Meet Our Middle School Teachers

Ms. Debbie Sheehan

Ms. Sheehan’s educational background includes a B.S. in Economics/Business Administration, M.B.A. in Finance/Marketing, and Doctoral Courses in Educational Leadership.  She holds Montessori 3-6 and 6-12 Credentials.  She passed her California State Teacher Test (CBEST) and National Teacher Education (NTER) Tests.  For the past 16 years she has been a teacher in Montessori schools.  In preparation for the expansion of our program, Ms. Sheehan attended the Montessori Adolescent Teacher Education Course given by Dr. Betsy Coe, head of the middle school and high school at School of the Woods, Houston, TX.  Ms. Sheehan has two college age daughters.

Ms. Bernice Alota

“My main goal as a teacher is to provide an environment where students feel confident, independent, and productive.  I want to inspire a love of learning and I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of so many families’ lives.”

Ms. Alota received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the United States Naval Academy and served as a Naval Officer for five years immediately afterwards, specializing in Surface Warfare.  Ms. Alota was responsible for mentoring, training, and managing sailors and received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Commendation Medal.  Upon completion of her Naval Service, Ms. Alota pursued a Masters in Education and has passed the California State Teacher Test (CBEST). When researching schools for her daughter, she discovered the Montessori philosophy and now has the AMS Montessori Elementary Credential.  She has taught at Maria Montessori Schools since 2005. Ms. Alota is married to LCDR Gervy Alota, USN, and has two children who attend Maria Montessori Elementary.

Ms. Sheehan is Head Teacher for the Secondary 7th and 8th grade students and Ms. Alota is the Head Teacher for the 6th graders.  They will also be team teaching some of the Middle School subjects.

Additional Staff Includes teachers for:

                                                                Physical Education (required subject)
                                                                Mandarin or Spanish (required subject)
                                                                Public Speaking/Debate (required subject)
                                                                Music (elective)
                                                                Art (elective)