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Philosophy

To be the mediators who influence the development of a holistic human being, taking into account the exchange of knowledge, values, and skills with the collective, families, and the community for the common good.

Foundress

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"The San Cristóbal Montessori School is a dream come true. It's a place filled with love, respect, and solidarity that invites children to discover, protect the environment, and foster peace. Children are the protagonists of every event that happens every day."

~ Ivonne Vélez

Executive Director

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“Educating today means preparing for life, recognizing and celebrating the diversity in how we learn and express our abilities. I am passionate about guiding the children who attend our school because, in addition to nurturing their development, I participate in the formation of future leaders of peace, solidarity, conscience, and love.”
~ Ruth G. Melian

Board of Directors

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Alexandra Rodríguez

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Betzaida García

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Nino González

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Marisol Félix

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Carmen Vélez

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Lisette Villavicencio

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Mario Montilla

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Carmen Cortés

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Zulma Licha

Our Team

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I discovered the Montessori Method nine years ago, when I started as a physical education teacher at a Montessori school. Since then, this philosophy has transformed my view of education: I understood that educating means accompanying the child with respect, love, and peace. I love working with children; they are at the heart of my vocation, and I enjoy laughing, talking, and learning alongside them.

Academic Director
Yolanda Lausell Arocho

The Montessori philosophy transformed my life and that of my family. Since 2017, I began training as a Toddler and Toddler Guide, and also as a future mother. I arrived at the San Cristóbal Montessori School after the pandemic, looking for a boarding experience, and I was captivated by its space and its commitment to homeless children. Here I found my purpose: to educate with love, connect with the earth, and support processes that sow peace and reflection.

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Children's Community Leader Guide

Isabel Torres Rosado

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Academic Director
Mayra López

I teach using the Montessori Method because it offers a different and beautiful way to accompany children: at their own pace, respecting their space and needs. I fell in love when I saw the difference with the traditional system. I've always been passionate about working with children, and there's nothing like arriving and being greeted with hugs, kisses, and happy faces. That's priceless.

Working at Montessori San Cristóbal has taught me as much about this caring community as it has about myself. I've grown here in ways I never imagined, and I'm deeply grateful for that. It's rare to find a team that shares such strong values and principles, working with dedication to quality education. It's an honor to be part of this community.

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Workshop Leader Guide 1

Evelyn Rodríguez

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Workshop Leader Guide 2

Rosanie Pérez Salas

At San Cristóbal Montessori School, I found a peaceful atmosphere that permeates the entire community. It's a space that embraces differences and offers inclusive education for all levels. It's beautiful to see how the children accept each other, motivate each other, and show empathy and friendship. I feel grateful to contribute to their growth and to be part of such a special community.

After working in the traditional education system, I felt the need for a more Earth-connected approach to teaching. Thanks to people close to me, I discovered the Montessori method. At the San Cristóbal Montessori School, I was able to combine my commitment to youth and education with my life's purpose: to teach and cultivate love for the Earth. Through the act of sowing, emotions, learning, and reflection also flourish. Here, every leaf and every flower become a living teaching tool.

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Garden Program Leader Guide

José Zaragoza

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Music Program Leader Guide
Diddie Jiménez

Teaching music at San Cristóbal Montessori School allows me to support children's holistic development. Music stimulates their senses, fosters creativity, and helps them express themselves with confidence. Aligned with the Suzuki Method, I promote early learning in a supportive environment with consistent practice. Through music, students strengthen their coordination, concentration, and teamwork, all in a nurturing environment.

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Administrative Assistant

Melissa Torres Vázquez

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Lifeline

The San Cristóbal Montessori School is a non-profit organization founded by the staff of the San Cristóbal Nursery in Caguas on February 14, 2014. Since then, the trained Montessori guides and their assistants have been working to promote

inclusive educational environments and

Sensitive to the population of the San Cristóbal Nursery, as well as to children from the towns of the Caguas region. Services are actively offered through the Children's Community, Children's Home, Workshop 1, Garden, and Arts Appreciation programs.

2014

In 2014, we opened our doors to the Hogar Cuna San Cristóbal for eight children. Our school consisted solely of a Children's House environment, led by guides Ruth Melián and Mayra López. Participants enjoyed Montessori presentations, art activities, and planting. We immediately saw the benefits of the Montessori philosophy in healing trauma and supporting the children with normalization.

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© 2025 San Cristóbal Montessori School. Design by Moveri Studio.

The Montessori School is a 01(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We do not exclude, deny admission to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or toileting disability from participating in or receiving services under any of our programs or activities, whether provided by the San Cristóbal Montessori School directly or by a professional service provider or any other entity with which we have coordinated to offer programs or services.

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