Administration

Monica N. LePort - Chief Operating Officer Since joining LePort Schools in 2000, Ms. LePort has been running the operations of all the campuses. Her duties include human resources, facility management, liaising with parents, and daily operations. With her supportive leadership style and commitment to excellence, Ms. LePort has helped LePort Schools become one of the leading educational institutions in Orange County. Ms. LePort's enthusiasm for education and life in general has created a safe and caring environment where parents are pleased with their children's learning and social development. This environment also makes for a satisfying workplace for our teachers, who are committed to both LePort Schools and the Montessori philosophy. E-Mail: MLePort@LePortSchools.com

Lucia Tompkins - Montessori Academic Director Mrs. Tompkins has been an integral part of the Montessori community in Orange County since 1972. She has first hand knowledge and experience in AMI school administration and classroom management. Mrs. Tompkins received her Montessori Primary Diploma from the Montessori Institute of Los Angles. After teaching for over 20 years, she operated her own Montessori school in Orange County. As the Montessori Academic Director, Mrs. Tompkins loves working with the skilled and experienced faculty of LePort Schools who are all committed to providing a Montessori education of the highest quality. E-Mail: LTompkins@LePortSchools.com

Alan Alsworth - Finance Administrator Mr. Alsworth has been with LePort Schools since 2000. He is responsible for payroll/accounting/billing and general financial operations. Mr. Alsworth studied Business Administration while attending North Country Community College. Prior to working at LePort Schools, he was in the medical billing field for 12 years. He then went on to pursue a career in law enforcement. He attended Syracuse University to study law enforcement for major crimes investigation, as well as other schools where he gained his credentials in criminal forensics. Originally from New York State, Mr. Alsworth moved to California in 1988. While in New York he was a major crime Investigator for over 20 years. Mr. Alsworth enjoys golf, auto racing, and going to the gym. E-Mail: AAlsworth@LePortSchools.com

Andy Robles - Administrative Support/Facilities Manager Mr. Robles holds a B.A. in Psychology from CSU San Bernardino and an M.B.A. from the University of Redlands. Mr. Robles is a California native. He enjoys being outdoors, playing sports, attending concerts, and spending time with his wife. Mr. Robles has been with LePort Schools since 2009. E-Mail: ARobles@LePortSchools.com

Gail Cosby – Director of Administrative Operations – Montessori Division Ms. Cosby has been an administrator with LePort Schools since 2007. Her responsibilities include supporting the Chief Operating Officer and Montessori Academic Director, as well as assisting families and staff at the San Marino campus. While her education and background is in business and accounting, she appreciates and admires the Montessori approach to educating children. After joining LePort, Ms. Cosby returned to school to obtain her ECE credentials at Vanguard University in Orange County, California. She also frequently attends Childhood Education and AMI conferences to further her own education. Ms. Cosby enjoys being with her family, hosting frequent gatherings for friends, dirt-bike riding, and spending weekends at the ranch riding horses. Ms. Cosby is the Director of Administrative Operations – Montessori Division.

Teachers - Mission Viejo

Stacy Blailock Mrs. Blailock began her teaching career in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she earned a B.S. in Elementary Education. Upon graduation she worked in a primary summer program for a Montessori school and was amazed with the individualized education that each child received, and the various materials that helped each child understand core lessons. It was these experiences that lead her to take her Montessori training through CMTE in Phoenix, Arizona to attain a 6-12 years old certificate and her M.A. Mrs. Blailock’s teaching experience since 1996 has ranged from primary through sixth grade. Mrs. Blailock is honored and excited to be a Head Lower Elementary Teacher at our Mission Viejo Campus. E-Mail: SBlailock@LePortSchools.com

Andrea Magistrado Ms. Magistrado earned her credentials from the Foundation for Montessori Education under the direction of Mrs. Renilde Montessori, the granddaughter of Dr. Maria Montessori. Ms. Magistrado received her AMI Primary Diploma in Toronto, Canada, and has been a Montessori educator since 1991. She has a B.S. and M.S. in Soil Chemistry from the University of the Philippines. Ms. Magistrado is a Head Primary Teacher at our Mission Viejo Campus. E-Mail: AMagistrado@LePortSchools.com

