Who we are Quiénes Somos
Teachers Profesores
Caring and Passionate
BMS teachers are passionate about your child's happiness, growth and safety, and providing a nurturing environment that cultivates self-esteem. This is more than a job for our teachers. It’s an opportunity for them to share their passion for life while they inspire, engage, and awaken the wonder inside each and every child.
BMS low student-to-teacher ratios allow teachers to focus on the individual learning styles and needs of each child in our school.
Meet a few of our friendly teachers who are passionate about your child’s early childhood education
BMS teachers are passionate about your child's happiness, growth and safety, and providing a nurturing environment that cultivates self-esteem. This is more than a job for our teachers. It’s an opportunity for them to share their passion for life while they inspire, engage, and awaken the wonder inside each and every child.
BMS low student-to-teacher ratios allow teachers to focus on the individual learning styles and needs of each child in our school.
Meet a few of our friendly teachers who are passionate about your child’s early childhood education
Infant Care
Señorita Marlina J. Martinez @BMS since 2016 Hola! My name is Marlina, I was born in Los Alamos, NM and raised in Espanola, NM. I grew up in a large family from both of my parents sides so it's only natural that I'm family oriented. Since, I was young I knew that I wanted to work with children. When I turned 18, I worked with the Espanola Public School District as a kindergarten teacher assistant and a one on one assistant with the special education department. While I worked in the district I received many certifications that were focused on ASD. In between it all, my interest alternative medicine grew so I traveled to take numerous classes where I received certifications and also became a Certified Natural Health Professional. I am pleased to work with your children because watching them grow and helping them learn is a rewarding experience like no other. |
Señora Arely Quintana @ BMS since 2017 Hola! My name is Arely Quintana, I live in Los Alamos, NM since I was 11 years old, I am originally from Chihuahua, Mexico. I have a 3 year old daughter her name is Mia, we love to go to the park. Because of my daughter, I have experience working with kids and I love to be around them because they all have different types of personality and I learn something new about them everyday. Gracias for allowing me to be part of your child's life and Bilingual Montessori School family. |
Señorita Brittany M. Gallegos @BMS since 2016 Hola, Brittany Gallegos is a 2015 high school graduate from Espanola Valley. She participated in three sports throughout high school, which were Volleyball, Basketball and Baseball. She has taken college courses at Northern New Mexico College and most recently, UNM- LA. She intends to get certified as an Emergency Medical Technician. She is a friendly and outgoing girl who enjoys the company of others. Her parents are Richard and Daniella Gallegos, she has one older sibling, Jason Gallegos, two nieces, Ajaya and Jerikah Gallegos and a nephew, Jayden Gallegos. Brittany takes great pride in herself and in her family, especially her nieces and nephew. They in turn adore her for the support and love she provides them. |
Señorita Marina Chavez
@BMS since 2016 Hola, My name is Marina Chavez and I am 20 years old. I was born in Roswell and raised in Pojoaque. I am the oldest of five. I have three sisters; Marissa, Malu, and MaRiley and one brother; Amaury. Being the oldest of five has made me a very nurturing, loving, caring person because I would always offer to help my mom with caring for my siblings and that has brought me the passion of wanting to be a pediatric nurse. I am currently going on my 4th year in college at Northern New Mexico College for nursing. Within the next couple of years, it is my hope and dream to secure a nursing degree. With the wonderful support of my loving family, I know that one day I will become a nurse who children can trust and look up to. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your children’s lives and I look forward to working here at BMS! |
Transition Class Señorita Miranda R. Pacheco @ BMS since 2017 Hola, My name is Miranda Pacheco. I was born in Santa Fe New Mexico and raised in Espanola. I graduated high school a year early so I graduated in the year of 2014. Once I finished high school, I took almost a year off of school and worked really hard for the time being. After being out of school for almost a year, I decided I wanted to further my education. I'm aiming for a career in the nursing field. I'm going on my third semester of college at Northern New Mexico College. I'm doing the 4 year program they have to offer here. Once I finish the 4 year program, I plan to get my masters degree in science nursing so one day in the future I will be a nurse practitioner. I'm currently living in the far outskirts of Espanola New Mexico. I live with both my parents, little sister, and little brother. I’m my parents oldest child. I’m thankful for my family, and the support they give me. Being a full time student and a full time employee, I really don't have a lot of free time. I don't mind it at all. I actually enjoy it. I am working to make money for myself and I'm going to school to get a career. The free time I do have I take advantage of it. I enjoy hiking, traveling, running, shopping, and so much more. I’m thankful to have an opportunity working here at Bilingual Montessori School. I’m super excited to be working with children and their families as each and every child grows. |
Señorita Heaven L. Vallo
@ BMS since 2017 Hola Parents! My name is Heaven Vallo. I am nineteen years old. I graduated from Espanola Valley High in 2015 and I am proud to be called a Sundevil alumni. Currently, I am attending UNM Los Alamos since Fall ’15 to become an obstetric nurse so I can care for the young lives being born in my community. I consider myself to be very good with young children and I hope to better understand the young minds through the children who attend Bilingual Montessori School. As a childcare provider, I enjoy sharing my love and creativity with kids. I want to have the opportunity to experience many situations so I can better myself when it comes to children being in a hospital room where my career will eventually take off. I think of these children to be my example and practice of my future career which I am eager to pursue. Knowing I have the right skills when it comes to toddlers, newborns, and kids of many ages, I believe it's important to provide children with a fun, fulfilling and enriched environment. I am an enthusiastic and a responsible person. |
Toddler 1
Señora Adriana Mendez
@ BMS since 2015
Hola!
