Our Staff

          “ Ms. Eva was a Montessori student herself and never forgot the beauty and respect of the educational method.  After training and working at Montessori Center School and Villa Montessori in Phoenix, Ms. Eva moved to the west valley for the sole purpose of opening Palm Valley Montessori School.  Ms. Eva’s four children keep her quite busy after school.  She loves reading and traveling to new places. “

                                                                                                                        School Director and Elementary Teacher – Eva Foster

“ Mr. Daniel opened Palm Valley Montessori School with his wife, Ms. Eva, in 2008. After working in finance and real estate, he was happy to leave the corporate world behind and join the school staff full time in 2011, upon the birth of his third child.  Mr. Daniel’s primary focus is running the financial side of the school, but he is very passionate about the Montessori method of education.  He has traveled extensively around Arizona, the United States, and even Europe to meet with Montessori leaders and innovators and to learn from other schools.  Mr. Daniel has also helped lobby the Arizona legislature for Montessori-friendly education laws and he hasstarted or served organizations working cooperative Montessori  “

Administrator – Daniel Foster

“ Ms. Sara was born and raised in Arizona.  She joined Palm Valley Montessori Schoolin 2016 and has been a friendly, helpful face of the front office ever since. She married last school year.  Afterschool, Ms. Sara enjoys cooking with her husband and walking their dog at the park.  “

Administrative Assistant – Sara Madero

” Ms. Elizabeth trained and taught Montessori in New Mexico before moving to Arizona and Palm Valley Montessori School in 2015.  Prior to teaching Montessori classes, she owned and instructed a martial arts studio.  Ms. Elizabeth has one grown daughter, two younger daughters and two granddaughters.  After school, she enjoys relaxing by the pool and watching her daughters’ activities. “

Toddler Lead Teacher – Elizabeth Mitchell

” Ms. Karen is a recent addition to Palm Valley Montessori School.  She joined our team in December 2017, upon the closure of her former school, Montessori of Surprise. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband cycling, exercising, or bird watching and visiting her son who attends Arizona State University in Tempe. “

Toddler Assistant Teacher – Karen Fitzsimons

” Ms. Christine worked as a lead teacher and a mentor to Montessori student teachers at Montessori Center School in Phoenix for twelve years before moving to Palm Valley Montessori School.  She and her elementary-age daughter have been a part of the school for the past nine years.  Outside of school, Ms. Christine enjoys spending time with her dogs and vacationing at the beach. “

Primary Lead Teacher – Christine Klock

“ Ms. Belinda is a native of Arizona.  She joined Palm Valley Montessori School in August 2017.  After school, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family.  She is also an aunt to two of our students, a Primary friend, and a Toddler friend.  “

Primary Assistant Teacher and Spanish Instructor – Belinda Galban

” Ms. Mariela is a native of Costa Rica.  She joined the team at Palm Valley Montessori School in August 2018.  She trained and received her Montessori certification in her native country but is thrilled to gain Montessori teaching experience in an additional cultural environment.  Ms. Mariela is also a certified music instructor and she enjoys leading the children in songs, both English and in Spanish.  After school, Ms. Mariela loves to cook, bake and paint. “

Elementary Assistant Teacher and Spanish Instructor – Mariela Rodriguez Brenes

” Ms. Vicki drives all the way from the southeast valley, to teach our students three days a week. She has been with Palm Valley Montessori since August 2015. Ms. Vicki is a long-time piano instructor and an elite educator of the Suzuki method of musical instruction. She traveled several consecutive years to Japan to study the Suzuki method and to perfect her piano teaching skills. Ms. Viki loves her many pet cats. Ms. Viki is proud of her grown son (he is also a Suzuki music teacher) and her two grandchildren. “

Piano Instructor – Vicki Seil

 ” Mr. John is a long-time instructor for all ages. Palm Valley Montessori School added Mr. John for guitar instruction in March of 2017. Mr. John enjoys music concerts and spending time with his son. “

Guitar Instructor – John Mellon

” Coach Fred has been with Palm Valley Montessori School since the school first partnered with The Chess Emporium eight years ago. He now teaches weekly chess lessons for the Elementary students. Let him know if your student plans to compete at a chess tournament. He loves to come out and support his students. “

Kindergarten and Elementary Chess Coach – Fred Jarmuz

” Ms. Sharon is a string instrument specialist, teaching beginning to advanced cello and violin instruction. Ms. Sharon is an experienced instructor who gives lessons to students ranging from 5 to 87 years old! For 10 years, she has traveled extensively nationwide with several orchestras playing road shows.as well as performing with the Phoenix & West Valley Symphony. “

Violin & Cello Instructor – Sharon Nauman