Judi Niemela - Director

Greetings and welcome to the new LiMai Montessori Academy. As your new director, I am excited for 2018 which will be a full year of learning in a loving and caring environment. I was also a Montessori student and I have been teaching within the Montessori curriculum for 25 years. Furthermore, our prior director, Mrs. Anne, hired me and was instrumental in my development as a teacher within the Montessori program.

I graduated from Mission Viejo High School in 1990. I was influenced by my aunt who was a Montessori teacher for several years and with this influence it inspired me to teach. I secured my Montessori teaching certificate and earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. With my extensive experience teaching the Montessori program, it will enable me to lead, teach and direct our teachers. We will create a positive atmosphere for learning and having fun with your child’s classmates. I would like to thank you for entrusting your child with us. Our goal is to provide your child with a positive learning experience which will prepare them for continuing education as your child develops thru a positive learning experience.

Nisha Upadhyaya - Head Teacher

I am Mrs. Nisha Upadhyaya. I am originally from India, and have lived in the US for 35 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in economics and psychology. I received my diploma in Montessori Teaching in 1999 from The Laguna Beach Training Institute. I have been teaching at this Montessori school for almost 20 years! I love kids and I am passionate about teaching them the Montessori method of learning. I often entertain my students with music, dance and art. I strive to put a smile on your child every day of school. I enjoy movies, music and painting. I believe in completing any task that I begin. I live in Dove Canyon, a beautiful neighboring community about 3 miles from the school. I love this Montessori school and have seen it grow over the years. I look forward to helping your child become a well-rounded student ready for first grade!

Dieu-Huyen Tran - Head Teacher

My name is Mrs. Huyen and I am a teacher in the Rousseau Class. I have more than a decade of experience at LiMai Montessori Academy- RSM and I cannot wait to share my knowledge with you. I began working with toddlers here in 2002 after many years of being primarily a stay-at-home wife and mother of four. I enjoyed my first year of teaching so much that I decided to take classes in Laguna Beach and complete official training through the International Association of Progressive Montessori. I earned full certification to teach children between the ages of 2 ½ and 6. I have been married to my husband since 1988 and we have raised four wonderful children. Our three daughters have already graduated from UCLA, Berkeley and UC Davis. Our youngest son has just completed his first year of Business Honor Program at Mercy College in New Yok. Actually, he attended our Montessori classes in his early years, then a local elementary school and Mission Viejo HS with four years in Water Polo and Swimming, earning Scholar Athlete Honors and Varsity Letters in both sports. How I miss them all so much! I am truly fascinated by my works with children. Every day, I love seeing students just like you developing and growing-up in my classroom. I have so many Montessori skills and lessons to teach you and so many fun things to share with you as you take your first steps of your wonderful educational journey.

Siminozar Afghaniasl - Head Teacher

My name is Mrs. Simin and I will be one of your Monet room teachers. I was born in the north part of Iran. I grew up in the capital city of Iran, Tehran. I attended the Tehran University in 1979. My husband and I have 4 beautiful children, two boys and two girls. Our oldest son is a doctor (heart Surgeon) he lives in London, England. Also, we have a beautiful grandson. My youngest son is an executive manager for Target. My youngest daughter graduated with a master in music (piano), she loves performing! She is currently teaching piano lessons at the Yamaha center in Irvine. Our oldest daughter lives in New York. I am really proud of them. I began working in a Montessori classroom 16 years ago. I have loved every minute working in the Rousseau room and I am really looking forward to working in the Monte room. My native language is Turkish, Farsi is my second language. My hobbies include walking, shopping and cooking and doing crafts. I love spending time with my husband on weekends. I am excited to see you in the Monet room.

