Our Team
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at Capstone Montessori School
OUR TEAM
Meet our exceptional team at Capstone Montessori School! Led by an experienced director and supported by dedicated teachers, we are committed to providing the highest quality education and care for your child. With a wealth of experience and a passion for Montessori education, our team is here to nurture and inspire every child to reach their full potential.
Angela Briones
Ms. Angela serves as the Director at Capstone Montessori School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education from California State University, Fullerton, and a Montessori Teaching Credential from the University of California, Irvine.
Her journey in child education began in 2003, working as a Program Assistant for the City of Tustin in after-school and state-funded preschool programs. During her undergraduate studies, Angela conducted observations at a Montessori school, where she quickly developed a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy. This experience ignited her passion for following the child through their sensitive periods, observing their growth into independent learners with a genuine love for learning.
Following her graduation, Ms. Angela committed herself to the Montessori educational approach, teaching as a Montessori Lead Teacher for 13 years. She transitioned into administration, where she has served as a director for the past five years. Ms. Angela thrives on collaborating with parents, teachers, and the community, and is dedicated to establishing a solid foundation at Capstone Montessori School alongside an exceptional team.
Her journey in child education began in 2003, working as a Program Assistant for the City of Tustin in after-school and state-funded preschool programs. During her undergraduate studies, Angela conducted observations at a Montessori school, where she quickly developed a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy. This experience ignited her passion for following the child through their sensitive periods, observing their growth into independent learners with a genuine love for learning.
Following her graduation, Ms. Angela committed herself to the Montessori educational approach, teaching as a Montessori Lead Teacher for 13 years. She transitioned into administration, where she has served as a director for the past five years. Ms. Angela thrives on collaborating with parents, teachers, and the community, and is dedicated to establishing a solid foundation at Capstone Montessori School alongside an exceptional team.
Nina Huynh
Ms. Nina was born and raised in San Jose, relocated to Southern California in 2000. After experiencing the transformative Montessori methodology as a teacher's assistant, Ms. Nina pursued her AMS Montessori Training at the University of California, Irvine, obtaining her Montessori Credential in 2017. She dedicated the next seven years to teaching in a Montessori Primary classroom, where her commitment and passion for early childhood education flourished.
Currently, Ms. Nina is embracing a new challenge as she steps into the role of Assistant Director. Her firsthand experience as a Montessori educator and parent—her son began his Montessori journey at just five months old—equips her with a unique perspective and deep understanding of the Montessori approach, both in theory and practice.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Nina enjoys unwinding by watching comedy shows on Netflix and cherishing quality time with her energetic toddler. Her personal and professional experiences make her a valuable asset to her educational community, as she continues to advocate for the Montessori method and support both children and families in their educational journeys.
Currently, Ms. Nina is embracing a new challenge as she steps into the role of Assistant Director. Her firsthand experience as a Montessori educator and parent—her son began his Montessori journey at just five months old—equips her with a unique perspective and deep understanding of the Montessori approach, both in theory and practice.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Nina enjoys unwinding by watching comedy shows on Netflix and cherishing quality time with her energetic toddler. Her personal and professional experiences make her a valuable asset to her educational community, as she continues to advocate for the Montessori method and support both children and families in their educational journeys.
Maddison Donchez
Ms. Maddison is a fully qualified early education teacher with a specialized passion for infant care. Over the past six years, she has explored various roles within the field, including positions as a teacher, nanny, and behavior specialist. Through these experiences, Ms. Maddison has cultivated a profound appreciation for the support and community offered by center-based infant care environments.
She holds the Montessori philosophy in high regard and feels fortunate to be able to teach in an environment that is both stimulating and ripe with opportunities for professional growth. Ms. Maddison is an avid reader and loves to explore, travel, and create art. She skillfully integrates these interests into her curriculum, enriching her students' learning experiences by sharing her passions with them.
Dedicated to fostering strong relationships with families, Ms. Maddison strives to ensure her classroom is a welcoming space where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired. Her commitment to early childhood education makes her an invaluable asset to her educational community.
She holds the Montessori philosophy in high regard and feels fortunate to be able to teach in an environment that is both stimulating and ripe with opportunities for professional growth. Ms. Maddison is an avid reader and loves to explore, travel, and create art. She skillfully integrates these interests into her curriculum, enriching her students' learning experiences by sharing her passions with them.
Dedicated to fostering strong relationships with families, Ms. Maddison strives to ensure her classroom is a welcoming space where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired. Her commitment to early childhood education makes her an invaluable asset to her educational community.
Amber Freeman
Ms. Amber is the assistant teacher in the infant and toddler classroom. She has made San Clemente her home for the past four years. She thoroughly enjoys the coastal lifestyle, spending her time walking the beach, running on the pier, and shopping at both the Outlets and the charming downtown area of San Clemente. In her free time, Ms. Amber is an avid gym-goer, concert enthusiast, and enjoys watching her favorite TV shows and socializing with friends.
With six years of experience in Montessori education, Ms. Amber has developed a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy and the developmental milestones of early childhood. She is particularly passionate about working with toddlers and infants, finding great joy in observing their growth and learning. Ms. Amber is eagerly looking forward to spending time with the children in her class, guiding them through their early learning experiences.
With six years of experience in Montessori education, Ms. Amber has developed a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy and the developmental milestones of early childhood. She is particularly passionate about working with toddlers and infants, finding great joy in observing their growth and learning. Ms. Amber is eagerly looking forward to spending time with the children in her class, guiding them through their early learning experiences.
Shima Larijani
Mrs. Shima is a dedicated Montessori teacher whose creative mind and strong belief in Montessori principles shape her approach to education. A passionate advocate for Montessori's ideas, she is committed to nurturing children's natural curiosity and fostering their independence through carefully designed learning environments.
As a mother of three children who all thrived in Montessori education, Mrs. Shima has seen firsthand the transformative power of this approach. This personal experience deepens her commitment to creating a classroom where every child can explore, grow, and develop at their own pace. Her goal is to inspire a love for learning in each child, empowering them to become confident, self-directed learners for life.
As a mother of three children who all thrived in Montessori education, Mrs. Shima has seen firsthand the transformative power of this approach. This personal experience deepens her commitment to creating a classroom where every child can explore, grow, and develop at their own pace. Her goal is to inspire a love for learning in each child, empowering them to become confident, self-directed learners for life.