Meet Our Team
Desert Sky Montessori is proud to have a staff of child educator's 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
Child Educator
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 Madison
Child Educator
Miss Madison joined Desert Sky Montessori in 2025 as a part-time teacher in the Primary Room, where she enjoys supporting students as they explore, create, and grow each day. She is passionate about fostering curiosity and helping children build confidence in their abilities, whether through hands-on lessons, quiet moments of discovery, or joyful group activities.
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Originally from Oregon, Miss Madison is currently pursuing her degree in Elementary Education at Arizona State University. She brings a gentle, patient approach to the classroom, always striving to meet each child where they are and celebrate their unique strengths.
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When she’s not at school, Miss Madison enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and cooking new recipes. She feels truly grateful to be part of the Desert Sky community and finds the greatest joy in seeing students’ eyes light up when they master something new.
Miss Mayra
Child Educator
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
Child Educator
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.
Miss Sev
Child Educator
Miss Kanthakumari
Child Educator
Hi, I am Kanthakumari, originally from India. I have a master's degree in Analytical Chemistry. I spent over a decade working in the pharmaceutical industry, specializing in regulatory affairs.​
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Growing up, my father always encouraged me to pursue a career in teaching. While I started in the pharmaceutical field, I always felt something was missing. My passion for engaging with children and nurturing their growth led me to transition into early childhood education after moving to the United States.
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I live with my husband and daughter, and I love spending time with my family. Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies. I enjoy trying new recipes and sharing them with family and friends. I look forward to connecting and making a positive impact in children's lives!
Miss Cynthia
Child Educator
Miss Cynthia is a junior at Arizona State University studying Elementary Education and joined our Desert Sky Montessori Team in 2023. She enjoys supporting our young learners during their earliest stages of growth. She creates meaningful learning opportunities that combine exploration, creativity, and developmentally appropriate practice.
Miss Cynthia was head of planning and leader of our 2025 Rainforest Summer Camp, where she created engaging, educational activities that brought the wonders of the rainforest to life for our students.
Miss Cynthia is passionate about helping every child feel supported, confident, and curious. She looks forward to continuing to grow alongside our families here at Desert Sky Montessori.
For more information on our staff, we invite you to get in touch.