Meet Our Team
A passionate team of Montessori guides supporting each child’s independence, curiosity, and love of learning every day.
Ms. Giselle Barrios
Toddler Head Teacher
Ms. Giselle brings almost a decade of experience working in Montessori environments, where she has dedicated her career to supporting young children during their most formative years. She holds a degree in Infant and Toddler Development and Care and completed her Montessori training through the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Throughout her nine years of experience, Ms. Giselle has developed a deep understanding of early childhood development and is known for providing thoughtful, attentive, and developmentally appropriate care. She values creating a calm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, respected, and supported as they build independence and confidence.
Ms. Giselle is passionate about observing each child as an individual and following their unique rhythms and needs. She finds great joy in guiding children as they explore their environment, develop meaningful relationships, and reach important developmental milestones.Her journey led her to Blooming House Montessori, where she feels aligned with the school’s Montessori philosophy and warm, community-centered environment.
Ms. Giselle is grateful to be part of a team that honors children with care, intention, and respect, and she looks forward to growing alongside the families and children she works with.
Ms. Christine Tuccio
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Christine studied Psychology at the University of Lima in Peru, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. Later, she received a certification in Rational Emotive Therapy at the Institute of Rational Emotive Therapy in Lima, Peru, certified by the Albert Ellis Institute in New York. After moving to San Diego, she continued her studies and got her certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. She is also a Reiki healer and has completed her ECE/CDA classes.
Over time, Ms. Christine realized that every path she followed always led her to work with children, something that brings her the most joy. Watching how children’s minds grow, imagine, and explore the world is one of her favorite things.
She is married, has a daughter, a sweet Yorkie who came with her all the way from Peru and is excited to welcome a baby boy soon. Inspired by her daughter, Ms. Christine decided to focus her work on creating sensory activities made with taste-safe ingredients, so children can safely explore and learn through play.
Her journey led her to Blooming House School, a place she finds truly special for its Spanish immersion program and warm, Montessori environment. She feels grateful to be part of a community that values respect, creativity, and the unique potential of every child.
Ms. Christine loves continuing to learn through new courses and trainings related to early childhood education. She also holds a Montessori Assistant certificate and enjoys bringing fun, mindfulness, and imagination to the classroom every day.
Ms. Ely Heredia
Co-Founder & Primary Head Teacher
Ely Heredia is a passionate Montessori educator dedicated to fostering curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning in every child. With over 12 years as a lead teacher, she has worked with children from 8 months to 6 years old in both traditional and Montessori environments, supporting their physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development.
Ms. Ely holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Colegio Ensenada in Tijuana, B.C., obtained in 2014, a Diploma in Early Stimulation, and the MHATCP Montessori Guide for Early Childhood certification. She has continued her professional development through specialized Montessori training, continuing education programs, and a Continuing Education Certificate from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. She also regularly attends Montessori conferences and regional symposiums to stay current with research and practices and is an active member of the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Ms. Ely believes that the formation of children in their early years shapes the adults they will become. She integrates core Montessori values—empathy, respect, independence, gratitude, and love of learning—into her teaching and everyday life. She sees herself as a supportive guide who connects each child with experiences that inspire curiosity and confidence, nurturing growth with patience and understanding. In her Montessori environment, children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore at their own pace, developing independence, joy in learning, and a strong foundation for life.
Through hard work, great dedication, and a deep love for the Montessori philosophy, Ms. Ely accomplished one of her greatest dreams by co-founding “Blooming House Montessori” alongside Ms. Ivonne. This collaboration gave life to a school built on shared values, respect, and a commitment to authentic Montessori education. Together, they created a nurturing environments where children grow with confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning. Ms. Ely continues to share her passion for education and child development every day through her meaningful work within the Blooming House Montessori community.
Beyond her role as an educator, Ms. Ely treasures moments with her family and her two Yorkshire Terriers. She has a genuine love for animals, enjoys practicing Pilates, shopping, and discovering new restaurants.
