FOUNDER
Managing Founder: Pam Nelson
Pam retired from Dow in 2001 to pursue a passion for bettering the educational options available to families. She co-founded her first school with Barbara in 1997 in Sugar Land, TX. In 2004, she co-founded Montessori House for Children with her husband of 50+ years. She is the proud mother of two daughters, grandmother of 6 grandchildren, and great-grandmother of five great grandchildren.
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
ExEcutive Director: Barbara Nelson
Barbara discovered and fell in love with the Montessori program when her oldest daughter first attended a Montessori School in 1991. Barbara co-founded her first school in Sugar Land, TX, in 1997. She became the Head of School at Montessori House for Children in 2004. Barbara holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Administration, AMS Early Childhood Montessori Credentials, and is certified as a Positive Discipline Parent Educator. Barbara is passionate about the holistic approach of Montessori education. She loves the skills Montessori Children develop which allows them to contribute to society in a meaningful and profound way.
Head of school: Rujuta Arya
Rujuta joined MHFC as the Curriculum Director in 2022. She strives to equip students with the tools they need to become lifelong learners, while working to establish an exciting and engaging learning atmosphere where children feel comfortable and secure. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Economics from Mumbai University, India. She holds an AMS (American Montessori Society) credential in Early Childhood having served as a Montessori classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, and a head of school. She is deeply committed to the Montessori way of education and remains a lifelong Montessori learner. Rujuta likes to travel, read, cook, and spend time with her husband and two kids.
Marketing & Outreach Director: Norma Ortega
Born in Mexico City, Norma brings a unique blend of strategic expertise from the maritime industry and creative leadership from 14 years in Montessori education. After honing her skills in strategic planning and operations management during a successful 10-year career in the maritime industry, Norma transitioned into the education sector, where she has spent the last 14 years passionately promoting the Montessori philosophy. Her work goes beyond just marketing; she actively engages parents, alumni, and the local community through various initiatives.
In addition to her professional achievements, Norma used to work as a certified swim coach under USA Swimming with the Power Aquatics team, specializing in the 10 and under group. She is also a proud mother of two older boys, Leo (28) and Gerardo (20), both of whom were Montessori kids. Whether through successful fundraising campaigns or community outreach events, her dedication to fostering strong connections and supporting the growth and success of our students is at the heart of everything she does.
Admissions DIrector: Jessica Diaz-Barrantes
Jessica Diaz-Barrantes was born in Costa Rica and moved to the United States in 2004. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in Costa Rica from Latina University, and later earned a master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in General Psychology, from Grand Canyon University. Jessica is passionate about the Montessori philosophy, as well as helping and learning from others. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside with her husband and daughter.
reading specialist: Margie Nelson El-Moussa
Margie Nelson El-Moussa, a Houston native, originally joined MHFC in 2006. She has a business degree, master’s in finance, and Early Childhood Montessori Certification. Margie El-Moussa believes wholeheartedly in holistic education and feels passionate about Montessori education.
LEAD MONTESSORI CREDENTIALED TEACHERS AND ASSISTANT GUIDES
Toddler 1: Glenda Fuentes
Glenda has a bachelor’s degree in Anesthesiology, earned while in her home country of El Salvador. In 2013, Glenda joined the MHFC Montessori Teachers team to begin her second career as a Montessori Toddler Guide. She loves working with toddler-aged children and finds their capabilities and level of independence intriguing. In June 2021, after having eight years of experience as an Assistant Guide, Glenda began working towards her AMS Montessori Infant-Toddler Credential from the Houston Montessori Center.
Assistant: Darian Tellez
Toddler 2: Maria Aguilar
Ms. Maria joined the Montessori Teachers team at MHFC in 2012; she has always loved working with children. She believes that love and patience are essential when working with children. She is devoted to her faith and spends a great amount of time during the summer months serving on mission trips. Maria earned her AMS Montessori Teacher Certification from the Houston Montessori Center.
