Ms. Ayanthi Ratnayake was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her first experience with Montessori came as a child. She attended the same school where her mother taught primary children. She remembers some of her favorite Montessori materials from childhood: the color boxes and dressing frames. In hindsight, she believes that her experience as a Montessori child has led her to be more flexible in thought and more accepting of others.

Ms. Ayanthi completed her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and worked at a Montessori school and a traditional preschool ever since graduating. She completed her Association Montessori International Diploma at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. In conjunction with her diploma, she earned a Master's Degree in Education with a specialization in Montessori from Loyola University Maryland. Ms. Ayanthi feels strongly that the Montessori approach provides a holistic approach towards learning. She loves that each day of working with young children brings new experiences and growth over time. She enjoys working with the staff to strive for academic rigor with their students.

Outside of teaching, Ms. Ayanthi enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures, trying new restaurants, listening to music, shopping, and last but not least, spending time with family and friends.

Ms. Jessica Galante, originally from Washington state, has relocated to Southern California to join our vibrant community. With over 15 years of business management experience, Ms. Jessica brings a diverse perspective to the school team. Her journey into Montessori education began at her family-owned school in Bothell, Washington, where she discovered her passion for fostering children's sense of ownership and deep understanding of their potential and a way to integrate her business experience into growing a thriving community.

Ms. Jessica holds a degree in Integrated Studies with an emphasis in business, complemented by her certification as a Montessori Assistant Teacher. She believes that Montessori education empowers children to reach for and achieve their full potential, providing them with the tools they need to thrive and adapt in an ever-changing world. One of the aspects Ms. Jessica cherishes most about her role is the daily interactions with her work environment. She finds joy in creating connections with parents and witnessing the growth of the community each day.

In her free time, Ms. Jessica enjoys spending time in nature, savoring a cup of tea, and practicing meditation. She is an explorer who finds inspiration in learning about new cultures and landscapes. Ms. Jessica shares her adventures with her English bulldog, Caavi, her husband and family.