Meet the Teachers

Meet our Lower Elementary Teachers

Alejandra Carta - LEAD GUIDE - JACARANDA CLASS

Alejandra is originally from Montevideo, Uruguay and started with MOMI over 20 years ago. She first worked as an assistant, then as a Primary Guide, and is now a Lower Elementary Guide in the Jacaranda Class since 2023. Alejandra attended college in Uruguay before pursuing her work in Montessori education.

Alejandra holds credentials from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in Primary (ages 3-6) and will complete her Elementary training (ages 6-12) in Summer 2024 from the Montessori Training Center Northeast. Alejandra’s Elementary credential is for both Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary, effectively preparing her to support her students in Lower Elementary and the work they will do in the future as they move into Upper Elementary. In her time away from her studies, Alejandra enjoys spending time with her daughter and her four adorable rabbits, Bella, Brianna, Bruno and Bonnie.
 

JENNIFER DEMPSEY - LEAD GUIDE - WILIWILI CLASS

Jen joined MOMI in 2004 as a student teacher. Jen earned a bachelor's degree in Anthropology and master's degree in Elementary Education with a focus in Mathematics, Science and Montessori education. She earned an AMS Elementary I credential and also holds a Hawaii State Teaching license for grades K-6. She has additional training in Orton-Gillingham at the Associate Level. 

Jen is passionate about the Montessori methodology and pedagogy. She loves being a part of our school as she feels that we consistently value the needs and best interests of our students. She enjoys traveling, seeing live music, sewing, hiking, and spending time with her son, a MOMI student himself. 

MELINDA LYLE-JAVIER - LEAD GUIDE - BANYAN CLASS

Melinda has worked at the Montessori School of Maui for 35 years. She received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Hawai'i Manoa. Her Montessori training began with her Elementary degree and also included a Montessori degree in adolescent education. While being the lead teacher in our Adolescent program, she completed her Educational Media Design and Technology Master’s Degree. 

Melinda is passionate about the Montessori methodology and pedagogy and has been with us since the early days. She enjoys spending time with her daughters Kanoe and Anela (our Toddler Program teacher) and her grandchildren.