JANKI SHAH - Director

Hello, my name is Janki Shah. I am a Montessori Educator and Yoga Instructor for Kids and adults. I recently moved from Washington D.C to the scenic sunny California. I have earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Economics from India. I received my AMS credentials from PCTE New Jersey in 2006. My love for learning Montessori method commenced after I observed my son thriving in Math and Language program. I was a parent volunteer at my son’s school, My curiosity developed stronger to understand the purpose of the Montessori materials and prepared environment directed me to obtain my Montessori Training.

I started my Montessori career as a Consultant and Pre-K Teacher in District of Columbia. I have been very fortunate to work with some remarkable mentors at MSCC . They have guided and supported me to achieve my goals to be a successful Montessori Educator. Children are the bright future of the world. As an educator, it is my responsibility to guide and shape them. Making the difference through teaching is the best feeling in the world. They encourage me and inspire me to continue my journey as an educator.

I have a deep interest in culinary and music. In my free time, I practice Yoga and meditation. It helps me to keep a healthy balance of my body and mind in harmony. I am very excited to begin my journey with LiMai family.

ANGES HAHN - Elementary Director / Teacher

My name is Agnes Hahn and I'm the teacher and the director in lower elementary program that is newly opened. It's my pleasure to be a member of LiMai Academy and to have a chance to build up the lower elementary program at Li Mau. I have been teaching this age group over 20 years and this my first year at LiMai. I was graduated from Ewha Women’s University in Korea and acquired AMS Montessori Certificate for Primary, Lower Elementary & Upper Elementary courses in Korea, too. As a Montessori teacher, I can proudly say that every day’s life is full of blessings. In a Montessori environment, the teaching is not only watching they’re learning knowledge, but also watching they’re truly enjoying their learning process and thanking for all their surroundings. Most of all, I deeply appreciate Montessori Methodology, because it helped me have a bigger vision of the world. I really want to guide your children to open their eyes to discover the beauty of world and be a responsible human being. I'm going to walk on this way with your children and with our wonderful staff.

KRISTINE IFANTIS - Teacher

My name is Kristine Ifantis. I have been the TK Teacher at LiMai Montessori Academy for over two years. It has been a blessing for me to be able to work in such a friendly and nurturing environment. I attended California State University, Fullerton earning a degree in Child Development.

Over the years, I have completed graduate course work and specialized education. I was an elementary school teacher for five years, I taught kindergarten and first grade at a local school district. I am married, have two daughters and 4 dogs. I have learned so much from my daughters that it helped me to transfer that knowledge and experience to my students.

I strongly believe that nothing has educated me more than coming to work every day and interacting with children. I feel like children teach us more than any classroom can. I love working with this age group because they are so absorbent yet charming and innocent. They are still so new to everything and it is so easy to make them happy. They make me laugh and smile every day. With the outstanding group of children, my job doesn't feel like work and I feel lucky to be a Teacher every day.

ALICE CHUNG - Teacher

Hello! My name is Alice Chung.This is my first year working at LiMai Montessori Academy. I feel very blessed and happy to work here. I started my child care career when I was in college. When I was in college I enrolled in Child care development classes and fell in love with the career. I started volunteering at preschools, and subbing for teachers. I ended up being offered a job at a local preschool. I found myself truly enjoying, caring, and nurturing, and guiding preschoolers. My favorite thing about teaching is seeing that smile and connection when I have helped a child with something as little as putting on a band aid or learning something new.

J.R. - Physical Fitness Coach

Hi!

My name is Ysidro Mendivil, however, all my friends and family call me “JR”. I have practiced and taught martial arts for over 35 years. I maintain a Master Instructor rank and train often with GM Michael Conniry at the Pacific Martial Arts Foundation in San Diego. As principle for Strength Balance Fitness Guru and Silver Ninjas, I provide contract instruction as the Head Martial Arts Instructor for the Signal Hill My Gym and the Fitness and Martial Arts programs at LiMai Montessori. I also provide private and group lessons to all ages. I offer dynamic Elder fall prevention skill workshops and seminars. My passion is to learn and teach. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Management for Pepperdine University. In my endeavor to raise my Spiritual understanding, I hold a RSCP license, with Center for Spiritual Living philosophies.

Gina Auzrin - Montessori Teacher

Hello!

My name is Mrs. Gina.I am thrilled to become a member of the LiMai Montessori Academy staff and teach the next generation of young minds. I believe in the Montessori Method. Each child embodies a unique and wonderful spirit. My goal is to see children grow into independent, responsible compassionate innovators with the love of learning.

I received my degree in Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in the Philippines, took my AMS certification at Montessori Western Training Program, and took Early Childhood Education at El Camino College. With over 15 years of being a Montessori Teacher, I see “whole brain learning” as the children flourish into joyous, autonomous learners with a structured, sequential, and challenging curriculum.

I enjoy working with children because of the wonder in their eyes and the love in their hearts. My greatest sign of success is “The children are now working as if I did not exist” – Maria Montessori. I am looking forward to this challenging job that grooms me to a continuous life-long learning that breeds excellence.  

Hyeyoung Min - Teacher

Hello!

My name is Hyeyoung Min. I am so excited to meet everyone at Li Mai Montessori Academy. 

 I was born and raised in Seoul, Korea and received my degree in Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from Anyang University in Korea, in addition to being certified in Nasung Montessori Institute in Los Angeles, CA.

I have 5 years of preschool experience in Korea and have worked with children of age 2 or 3 years old ever since I moved to California in 2008.  I love working with children.  It brings me much joy working with children and seeing them grow as a person.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach your children so they can grow and prepare for Kindergarten.

My goal here is to assist them to learn the basic life skills, get various learning experience with many different activities, play safe interacting with other friends, and build social skills.

Ayla De Guzman - Teacher

Lisa Liu - Teacher

Hello,

 My name is Lisa Liu, and I am proud to be part of the LiMai Montessori Academy. I have been in the Education field for more than 15 years. I have a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I received my AMI diploma from Vancouver, Canada.

I moved to the United States in 2005, started working in preschool, elementary school, and finally doing some administration work. I have always wanted to be a teacher and believes that children have countless possibilities!

Montessori philosophy opened a new vision for me in the education filed. It values the whole child- physical, social, emotional and cognitive. It’s a child-centered approach where each child is so unique and different. I am grateful that I get a chance to work with your children and I believe it will be a great experience for all of us. 

Leah Woo - Montessori Kindergarten Teacher

Hello!

My name is Ms. Leah and I am the Kindergarten teacher here at LiMai Montessori Academy. I am an American Montessori Society (AMS) Certified Teacher for ages 3-6 years old and have been teaching for five years. My Montessori training was completed at the University of California - Irvine. I also hold a Bachelor's degree in Geography from the University of Missouri. Before I became a teacher, I had a career in both the private and public sectors evaluating environmental impacts and land use issues. Once I became a mother and saw the positive impact a Montessori education had on my own child, I decided that teaching was my calling. 

Experiencing the pure joy of a child learning is the most rewarding part of teaching the Montessori method.

I look forward to guiding your child through the exciting Kindergarten year and providing an environment that makes them excited about school and learning.