LePort Montessori

Masha is a passionate educator with a strong background in mathematics and economics. She holds a Master’s Degree in mathematics from Moscow State University and a Master’s of Arts in Economics from New Economic School in Moscow. While working as an IT and business analyst at Accenture, Masha discovered her true calling in education. Over the years, she has been involved in various teaching roles, including English instruction for adults and young children. Additionally, she has served as a math teacher and Montessori teacher in different Montessori schools in Ithaca, New York. Her dedication to the Montessori Method led her to earn Elementary Montessori credentials in 2019. Beyond the classroom, Masha is an active member of her community. She runs a math circle for local children and volunteers as a leader for a competitive math club. She also serves on the board of her children’s swim team. In her leisure time, Masha enjoys running and handwork hobbies, and is always eager to learn something new. Spending quality time with her three children is one of her greatest joys as they explore the world of knowledge together.

Mrs. Kolacinski was born and raised in Orange County. She received her B.A. degree from the University of California-Irvine in Psychology and Social Behavior. After working for a year for a sales and marketing company, she decided to go back to school to pursue her true passion of teaching. She went back to the University of California-Irvine and graduated with her M.A in Teaching, along with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She later added a Single Subject Mathematics Credential.

Mrs. Kolacinski has taught Math 6, Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 in San Diego County and Los Angeles County, she is ecstatic to have returned to her native Orange County! She is very excited to be working at LePort and truly believes in their teaching principles and approach. Mrs. Kolacinski hopes to create a love and excitement for learning in her students, by making learning meaningful, relevant and enjoyable!

Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling, trying new things and spending time with her husband and dog, Layla.

Vidya received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food and Nutrition from Nagarjuna University in India. She previously worked as a Microbiologist prior to entering the field of education. She has been working in Montessori education since 2019.

Ms. Olivia Lacefield was born and raised in Southern California. Wanting to be a teacher from a young age, Ms. Olivia studied at Western Governors University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Ms. Olivia has been working in Montessori settings since 2018. She is currently in the process of completing her certification in Lower and Upper Elementary Education at the Prepared Montessorian Institute. Ms. Olivia has over 10 years of experience educating children ages 0-12 years, most recently with a concentration in teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) students within the Montessori community. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Olivia loves art and has managed community art projects within Orange County, including mural painting and set design. In her free time, she enjoys reading at the beach, shopping for plants and snacks at Trader Joe’s, crafting, and studying American Sign Language.

Fiorella Mastrangelo is a native Spanish speaker from Argentina who earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology in her home country. Specializing in creating supportive and inclusive learning spaces, her expertise in the field equips her with skills in emotional intelligence, behavioral management, and student assessment. With experience as a special education teacher, Fiorella has mastered the art of crafting individualized educational strategies. In her free time, she loves going to the beach and spending time with family and friends. Fiorella is very excited to be part of the LePort Spectrum North team.

Ms.Tasneem Najam was born and raised in India. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Irvine Valley College in 2022. She has two children, both of whom attended Montessori schools. This sparked her interest in early childhood education, specifically in the independence and creativity that children develop under the Montessori method. Ms.Tasneem lives in Orange County with her husband and children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, walking on the beach and cooking new foods. She looks forward to helping children develop a love for education.

Afsaneh Namiranian (Afi) is from Tehran, Iran. She has been a certified Montessori teacher since 2014, and received her degree in Houston, Texas. Ms. Afi worked in Montessori schools for five years, before moving to Irvine, California in 2016. While she was working in Irvine Valley College, she finished her degree in child development. Ms. Afi loves to work with children because they give her positive energy. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, and loves to travel.

Ms. Samantha’s love for children began when she would take care of her younger sister, at a very young age of 6. Throughout high school, she took on various leadership roles in which she mentored children and led her fellow peers. Ms. Samantha also volunteered at local elementary schools and read books weekly to young children of all ages. After completing high school, she enrolled at Irvine Valley College and completed her Early Childhood credits.

Ms. Samatha has continued her education to focus on the Montessori method. Before starting with LePort Schools, she worked in retail and was assistant manager for a restaurant. After starting at Leport Schools she instantly became fascinated with the Montessori philosophy. She was inspired to see young children involved in purposeful work and to see the joy on their faces when they learnt a new skill.

Ms. Samantha is also a native Spanish speaker and has worked in primary classrooms such as Spanish Immersion. She loves her roles as an Assistant Teacher and as a Montessori mom. She believes there is nothing more rewarding than working with children and being a part of their everyday learning. Outside of school, Ms. Samantha enjoys spending time with her family and loves to shop and go to the movies.

Rafiya has her Bachelor of Arts in Geography and History from King’s College, United Kingdom, as well as her Masters of Arts in International Relations from the University of Sussex. Rafiya received her Montessori credential, and has been working as a Montessori teacher since 2012.

Ms. Priya Rajkumar received her AMI Montessori training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego and her Early Childhood Education units at Irvine Valley College in 2014. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Nutrition at SNDT University in India. She is a mother of two young children and understands the impression that quality early childhood education can make in a child’s life, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to learn. She volunteered at her child’s Early Childhood Learning Center and continues to volunteer at Alderwood Elementary in Irvine. Ms. Priya is very passionate about working with young children, helping them learn while encouraging their natural curiosity. She unwinds by listening to music, reading or playing board games with her children.

Ms. Kat was born and raised in Orange County. She grew up in a bilingual household and speaks fluent Tagalog. Her passion for working with children started when she would do outreach programs in the Philippines with her family. In 2020, she received her Bachelors in Social Work from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She has experience working with special needs children and with low income families. In her free time she likes to check out new restaurants and go shopping.

Coach West is an active mother of five with a passion for fun and fitness. She has a background in education and enjoys sharing her love for learning with every child she encounters. Coach West focuses on social-emotional learning in her teaching. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education at the University of Portland. Coach West has experience as a yoga teacher, P.E. teacher, literacy teacher, and volleyball coach.