An Authentic Montessori Education
Dayani Nawagamuwa
Owner and Head of School
Dayani Nawagamuwa is the owner and Head of School at Hill Point Montessori. She received her Montessori teaching diploma in 1987 in Colombo, Sri Lanka before moving to the United States in 1991. She has over 30 years experience in Montessori education, starting her first Montessori school in 1998 and then owning two other Montessori schools in the following years. Her Montessori parents were amazed at what their preschool age children were accomplishing and wanted to continue educating their children in a Montessori environment. In response, Dayani opened Hill Point Montessori Preparatory School in 2011 to give students the opportunity to be educated in a school that offered a Montessori elementary curriculum so they could continue their amazing progress. Dayani is an extremely hands on owner with considerable expertise in the Montessori field. Her devotion to educating children and raising them to be great citizens of the world is her top priority and is what makes Hill Point Montessori such a special and unique school.
Jennifer VanDusen
Office Manager
Ms. Hyzel Tampus
Primary Lead/Infant Care Director
My name is Maria Hyzel Tampus. Everyone calls me Ms. Hyzel. I have been working in the Early Childhood Education particularly in Montessori Education in the last 20 years. I’m currently the Head Teacher in the Primary Classroom as well as the Facility Director in our Infant Center and the Assistant Director in our Preschool Center. I hold a B.A. in Accountancy and had worked in the Banking Industry prior to my teaching profession. The decision to switch career was the best choice I’d made in my life. I received my Montessori Early Childhood Diploma from the American Montessori Society in Chicago. I also completed my Advanced Studies in ECE from UCLA. I have taught Pre-K, KG, and School-aged children in an Afterschool Program focusing on developing Math and Reading skills. My experiences in running a Center as an Asst. Director and mentoring teachers also fulfilled that inner desire to serve our ECE community on a different level.
Jordan Ruiz
Primary Teacher
Hi, my name is Ms. Jordan. I enjoy watching comedy movies, working out, spending time with my family, and traveling. My favorite color is pink and my birthday is in April. A prepared Montessori environment has many benefits to the children. We foster children to becoming independent and individually learn at their own pace. The Montessori teaching method also places an importance on being a good person. The children are respectful, responsible, self-disciplined, and leaders. We also encourage empathy, to be kind, confidence, and creativity.
Karina Rivera
Pre Primary Teacher
My name is Karina Rivera, I have been working with infants/toddlers in play base schools for almost 6 years now. This year I have had the chance to expand my knowledge and work with 3-6 year olds In a monetessori setting and it has been the biggest eye opener In my career. I have learned so much while working in Primary. The way of teaching is extremely hands on and there is so much room for growth. Children have the chance to express themselves and work at their own pace. This school has inspired me to take the Montessori training to have the proper education and tools to help children grow and expand their knowledge. I have always known my calling was working with kids and this school has only given it more meaning.
Uloni VanDusen
Lower Elementary Assistant
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