Mountain Room / Co-Lead Teacher
I was born and raised in San Diego and moved to Seattle in 2019. Before teaching, I worked with children as a nanny for almost 10 years.
Before coming to Seattle, I graduated with my AA in English/Child Development and also attended Purdue University to receive my BS in ABA therapy.
I feel so lucky that I get to help each child grow and flourish independently. Little ones offer such a new perspective on daily tasks, so I also value learning from them/seeing the way they tackle an important obstacle.
In my free time, I love to be outside in the sun reading a good book, hanging out with my pup Lennon, eating yummy foods, going to farmers markets.
Mountain room / Co – Lead Teacher/ Montessori Certified
Hello! My name is Irene, and I am so excited to be joining the Mountain Room this year. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and have recently earned my Montessori Certificate through the Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington. As part of my coursework, I completed my internship at Creative Learning Center, and I am thrilled to continue my Montessori journey with the CLC community.
I bring a year of hands-on Montessori classroom experience, where I provided individualized lessons, led engaging circle times, and collaborated closely with my teaching team to create a positive, nurturing learning environment. Before moving to the U.S., I also taught in Spain, which helped me develop a deep appreciation for inclusive and culturally rich education. I look forward to getting to know the children and families in the Mountain Room and supporting each child’s growth and love of learning.
Mountain Room – Lead Teacher – Montessori Certified
Hi there! My name is Roxanna Clementi Ruiz, but around the classroom everyone knows me as Miss Roxy!
I am so grateful to be part of the Mountain Room and this wonderful school community. With over 10 years of experience in early childhood education, I truly feel lucky to spend my days learning, laughing, and growing alongside young children.
I have a degree in Dance and Child Development and am Montessori certified through Montessori Hills Academy TCP in San Diego, California. Ever since I was in high school, I knew that working with children was what I wanted to do. Teaching isn’t just my job—it’s something I genuinely love.
Over the past year, I have had the joy of building relationships with our families and watching so many children grow in confidence, independence, kindness, and curiosity. One of my favorite things about being a teacher is seeing those “I did it!” moments and helping children discover what makes them unique.
Outside of school, I teach children’s Latin dance classes, play soccer, and enjoy bringing music, movement, and creativity into the classroom whenever I can. I believe children learn best when they feel loved, supported, and excited to explore the world around them.
Thank you for sharing your amazing children with us. It is truly a privilege to be part of their journey, and I look forward to another wonderful year together in the Mountain Room!
I started Creative Learning Center in the fall of 1994. My goal was to make a lovely and stimulating environment where children had the opportunity to spread their wings and learn all the great things Montessori has to offer. I always tell people, “It isn’t about filling the children with facts and figures, but to spark their innate curiosity and love of learning.” It has been an honor and privilege to guide these adorable children for the past twenty-five years!
My everyday goal is that my students go home and say ‘I had so much fun at school today!!’
I have been teaching as a Lead Teacher at C.L.C. for over six years. However, I have thirteen years combined experience with young children as an Aupair, Nanny and a Teacher. I earned my Montessori Teacher Diploma from ‘Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington’. in early 2014. I also earned my bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts (Public Relations) with Honor II from Chiang Mai Rajabhat University in Thailand.
I really enjoy working with children as their simple approach to everyday life intrigues me and offers me a chance to learn from them.
Outside the classroom, I love watching a movie, reading, cooking Thai food and spending time with my husband and our two beloved cats (Subie & Malcom).
I grew up in Mercer Island and went to University of Idaho. I graduated with a child development degree and followed up with my Montessori certificate. I have been teaching for 8 years and love every minute. I love the philosophy of Montessori: building confidence within themselves and going at their own pace. I really enjoy teaching all peace education throughout the year and love to see the children practice these skills. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, photography, finding cute new cafes for my love of coffee, and going to my family cabin.
I love working with children because every day is different and a wonderful new discovery for each child. Children teach me more about the world and how to be a better person. I love their honesty and kindness.
I grew up in Melbourne, Australia and have always had a keen interest in education and music. I studied violin at Monash University and secondary music education at The University of Melbourne. In Melbourne, I worked at private and public schools teaching violin and viola and also established my own private instrumental music school. Since living in Seattle, I’ve taught in early childhood education, an area that I consider to be fundamental in child development.
I started at Creative Learning Center as an assistant teacher in August 2017. I found that the Montessori philosophy resonated with my own teaching, especially the guided learning to empower and build the child. In 2018, I embarked on starting my Montessori teacher certification which I completed in 2019. Becoming a Montessori teacher was very meaningful to me, teaching me more about myself and more importantly how children learn and how to speak to them effectively.
In my spare time, I enjoy music, hiking, skiing and trying cuisines from around the world.