Sigali Redfield
School's Director
I started the Montana Preschool in 2006. I am an Electronic Technician and a Technical Writer, worked in Hi-Tech companies. I’m also an Industrial designer, 3D CAD designer, a Computer Savvy and a Singer too. Working with Connections for Children and Family Services of Santa Monica has added a new dimension to my experience working with young children and their families. I am grateful to them. I am happy to be able to help my clients to work through their parenting process and assist in many ways. Through the California Director Mentor Program, I was mentored by Pauline McPeake, the oversight director at The Growing Place preschool in Santa Monica. After visiting The Growing Place, I was inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy so much, that I started to implement ideas from this philosophy at the Montana Preschool. I believe that our children tell us everything, we just need to listen
Jeanette Viramontes
Program Director
15 years of experience, specializing in working with special needs kids. I have an A.A Degree in Early Childhood Education. We are children for a short period of our lives but adults for a long period of our lifetime. That’s why I think that every child’s learning experience is precious and should be treated with delicacy. I’m a mother of two children and I love taking them on different adventures and making memories with my little family.
Kiara Minaya
Assistant Program Director
I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's in Child Development. My personal experiences growing up have demonstrated the significant role that childhood plays in shaping who we become in life. I have extensive experience working with children, and I want to help them grow into their best selves. I love taking road trips and traveling with my family and friends. I adopted my dog, Río, in 2011. He means the world to me. I became a pescatarian four years ago because throughout the years I have gained immense love and respect for animals.
Kimberly
Teacher
I'm currently attending Santa Monica College to study child development. I have experience working with 2-3 year olds. I love snowboarding at Mountain High. I have two dogs and I just absolutely love animals.
Perla
Teacher
I recently graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. My goal is to become a school-based speech therapist, specializing in elementary to middle school-aged children. I am passionate about supporting young learners in all areas, especially with their communication development. Outside of work and studies, I enjoy reading, drawing, and playing the violin.
Erika
Teacher
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Cal State LA. I’m planning to enroll in more classes to further my education in child development. I have seven years of experience, it has always been a passion of mine to work with children. I like to take road trips, concerts, and try new food. I am half Mexican and half Salvadorian, I have the best of both worlds especially when it comes to food. I love spending time with my family.
Jocelyn
Teacher
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Teaching Languages at Universidad Autónoma Benito Juarez de Oaxaca, and I am currently continuing my education in Teaching at LACC. I was born in Los Angeles and raised in Mexico. I have experience working with preschool children for more than four years. I love being active and learning new things.
Yamin
Teacher
I am currently enrolling at LACC to further my education. Born and raised in Los Angeles, my favorite color is red. My one-year-old baby inspired me to get into this business. I cherish spending time with my husband; we love taking road trips with our baby to explore new places and create lasting memories.
Liliana
Teacher
I am from Colombia. I have a degree in production engineering with a Master’s degree in Logistics. I made the decision four years ago to have another profession when I worked as a volunteer with children in my home country and that is how I found another passion and love for teaching. I am currently studying Early Childhood Education and I firmly believe in values such as responsibility, commitment, and respect. In my free time, I like to go hiking with my family, enjoy the sea, and have a good dinner.
Liz
Teacher
I graduated from UC Davis in 2023, with a B.A in Psychology with minors in Human Development & Education. Doing my time in college, I completed a year-long internship in a 2nd grade classroom and one in a preschool where I worked in the 2-4 year old class. Prior to that I’ve volunteered at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and at my local church where I served as a religious educator. During my free time, you can find me reading a good book going for an ice matcha, grabbing a smoothie at Erewhon, or trying some new restaurants with friends.
Diana
Teacher
I was born and raised in Santa Monica. I have four siblings and two cats, Mika and Gia. I enjoy dancing, going on hikes, and pop music! I've lived in San Fransisco for four years while I attended SFSU, majoring in biology. My ultimate professional goal is to work in pediatrics. I believe working with children while I continue my education will be not only beneficial but very rewarding!
Celeste
The Cook
I have five years of experience as a cook. I am currently going to school for nursing. I have two boys and they are my main motivation on continuing school. I like spending time with my kids by going out to the movie theaters and fruit picking. My kids are part of a soccer club and I like watching them play soccer on the weekends.