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.
 

Rosie Said - LEAD GUIDE - WILIWILI CLASS

Rosie joins us following three years of engagement as an outdoor educator and instructor in Michigan. Having previously lived on Hawaiʻi Island Rosie’s Interest in culture, diversity, equity and inclusion led her to explore the Montessori pedagogy. Its approach toward engaging children respectfully and encouraging their agency around learning took her to Bergamo, Italy and the Montessori Training Centre, founded by Maria Montessori’s son Mario in 1961. With countless hours of observation and materials practice under her belt, Rosie comes to MOMI directly from Italy and is eager to engage with your children and her colleagues as she furthers her understanding and mastery of the Montessori method.
 

Sojo Salaam - LEAD GUIDE - BANYAN CLASS

Sojo has always had a passion for learning, traveling, and teaching. She jokes that she grew up alongside her parents, moving around the US as they pursued their degrees and built their careers. Her journey eventually brought her to Selma, AL for high school, a pivotal and transformative period that deeply influenced her views on education, justice, and equity.

After high school, Sojo attended Spelman College, then worked in New York before moving to Cairo, Egypt, to study Arabic. When she had her first child, she wanted an alternative educational approach for her children, which led her to discover and fall in love with Montessori education. She earned her Elementary I Credential from the American Montessori Society at the Houston Montessori Center.

Sojo’s teaching career began with the establishment of the first Montessori elementary program in Saudi Arabia. She later taught in the DC Metropolitan area and earned the American Montessori Society accreditation consultant certificate. After 13 years in lower elementary education, she took on roles as a principal and Director of Development.

While she cherished her time as an educator, Sojo decided to take a break to focus on her family and explore other interests. During this time, she traveled the world and started her own consulting firm. Now, she is thrilled to return to her first love of guiding elementary children and looks forward to joining the MOMI community.