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"The secret of good teaching is to regard the child’s intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination." — 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." – Maria Montessori

Our extraordinary staff members are selected for their commitment to the authentic application of Montessori educational philosophy, as well as their education, talent and broad range of life experiences.  We are proud to introduce our community of well-qualified and inspirational staff members.

AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) was formed by Dr. Maria Montessori, in 1929, to preserve the integrity of the method. It is the oldest recognized authority on Montessori education worldwide.  Therefore, every classroom is staffed with an AMI lead teacher, as well as at least on Spanish speaking teacher & assistant.

Mercedes L. Barrenechea - Owner and Site Director

Mercedes is a native of Lima, Peru and came to the United States at a young age to pursue her dreams of working with children and owning her very own preschool. Mercedes began this process by getting enrolled into college and studying Childhood Development. After being exposed to various Montessori method’s of teaching, her interest in Montessori became immediate. Soon after, Mercedes obtained her Montessori credentials at Association Montessori International..

Mercedes strongly believes that a superb educational upbringing during a child’s early years is extremely beneficial to both the children and their parents. With extensive experience and knowledge, she is able to create effective teaching strategies that are implemented into the preschool curriculum to meet every students needs. She also supports her staff by implementing their ideas to our education programs..

Mercedes has the ability to create a happy, caring, and stimulating learning environment that is very family like. She has an enthusiastic way about her that allows for wonderful relationships with all of the students at Little Einstein’s Montessori Preschool.

People close to Mercedes characterize her as energetic, resourceful, honest , responsible, enthusiastic, and deeply committed. With her free time, Mercedes loves to spend time with her family, workout at the gym, read, live a healthy lifestyle, and enjoy the outdoors by hiking local trails.

Sibel Debruyn - Lead Teacher - Blue Classroom

Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, Sibel studied at Istanbul Technical University and obtained her BS degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering. Sibel’s interest in teaching started while in high school, when she began tutoring fellow students in mathematics and physics.

After moving to the United States, Sibel began teaching as a Substitute Teacher and also worked with special needs children. During this time, Sibel developed a great interest in the teaching methods that she was learning while working with children with special needs. Learning new teaching techniques later inspired Sibel to pursue her interest in Childhood Development and began studying Montessori at Association Montessori International. At AMI, she obtained her internationally recognized Montessori Teacher credentials.

Sibel considers implementing the Montessori Method of teaching to be the highlight of her now 16 year career in teaching different disciplines. The Montessori Method had deepened her interest in the learning capacity of young children.

Since obtaining her Montessori credentials, Sibel has worked at various Montessori preschools and also has experience working as a Site Director. Sibel takes great pride in sharing her perspective about Montessori early childhood education.

Mercedes L. Barrenechea - Lead Teacher

Mercedes has been working with children for over 25 years and has a deep understanding of children and their needs. Her skills and mindset are an important asset to Little Einstein’s Montessori Preschool. Over the years, Mercedes has worked as a tutor, care giver, and assistant.

Mercedes took Childhood Education classes at San Jose City College and dedicates herself to working with children on a daily basis. Mercedes assists our Lead Teachers with various tasks throughout the day where needed.