Minnie Hellberg Ms. Hellberg’s teaching experiences began after graduating with a B.A. in Psychology from Chapman University in 2002. Her first teaching assignment was with a Montessori school. Since then, she has taught children spanning in age from two to twelve, though she enjoys interacting with children ages six to nine most. Ms. Hellberg was so interested in the Montessori method that she took her AMS training for the Elementary I group (six to nine years old) in 2004 through the Montessori Western Teacher Training Program. Although her focus is on teaching the Montessori curriculum in elementary classrooms, she is also fond of teaching children of all ages extra-curriculars such as art, computers, and physical education. When outside of school, Ms. Hellberg enjoys educating herself and takes every opportunity to learn new things, especially about the natural world. She strives to offer her students an outstanding education. Ms. Hellberg is a Junior Teacher in the lower elementary classroom at our Mission Viejo Campus. E-Mail: MHellberg@LePortSchools.com

Teachers - Huntington Beach

Fatima Asghar Mrs. Asghar has been working in Montessori classrooms since 1989. She received her AMI Diploma in 1997 in Hydernbad, India, her hometown. After teaching at a Montessori School in College Station, TX for two years, she moved to California and joined our staff in 2000. Mrs. Asghar is a Head Primary Teacher at our Huntington Beach Campus.

Lisa Bonazza Ms. Bonazza has been an AMI elementary teacher since 1971. She feels privileged to have taken her elementary training under Mario Montessori in Bergamo, Italy and to have graduated with honors. Prior to those studies she majored in foreign languages at UC Irvine and UC Berkeley. She has taught children ages 6-12 in Seattle, San Francisco, and most recently in Orange County, California. She is a California CBEST teacher. Ms. Bonazza has Montessori graduates attending M.I.T., Stanford, USC, Purdue, UCLA, and many other prestigious schools, as well as those pursuing interests in music, fashion, and travel. Remarkably, many of these graduates continue to stay in touch with Ms. Bonazza. Ms. Bonazza is a Head Lower Elementary Teacher at our Huntington Beach Campus.

Vivian Lo Ms. Lo received her AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego. She also has a B.A. in Child and Family Studies from the California State University, Los Angeles. Ms. Lo enjoys seeing the children rapidly develop academically, while learning strong social skills, grace, and courtesy. Ms. Lo has been a Head Primary Teacher at our Huntington Beach Campus since 2001.

Caroline Perez Mrs. Perez received her AMI Diploma from the Montessori Institute of Los Angeles. She has been a Montessori teacher since 1993, and has been with LePort Schools since 2000. Mrs. Perez is a Head Primary Teacher at our Huntington Beach Campus.

Janet Chung Mrs. Chung has been an Assistant Teacher with the toddlers since May of 2006, became a Co-teacher in the toddler classroom in February of 2009, and is now a Head Pre-primary Teacher. Mrs. Chung received her training from the St. Nicholas Foundation, Malaysia under the British Montessori Center International in 2002. She enjoys learning and continues her own education in early childhood development. Mrs. Chung is a dedicated, responsible and enthusiastic Head Pre-primary Teacher at our Huntington Beach Campus.

Teachers - Irvine - Lake

Rosanne Fernando Mrs. Fernando received her AMI Primary Diploma from Good Shepherd Maria Montessori Training Center, Sri Lanka in 1996 and her AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma from the Montessori Institute Northwest, Oregon in 2007. She has been working since 1996 as a primary teacher in Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and San Mateo, California. After completing the Assistants to Infancy training course, she worked in a toddler classroom in Naples, Florida. Mrs. Fernando had the following to say about why she loves being a teacher: "Teaching is a rewarding career, as it gives me the opportunity to assist in the development of the children under my care. I take great pleasure in watching them grow to their full potential." In addition to teaching, she enjoys gardening, sewing, and being involved in sports such as table tennis, swimming, and hiking. Mrs. Fernando is a Head Primary Teacher at our Irvine Lake Campus.