My name is Adriana. I am from Juarez, Mexico. I have a daughter Metzil Lopez, she is 19 years old and attends El Paso Community College.
In 2015, I married my husband Oscar Duran and I left my Real Estate Business behind to move to New Mexico. Now I live in White Rock and I love working here at Bilingual Montessori School. There are children in my family (nieces and nephews) that I really enjoy spending time with. They bring joy to my life, they have great imaginations and they are fun to play with. I am very grateful to be able to spend my time with children here and be a part of BMS family.
Señora Adriana Mendez
@ BMS since 2015
Hola!
My name is Adriana. I am from Juarez, Mexico. I have a daughter Metzil Lopez, she is 19 years old and attends El Paso Community College.
In 2015, I married my husband Oscar Duran and I left my Real Estate Business behind to move to New Mexico. Now I live in White Rock and I love working here at Bilingual Montessori School. There are children in my family (nieces and nephews) that I really enjoy spending time with. They bring joy to my life, they have great imaginations and they are fun to play with. I am very grateful to be able to spend my time with children here and be a part of BMS family.
Toddler 2
Señora Rosemary Medina
@ BMS since 2011
Hola!
My name is Rosemary, I am part of Bilingual Montessori Family. I have lived in Ojo Sarco, NM for over 24 years now. I have two children, Nathan and Abigail and four grandchildren, Jerome, Jayleni, Alyssa and Reyes.
My grandchildren are my pride and joy and thoroughly enjoy involving myself with them.
I have worked at Bilingual Montessori School for over four years. My grandchildren and eight years of being part of Sage Montessori school adds up to my experiences working with children. I have a 45-hour training class in Early Childhood plus the annual 24 hour training requirement which includes CPR and First aid classes.
Some of my hobbies include four-wheeling in the mountains, crafts and gardening and caring for my cat Negra and my dog Peaches.
I am very glad to be a part of Bilingual Montessori School and I am here to serve you and your children to the best of my abilities.
Señora Rosemary Medina
@ BMS since 2011
Hola!
My name is Rosemary, I am part of Bilingual Montessori Family. I have lived in Ojo Sarco, NM for over 24 years now. I have two children, Nathan and Abigail and four grandchildren, Jerome, Jayleni, Alyssa and Reyes.
My grandchildren are my pride and joy and thoroughly enjoy involving myself with them.
I have worked at Bilingual Montessori School for over four years. My grandchildren and eight years of being part of Sage Montessori school adds up to my experiences working with children. I have a 45-hour training class in Early Childhood plus the annual 24 hour training requirement which includes CPR and First aid classes.
Some of my hobbies include four-wheeling in the mountains, crafts and gardening and caring for my cat Negra and my dog Peaches.
I am very glad to be a part of Bilingual Montessori School and I am here to serve you and your children to the best of my abilities.
