My name is Zaida Virginia Romero Chona, and I am originally from Venezuela. I was born, raised, educated, and worked there. I earned my degrees in Integral Education from the Libertador Experimental Pedagogical University, receiving the titles of Teacher: Education Specialty (2005) and Professor: Integral Education Specialty (2006). Subsequently, I pursued postgraduate studies and obtained the title of Specialist in Didactic Processes for the Basic Level (2009). Additionally, I received a certification from the Audubon Conservation Society of Venezuela (SCAV).

With over 15 years of experience working with children in Venezuela, I relocated to this beautiful country 10 years ago due to political circumstances. I am now honored to be part of Elizabeth Academy, which has afforded me the opportunity to continue practicing my profession.

Kylamen found Elizabeth Academy while doing her student teaching. She received her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education in December of 2021 from Grand Canyon University. Prior to this she worked for a Montessori School in West Valley when she got her Montessori Diploma through the North American Montessori Center. Her favorite part about teaching is seeing her students become more independent and finding things to teach them through following the child’s interest.

Kylamen also loves to spend time teaching and participating in aerial fitness. She also enjoys spending time with her fiance and dog.

Mya joined the Elizabeth Academy/Garfield School staff with two years of experience working as a childcare provider. She enjoys baking, and dancing in her free time. But most of all watching her baby girl grow!

Avolea was born and raised in Ogden, Utah. She grew up in Montessori schools and has 5 years worth of experience being an assistant teacher.

Avolea loves to adventure outside. She goes hiking and camping and travels as much as possible.

Alyssa Lund has been actively involved with Montessori in one way or another since 2012. Whether teaching in a formal school setting or establishing a home classroom environment, Alyssa is devoted to creating a welcoming space to encourage children as they learn and grow. She received her infant-toddler Montessori certification through the Institute for Guided Studies in 2014 and continues to educate herself so that she might better serve the children around her.

In her spare time, Alyssa loves reading, dancing, spending time with her family, and contemplating how to knit non-Euclidean geometry.

Jeanne d’Arc Mukarugomwa was born in Africa – Rwanda. She is married and has a kid! She is a mathematical scientist and she enjoys sharing knowledge! Jeanne is always willing to learn something new; she does spend her free time with the family!

Rachel received her Montessori infant and toddler certification through Rings of Knowledge in 2023. She worked for 2 years at Blooming Minds Montessori. She spent a year working in an infant classroom and a year working with toddlers. This is her first year at Elizabeth Academy working in the Iris classroom.

Nozomi was born and raised in the beautiful coastal countryside of northern Japan. She moved to the United States to attend college and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree. Nozomi has 15 years of rich experience with teaching young children. Prior to joining Elizabeth Academy, she enjoyed guiding toddler students at Montessori schools in Salt Lake City and San Antonio, Texas as well as teaching in preschool settings in Houston, Texas and Tokyo, Japan. Nozomi obtained her infant/toddler Montessori certificate through the North American Montessori Center in 2007. She is excited to continue guiding children at Elizabeth Academy.

During her free time, Nozomi enjoys playing her flute, traveling, shopping and going to the movies and concerts.

Kassandra was raised and born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She joined Garfield School campus staff in 2019 and worked in the Infant/Toddler program before joining the Early Childhood team at Elizabeth Academy. She has over six years of experience as a Teacher, Assistant Teacher and Paraprofessional in childcare and school setting. She is excited to be a part of a Montessori school! It’s always been a passion of her to guide and educate children through early childhood as they are in a developing phase in life of learning new things everyday!