Ruth Stephens Ms. Stephens, born in Erith, Kent, England, came to America in 1980. She received her A.A. in Early Childhood Education from State University of New York, Farmingdale, and her B.S. in Education from C.W. Post, Long Island University, New York. After four years in New York, Ms. Stephens moved to Southern California. She continued her education and earned her AMI Diploma from The Montessori Institute of Los Angeles in 1986. Ms. Stephens brings to her teaching a wealth of enthusiasm, experience and talent. She is committed to the Montessori method and continues to attend seminars, refresher courses, and lectures to deepen her understanding and appreciation of Maria Montessori’s approach to education. She has long been an active equestrian, and has a great interest in travel, the arts and nature. Since 1986 Ms. Stephens has been a teacher right here in Orange County, and has been a Head Primary Teacher at our Irvine Lake Campus since 2009.

Becci Rees Ms. Rees graduated with her AMI Primary Diploma in 2005 from the Montessori Training Institute, London, England. She received her B.A. Honors in Early Childhood Studies from Sheffield University, England. Prior to arriving in California, Ms. Rees worked in several childcare settings throughout England; she is particularly proud of her time spent working with children and parents in deprived communities as part of a British government initiative. Ms. Rees is dedicated to encouraging and enhancing each child's individual experiences, interests and explorations, and to guiding them through a path of knowledge, understanding and discoveries within the Montessori environment and the world.. Ms. Rees is a Head Primary Teacher at our Irvine Lake Campus.

Michelle Orsillo Ms. Orsillo is elated to have discovered the Montessori approach to education and is proud to be an AMI trained primary teacher. She was granted her AMI Primary Diploma in 2009 from the Montessori Institute of San Diego and is working towards completing an M.A. in Montessori Education through the Loyola College in Maryland. Prior to coming to the field of Montessori education, Ms. Orsillo earned her B.A. in Sociology from the California State University, Long Beach and worked as an administrative project specialist for the Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research at USC. Ms. Orsillo is a Head Primary Teacher at our Irvine Lake Campus.

Karyn Heckendorn Ms. Heckendorn received her B.A. with Honors in Travel and Tourism and a Minor in Ethnic Studies from St. Cloud State University, Minnesota. After receiving her B.A. she worked for two years as an Assistant Teacher at Highland Park Montessori School in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2009 she graduated with her AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. She will also receive her M.A. in Education, with emphasis in the Montessori Method, from Loyola College, Maryland in the winter of 2009. Montessori and its methods are very near and dear to her heart, for Ms. Heckendorn began her life journey as a Montessori child. Today she continues her involvement in Montessori education to assist young children during a very vital time in their lives. Ms. Heckendorn is a Head Primary Teacher at our Irvine Lake Campus.

Renee Koch Mrs. Koch has been a Montessori teacher since 1997 working in both primary and pre-primary classrooms. She received her Montessori certification through the Montessori Teacher Academy in Monarch Bay, California and her Infant Toddler training at UCI. Mrs. Koch also had the opportunity to develop an Infant/Toddler program for a local Montessori School. In addition to being Montessori trained, she is a certified parent instructor with the International Network of Children and Families and has conducted parenting workshops and training classes. Both of Mrs. Koch’s sons attended Montessori school through the 8th grade. Mrs. Koch spends her weekends with her family. She enjoys motorsports, especially drag racing, and long cruises on the back of her husband’s motorcycle. Mrs. Koch is a Head Pre-primary Teacher at our Irvine Lake Campus.