Pre-Early Childhood
Señorita Marina Forster @ BMS since 2015 Hola! My name is Marina Forster. I was born in Newark, Ohio. At the age of four, my family and I moved to California City, California, where I spent most of my young life. At eleven I arrived in Los Alamos, New Mexico and called this wonderful city home. Right out of high school I moved in with my amazing and supportive boyfriend. I also started working in the restaurant business where I gained skills in customer service, organization, leadership, and creativity. After experiencing a death in the family, I quickly realized that life is too short, and I wanted to focus on more of my interests and passions – childcare. Children have always been fascinating to me and I have always had the beautiful goal of becoming a mother. It was this love and passion for children that really pushed me to the BMS. I'm Montessori trained and working on my certification. I feel honored to be a part of this team! |
Señora Olivia Lima - Sanchez @ BMS since 2015 Hola, My name is Olivia Lima, I am originally from Guatemala. I have two wonderful daughters named Kimberly, she is 7 years old and Darlin, she is two months old (born March 15, 2017). I know about raising kids, from my own personal experience, and I love being a mommy! We love going on walks, enjoy listening to music together and we loooove to play. I have fun with children because they are smart and curious and they teach me something new every day! Gracias for allowing me to be a part of BMS family and your kids' lives, this is a very precious experience for me. |
Early Childhood
Señora Dora Gonzalez @ BMS since 2011 Hola! I am Dora Patricia Gonzalez. I was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. I went to CBTIS College in Camargo, Chihuahua where I was trained as a teacher and I taught pre-school for two years in a little village in Chihuahua. Later, I moved to El Paso, Texas where I worked as a baby-sitter for six years. After that, I got married to Ariel Rodriguez and moved to Santa Cruz, NM. We have two wonderful children, Erick is 13 years old and Arturo is 9 years old. I am very proud of my family. Being a mother gave me the opportunity to understand and love children. In 2007, we moved to White Rock looking for a better education for our children, During my stay, I worked in different classrooms here at BMS from different age group and I loved it. In February 2013, I received my cerification as a Montessori teacher. My favorite things to do are: mostly gardening, reading and traveling. I also love to teach children about plants and how to take care of them. I really love working at BMS as a teacher with your lovely children. |
Señorita Rachel Parker
@ BMS since 2016 Hola! My name is Rachel Parker and I live in White Rock, NM. I have always enjoyed working with children. I love working with them because watching them grow to become their own individual is highly rewarding. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family especially going fishing in Pecos, NM. During my time here at Bilingual Montessori School, I have learnt how passionate I am and how much love I have for the children. I also enjoy the many outdoor activities living here in New Mexico. I consider myself very outdoors-y, and I think it's important to take advantage of this beautiful area. As an assistant teacher to your child, I enjoy sharing my love of the outdoors and creativity/art with them. I have an experience over a year working with children and I think it's important to provide children with a fun, fulfilling and enriched environment. I am an enthusiastic and responsible person. I wish to continue my love and contributions to you and your kids! |
Summer Staff
Substitute
Office Manager
Señorita Rakshya Pokharel “I love the spilling of ink from head to heart to page.” ~ Mary Amato My name is Rakshya and I am from Nepal. I am a Psychology and Spanish graduate and I recently moved from San Diego, California to Los Alamos, New Mexico. In my school year, I concentrated my education on Early Childhood and Adolescent alongside working as an Assistant Teacher at Carriage House Children’s Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I worked with children in an in-house daycare/school setting. Meanwhile, I was also a private babysitter to some wonderful families. All those pleasurable experiences I gained, from watching the little ones nurture and grow into finest individuals, made me get into psychology and behavior. After my undergraduate, I started working for University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in Los Angeles, California. I was a research analyst working in the UCLA - Department of Family and Internal Medicine. To further pursue my education, I joined San Diego University for my Master's. After completing my MBA, I worked as a Telecommunication and Customer Advocate Engineer in Denver, Colorado for almost seven months. With excellent technical, organizational and managerial skills along with my two years of experience working with children, ranging from infants (new-born) to 6 years old, I am glad to be able to contribute to your children having a memorable experience during their development and growth at Bilingual Montessori School. |
Director/Owner
Señora Odalys G. Fernández
Hola!
I was born in Santa Clara, Cuba. My parents left Cuba with my brother Efrén (now lives in Los Angeles) and I in 1968. I grew up in Ponce, Puerto Rico where I meet my husband, Juan Carlos Fernández. We got married in 1980 and lived in Berkeley, California, from 1980 to 1984, while he pursued his Ph.D. Los Alamos National Laboratory offered Juan a permanent position which he accepted, and we moved to Los Alamos in 1985.
Our first daughter Diana was born in 1982 in Berkeley and now lives in Mongolia. We had two more children at Los Alamos: Juan Manuel, a ex U.S Marine Vet. and Adriana, a pediatrician in Pensacola, Florida
I attended the University of Puerto Rico, USF, and San Francisco State.
