CHRISTINE QUINTERO - Director

Hello! I am a lifelong, generational Montessorian. I trained at the AMI Montessori Institute of Los Angeles under the leadership of Estela Colmenero Palmieri. One of my treasured memories of my time at MILA was when Mario Montessori came to be with us for part of our training. My daughter and my niece are also AMI Montessori Directresses. My granddaughter and many of the children of our extended family, here in the US as well as in Europe and Mexico, are also being raised according to the principles of Dr. Montessori.

I have worked as a Montessori directress and as a director of Montessori schools since graduating from MILA. I have deeply valued the opportunity to have been a small part of the journey of so many little children over the years. I have been fortunate to have established valuable friendships with other teachers, and I treasure what I have learned and continue to learn from the children, parents, and coworkers. It has been a pleasure to see how many associates went on to earn a Montessori credential and carry the torch into future generations.

GINA FONTANILLA - Assistant Director

Hello! My name is Ms. Gin! I’m Gina Fontanilla, and I’m delighted to be part of the LiMai Montessori Academy family as the Assistant Director of our Diamond Bar campus!

I bring over 18 years of experience in early childhood education, having served as a Teacher, Assistant Director, and Director. Throughout my career, I have developed a deep passion for supporting young children during their most important years of growth and for creating a safe, nurturing, and inspiring learning environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to thrive.

I earned my bachelor’s degree from Philippine Women’s University and pursued studies in Early Childhood Education, Administration, Health, Safety, and Nutrition at Laguna Technical College.

As both an educator and a proud mother to my daughter, Gia, I understand how important it is for families to feel confident, supported, and connected to their child’s school. I believe that strong partnerships between parents and educators are essential to helping children develop independence, confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

I’m truly honored to be part of LiMai’s dedicated team and look forward to getting to know each family, celebrating every child’s achievements, and contributing to our wonderful Montessori community.

I can’t wait to meet you and your little one!

TISHANI GABRIEL REYHART - Head Teacher

Hello! My name is Tishani Gabriel Reyhart. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to have received my AMI Montessori primary credential, having taken the course over a two-year period, at St. Bridget’s Montessori Center in Colombo, Sri Lanka. After receiving my AMI primary certificate, I was offered the opportunity to participate in the training of teachers at the center. Since that time, I have taught in AMI schools in Sri Lanka, at the International School, at schools in Virginia and here in California. I have found that my international travels and experiences, in the field of Montessori, have reinforced my understanding of the universality of Dr. Montessori’s philosophy.

My own two sons, now in elementary and middle schools, were fortunate to have established a solid foundation in Montessori. They are older now, but the basis for a love of learning was laid down in their early years and is of benefit to them even now. I have a niece, and many friends who have gone on to become AMI Montessori directresses. I am grateful to be able to work in a field I love. 

Dr. Montessori worked with children and adults, and found her work to be especially healing for those who had experienced the trauma of wars and conflict. I find that our work is similarly relevant to the children and the families who have suffered the effects of a pandemic. I am happy to be able to perform work I find meaningful and significant to our times.

SALLY PEREZ - Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Mrs. Sally. I not only received my Early Childhood Education Certificate at a collegiate level but also expanded the knowledge I acquired on a deeper level. I took the initiative and opened my own fully licensed family childcare that gave children in my community a safe environment to learn and grow as individuals. My love for children was the baseline for the start of my career. Having children of my own motivated me to start my journey of teaching. I always dreamed of positively impacting children’s lives, so that’s what I set out to do. Having my childcare gave me the ability to set up the curriculum in a manner that will be the most beneficial for the young children in my care.

I incorporated similar Montessori essentials and techniques, so the children can learn about independence starting at a young age. After successfully continuing my childcare for ten years, I decided to shift over to working at a licensed Montessori School. I found my way here at LiMai Montessori Academy and became the Assistant Teacher in the Bumblebee Class. I am extremely dedicated to my work and put the children’s needs above my own. I never fail to put in that extra hand to guide the children to become the best they can be. I not only put my handwork on the children but also goes above and beyond to make the work environment suitable and clean for the children as well. Beyond my potential to juggle the classroom and my duties, I still believe in the importance of

bilingualism, and find the time to teach the children the beautiful language of Spanish to give the children the opportunity to broaden their language capabilities.

JESSIE YU - Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Ms. Jessie. I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I earned my bachelor’s

degree in Educational Science from the University of California, Irvine. I’ve been working with

children for four years. Throughout my years at university, I’ve been working at the family care

center and after-school programs. These experiences have given me opportunities not only in

learning how to take care of children but also how to create a comfortable environment for

children to learn. I love to see the process of children learning, and how they develop through

different stages.

Outside the classroom, I enjoyed traveling with families, swimming, listening to music, and

watching movies. It is an honor to become the teacher assistant at LiMai Montessori.

HEIDI LIU - Assistant Teacher

Hello, my name is Miss Heidi.