Our Team
On this page you will find familiar faces from our classrooms. We do try to keep this page up to date but it can sometimes take time for us to add new team members here. You might see some adults working at the school that are not employed by Blossom Montessori and not featured on this page. We want to assure you that everyone on Blossom’s campus has been cleared to be there! In addition to our amazing staff listed on this page, some of our students have private therapists and aides joining them in the classroom. We are also partnered with Quality Start Los Angeles and have our coaches coming through the space monthly. Denise Rockwell, of Rockwell Psychological Services, is an amazing community resource and you might occasionally see her on campus observing to help us tailor our program to the unique needs of every child who comes into our classroom. Lastly, yoga is provided weekly by Neely at Keep Shining Kids Yoga. If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask anyone on our team listed below!
Our Founders
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
Karen Herrera
Founder and Primary Lead Teacher
Isabel began her career 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 tools for learning and creativity. After five years of classroom instruction, she transitioned to a Montessori Early Childhood Development school in 2018. She earned her American Montessori Society certification in 2019 and is currently pursuing her Infant and Toddler certification through UC Irvine. She also holds a 200-hour yoga teacher training certification, with a special focus on social and emotional learning in classroom settings.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Isabel Layton
Founder and Pre-Primary 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
Nina Wu
Founder and Primary Lead Teacher
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.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Sarah Platt
Founder and Creative 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.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Catherine Zeno
Founder and Academic Director
Our Leads
Brianna
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 starting her certification for American Montessori Society for Infants and Toddlers at UC Irvine.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Pre-Primary 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.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Primary Assistant and Aftercare Lead
Jennifer
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. She has worked with families across Los Angeles to bring an array of early childhood educational techniques into the home, including Montessori teachings and methods. Maria holds a Bachelor’s degree from UCLA in Political Science, a Master’s from UCLA School of Law, and is currently pursuing her Associate’s degree in Child Development with the hopes of getting her American Montessori Society (AMS) credentials and Masters in Education in the future. She is focused on learning early educational theory, curriculum development, and child development and psychology to better serve the children in her care, their families, and the broader community.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Pre-Primary Lead Assistant
Maria
Alexa
Alexa started her career in education as a Montessori teacher for a toddler class in Seattle in 2024. She just moved back to sunny California to be closer to friends and family and is excitedly thriving in the new environment (a huge part of it being having the time of her life at Blossom!). Her absolute favorite part of teaching is doing crafts alongside the children and seeing how proud they are of their creations, but most of all - cultivating a space children feel safe, supported, and excited to go to. Outside of school, she continues her hobby of crafting as well as traveling, photography, thrifting, and cuddling with her cat Cleo.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Pre-Primary Lead Assistant
Our Assistants
Rosalva
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
Primary Assistant
Linda
Hi everyone! My name is Linda, and I’m so excited to be your teacher! A few fun things about me are that I love spending my free time hiking and exploring national parks. I also really enjoy spending time with my loved ones and making special memories together. One of my favorite things to do is try new restaurants and different food. I’m always excited to discover something new! I’m looking forward to getting to know each of you and having lots of fun learning together!
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Primary Assistant
Kevin
Kevin has been working in child care since 2019. Starting his career as a preschool teacher at the Child Development Center at Pasadena City College, Kevin transitioned to working as a School Age Teacher for Bright Horizons before joining Blossom. A lifelong Highland Park/Eagle Rock resident, Kevin grew up just one block away from Blossom's current location. His favorite part of being a teacher includes helping children become lifelong learners and caring members of the community.
Preferred Pronouns: he/him/his
Primary Assistant
Iliana
Iliana takes pride in helping young people truly shine while supporting their development. Her compassionate approach is centered on helping children become sharp thinkers, understand their emotions, and grow into kind, responsible individuals ready for anything life throws their way. She is dedicated to nurturing their full potential – their character and natural curiosity as early learners, who will ideally blossom into life long learners. Her journey started during her elementary school years, volunteering in the preschool classes and dreaming of becoming an educator just like her teachers, who she admired and was inspired by. At Mount Saint Mary's University, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and since has been applying her soft skills towards understanding that great learning unfolds when kids feel safe, respected, and connected. As a mother of four, she has carried over her work with children by volunteering across the Los Angeles, Garvey, and Alhambra school districts. She has played an important role with the PTA Board and has supported her children’s athletic teams as a team parent. She recharges by hiking, playing basketball, watching tennis, or getting creative with scrapbooking. Her absolute favorite pass time is spending quality time with her family. They're her rock, her biggest cheerleaders, and the source of all her energy.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Primary Assistant
Maddy
Madeline has over 15 years of experience working with children, beginning as a gymnastics instructor for children of all ages. She went on to study early childhood education and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science. She has also worked as a nanny and most recently as an Assistant Teacher in a sixth grade English classroom. Madeline loves building meaningful relationships with children and creating a warm, supportive environment where they can learn and grow.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Pre-Primary Assistant
Mia
Mia graduated from Scripps College in 2025 with a B.A. in Psychology. She has always enjoyed working with children and has experience as an ABA therapist, supporting children on the autism spectrum, as well as a volleyball coach. She loves seeing how creative children are and watching their personalities shine through in the way they play, explore, and interact with one another. Mia is excited to learn more about Montessori education and to grow as an educator as part of the Blossom community.
Outside of school, Mia loves going to the beach, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with her dog.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Pre-Primary Assistant
Edyn
Edyn began her journey in education in 2024 as an art teacher at PUSD elementary schools through the dA Center for the Arts. She holds a BA in Communications from the University of Puget Sound and is excited to continue her work with children as an Assistant Primary Teacher at Blossom. Edyn loves getting to know each child’s unique personality and helping them feel confident, creative, and supported. She believes children learn best through hands-on experiences, exploration, and play, and is passionate about creating a warm environment where children feel safe, curious, and excited to learn.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Primary Assistant
Vanessa
Vanessa began working with children since 2017 ever since volunteering as an assistant at her local church. She is currently in school getting her degree for Social and Behaviors then transferring to a university to study Liberal Arts. She started working for LAUSD in after school programs where she helped create fun activities for the kids. She enjoys being part of a nurturing environment that encourages children to learn, explore, and become more independent. Vanessa also has an education background in Computer Science. Outside of the classroom she loves traveling, coding websites on her spare time, trying new coffee/matcha spots, collecting cute decor pieces, and finding new books to read.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Primary Assistant
Our Substitutes
-
![A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a dark sweater, smiling indoors with colorful decorations and rainbow-themed background.]()
Grace
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.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
-
![A woman with long dark hair and bangs, smiling, against a colorful mural background.]()
Sadie
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.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
-
![Woman smiling, wearing a yellow shirt, with shoulder-length dark hair against a white background.]()
Neenah
I have been an early childhood substitute teacher for three years and love watching children flourish and grow. I enjoy creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
-
![Young woman with long wavy brown hair smiling, standing in front of a painted rainbow on a wall.]()
Nancy
Nancy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and brings over 10 years of teaching experience spanning TK through 12th grade. She has a special love for working with younger children supporting both their learning and their overall well being. Outside the classroom, Nancy enjoys hiking, traveling, eating sushi, and spending time with her family.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
-
![A woman with long wavy brown hair and a brown top, smiling in front of a painted wall with a rainbow design.]()
Angela
I graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development. I have experience working as an assistant teacher with Transitional Kindergarten students. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is getting to know each child as an individual and supporting their unique learning needs. I enjoy helping children build confidence, develop new skills, and reach their full potential during their early learning years.
In my spare time, I enjoy taking walks and listening to music, as well as reading and learning how to cook new recipes.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