I have been a Montessori teacher since 1986, and received my Early Childhood Montessori Certificate in 1992.
In 2008 I decided to open this school after seeing the need for a bilingual school in this community. I hope you find this web site helpful and decide to enroll your child in our school. I do have a warning: we give lots of hugs and kisses :) and we will become an extension of your family.
My favorite things:
music: romantic,
color: orange, green and purple
restaurant: Bistro 315 (Santa Fe)
stores: TJ MAXX, Target
I like coffee & candles
Hola!
I was born in Santa Clara, Cuba. My parents left Cuba with my brother Efrén (now lives in Los Angeles) and I in 1968. I grew up in Ponce, Puerto Rico where I meet my husband, Juan Carlos Fernández. We got married in 1980 and lived in Berkeley, California, from 1980 to 1984, while he pursued his Ph.D. Los Alamos National Laboratory offered Juan a permanent position which he accepted, and we moved to Los Alamos in 1985.
Our first daughter Diana was born in 1982 in Berkeley and now lives in Mongolia. We had two more children at Los Alamos: Juan Manuel, a ex U.S Marine Vet. and Adriana, a pediatrician in Pensacola, Florida
I attended the University of Puerto Rico, USF, and San Francisco State.
I have been a Montessori teacher since 1986, and received my Early Childhood Montessori Certificate in 1992.
In 2008 I decided to open this school after seeing the need for a bilingual school in this community. I hope you find this web site helpful and decide to enroll your child in our school. I do have a warning: we give lots of hugs and kisses :) and we will become an extension of your family.
My favorite things:
music: romantic,
color: orange, green and purple
restaurant: Bistro 315 (Santa Fe)
stores: TJ MAXX, Target
I like coffee & candles
Guests
Teddy
Woof,
My name is Teddy, as in Theodore Roosevelt and not the silly children’s toy. I work here at Bilingual Montessori School as the designated smile giver. I am from the Inland Humane Society in California where I was a rescued before being transferred to Santa fe and then to Los Alamos. I am 2 years old and known to humans as the Maltese variety. In Los Alamos I studied the various intricacies of happiness and joy. I pursued an education and earned an advanced degree in smiles and cuddling.
Soon after leaving the school I applied to several internships with visitors of the Santa Fe Humane
Shelter. Soon after winning over every person that I came in contact with, it soon became apparent
that money and power are not enough. I chose instead to endeavor into a life of Philanthropy and
accepted a position at the Fernandez household. Changing the scope of my professional values has
allowed me to make a greater impact on society itself. I look forward to leveraging my skills as a
professional at Bilingual Montessori, for years to come. You are very welcome for the smile.
Regards,
Teddy
My name is Teddy, as in Theodore Roosevelt and not the silly children’s toy. I work here at Bilingual Montessori School as the designated smile giver. I am from the Inland Humane Society in California where I was a rescued before being transferred to Santa fe and then to Los Alamos. I am 2 years old and known to humans as the Maltese variety. In Los Alamos I studied the various intricacies of happiness and joy. I pursued an education and earned an advanced degree in smiles and cuddling.
Soon after leaving the school I applied to several internships with visitors of the Santa Fe Humane
Shelter. Soon after winning over every person that I came in contact with, it soon became apparent
that money and power are not enough. I chose instead to endeavor into a life of Philanthropy and
accepted a position at the Fernandez household. Changing the scope of my professional values has
allowed me to make a greater impact on society itself. I look forward to leveraging my skills as a
professional at Bilingual Montessori, for years to come. You are very welcome for the smile.
Regards,
Teddy
Jumbles
Hello, my name is Jumbles and I am Señora Fernandez's grand-dog. I occasionally visit Bilingual Montessori school when I come to visit grandma and grandpa. I am an only child. I am a Yorkie Bichon mix and we are bred to be hypoallergenic for you humans who are allergic to dogs.
I do not bite, but love to give kisses (besos) to children who like dog kisses. I brush my teeth every day - more than some of the children do! I can be a great teacher to children in helping them learn to be gentle with animals and to understand size and strength - I am much smaller and weaker than they are. My parents have let me start my own blog - if you'd like to read it - the link is below.
I do not bite, but love to give kisses (besos) to children who like dog kisses. I brush my teeth every day - more than some of the children do! I can be a great teacher to children in helping them learn to be gentle with animals and to understand size and strength - I am much smaller and weaker than they are. My parents have let me start my own blog - if you'd like to read it - the link is below.
