Staff

Kelsey received her undergraduate degree in Communications from Arizona State University before earning her AMI Montessori diploma from the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies in 2016. She later completed her Master’s in Education from Loyola University, with an emphasis on Montessori education. Over the past 10 years, Kelsey has worked in administration at Cave Creek Montessori, gaining hands-on experience in school operations, leadership, and community engagement.

As the daughter of the school’s founders, Kelsey grew up immersed in the Montessori philosophy and developed a deep appreciation for its values from an early age. Now serving as the school’s director and a proud Montessori parent, she’s committed to creating a warm, enriching environment where children—and families—feel supported. Her two children attend Cave Creek Montessori and have thrived, further fueling her passion for continuing the school’s legacy of nurturing lifelong learners.

Ms. Aurora has been part of the Cave Creek Montessori team for nearly five years and brings eight years of experience working with children. She studied Marketing at Arizona State University and also has a background in hospitality, along with a wide range of creative skills.

Ms. Aurora has gained comprehensive experience working in every classroom at Cave Creek Montessori and is familiar with all age groups. In 2023, she transitioned to the role of Director’s Assistant, bringing her broad understanding of the school’s programs and community to the administrative team. Ms. Aurora is committed to ensuring that the children, staff, and families of Cave Creek Montessori feel heard, valued, and fully supported with the resources they need to thrive. She looks forward to learning more about Montessori Education.

Outside of school, she enjoys embarking on new adventures with her one-year-old son, making every moment an opportunity for fun and discovery. She also works on expanding her skills in photography and graphic design, and exploring a variety of new hobbies.

Brenda Lobera is thrilled to continue her role since 2018 as a lead teacher—and in Montessori education since 2015—at Cave Creek Montessori. She’s grateful for another year of learning and growing alongside the children in her care.

Brenda first studied Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University and later pursued Psychology at the University of Texas at El Paso, but she found her true calling in Montessori education. Working as an assistant in a Montessori classroom was a life-changing experience that opened her eyes to what this method can offer children. That experience inspired her to pursue AMI Primary certification in Phoenix so she could share the gift of independence, curiosity, and confidence with each child she guides.

In her classroom, Brenda strives to create a warm, structured environment where children feel empowered to explore, take risks, and grow. She believes deeply in nurturing strong, capable, confident, and curious individuals—qualities she hopes each child carries long after they leave her classroom.

Outside of school, Brenda and her fiancé Joshua are in the midst of planning their November wedding. She enjoys dabbling in DIY projects, reading fantasy novels, writing her own book, and most importantly, spending time with her sweet golden retriever, Georgee.

Sue Perera is an AMI certified Montessori teacher counting 20 + years’ experience. Hailing from the Small Island of Sri Lanka in South Asia, and having moved to Maryland in 2002 and started working for Aiden Montessori in DC in 2004 where she completed her 20 years’ service in 2024. 

Montessori has been her passion and is part of her life, engaging and spending these moments with children is what she loves to do. 

During her free time she love riding bikes, travelling, camping and going on hikes. Also, an avid cooking and baking fan is constantly trying out new recipes . Her passion for sewing is another activity which she loves to do and plans to introduce this to CCM as well.

Sue has two sons, one in the US Airforce as a Pilot and the youngest who is currently working in DC after graduating from George Washington University.

Rachel Witt is excited to be joining Cave Creek Montessori as a Primary Lead Teacher.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Penn State and a Master's degree in Special Education from NAU. Rachel is certified to teach Kindergarten through 8th grade and is currently completing her Montessori training, which she will finish in May. Her teaching experience includes preschool, kindergarten, and first grade, and she has also served as a Special Education Director for over 10 schools.

A new empty-nester, Rachel and her husband live in Cave Creek. Their two adult children, Owen and Ella, are currently attending ASU, studying biomedical engineering and business, respectively.

Ms. Uma has been a dedicated member of the Cave Creek Montessori team for 19 years, bringing warmth, patience, and expertise to her work with toddlers. She is passionate about fostering a nurturing and engaging environment where young children can explore, learn, and develop at their own pace. Outside the classroom, Uma enjoys tending to her garden, taking her dog for walks, and spending quality time shopping and making memories with her daughters. Her long-standing commitment to the CCM community reflects her deep love for early childhood education and the families she serves.

Ms. Paola has been working with young children for over a decade, including the past seven years at Cave Creek Montessori. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching and began her Montessori journey while living in Mexico. In 2024, she earned her AMI Montessori certification for Infant Community (0–3 years), deepening her passion for early childhood education. She is dedicated to creating a peaceful, loving environment where every child feels safe, seen, and supported as they grow.