Faculty and Staff
We are proud of our teachers and staff longevity, with our ten-year average tenure. Country Montessori School strongly supports staff development and promotion from within.
As a certified Montessori School, our teachers must also be formally trained. We sponsor the majority of our teaching staff to obtain the necessary credentials.
Montessori Teaching Credentials
Teachers receive their Montessori teaching credentials from a Montessori Accredited Center of Teaching Education organization such as AMS (American Montessori Society) or AMI (Association Montessori Internationale).
Montessori teachers study a rigorous curriculum of child development and Montessori philosophy. AMS Montessori credentialing requires a 9-month practicum and a series of written and oral exams. A Montessori-credentialed teacher is trained to recognize a child’s readiness according to age, ability, and interest in a specific lesson and is prepared to guide individual progress.
All lead teachers at Country Montessori School are Montessori-credentialed for their teaching programs. Some of our teachers and Classroom Assistants are in training and completing their practicum under the guidance of an experienced teacher. All lead elementary teachers must have a minimum college education of a Bachelor’s degree.
Adela Corrales
Admin
Jose Bolaños
Admin
Susan Kolle
Admin
Heidi Forhan
Admin
Karin Osterberg
Admin - Director of Montessori Center for Teacher Education
Wendy West
Early Childhood Teacher
Hirona Tsang
Early Childhood Teacher
Reyna Estrada
Early Childhood Teacher
Ashika Patel
Early Childhood Teacher
Katie Marr
Early Childhood Teacher
Erika Dukes
Lower Elementary Teacher
Mandy Odenwalder
Lower Elementary Teacher
Jess Stanphill
Lower Elementary Teacher
Josh Cortez
Lower Elementary Teacher
Vicki Rehkopf
Upper Elementary Teacher
Kathy Rader
Upper Elementary Teacher
Ninette Roji
Upper Elementary Teacher
Ekaterina Sagakova
Assistant Teacher
Jessica Mikhail
Assistant Teacher
Karla Ochoa
Assistant Teacher
Mando Gomez
Assistant Teacher
Tracy Rendon
Enrichment Teacher
Nadia Salas
Enrichment Teacher
Josh Rehkopf
Enrichment Teacher
Sangeeta Das
Enrichment TeacherAdministration
Adela Corrales
Ms. Corrales has been with CMS since its founding in 1989. She has served as an Early Childhood teacher, Early Childhood Curriculum Director, and has led the school as Head of School since 2008. Ms. Corrales also serves as the Executive Director of the Montessori Center for Teacher Education and is deeply committed to fostering a strong Montessori community. She holds an NCME (AMS) Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential.
Jose Bolaños
Mr. Bolaños joined CMS in 2017 and currently serves as Director of Admissions and Marketing. He holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in English Literature. With a background in educational program leadership, he is passionate about supporting families and sharing the value of Montessori education.
Susan Kolle
Ms. Kolle is part of the administrative team, serving as the Director of Development & Administrative Coordinator. Coming from years of professional experience, she holds a multi-subject credential and a degree in Marketing.
Heidi Forhan
Ms. Forhan is part of the administrative team serving and the Business Manager. She brings her years of Accounting experience and enthusiasm for education to our community.
Karin Osterberg
Ms. Osterberg has been with CMS since 2001, originally serving as an Early Childhood teacher in the Ladybugs classroom. She holds an NCME (AMS) Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential. A proud CMS Alumni parent and grandparent, she now leads as the Director of the Montessori Center for Teacher Education.
Early Childhood Teachers
Wendy West
Ms. West has been part of CMS since 1994. She holds an NCME (AMS) Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential and brings over three decades of Montessori teaching experience. All three of her children have attended Country Montessori School.
Ms. West is very excited to see her returning students and looking forward to welcoming new Bumblebees to the classroom community.
Hirona Tsang
Ms. Tsang joined CMS in 2019 as a classroom assistant and is now an Early Childhood teacher in the Bumblebees classroom. She holds an NCME (AMS) Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential and enjoys supporting young learners on their Montessori journey.
Originally from Hong Kong, she attended a Montessori system school at a young age. Ms. Tsang studied at Utah Valley University and recently moved to San Diego to continue to pursue her education and career path in Early Childhood Education.
Reyna Estrada
Ms. Estrada joined CMS in 2022 and is an Early Childhood teacher in the Dragonflies classroom. She holds an NCME (AMS) Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential and is dedicated to nurturing independence and a love of learning in her students.
