Our Team
Lead Teachers
All of our lead teachers are American Montessori Society (AMS) certified.
Isabel
Layton
Founder and Lead Teacher
Isabel started her journey as an educator teaching experimental stop motion animation to grade school children in community programs. She now brings her background in technology and art into her own classroom, using computers and machines as a tool for learning and creativity. After five years of teaching instruction in classrooms, she transitioned into a Montessori Early Childhood Development school in 2018 and was certified as an American Montessori Society teacher in 2019.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Nina
Wu
Founder and Lead Teacher
Nina started out as an educator through teaching English abroad in Japan for two years. She then transitioned into Montessori Early Childhood education in 2008, and has been working in the Montessori classroom as a certified teacher ever since. Nina loves incorporating life science and science experiments into the classroom. In the past, she’s incorporated projects such as hatching chicken and duck eggs, hatching praying mantis eggs and the like.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Karen
Herrera
Founder and Lead Teacher
Karen has been working in education since 2011. She started her journey as an educator by tutoring a diverse group of learners in grades K-12. When she discovered her love for Montessori, Karen transitioned into teaching at a Montessori school in 2017 as a Spanish teacher and is currently working as a certified American Montessori Society teacher. Karen loves to incorporate thematic units into her lessons, following a child’s particular interests and needs. She is also a proponent of incorporating mindful and physical movement.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Our Administration
Catherine Zeno
Founder and Academic Director
Catherine has been teaching in Montessori Early Childhood classrooms since 2007. She received her certification from American Montessori Society in 2009 and holds a Masters in Child Development from CalState LA. Although there are countless aspects of working with children that Catherine holds dear, she especially loves exploring the wonders of nature with them and cultivating a true sense of community and belonging in the classroom.
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Sarah Platt
Founder and Creative Director
Sarah is both a Montessori graduate herself and parent to a recent Montessori graduate. She jumped at the chance to support this contingent of teachers in creating an equitable, compassionate, and culturally curious environment for Montessori learning. Beyond her work in film and television, Sarah oversees administration at Blossom.
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Our Assistants
Hello! I’m Teresa Vasquez, born and raised in Los Angeles. I love the work that I do at Blossom - and I'm continuing my educational journey by majoring in Child Development. Previously, I’ve worked at after-school programs (PUSD and LAUSD), keeping children safe and getting creative with engaging activities. When I’m not at Blossom - I enjoy spending time at home with my family and working on DIY home projects.
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Teresa | Jacaranda Lead Assistant
Sadie began her journey into education in 2015 through teaching private music lessons to elementary aged children, as well as performing at kids birthday parties and group classes. She holds a passion for cultivating creativity, imaginative/dramatic play, and a sense of self. She discovered her love of Montessori in 2021 while being part of a Montessori summer program, and jumped at the opportunity to join the Blossom community and continue her learnings with the support of all of the lovely founders.
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Sadie | Magnolia Lead Assistant
Jennifer | Jacaranda Assistant and Aftercare Lead
Jennifer has dedicated over 15 years to working with children, supporting and guiding youth from toddlers through teenagers. Jennifer’s passion lies in crafts and creative learning. She believes hands-on and imaginative experiences help children express themselves. In addition to her extensive experience working directly with youth, Jennifer currently serves as a Camp Director with the City of Glendale, where she leads programs, mentors staff, and ensures meaningful, enriching experiences for every child in her care.
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Rosalva | Teacher Assistant and Aftercare Staff
Rosalva is an experienced early childhood educator with more than 29 years of experience working with children from toddlers through preschool age. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science and an Associate’s degree in Child Development. Rosalva has served as a Lead Teacher, classroom teacher, and substitute across several programs, including Pacific Oaks Children’s School, LAUSD, and Glendale Unified School District. She is passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences and supporting children’s development in a safe, nurturing environment.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Lezzie | Teacher Assistant and Aftercare Staff
Hello I’m Lezzie, I started my journey working with children about 3 years ago. I first started out as a field student at the PCC Child Development Center and then later on got promoted as a primary teacher working with 2 year olds. Now I’m at Blossom while still continuing my educational journey at PCC majoring in Early Childhood Education. On my free time I like cooking; spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature such on walks, hikes or gardening and I love live music and concerts.
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Grace | Magnolia Assistant and Aftercare Staff
Grace first began working with children as an assistant summer camp counselor. She later transitioned to working at a daycare while pursuing her undergraduate degree. Grace is especially interested in reading and language, and loves watching her students succeed in those areas. She appreciates Blossom’s Montessori approach to education and aims to give children the opportunity to express themselves freely and independently.
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Brianna | Teacher Assistant and Aftercare Staff
Brianna recieved her B.A in Early Childhood Development in the spring of 2024 from Cal State Northridge. She has experience working in the Planetarium at Glendale Community College and hopes to share her love for science and space in the classroom. With years of practice looking after young children, Brianna looks forward to learning more about early childhood education in a Montessori setting. She just welcomed a sweet baby boy (and future Blossom student) into her home in August 2025 and is looking forward to joining our Primary classrooms again
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Our Substitutes
Juliana
Juliana began her journey in education in 2012 when she returned to Cerritos College, the place where her passion for teaching first took root. She started her career at the college’s Child Development Center in 2016, where she discovered her love for working with children. Driven by a commitment to lifelong learning, Juliana earned her B.S. and M.A. in Child Development, and she is on track to complete her Ed.D. by May 2027.
Juliana is inspired by the Montessori philosophy, particularly the emphasis on fostering autonomy in children from an early age. She believes that every child is born with the capacity for free choice, and that teachers play a crucial role in guiding children to become self-reliant and reach their fullest potential. At Blossom Montessori, Juliana is dedicated to nurturing both students and fellow educators as they grow into the next generation of confident leaders.
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Maria has worked with children since 2012, primarily focusing on in-home care as a nanny for newborns, toddlers, and children, as well as facilitating learning pods for the children in her care. Maria has worked with families across the city to bring early childhood educational techniques into the home, including Montessori teachings and methods. Maria also has an educational background in Political Science and Law, and is an avid reader and history buff. In her spare time, she loves gardening, taking long walks with her three dogs, and working on her children’s stories and illustrations.
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Maria
Valeria is originally from Argentina and has been living in the US for five years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2019 and completed her Montessori Primary credentials in 2024. She is currently studying to obtain her Infant and Toddler Montessori credentials. With over eight years of experience working with young children, Valeria is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, seen, and supported as they grow. In her free time she enjoys baking and cooking, photography and traveling to new places!
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Valeria
You might see some adults working at the school that are not employed by Blossom Montessori. Everyone on Blossom’s campus has been cleared to be there! In addition to our staff listed, some of our students have private therapists and aides joining them in the classroom. We also work with an agency that provides extra staff when needed. If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask anyone on our team listed above!