Our Montessori Guides

Our wonderful Montessori guides are passionate, Montessori-credentialed educators with rich classroom experience. They create nurturing, engaging environments where children develop independence and curiosity, while building strong connections with families. Our teachers feel supported and appreciated, and that is why we enjoy our staff staying for may years, some for decades!

The Most Dedicated, Nurturing Teachers

Irene Areval, Lindsay Kuhlengel, and Erika Macias

CLYDESDALE CLASS – ELEMENTARY

Irene Arevalo has been a dedicated Montessori teacher at Alden since 2016, holding an elementary-level Montessori credential from the American Montessori Society. Irene holds a bachelor’s degree and a CPA license. Her passion for the Montessori philosophy was ignited while her own children attended a Montessori school, where she witnessed its profound impact on their development. This inspired her to pursue a meaningful career as a Montessori guide. Originally from southeast Texas, Irene now resides in Highland Village with her husband and three children, where they share a love for traveling and exploring new places. Irene has been teaching for nine years, all here at Alden!

Lindsay Kuhlengel, after working in the public school, was looking for a new educational philosophy to support and teach children. Upon her arrival she fell in love with the Montessori Method. Lindsay embraced working in our toddler and primary communities for many years and has now found her joy and passion with the elementary community. She loves that she can support them with the beautiful hands-on materials, foster independence, and guide them with respect and patience. Lindsay loves spending time with her wonderful husband and two teenage boys. Lindsay has been teaching for seventeen years with eight years at Alden.

Erika Macias embarked on her Montessori journey in 2023. Serving as an assistant teacher at both primary and elementary levels, she is currently pursuing her Montessori certification alongside a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Deeply inspired by the Montessori philosophy, Erika is committed to nurturing independence and confidence in children as they develop. As a devoted mother, she embraces Montessori principles in raising her son, fostering his growth with the same passion she brings to her classroom. Erika has been teaching for two years with this being her first year at Alden.

Sandra Rincon & Andrea Jimenez

LOS BRONCOS CLASS – PRIMARY: BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH

Originally from Mexico, Sandra Rincon is fluent in both English and Spanish. She values the richness that language and culture brings to a child’s learning environment. Mrs. Rincon brings over ten years of experience working with children. She holds a Montessori credential from the Institute of Montessori Training. She loves to travel, ride bikes, try new foods, and spend time with her two beautiful daughters. Sandra has been teaching for ten years with this being her first with Alden. Welcome Sandra!

Andrea Jimenez has dedicated herself to fostering young minds. Her passion for Montessori education was sparked while researching schools for her own toddler. Now a junior at Texas Women’s University, Andrea is pursuing a degree in Child Development, specializing as a Child Life Specialist to support children’s growth and well-being. Originally from Mexico, but raised in Texas, she brings a vibrant cultural perspective,and as a native Spanish speaker she is a great asset to our bilingual classroom. Andrea has been teaching for four years with three years at Alden.

Sabrina Mills & Liz Muscle

MUSTANG CLASS – PRIMARY

Sabrina Mills, a lifelong Texan, resides in the Lone Star State with her husband and their three wonderful children. Together, they embrace the vibrant energy of city life and the serene beauty of the countryside. Always eager for new experiences, Sabrina cherishes adventures with her family and their two spirited dogs. Holding an American Montessori Society Early Childhood credential, she has been a dedicated educator since 2003. Sabrina is deeply committed to the Montessori philosophy, which empowers children to develop independence and a lifelong love of learning. Sabrina has been teaching for twenty-three years with ten years at Alden Montessori.

A lifelong Texas, Liz Muscle brings a joyful spirit both inside and outside the classroom. She loves to draw, read and listen to music. She is also an enthusiastic foodie and thriftie who enjoys finding creative treasures. In her free time, she cherishes spending time with her little brother and her lively Jack Russell Terrier. Additionally, she holds a black belt in Taekwondo – a reflection of her discipline, focus, and dedication. Liz has been teaching for two years, all of those here at Alden!