Ms. Patel joined CMS in 2022 as an Early Childhood teacher in the Ladybugs classroom. She brings a strong passion for early childhood education and is committed to creating a joyful and supportive learning environment.
Katie Marr
Ms. Marr has been part of CMS since 2020, starting as a classroom assistant before stepping into her role as an Early Childhood teacher in the Ladybugs classroom. She enjoys the creativity of the Montessori method and fostering a lifelong love of learning in her students.
Lower Elementary Teachers
Erika Dukes
Ms. Dukes earned her B.A. in Spanish and holds a Single Subject Credential in Spanish with an emphasis on Psychology and Cross-cultural Language, and Academic Development. She also holds an American Montessori Society Elementary I Credential. Erika is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive classroom where students thrive academically and socially. Her has two sons who are CMS alumni and a daughter who is a current CMS student.
Mandy Odenwalder
Ms. Odenwalder holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Credential. She also holds an American Montessori Society Elementary I Credential. Mandy is passionate about guiding students through their academic journey while fostering independence, curiosity, and confidence in the Montessori environment. She has two children who are CMS alumni and one daughter who is currently enrolled.
Jess Stanphill
Ms. Stanphill holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies and an M.A. in Educational Leadership. She also completed the Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential and the Clear Credential Induction Program. As a dedicated Lower Elementary teacher, Jessica brings a strong foundation in leadership and education to her work, supporting the academic and personal growth of her students.
Josh Cortez
Mr. Cortez joined CMS in 2021 and is a Lower Elementary teacher in the Eagles classroom. He brings extensive experience working with children and is passionate about fostering creativity, with a special interest in writing and journalism.
Upper Elementary Teachers
Vicki Rehkopf
Ms. Rehkopf has been part of CMS since 1991, where she teaches Upper Elementary students in the Owl’s classroom. She is dedicated to supporting students as they grow into confident, independent learners. Both of her sons attended CMS.
Kathy Rader
Dr. Rader has been a valued member of the CMS community since 2010. She holds a B.S. in Arts and Sciences and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, along with an American Montessori Society Elementary I-II Credential. As an Upper Elementary teacher in the Owl’s classroom, Dr. Rader is passionate about sharing her deep knowledge and fostering a love of learning in her students. Dr. Rader and her husband have been very involved in CMS since 2004, with both of their children attending our school.
Ninette Roji
Ms. Roji joined CMS in 2023 as an Early Childhood teacher in the Dragonflies classroom and now serves as an Upper Elementary teacher in the Owl’s classroom. She holds an Infant/Toddler Montessori Teaching Credential, AMS Early Childhood Montessori Training, and has completed her AMS Elementary II Training. Both of her sons are proud CMS students.
Assistant Teachers
Ekaterina Sagakova
Ms. Sagakova joined CMS in 2023 as an Early Childhood assistant teacher. She supports young learners in developing independence and confidence while embracing Montessori principles.
Jessica Mikhail
Ms. Mikhail became part of the CMS community in 2023 as an Early Childhood assistant teacher. She is committed to creating a nurturing and engaging classroom environment for her students.
Karla Ochoa
Ms. Ochoa joined CMS in 2024, bringing with her extensive experience in Montessori education and child development. She is excited to bring her creativity and enthusiasm to the CMS community.
Mando Gomez
Mr. Gomez joined CMS in 2024. Mr. Gomez holds a Preliminary Multi-Subject Teaching Credential as well as a BA in Animation. He has extensive teaching experience as a paraeducator in special education, a dual language immersion program and as an English teacher. He is excited to share his creativity and passion for education with the CMS community.
Enrichment
Tracy Rendon
Ms. Rendon has been part of CMS since 2007. She teaches Physical Education to Elementary and Kindergarten students and also serves as an assistant teacher in the Eagles classroom. She is passionate about promoting physical development and teamwork.
Nadia Salas
Ms. Salas is excited to return to her role as Spanish teacher, working with students across all levels at CMS. She brings enthusiasm for language learning and cultural exploration to the classroom. She has two daughters that are CMS alumni and a son who is currently enrolled.
Josh Rehkopf
Mr. Rehkopf has worked at CMS since 2011. He teaches Art for kindergarten through fifth grade, helping students express their creativity in a supportive learning environment. Mr. Rehkopf holds a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and has previous experience at various art schools. He is a proud CMS alumni.
Sangeeta Das
Ms. Das joined CMS in 2023 as the Music teacher for Early Childhood and Elementary students. She has a strong background in music education and is excited to share her passion for music with the CMS community.