The Ladies Behind our Leadership
Maria Arencibia
Co-Director
EDUCATION
Barry University, Master of Science Degree 1995, Major in Elementary Montessori Education
American Montessori Society Lower Elementary & Upper Elementary Credential
Nova Southeastern University, Master of Science Degree 1994, Major Elementary Education with certification in Educational Leadership
University of Miami, Bachelor of Science Degree 1988, double major Psychology and Communications
Montessori Teacher Training Institute, 1997, American Montessori Society Early Childhood Credential
State of Florida Director’s Credential, 2004
Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society, Member of International Honor Society
Miami Dade County Public Schools Leadership Program
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Co-Founded Coconut Grove Montessori School, 1998 to Present
Montessori Teacher Training Institute, 2009 to Present
Miami Dade County Public Schools Montessori Magnet Program Teacher and Grade Level Department Chairperson 1992-1997
Miami Dade County Public Schools Elementary Teacher 1989-1992
HOBBIES
Travel, cooking, fitness walking, reading, exploring new Montessori ideas and enjoying my children’s passion for baseball and dance.
Damarys Velarde
Co-Director
EDUCATION
Nova Southeastern University, Master of Science in Elementary Education, 1996
Barry University, Elementary Montessori Education Credential, 1998
University of Miami, Bachelor of Arts, Major Psychology Minor Sociology, 1990
St. Thomas University, Early Childhood Certification, 1994
Montessori Teacher Training Institute, American Montessori Society Early Childhood Credential, 1994
State of Florida Director’s Credential, 2004
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Co-Founded Coconut Grove Montessori School, 1998 to Present
Miami Dade County Public Schools Early Childhood Montessori Teacher 1994 – 1998
Miami Dade County Public Schools Elementary Teacher 1992 -1994
Miami Dade County Public Schools Spanish & ESOL Teacher 1991-1992
HOBBIES
Spending time with my family, creating shutterfly albums, travel, shopping, and tennis