Hello,
My name is Jessie. I have been a Montessori teacher for more than twenty years, and a parenting coach, teaching parenting the positive disciple way. My first Montessori training was 40 years ago when I was a teenager. Now I have raised two children who are wonderful adults. Recently I became a grandma. In our school, I love to see children feel like the school is an extension of their homes. Where peers become family and, they value learning, problem solving, being a role-model and belonging. Education with Montessori method is an experience that will stay with them throughout their academic life. I feel it a privilege to help children build the best foundation in learning at our school.
Hello,
My name is Kylie and I am originally from New Zealand where I got my BEd in Elementary Teaching. I worked with a variety of grade levels in New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East.
After arriving in the USA to raise my own family, I returned to teaching in 2022 at Cherry Lane Montessori, where I teach Lower Elementary. I love Montessori so much that I recently earned my diploma as a certified Montessori Teacher and each day is an adventure, wondering what wonderful surprises will come from my students.
Hi families,
My name is Deaven. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in School Counseling from Fresno Pacific University. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various educational settings, supporting students across a wide range of ages—from early elementary through high school and adult education.
As a former Montessori student myself, I’ve experienced firsthand the lifelong impact of this approach. My daughter has attended Montessori programs since daycare and has been a proud student of Cherry Lane Montessori since our family moved to Idaho several years ago. It’s truly my passion to help her—and all our students—thrive in a joyful, balanced, and enriching educational environment that nurtures both independence and curiosity.
I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and welcoming our new Cherry Lane families to another wonderful year of growth and discovery!
Kristi – Primary Lead Teacher
Kristi Mondry
With over 40 years of experience as a Montessori teacher, I have dedicated my life to nurturing children’s curiosity and love of learning. My journey began in
Minnesota, where I grew up surrounded by the values of community and kindness that continue to guide my teaching today. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with countless students and mentoring fellow educators as a teacher trainer, sharing my passion for the Montessori philosophy.
Family is at the heart of my life. I am happily married and the proud parent of two grown children who inspire me every day. At home, our little dog keeps us
entertained and brings extra joy to our lives.
Teaching has always been more than a profession for me—it’s a calling. I am
grateful for the opportunity to help children discover their strengths and to support teachers in their own journeys. My commitment to Montessori education remains as strong as ever, and I look forward to many more years of learning and growing alongside my students and colleagues.
iHola!
My name is Dalia Irigoyen and I am from Mexico. I am the Spanish teacher at Cherry Lane Montessori. Learning Spanish will have numerous lifetime benefits for your child including improved logical thinking, memory, global opportunities and cultural immersion. We are going to do so many fun things and learn a lot.
I can’t wait to get to know your child and your family!
iNos vemos pronto!
(Currently on sabbatical, but helps out substituting from time to time.)
Hola,
My name is Desislava Tombaugh (aka Miss D). I’m from Bulgaria. I work at Cherry Lane Montessori as the Spanish teacher and assistant to Ms. Jessie. In my home country I graduated from the university of chemical technology and metallurgy in Sofia, Bulgaria with specialty of “Organic chemistry – Technology of plastics polymers” in 2005. I worked at Bulgarian Academy of science in Sofia before moving to the United States.
I speak 4 1/2 languages; Bulgarian, English, Spanish, a little Russian and have finished few French courses.
I am married and have one son. In my free time i like reading, travelling and spending time with my family and friends.
Gracias
Hi,
My name is Aiko. I am from Japan and I am very happy to volunteer in my daughters classroom whenever I can while my husband is working in the United States.
I have 2 children and my little girl is doing very well at Cherry Lane Montessori.
It is wonderful that we have both learned English in such a short time and this makes me very happy.