Sandi O Zorinich is the Head of Schools for both the Preschool and Infant Toddler programs and has been a dedicated member of The Rockridge Montessori School community since 1993. With training from the American Montessori Society, she specializes in Preschool and Infant Toddler Montessori Education. Sandi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Francisco State University and a Master’s in Human Development with a focus on Leadership in Education and Human Services from Pacific Oaks College. She is certified in Positive Discipline in the Early Childhood Classroom, Kimochi’s, and Handwriting Without Tears. Sandi has participated in numerous lectures, workshops, and conferences covering topics such as Montessori principles, brain development in young children, multiple intelligences, and behavior redirection. Actively engaged in all facets of RMS, she also coordinates parent meetings, staff development, and school functions. Sandi is available to consult with parents on creating positive behavior plans, addressing classroom issues, offering parenting strategies, and guiding them through the Kindergarten application process for both public and private schools for their graduating child.

Teacher Kathy has devoted over 24 years to the field of Early Childhood Education, with more than 20 of those years spent at The Rockridge Montessori School. Before joining RMS, she served as an Academic Mentor for elementary school students. In her role as Director, Kathy not only oversees the staff but also takes on the responsibilities of Lead Teacher in the Quails classroom. She holds a Primary Teaching credential from the American Montessori Society and is certified in Positive Discipline in the Early Childhood Classroom, Kimochi’s, and Handwriting Without Tears. In 2011, she received a nomination for the Preschool Teacher’s Make a Difference award. Kathy feels immense gratitude for the opportunity to work with children, supporting their growth and nurturing their love of learning.

Teacher Ai brings nearly 16 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, with over 13 of those years dedicated to The Rockridge Montessori School. She is trained in the Montessori method and holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development alongside a Teacher’s Permit. Additionally, Teacher Ai is certified in Positive Discipline in the Early Childhood Classroom, Kimochi’s, and Handwriting Without Tears.

Teacher Aye N. brings over five years of expertise in Early Childhood Education and has been an integral part of The Rockridge Montessori School for more than six years. She possesses an AA degree in Accounting and has completed comprehensive training in Montessori methods, in addition to earning certifications in Kimochi’s and Positive Discipline specifically designed for the Early Childhood Classroom.

Teacher Kayleen joined RMS in 2024. She is a recent high school graduate and currently attends San Francisco State University, majoring in Broadcasting, with a minor in Cinema. She enjoys working with the children and is glad to be at RMS.

Teacher Marlyn brings over 17 years of dedicated experience in Early Childhood Education to The Rockridge Montessori School. With specialized training in both Preschool and Infant/Toddler Montessori and a solid foundation in Early Childhood Education, she is well-equipped to nurture young minds. Her certifications in Positive Discipline in the Early Childhood Classroom, Kimochi’s, and Handwriting Without Tears reflect her commitment to creating positive and effective learning environments where each child is supported and empowered to thrive.

Teacher May has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 3 years, 2 of those years at RMS. She has extensive training in early childhood and holds an Associate Teacher’s Permit. Teacher May is certified in Positive Discipline in the Early Childhood Classroom and Kimochi’s . In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Teacher Rachana has over 3 years experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. She is a recent transplant to California by way of Texas. She understands the importance of her role as a teacher in the classroom to guide the children through their development. She marvels at the children’s adaptability in situations and how they grow and change. She feels that children are inspiring human beings. She enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and camping and cooking.

Teacher Roxanne has been teaching for over 20 years and at RMS for over 6 years. She is fluent in Chinese language and has experience in teaching in it. She prides herself on being a clear and consistent communicator and team player who is able to partner with parents to help their children be successful. Her qualifications include courses in infant/toddler and preschool early childhood education and Montessori philosophy. She holds credentials in Infant/Toddler and Preschool Montessori, as well as certifications in Positive Discipline in the Early Childhood Classroom and Kimcohi’s. When she is not teaching she loves spending time with her husband and son, enjoying walks and hiking with her family.

Teacher Sandra has been involved with preschool education for many years and has been with RMS almost 2 years. She enjoys interacting and engaging with the children and leading Spanish circles. She is continually taking early childhood education classes so that she can share her knowledge with the children and the teachers.

Teacher Stephanie is brand new to the RMS teaching team. She is a recent high school graduate. Teacher Stephanie is an assistant teacher with experience in early childhood education. She enjoys her time with the children and she feels seeing them move through their developmental milestones as a privilege.

Teacher Selamawit has been with RMS for over 2 years. She has attended positive discipline workshops focusing on early childhood and Kimochi’s. She is currently in training for early childhood education and Montessori. She believes in being a positive support for the children in the classroom, and finds her interactions and connections to the children fulfilling in her profession. She enjoys spending time with the Hummingbirds as it allows her to share her creative side with them.

Teacher Trinh has been both in the Early Childhood Education field and at RMS for over 24 years! She has training in both Preschool and Infant/Toddler Montessori. Teacher Trinh is certified in Positive Discipline in the Early Childhood Classroom, Kimochi’s and Handwriting Without Tears.

Teacehr Yordanos has been in the Early Childhood Education field for over ten years and has been with RMS for over 6 years. She holds a teaching certificate from Merritt College and has trained in Montessori. Teacher Yordanos is also certified in Positive Discipline in the Early Childhood Classroom and Kimochi’s.