Meet Our Team
Desert Sky Montessori is proud to have a staff of teachers that are passionate about making a difference in students’ lives through tireless dedication to education. Get to know each of our team members below.
Miss Paty
Owner
Miss Paty took ownership of Desert Sky in 2019, to carry on the great learning environment it has been known for.
Miss Paty loves to watch each child grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Paty's academic background is in bilingual education and early child development. Miss Paty started at Desert Sky Montessori as the lead toddler teacher. She has since introduced a bilingual program through songs, and their special "amigo" Paco.
When she is not at school, she loves spending time with her husband of 40 years and 3 beautiful and talented daughters (and spoiling her grandpups).
Miss Sally
Mathematics
Miss Sally joined Desert Sky Montessori 25 years ago, and has since taken ownership of the math department. Miss Sally has consistently brought passion and dedication working with each student one to one to introduce new materials. Sally also works in small groups of students to facilitate team learning.
Miss Sally is a native Italian, and spent her early teaching years in Long Island in special education. When she isn't at school, she enjoys yoga and spending time with her 5 grandchildren. Sally shares her love of yoga every morning with the class, which is the perfect way to start the day. What brings Miss Sally the greatest joy, is watching each student progress during their time at Desert Sky.
Miss Christina
Teacher
Christina Carlson joined the Desert Sky Montessori team in 2021. She teaches outdoor life, environment, sciences, and practical life to primary and kindergarten students. In addition to these subjects, Ms. Christina encourages students to share her love of nature, art, books, and friendship.
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Originally from Massachusetts, Ms. Christina fell in love with the Sonoran Desert in 2010, and has no plans to leave. She has been teaching children and adults about the natural world since she and her family moved to Arizona.
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Ms. Christina earned a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, and reading about anything and everything.
Miss Erica
Teacher
Hi my name is Erica Bashkin and I have been a part of DSMS off and on for about 10 years, starting when my kids were part of the DSMS family. I'm a graduate from NAU and I'm a graduate gemologist from GIA.
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Here at Desert Sky I help the children with Language (sounds, moveable alphabet, and reading). I love it when sounds click with students and it starts them on the road to reading.
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I am originally from New Jersey and I have a husband, two kids, and two dogs. Life is crazy but I love it.
Miss Mayra
Toddler Teacher
Hello everyone, my name is Mayra Rivera! I’m from Tucson, AZ with a Mexican background. Before starting at Desert Sky Montessori I was teaching Spanish Immersion! I’m currently working in the Toddler’s class where I enjoy every cry and laughter of each little one. I am AMS certified.
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I love hands-on experiences, art, kids, teaching, and watching each student grow and develop. When I’m not at school I enjoy spending time with my little Sebastian, I’m with little ones all the time.
I am very grateful to be in the teaching field and being able to inspire kids.
Miss Moni
Teacher
Agamoni (Ms. Moni) became part of the Desert Sky Montessori family in 2024, where she dedicates herself to nurturing the minds of toddlers. As an assistant teacher, she imparts her passion for music and early childhood education to her students. Originally from India, she came to Arizona 11 years ago.
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Agamoni holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music, along with a bachelor’s degree in education focusing on child psychology, all earned from the prestigious Visva-Bharati University. She infuses her lessons with creativity and enthusiasm, drawing from her experience as a music teacher in India.
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Outside the classroom, Agamoni finds joy in her role as a mother to a 3-year-old daughter. When not at school, she enjoys immersing herself in music and cherishing quality time with her family.
Agamoni takes great pride in witnessing the growth and development of each student, making her contributions invaluable.
For more information on our staff, we invite you to get in touch.