Our Team
Our Teachers
All of our lead teachers are American Montessori Society (AMS) certified.
Catherine Zeno
Founder and Lead Teacher
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
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 Office
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.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Our Assistants
Teresa | Jacaranda Teacher Assistant and Aftercare Lead
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.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Lesley | Teacher Assistant and Aftercare Staff
My name is Lesley Aguilar and I grew up here in Highland Park. I graduated from CalState LA in 2020 with a Bachelors degree in Child Development. I started my journey working with infant and toddlers in 2019 but officially transitioned into the preschool world in 2023! During my free time, I enjoy watching movies and spending time with my family.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Emily | Teacher Assistant and Aftercare Staff
Emily has worked with children in multiple settings, including one on one, teaching English abroad, and facilitating science camps. Emily taught ESOL to fifth grade students in Italy during her study abroad program. At the Museum of Nuclear Science and History, Emily assisted in creating curriculum and leading seasonal camps and field trips. She loves to incorporate art as well as her hobby of entomology into teaching. Emily has worked with children of varying ages, but especially enjoys working with preschool-age children.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Brianna | Magnolia Teacher Assistant and Aftercare Staff
Brianna has her B.A in Early Childhood Development from CalState 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.
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Kimberly | Teacher Assistant and Aftercare Staff
My name is Kimberly Dominguez. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. I have a B.A. in Sociology from Cal State LA. As an older sister, I have helped care for my young brother for many years and developed a passion for child development. Since 2016, I have looked after other young children of various ages at a Boys and Girls Club, a Department of Parks and Recreation Center and other childcare centers. My goal is to help children grow in the manner that meets their particular needs and respects their individuality.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Our Substitutes
Olivia
Olivia has a diverse background of experience in nutrition, the service industry, and creative writing. She enjoys working with children because their curiosity about the world provides a fresh, invigorating perspective. Olivia spends her time outside of the school doing yoga, reading and writing, and cooking for loved ones.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
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!
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