Ms. Ivonne Cervantes
Co-Founder & Primary Head Teacher
Ms. Ivonne is a dedicated Montessori educator and co-founder of Blooming House Montessori, deeply committed to nurturing each child’s natural curiosity, independence, and love of learning. Born in Chula Vista, California, she earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Education at the Escuela Particular Colegio Ensenada before returning to San Diego. After obtaining her teaching credentials from the State of California, she worked across all three Montessori environments—infant, toddler, and primary—gaining a strong understanding of each stage of early childhood development.
With over ten years of experience in education, Ms. Ivonne is a beloved member of the community, known for her warmth, patience, and genuine care for every child and family she serves. She continued her professional growth by earning her AMI Primary Certification from the Montessori Institute of San Diego, a program recognized worldwide for its rigorous training and commitment to authentic Montessori principles. She is admired for creating environments where children feel supported, inspired, and empowered to explore at their own pace.
Her teaching philosophy centers on the belief that every child’s potential blossoms through meaningful work, gentle guidance, and a thoughtfully prepared environment. Ms. Ivonne integrates core Montessori values—empathy, respect, independence, gratitude, and a love of learning—into both her teaching and everyday life, guiding children with care, intention, and respect.
Through her dedication and love for Montessori education, Ms. Ivonne fulfilled one of her greatest dreams by co-founding Blooming House Montessori with Ms. Ely. Together, they created a school grounded in shared values and a commitment to authentic Montessori practice, offering a nurturing environment where children grow with confidence, independence, and joy.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Ivonne enjoys walking and cuddling with her 6-year-old Shih-Tzu, watching movies, and spending quality time with her husband, friends, and family. Her compassion and dedication make her an exceptional guide and a cherished part of the Blooming House Montessori community.
Ms. Selena Arellano
Primary Assistant Teacher
Ms. Selena is dedicated to supporting children with patience, warmth, and an appreciation for their unique pace of growth. She grew up in San Diego, California, and carries her Mexican roots close to her heart.
In 2017, Ms. Selena earned her B.A. in Sociology from California State University San Marcos, where she immersed herself in the study of social dynamics, community support, and inclusive approaches to education. Guided by her love for nature and culture, she also studied intercultural medicine in Ecuador, broadening her understanding of global perspectives and community well-being.
Coming from a family of flower growers and florists, Ms. Selena spent several years working as a creative in the floral industry. Through her work, she celebrated love through design and fostered community through educational workshops.
Her passion for education and child development led her to pursue continued studies in the field, and she is currently both a student and a Montessori teacher assistant. She is committed to nurturing children in their earliest years with thoughtfulness, kindness, and respect for their individual curiosity.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Selena enjoys spending time with her close circle of friends and family, trying new restaurants, hiking, camping, crafting, and traveling. She is grateful to be part of a dedicated school community and is honored to contribute to an environment where children can grow, explore, and thrive.
Mr. Josue Cervantes
Josue Cervantes is the Administrative Support at Blooming House Montessori, where he works closely with families, teachers, and staff to ensure the school is a place where children feel safe, supported, and truly at home.
With a background in business and finance and college-level education in Early Childhood Development, Josue helps ensure the school is thoughtfully organized and guided by a deep understanding of how young children grow and learn. His approach is always child-centered, with the belief that strong support behind the scenes allows classrooms to remain calm, joyful, and focused on each child’s development.
Josue’s work with children began over ten years ago through coaching youth soccer for children ages 1 to 9, including mommy-and-me style classes. These experiences helped shape his love for working with young children and reinforced the importance of patience, encouragement, and being a positive role model during the early years.
He values strong partnerships with families and believes trust is built through warmth, consistency, and open communication. Josue takes pride in welcoming families, supporting teachers, and helping create a close-knit community where children feel respected, confident, and excited to learn.
Outside of school, Josue enjoys soccer, spending time with friends and family, and sharing life with his wife, all of which continue to inspire the sense of connection and care he brings into the school each day.