for their environment. She is attending CNM for her Child Development Certificate and is learning more beautiful ways to implement the Montessori method in our space. She likes to spend time with her children and family doing gardening and cleaning their home.
Ms. Raylynn
Primary 2 Assistant Guide
(she/her) Ms. Raylynn moved to New Mexico in 2023. She has a strong interest in teaching children how to be independent and learn and grow in their own way. She is looking to gain as much training as possible at SMMS. After Raylynn finishes her associates degree in Allied Health, she plans to attend UNM in hope to get into the BSN program to work in pediatrics. In her free time, Raylynn enjoys baking and hiking. She is excited to be part of the team at SMMS!
TODDLER PROGRAM
Ms. LeeAnna
Toddler 1 Lead Guide
(she/her) Ms. LeeAnna believes every child is a unique individual with a natural curiosity and a love of learning waiting to be nurtured. She finds great joy in creating a calm, caring environment where children feel safe, capable, and encouraged to grow in confidence, independence, and kindness.
She has had the privilege of teaching young children for the past 24 years. She graduated from the University of New Mexico and holds a New Mexico Teaching License in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 3). She is currently working toward her Montessori certification and is grateful to be part of the Toddler 1 community at St. Mark's Montessori School.
As a certified early childhood mentor teacher, she also enjoys supporting and encouraging new educators as they begin their teaching journeys. She believes that strong relationships, meaningful experiences, and respect for each child's unique path provide the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hiking, gardening, and being outdoors. She and her husband, Dave, cherish every opportunity to spend time with their two sons, their wives, and their precious grandchildren, Abby and Caleb, who bring so much joy to their lives.
Ms. Maddy
Toddler 1 Assistant Guide
(she/her) Ms. Maddy is excited to be part of the Toddler 1 community again this year! She was born and raised in Brookings, SD. Her love for working with children began through her experience as a private nanny during the pandemic. She later attended New Mexico State University where she earned a bachelor's degree in Individualized Studies before making Albuquerque her home. Ms. Maddy loves supporting children as they grow, reach milestones and discover their own abilities. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Maddy enjoys crocheting, reading and spending time with friends. She is excited to continue learning and building relationships with families as she supports our student's growth and development.
Ms. Lena
Toddler 1 Assistant Guide
(she/her) Ms. Lena is excited to return as an Assistant Guide in Toddler 1. She is currently entering her junior year at UNM studying Speech and Hearing Sciences with a goal of becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist. She has been part of the SMMS community for the past year and has experience working with children through St. Mark's and summer camp programs. She is passionate about creating a warm, joyful classroom, where children feel safe, supported and encouraged to grow in their independence. She loves watching children discover new skills and develop confidence and looks forward to another great year with SMMS!
Ms. Santana
Toddler 2 Lead Guide
(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. Ms. 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. Melanie
Toddler 2 Assistant Guide
(she/her) Ms. Melanie returning as a Toddler 2 Assistant Guide this year. She completed her Montessori certification in 2025. 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 Assistant Guide
(she/her) Ms. Liz is joining us as a Toddler 2 assistant again this year. She has been with SMMS 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.
SUPPORT STAFF & AFTERCARE
Teacher Sofia
Primary Floater
(she/they) Tr. Sofia 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. Devan
Toddler Floater
(she/her) Ms. Devan is excited to rejoin SMMS as a floater in our toddler classrooms this year. She grew up loving the outdoors, doing crafts and was a Girl Scout. She graduated from West Mesa High School and decided to go into childcare after graduation. She absolutely adores working with kids and giving them a safe and welcoming environment each day. Ms. Devan loves getting to watch children develop and reach their milestones, she finds it truly wonderful to be part of their growth.
Ms. Evia
Floater & Toddler Aftercare Guide
(she/her) Ms. Evia grew up in Albuquerque and attended a Montessori school herself. She is joining us as a Floater and Aftercare Assistant. Most recently she worked as a Library Assistant in the youth section at the Main Library where she ran the summer reading program for two years. For Ms. Evia, working with kids has been her passion since her own childhood, starting with the neighborhood summer camp –– Camp Smiley! –– she ran with her twin sister for two summers when she was 11 and 12 years old. She continued this passion in her studies at CNM where her coursework gave her eligibility for a certificate in early child development. She is excited to meet the SMMS community.
Ms. Maya
Primary 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. Ms. 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. Ms. 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 LEADERSHIP
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.