Assistants: Yanaig Fleitas, Kawther Mubarak, Yubisay Gonzalez
Early Childhood 1: Rita Basu
Ms. Rita joined the MHFC family in 2017. She soon discovered a passion for working in an early childhood Montessori environment. Inspired by her family and colleagues, Rita decided to further her education in the United States, where she earned AMS Early Childhood Montessori Credentials from Houston Montessori Center. Rita enjoys writing, arts and reading. She is a proud mom of two children. Originally from India, Rita and her family now reside in the Katy area.
Assistant: Megan Boyd and Madhavi Choragudi
Early Childhood 2: Anna Rubin
Ms. Anna was born in Ukraine and moved to Israel after graduating high school. She earned a Practical Engineering in Architecture degree in Israel. She moved to the United States with her husband, where her son and daughter were born. She found interest in Montessori education when her daughter attended Montessori school. Ms. Anna earned her AMS Montessori Early Childhood credentials from the Houston Montessori Center and worked at Montessori school for 10 years as an assistant and a lead. She is fluent in four languages and enjoys storytelling, singing, and art creations. Ms. Anna believes that the Montessori environment helps children to develop a love for learning and helps them prepare for life—to become peaceful, patient, supportive, kind, and responsible human beings.
Assistants: Krupali Bhatia and Elsa Rodriguez
Early Childhood 3: Lakshmi Thirumalai
Ms. Lakshmi joined the Montessori Teachers team at MHFC in 2014 after many years of teaching experience in India and the US. She has a master’s degree in management and earned her AMS Montessori Early Childhood Credential from the Princeton Center for Teacher Education in New Jersey. She is a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator and Brain Gym instructor. Her special interest is to facilitate learning for children with learning differences.
Assistants: Karla Tarazona and Jennifer Falon
Early Childhood 4: Maitreyi Pampattiwar
Ms. Maitreyi first joined our MHFC team in 2008, and after 7 years, she took personal leave to support her family. In August of 2022, Maitreyi rejoined our School and we are most grateful for her return. In addition to holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, she earned AMS Early Childhood Montessori Credentials from Houston Montessori Center. Ms. Maitreyi believes a child’s education shouldn’t aim to prepare him for school but for life beyond the classroom. Maitreyi lives with her husband and daughter, who is attending medical school, and she enjoys traveling around the world, exploring landmarks, and experiencing different cultures.
Assistants: Sweta Mishra and Giogia Colombia
LOWER ELEMENTARY A: Erika camacho
Ms. Erika joined the Montessori Teachers team at MHFC & ES in 2023. With 11 years of experience in education, she has had the opportunity to teach a diverse group of students. Over the years, she has developed a strong passion for teaching and a commitment to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. Her experience has equipped her with the skills to effectively manage a classroom, and create a supportive atmosphere that encourages student growth. She is extremely motivated to continually develop my professional skills, stay updated with the latest educational practices, and contribute to the success of her students. She completed her Elementary training in 2024.
Assistants: Rosario Via
LOWER ELEMENTARY B: Yadira Hernandez
Yadira first joined the MHFC community as a parent in 2012. Through her children’s enrollment, she discovered her love for Montessori education, which inspired her decision to shift careers from a Geologist to a Montessori educator. In 2021, Yadira joined MHFC as an Elementary Guide. She completed her Lower Elementary training in 2022 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology. Yadira was born in Mexico and moved to the United States in 2010. She has two children and enjoys spending time with her family.
Assistants: Alexandra Rohl and Rosario Via
Upper Elementary: Elisa Jiwani
Elisa was born in India and came to the United States with her family in the late ’90s. She joined the Montessori Teachers Team at MHFC in 2018 and is married to her supportive husband, and together, they have a teenage daughter. Elisa completed high school in Oklahoma City and earned a Bachelor of Art in Educational Studies, emphasizing Interdisciplinary Studies. After many years of dedicated services in the education community, she decided to pursue her Montessori Teachers Credential. She earned her Elementary 6 – 12 AMS Credential from the Gulf Coast Montessori Teacher Education Center. Her combined experience in public and Montessori schools helped her define her passion for the Montessori philosophy and methodology.
Assistant: Ebtisam Agbaria and Rosario Via