Ms. ANANYA Raju

Program Director

Ms. Ananya's journey into Montessori education began in her own childhood when she attended a Montessori school, sparking a lifelong passion that has defined her professional career. With a background firmly rooted in Montessori philosophy, she has earned her AMI Primary Guide Diploma and holds a Degree in Journalism, Psychology and English and completed AMI Orientation courses, encompassing the developmental stages from Infant, Toddlers to Adolescence. Ms. Ananya's extensive experience includes diverse roles as a Director, Lead Montessori Guide, Program Coordinator and Administrator across Asia, Africa, and North America. This broad range of roles has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of child development and Dr. Montessori's pedagogical principles. 
In addition to her dedication to Montessori education, she is actively involved in discussions surrounding the intersectionality of social justice, climate change and gender equity within the educational landscape. She currently lives in Potrero Hill and she spends time outside of work playing badminton, reading and often goes camping with her partner and very energetic cattle dog. Ms. Ananya is committed to creating a nurturing environment at PHMS and collaborates with families and colleagues to foster a space where every child can thrive. 

Ms. Diana Necsa

Toddler Class 2 Head Teacher

Ms. Diana is from Spain and brings 8 years of experience in childhood education and Montessori Teaching. She earns her AMI training certificates in both Infancy (0-3 years old) and Early Childhood Education (3-6 years old) in Vic Training Center in Barcelona which is associated with Montessori Institute of San Diego. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Education (0-6 years old) and a Master's Degree in Pedagogy of Montessori. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Educational Innovation and Intervention, focusing on the cognitive process of decision-making in children. Before joining PHMS, Ms. Diana has been a Toddler Program Head Teacher in a Montessori school in San Mateo, CA for one year. Before coming to the US, she used to teach in Montessori Schools in Paris, France and Logroño, Spain for over 3 years, where she guided children towards autonomy and integral development, prepared educational materials, and supported other educators. Ms. Diana loves children. Her practical experience and deep understanding of Montessori principles enable her to create nurturing and stimulating environments for toddlers, fostering their development and growth. Ms. Diana is a native Spanish speaker and fluent in English, French and Romanian. In her spare time, Ms. Diana enjoys hiking, running, reading and her favorite food is crepes.

Ms. Safa ba bakr

Toddler Class 2 Teacher

Ms. Safa has previously worked at Bright Horizon on Kansas Street for the past three years as an infant and toddler teacher. She also has experience as a 3rd-grade teacher for two years. She holds 12 ECE units, including an infant and toddler care course, CPR & First Aid certification. Ms. Safa is a Potrero Hill resident and she is passionate about teaching young children and is committed to their growth and development.

Ms. stephanie yan

Primary Class Head Teacher

Ms. Stephanie encountered Montessori Philosophy through a friend. After researching and observing, she was drawn by the Montessori Philosophy and decided to further immerse herself in the Montessori field. Ms. Stephanie completed her AMI Primary Training at Washington Montessori Institute - WMI. She also holds a Masters Degree in Education from Loyola University in Maryland. Before joining PHMS, she has been teaching in a Montessori school in southern California for 7 years. Along with believing in every child’s potential, she believes in their innate goodness. Her aim is to guide each child in a positive way and encourage them to learn, discover and to become a lifelong learner. Ms. Stephanie speaks English and Mandarin Chinese.

Ms. Gladys Leon-Alamo

Primary Class Assistant Teacher

Ms. Gladys was born in New York and but was raised in South Carolina. Ms. Gladys is an experienced teacher and has been with PHMS since May of 2023. She used to work in our Toddler Class for one year and established a close bonding relationship with toddler class children and families before she moved to Primary Class. Before joining PHMS, she has been working in another Montessori school in San Francisco for about two years. Since she was a little girl, Ms. Gladys always wanted to be a teacher. She loves being a teacher because she loves making learning fun and also making an environment for the children to love coming to school to learn and make friends.

Ms. Andrea Marcelo

Primary Class Montessori-Trained Junior Teacher

Ms. Andrea is a dedicated and passionate educator with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, majoring in Special Education. Ms. Andrea is all set to complete the Early Childhood coursework at the Montessori Teacher Education Center in the Bay Area. She brings with her two years of teaching experience in the Philippines, where she honed her skills in early childhood education by teaching Kindergarten and School Readiness classes in a preschool setting. Currently as a Montessori teacher, she is committed to guiding children through the Montessori approach, which emphasizes independence, creativity, and exploration. Ms. Andrea is excited to start in Potrero Hill Montessori's Primary class, where she believes in helping children learn through hands-on activities and providing a supportive environment where they can grow and develop at their own pace. She is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment in the Primary classroom at PHMS.

Ms. Victoria Estevez

Primary Class Montessori-Trained Junior Teacher

Ms. Victoria (Vicky) holds a bachelor’s degree in Science of Education earned in her home country, Mexico. She moved to San Francisco five years ago and has since embraced the Montessori method, completing her AMS training in early childhood, infant, and toddler education. Ms. Victoria passion for the Montessori philosophy is evident in her love and commitment to this approach.

Starting her journey working with children at the young age of 15, Ms. Victoria has always had a deep love and respect for children. She finds immense joy and inspiration in both teaching and learning from children, as their presence constantly brings smiles and happiness. Outside the classroom, she enjoys music, art, and outdoor activities, particularly skiing and swimming.

Ms. Victoria is very excited and proud to be part of the Potrero Hill Montessori team, where she will continue to foster growth and development in young minds every day. 

ms. Tate Lancaster

Art & Crafts Enrichment Program Teacher

Ms. Tate graduated from Brown University in 2020 and holds a Bachelor degree in Literary Arts. She is originally from Atlanta, Georgia and has been a sub teacher for a Montessori school in Atlanta for 6 months. She came to the Bay Area about two years ago and had been the Teen and Fellowship Program Administrator at Berkeley Repertory Theater. She loves art as well as children, and is excited for the Art Teacher position at our school!

Mr. Alexei Wajchman

Music and Dance Enrichment Program Teacher

Mr. Alexei has been teaching children’s music since 2010. He interned with Enzo Garcia in his acclaimed program, LMNO Music, and has taught at many SF preschools, including Big City Montessori, Mission Montessori, Stepping Stones Preschool, Montessori Children's House of the West Coast, Little Tree Preschool, Children's Day School, Montessori House of Children, Noe Valley Family Music, and Gan Noe Preschool. In his classes, children learn songs ranging from traditional children’s music and fingerplays to original songs, folk classics, doo-wop, and rock n’ roll. His goal as a teacher and performer is to inspire his students, build their self- esteem, emphasize their common bonds, and encourage their imaginations.

ms. Emma andre

Ballet Class Enrichment Program Teacher (Partner with Smuin Contemporary Ballet)

Emma Andre is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher based in Oakland, California. They studied contemporary dance with an emphasis in ballet at The Boston Conservatory, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2021. After graduating Emma moved to New York to work as a freelance performer and teacher. There, she had the pleasure of teaching children within the New York Public School system. Emma moved to Oakland in June of 2023, and has enjoyed dancing and connecting with students in the Bay Area. Since moving, they have had the pleasure of teaching at Berkeley Ballet Theater, Boys and Girls Club of SF, TuTu School, and Smuin Ballet.