Lorena Ramirez & Bridget Gauthier

ARABIAN CLASS – PRIMARY

Lorena Ramirez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Primary-level Montessori credential from the Prepared Montessori Institute. Like so many of us, Lorena discovered Montessori through her children and quickly embraced its philosophy. Since beginning her teaching journey in 2021, she has developed extensive experience nurturing children’s academic and social growth. Fluent in Spanish and conversational in Portuguese, Lorena brings a diverse perspective to her work. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cycling, traveling, and spending quality time outdoors with her family. Lorena has been teaching for four years with two years at Alden Montessori.

Bridget Gauthier holds a Bachelor’s in Communications and discovered her love for early childhood education while volunteering at her children’s school. Inspired by those experiences, she went on to serve as a Transitional Kindergarten instructional assistant, where her enthusiasm for working with children continued to flourish. Originally from Long Beach, California, Mrs. Gauthier recently relocated to Texas with her husband and two children to be closer to family. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, riding bikes, and traveling. Welcome to Alden Montessori, Bridget!

Tiana Martinez & Nozomi Taketa

THOROUGHBRED CLASS – PRIMARY

Mrs. Tiana Martinez is originally from South America. She is bilingual in Spanish and English, and some Portuguese. She began her teaching career in a local Spanish preschool, but she soon discovered Montessori to be her chosen path. She has an AMS Early Childhood credential. She is deeply committed to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional growth of each child. Mrs. Martinez enjoys time with her husband and three children, and is especially happy in her new role of proud grandmama to a grandson. She enjoys dance, photography, new restaurants, coffee, and learning about new cultures. Tiana has been teaching for sixteen years with two of those at Alden.

Originally from Hiroshima, Japan, Mrs. Nozomi Taketa now calls Texas home. She earned her AMS Early Childhood Montessori teaching credential in 2010, and though she is a fully credentialed teacher with sixteen years of experience, she prefers an assistant-level role and loves supporting the lead teacher. Mrs. Taketa keeps busy with her husband and their three children. They enjoy traveling, experiencing a variety of cultures and foods, cycling, and she expecially loves the ocean beaches. Nozomi has been teaching for sixteen years with one year at Alden Montessori.

Vesna Dizdarevic & Kinga Podsiadlo

SHETLAND CLASS – TODDLER

Vesna Dizdarevic is originally from Bosnia Herzegovina. She began her Montessori journey twenty-six years ago and discovered the joy of toddlers. She earned her American Montessori Society – Infant Toddler Credential and is a wealth of knowledge for parents and staff alike. Outside of teaching, she enjoys life with her wonderful husband, son and two daughters. Together they love cooking (she makes amazing baklava!), playing board games, and watching movies. Vesna has been teaching for twenty-six years with thirteen years at Alden.

Kinga Podsiadlo was born and raised in Poland, where she earned her Master’s degree in Business Marketing and Management. She has called Texas home since 2002. Her passion for Montessori education began when her first child was born. After teaching in public school, she found Alden Montessori where she always belonged! She enjoys her days with toddlers who bring cuddles, curiosity and joy. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her husband and two sons and loves traveling, baking, cooking, and curling up with a good book! Kinga has been teaching for ten years with four years at Alden.

Monica Wissinger & Lesley Lomas

APPALOOSA CLASS – TODDLER

Monica Wissinger is certified by Association Montessori International in Assistant to Infancy since 2018. She was captivated by the Montessori philosophy after enrolling her daughter in a Montessori school. She also holds a Bachelors in Advertising with a background in Performing arts and communication. Utilizing those schools with her Montessori she hopes to transform the world one child at a time. Native to the Dominican Republic, Monica enjoys teaching Spanish, tasting cuisines for diverse cultures and replicating them at home, and immersing herself in fantastic stories from good movies and great books next to her twelve year old daughter and their rescue dog, Mick Jagger. Monica has been teaching for seven years with two years at Alden.

Lesley Lomas is a born and raised Texan. She is one of our newest members here at Alden and is excited to begin her journey by beginning Montessori certification at the toddler level. With her previous experience as a Montessori assistant experience, she has become a invaluable asset to the community. She is a native Spanish speaker and loves to share her language with the children. Lesley loves to travel and looks forward to enjoying new adventures. Lesley has been teaching for two years with one year at Alden.

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