Meet the Team
Dedicated, Passionate & Certified
Cindy R. Cruz
Founder, Head of School, & Lead Teacher for "Children's House" class
Cinndy Cruz is the co-founder and Montessori Guide at Sapienza Montessori, bringing over 10 years of experience in Montessori education. Born in Mexico City and raised in Austin, she was the first in her family to graduate from college, earning an Associate’s Degree in Spanish. Growing up bilingual, Cinndy understands the importance of Spanish language and cultural connection, especially within a diverse state like Texas. Cinndy began her Montessori career as an Assistant Teacher, building a strong foundation in classroom practice before earning her Montessori Children’s House Guide Certification. She later obtained her Director’s Certificate and served two years as a co-director at another Spanish-language Montessori school in Austin. At the heart of Cinndy’s work is a clear purpose: to guide children from a place of love and deep respect, recognizing that each child is unique and develops at their own pace. For Cinndy, Montessori is more than a method—it is a way of life. She is passionate about living these values daily and sharing them with children, helping them grow with independence, confidence, compassion, and joy. Through Sapienza Montessori, she is committed to creating warm, respectful environments where children can thrive both academically and emotionally.
Otanis R. Ramos Vega
Co-Founder, Executive Director,
& Lead Teacher of "Young Children's Community" class
Otanis discovered her passion for education at a young age in Cuba, where she graduated as a Teacher of Education in 1995. She brings over 30 years of experience supporting children in their early years, nurturing values, respect, and a lifelong love of learning. Throughout her career, Otanis has worked with dedication, sensitivity, and heart, understanding that education goes beyond teaching—it is about observing, listening, and guiding each child with care. Along the way, she developed a natural connection with the Montessori philosophy and trained as a Montessori Guide. Today, Otanis is the co-founder of Sapienza Montessori, a school born from the desire to offer conscious, respectful education that meets the true needs of children. She creates thoughtfully prepared environments where children feel safe, valued, and free to develop at their own pace, guided by the belief that education lived with love and purpose leaves a lasting impact.
Norma Laura Molina
Lead Teaching Assistant of "Children's House" class & After School Coordinator
Norma Laura Molina Pozas was born in Linares, Nuevo León, and has been dedicated to education since earning her teaching degree in 2002. She has been a valued member of Sapienza Montessori since September 2022, bringing seven years of Montessori experience to her role as an Assistant Teacher in the Casa de Niños environment. Laura has completed her Montessori Assistant certification and continues to deepen her understanding of the Montessori philosophy, with plans to pursue her Certified Montessori Guide training in the future. She approaches her work with love, patience, and thoughtful guidance, creating a warm, respectful, and enriching environment where each child can grow and thrive. Known for her friendly, cheerful, and caring personality, Laura also has a deep appreciation for art and literacy, having participated in a variety of creative and academic support projects. She is committed to fostering a community rooted in collaboration, mutual support, and a shared love for children, and feels grateful to be part of the Sapienza Montessori team.
Beatriz Soto
Lead Assistant Teacher of "Young Children's Community" class
Beatriz Soto is a Montessori Assistant who brings thoughtfulness, care, and a calm presence to Sapienza Montessori. Originally from Cuba, she has been a valued member of the school community since February 2023, supporting children ages 2 to 3yrs old. Her early experience in a homeschool setting shaped her appreciation for hands-on learning and respect for each child’s natural development. Beatriz has completed her Montessori Assistant certification and is committed to continued professional growth within the Montessori philosophy. Known for her nurturing and intentional approach, she creates a warm, respectful environment where children feel seen, supported, and valued.
Maria Celeste Boli
Assistant Teacher/Floater for all classrooms
María Celeste Boli is an experienced Montessori Assistant Guide who brings warmth, patience, and deep dedication to her work with children. Originally from Argentina, she moved to Austin in 2014 and has worked in early childhood education for several years, including four years as an Assistant Guide in a Spanish Immersion Montessori setting and as a substitute teacher with Austin ISD. Celeste was the first teacher hired at Sapienza Montessori when the school opened in 2022 and has been a foundational part of building its nurturing community. She completed her Montessori Assistant Certification through the International Montessori Institute (IMI) in 2023. Known for her gentle, empathetic presence, Celeste creates an environment where children feel safe, respected, and encouraged to grow.
Teresa Tercero
2nd Assistant Teacher of "Children's House" class
Teresa de Jesús Tercero Barrera is originally from Nicaragua and has been a valued member of the Sapienza Montessori community for over a year. Teresa holds a degree in Nursing and brings valuable experience from working in private clinics in Nicaragua, including in pediatrics and neonatal care. After arriving in the United States, Teresa felt a strong calling to work in a school environment, and she is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Sapienza Montessori family. Motivated by her love for children and her desire to grow professionally, Teresa pursued further training and earned her Montessori Assistant Certification for ages 3–6. She describes each day as a new learning experience and values the guidance and support she has received from her colleagues since her first day. Teresa is inspired by Maria Montessori’s words, “The adult must never mold the child to fit themselves, but rather understand and respect the child as they are.” While this has been a challenging lesson at times, Teresa embraces it with humility and commitment, guiding children with patience, respect, and a deep belief in their abilities.
Jessica Garcia Castillo
Assistant Teacher of "Nido" class
Jessica Garcia was born in Nuevo León, Mexico, and brings warmth, dedication, and care to her work at Sapienza Montessori. She holds a Montessori Assistant Certification and has been a valued member of the Sapienza community for nearly two years. During this time, she has found her experience deeply enriching, learning alongside her guides, fellow assistants, and most importantly the children. Jessica has a special love for working with children ages 12 to 18 months and is continually amazed by their abilities at such a young age. She finds great joy in observing their growth, celebrating their progress, and watching them transition confidently into the next stage of their development. For Jessica, Sapienza Montessori is more than a workplace; it is a community rooted in love, respect, and care for each child’s individual learning journey. She values being part of a school that prioritizes children’s needs while also supporting the ongoing growth of its educators. Jessica feels proud to contribute to an environment where children are nurtured with intention, affection, and respect each day.