Teachers - Irvine - San Marino

Yvette Fernandes Originally from India, Ms. Fernandes received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Mumbai, India. She was introduced to the Montessori method by a friend and immediately knew she wanted to follow that approach. In 2003 Ms. Fernandes successfully completed her AMI Primary Teacher’s Training Program in Mumbai, India. Ms. Fernandes has been a teacher since 2003—having taught at Montessori schools in both India and New York before coming to LePort Schools. Mrs. Fernandes enjoys listening to various types of music, as well as playing and watching cricket, hockey, and tennis. In regards to her career in education, she said: "I love being with children and teaching them. I truly believe that each and every child deserves love, respect, and an education." Ms. Fernandes is a Head Primary Teacher at our Irvine San Marino Campus.

Brigitte Hart Ms. Hart earned her AMS Montessori Certification from the Dallas Montessori Training Center under Jim and Dina Paulik in 1994. Ms. Hart graduated with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from the Lutheran College, Freiburg, Germany in 1977. Ms. Hart taught and guided children ages 3-6 for 15 years in Plano, Texas before moving to Orange County in January 2007. Ms. Hart is a member of the American Montessori Society and attends the annual conferences and seminars. In her free time Ms. Hart enjoys outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, beach and water activities, and horseback riding. She also likes traveling to foreign countries, while exploring the history and culture of each place. Ms. Hart loves working with the children and their parents as a Head Primary Teacher at our Irvine San Marino Campus.

Jennifer Williams Ms. Williams was first introduced to Maria Montessori’s method in college while assisting an AMI teacher in a lower elementary classroom. Throughout her college career, Ms. Williams continued to work as an assistant at both the primary and elementary levels. Inspired and curious she decided to pursue her certification. Ms. Williams received her AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Education Center of Arizona in 1999. She also holds a B.S. in Speech and Language Pathology from Arizona State University. Ms. Williams possesses a deep admiration and appreciation for the Montessori Method, believing that it is very fulfilling to help children develop, acquire knowledge, and build character. Ms. Williams is a Head Primary Teacher at our Irvine San Marino Campus.

Shan Shan Fu Ms. Fu earned her AMI Primary Diploma in 2002 from the Montessori Institute of San Diego. Prior to this, she received a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from National Hsinchu Teachers College in Taiwan and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Before joining LePort Schools, Ms. Fu taught in the Department of Early Child Care and Education of Shu-Te University and in a primary class at a Montessori school in Fremont, California. Ms. Fu enjoys working with children and believes strongly in the Montessori method. Ms. Fu is a Head Primary Teacher at our Irvine San Marino Campus.

Amy Kwong Ms. Kwong discovered her love of working with children while helping out in a summer school program when she was in high school. She graduated from State University of New York at Stony Brook with a B.S. in Business Management and a Minor in Child and Family Studies. Afterwards, Ms. Kwong interned at a Montessori Child Care Center in Islandia, New York for three and a half years, moving quickly from an internship to an assistant teacher position and then to a head teacher position all while training at Denver, Colorado to become certified in AMI Assistance to Infancy. Soon after, she received her M.A. in Education with emphasis on the Montessori Method from Loyola College in Maryland. After moving to Southern California in 2003, Ms. Kwong continued to further her education and received her credentials for Elementary Education at California State University, Los Angeles. Ms. Kwong is a Head Pre-primary Teacher at our Irvine San Marino Campus.

Veronica Flores Ms. Flores was born and raised in Southern California. She has worked in the preschool setting since 1999. Ms. Flores has completed numerous early childhood education courses and continues to improve herself by participating in various courses and seminars. Ms. Flores has worked as a head toddler teacher, program specialist, and school site director. She is a dedicated teacher, who loves and respects the children. She is supportive of each child’s unique individuality, and delights in watching their independence and love of learning grow. Ms. Flores is a Head Pre-primary Teacher at our Irvine San Marino Campus.

