The Staff
Cora Gaabucayan is the Owner/Head of School of Montessori West. She
holds a B.A. in English Literature, M.A. in Guidance, and Ph.D. in
Counseling Psychology. She received her Montessori Diploma from the
Association Montessori Internationale in May 1991.
Her extensive teaching experience, from Grade School to
Graduate School, gave her the opportunity to understand the dynamics
involved in the learning process. It was while she was researching her
doctoral dissertation that she became convinced of the strong influence of
early experiences on creative development. Thus, she conceived the idea of
establishing an early learning center, and then, a Montessori School, where
the potentials of children could be tapped and nourished, and where
learning, is at the same, a joyful experience.
She was married to the late Dr. Samuel P. Gaabucayan. She
has three children: Karen, Joyce, and Grace.
Claudia Rose – Mrs. Rose has been with Montessori West
for the past 12 years. Her understanding of the psychology of the child and
talents in music and visual arts, make her an effective guide of children
who are beginning to explore their environment and appreciate the arts.
Francizca Wuest – Mrs. Wuest brings to Montessori West
her years of guiding students in a Montessori setting. Children
spontaneously respond to her caring and warm ways. Her understanding of the
needs of the child for movement, creative expression, freedom, and
productivity, are skills that enable her to masterfully plan the outdoor
environment.
Ellen Gillespie – Mrs. Gillespie holds a Bachelor of
Science in Education and has taught English to Junior High School students
in the United States and Europe. Her interest and skills in Reading,
Mathematics, Music, and Art make her a valuable guide in the Prepared
Environment.
Staff Development: Montessori West offers a Development
Program that encourages the staff members to continuously assess their
skills and understand the psychology of the child in a changing world.
Workshops are regularly held on Maria Montessori’s fundamental principles of
education, the prepared environment, the developing brain, self-assessment,
emotional intelligence, and creativity.
