Primary

Born and raised in India, Pratibha Durgam brings a wealth of cultural diversity and experience to our Montessori community. A devoted mother of two daughters and a proud grandmother of four grandchildren, she seamlessly blends her passion for education with her love for family.

With a strong academic background, holding a degree in science with a chemistry major, Pratibha's journey in Montessori education began in 2000 when she completed her Montessori training at the renowned Adrian Montessori Training Center in Adrian, Michigan where she trained and mentored Montessori interns for five years, leaving an indelible mark on the next generation of educators.

Pratibha's love for learning extends beyond the classroom walls. In her free time, she indulges in the creative pursuits of cooking, quilting, and knitting, nurturing her artistic talents and finding joy in handcrafted creations. Before joining PMA, Pratibha shared her expertise at St. Catherine's Montessori School in Houston.

With a rich background in architecture and education, Ms. Elizabeth brings creativity, innovation, and a deep passion for Montessori education to Phoenix Montessori Academy.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from I.S.Y.T.A.C - LA SALLE in Gomez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico, and later expanded her expertise with postgraduate studies in Educational Investigation at UNAM - UJED and Software Applications for Classrooms at ESCYTA-UJED. Her journey into Montessori education began as a way to support her daughters' learning, ensuring she was a guide rather than an obstacle in their educational path. This dedication led her to become an AMS Montessori Certified Lead Teacher in Early Childhood through The CEM Montessori Training Center in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.
Ms. Elizabeth is the Founder and Lead Teacher of the Spanish Immersion Program at the Primary Level. Her diverse experience includes roles as a Primary Montessori Lead Teacher, Assistant Teacher, After-School Teacher, and Substitute Teacher across preschool and lower elementary levels. She has also led her own Montessori Primary environment, fostering a love of learning in young children.

Beyond education, her background in architecture has shaped her ability to design and create dynamic learning spaces. As an architectural designer, she has contributed to projects ranging from custom homes, commercial developments, and university libraries to Montessori school designs and historical preservation projects.

Her diverse skills extend to reading, dancing, crochet, knitting, painting, and gardening, all of which enrich her classroom environment and inspire her students. Through her commitment to learning research and curriculum design, Ms. Elizabeth continually seeks innovative ways to enhance the Montessori experience.
At Phoenix Montessori Academy, Ms. Elizabeth combines her architectural creativity with her deep understanding of Montessori principles to provide an engaging, immersive Spanish-language learning environment where children thrive.

Jessie received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire with a minor in Spanish. Following graduation, Jessie spent 12 years in the elementary education setting as a speech and language assistant. During that time, she enjoyed working with students ages Preschool through Grade 5.

Jessie excitedly joined the Phoenix Montessori Academy family in the fall of 2022. She has a passion for being a part of the journey in a young child's growth and development. Her role at PMA is that of a Floater, supporting the Toddler and Primary classrooms at Children's House.

In her free time, Jessie likes to go hiking, spend time with her two cats and husband James, and travel to new places. She loves bringing a positive energy to the world around her.  

"As we observe children, we see the vitality of their spirit, the maximum effort put forth in all they do, the intuition, attention and focus they bring to all life's events, and the sheer joy they experience in living." 
- Maria Montessori, from The Child, Society and the World (Unpublished Speeches and Writing)

Lilee received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre with a Concentration in Stage Management from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro. She focused on work in Theatre with Young Audiences during her college career. Covid struck right after graduation and completely altered her life trajectory. Lilee joined Ms. Roxanne in the classroom full time when all the children returned in person after quarantine. She spent two wonderful and wild years in Primary 1, learning the Montessori way in the aftermath of Covid. In 2022, Lilee became the lead teacher of a new primary classroom and has continued her Montessori journey at PMA!

Outside of the classroom, Lilee spends a majority of her time outdoors hiking or rock climbing. She enjoys visiting every art museum she can find in new cities and collects post cards at each to add to the mini gallery at home! She has two dogs (a senior and a puppy) that couldn't be more different and equally perfect! 

Ms. Anna is an experienced early childhood educator with over five years of hands-on experience supporting children in structured learning environments. She currently serves as an Assistant Teacher at PMA, where she oversees daily classroom activities, supports individualized learning, and helps maintain a positive, developmentally appropriate environment.

Ms. Anna also brings strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills to her role. She is known for her reliability, professionalism, and ability to create a welcoming, well-managed environment. Her goal is to continue growing professionally while making a meaningful impact on the children, families, and communities she serves.

My name is Ms. Mariaelena, and I am a highly enthusiastic and creative Montessori teacher with a passion for nurturing young minds and helping them grow. I obtained my Montessori training from MTTI in Miami, FL in 2013-2014.  I started my Montessori journey as an aftercare teacher during my last year of high school and fell in love with its unique approach. I have been teaching since 2008, and every year I am humbled to learn so many things from children, teachers, and peers. 

I believe that every child is unique and has their own learning style and pace. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where children can explore, learn, and have fun. My teaching approach is centered around play-based learning, as children learn best when they are engaged and having fun.

In my spare time, I love to bake, paint, and spend time with my 3 huskies. I also enjoy traveling, going to the beach, and concerts. I am excited to be a part of your child's learning journey and look forward to creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for them to thrive in.