Laura Nuflo - Head & Spanish Teacher

My name is Laura Nuflo and I am very excited to begin this school year surrounded by your children. Working with kids is my passion. I have been in the early childhood education field for years. While I was living in Peru, I began a practical internship in early education, this endeavor allowed me to work with low income families in Peru. After receiving my degree in early education, I worked for a television studio as a live television teacher. LiMai Montessori Academy formally RSM Montessori has been my home for 24 years. My favorite color is orange. I encourage recycling as well healthy food in my family. My goal for this class is to help your child learn to do things by themselves. This will happen through daily Montessori exercises such as pouring, scrubbing, sewing, practicing grace and courtesy and many other practical lessons. These activities alone with our other Montessori materials will contribute to the control and coordination of movement, development of concentration and enrichment of self-control. These activities will ultimately help your child integrate in social groups and allow them to reach their highest potential. I would like to welcome you and your child to the 2018-2019 school year. I invite you to observe our class at any time and call me with any questions, concerns or suggestions you may have. I am confident that the students will have an enriching, satisfying and rewarding experience in my class. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s early years.

Prajakta Katti - Head Teacher

My name is Prajakta. I was born and raised in Pune, India. I earned my B.S. in Chemistry from Poona University and my Diploma in Business Management from the Indian Institute of Management and Social Sciences Research in Pune, India. I worked for over a few years in the science field until I relocated to the United States.

I became interested in the Education field and Montessori philosophy through a friend whose child was going to a Montessori school. I earned my Early Childhood Education credits from Saddleback College and completed my AMS Montessori Diploma at the Montessori Teacher Academy in Dana Point in 2012. I have been working closely with children for many years in different Montessori schools before joining LiMai Montessori in 2022. I possess a deep admiration and appreciation for the Montessori Method, believing that it is very fulfilling to help children develop, acquire knowledge, and build character. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and my family. I also enjoy traveling to new places any chance I get. Thank you for trusting me to teach your precious child.

Sheree Cornelio - Head Teacher

Hi, My name is Ms.Sheree. I am the Van Gogh Class's teacher. I have 3 years of experience in the Montessori program working with infants and toddlers. 

I began working in an assistant living home for the elderly for 10 years I then wanted to go in a different direction and decided to go to school to become a teacher. I have always loved taking care of people no matter their age. I enjoy watching and teaching the children to grow in their own ways. I went to North Orange County in Anaheim to complete my units in Early Childhood Education where I graduated in 2020. 

I grew up in Irvine with my family and went to the Irvine school district. I have 3 nieces ages vary from 18 months to 17 years old. I love Disneyland, bowling, movies, and having fun with family and friends! I’m so happy to be part of the LiMai family. 

Monica Christiansen - Spanish Teacher

Hi My name is Monica Christiansen. I am Montessori Certified and am currently a Spanish teacher. I have been teaching in the Montessori world since 2000 at this school. I am excited to be part of Limai Montessori and enjoy my job daily. I am originally from Colombia and moved to the US when I was a teenager. I have a 24-year-old daughter who started as a toddler at this school and is now in school for Medical Sonography. I have a dog and a cat which I consider my babies as well.

 I am an animal lover, and I am part of three different worldwide animal rescue networks, and saving animals is my passion. I am conscious about the planet and learned to be a big recycler from Mrs. Laura years ago. I love nature and outdoor activities like biking, hiking and having bbq’s as well as going to the pool and Jacuzzi. I enjoy singing, dancing, painting, and drawing. I am a soccer fan and have watched my husband play every Sunday for 18 years.

I plan on sharing my passions for the planet and art with your children as well as the Spanish language and Hispanic Culture. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your children’s lives.

Loan Tran - Assistant Teacher

Hello, my name is Miss Loan. I have been here at LiMai Montessori Academy formerly RSM Montessori for over fifteen years. I have a full degree in early childhood education and more than five years of Montessori training. I love children and am passionate about teaching. I also love to see how much information a child can absorb and watch them grow into wonderful adults.

Breeanna Horta - Assistant Teacher

Hi, My name is Mrs. Bree, I have had the pleasure of being the afternoon teacher for Lia Mai Montessori Academy for the last 2 years. In my class we enjoy lessons and activities that encourage critical thinking, as well as, creativity. If its creating an obstacle course, reading comprehension, or working on our many art projects, I encourage me students to create with confidence. I strive to have all my students build self esteem in learning new skills both socially and academically. 

Mojgan (Mary) Mazdeh - Assistant Teacher