Shailina Dhanini Ms. Dhanani is originally from India. She graduated from Mata Gujri Girls College RDV University with a B.A. in Finance. Her love of teaching first began in 2001, while doing some volunteer work in her community. She has also worked professionally for AKDN, which is presently the second largest NGO in the world, working towards the holistic development of humanity in various parts of the world. She finished her AMI Primary Montessori Training in 2006, from the Montessori Research and Training Centre in Hyderabad, India. She then went on to pursue Elementary Training certification and graduated in 2007 from the AMI Montessori Institute of Milwaukee, WI. After graduating she worked at a Montessori school in Texas as an elementary lead teacher. Ms. Dhanani was honored to be a part of the Montessori Model Program (2009) at the United Nations, where she motivated students and facilitated their active participation in the program. She moved to California in 2009 and is now a Head Lower Elementary Teacher at our Irvine San Marino campus.

Elizabeth Trojack Ms. Trojack received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California. As a child Ms. Trojack attended Highland Park Montessori School in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Upon graduating from college she returned there to work as an assistant teacher. After assisting in a Montessori classroom, Ms. Trojack decided to pursue her AMI certification at the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. She then went on to receive her M.A. in Education with a focus on Montessori from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. Ms. Trojack is excited to be working as a Head Primary Teacher at our Irvine San Marino campus where she can use her training and experience to inspire the children’s love of learning.

Christy Cook Originally from New Jersey, Christy Cook has spent the last 11 years traveling, studying and working in different areas of the United States and abroad. Mrs. Cook received her B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University. Mrs. Cook completed her AMI Montessori training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego and is completing her M.A. in Education at Loyola College, Maryland. Mrs. Cook has four years of experience working with autistic children, and has worked as an assistant in a Montessori classroom. She is delighted to be a Head Primary Teacher at our Irvine San Marino Campus, and to have the opportunity for her three year old daughter to attend a superb institution like LePort Schools that is devoted to the Montessori method.

Elizabeth Darst Mrs. Darst graduated in 1993 from Oregon State University with a B.S. in History, and she received her AMI Diploma from the Montessori Institute Northwest in 1995. She then taught at a Montessori school in Portland, OR for the next twelve years. Mrs. Darst grew up in Irvine and graduated form Irvine High School. She is very happy to be back in Irvine with her family and friends. Mrs. Darst is excited to be a Head Primary Teacher at our Irvine San Marino Campus.

Lynn Angeles – Irvine-San Marino Administrative Coordinator Mrs. Angeles has been working as an administrator at LePort Schools since 2003. She received her ECE teaching units, as well as her director certificate, from Laguna Technology School located in Pomona, California in 2006. Ms. Angeles’ attention to a well maintained school environment has been an asset to the daily operations of the school and the students. Her hobbies include, swimming, bike riding, and walking along the beach with her husband, children, and dog. Ms. Angeles is the Administrative Coordinator at out Irvine-San Marino Campus. E-Mail: LAngeles@LePortSchools.com

Teachers - Yorba Linda

Lorenia Flores Mrs. Flores earned her AMI Diploma in 1998 from the Montessori Teaching Institute in Mexico City. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University del Valle in Mexico City. Mrs. Flores has been a dedicated and compassionate teacher since 1998. She has a strong ability to individualize the curriculum to meet the needs of each student. Mrs. Flores has been a Head Primary Teacher at our Yorba Linda Campus since 2009.

Janine Miller – Yorba Linda Administrative Director Mrs. Miller has been a Montessori teacher since 1987. She attended the Montessori Institute of Los Angeles and the International Montessori Institute in Sage, California. In addition, Mrs. Miller completed her Montessori Infant Toddler training and administrative certificate at UCLA in 1993. Mrs. Miller began her teaching career in Manhattan Beach, California. She was given the opportunity to open a new Montessori School in Rancho Palos Verdes, California in 1993. Teaching has always been a very important part of Mrs. Miller’s life. She feels privileged to work with families to help young children develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally. In her spare time Mrs. Miller volunteers with Meals on Wheels, helps stray animals, and enjoys spending time with her husband restoring their historic home. Mrs. Miller is the Administrative Director at our Yorba Linda campus.