Jonathan Gordillo
Mr. Gordillo was born in California and is a proud Oakland native. He hold’s a BA in Liberal Studies (multi-subject) from Cal State East Bay as well as a Primary Montessori Teaching Diploma from Montessori Northwest. Mr. Gordillo’s interest in working with children began in 2013 when he volunteered for a non-profit organization as a reading tutor in several elementary schools in East Oakland. The organization focused on closing the literacy gap in underserved schools. In 2016 he began working for that same non-profit as a tier two-literacy interventionist. He discovered GLM through a substitute agency he was working for. It was here that he was introduced to the Montessori philosophy, which resonated with him. He very much liked that the philosophy deepens one’s understanding of the potential of children and their unique abilities to transform the world. When he is not at GLM, he enjoys going on long hikes, playing the piano, writing scores, live music and spending time with family and friends.
Karen Johnson
Born in Southern California, Ms. Johnson moved to the Bay Area to complete her education at St. Mary’s College, and become an early childhood educator in 2000. She joined GLM as an assistant teacher in August 2023, and is thrilled to celebrate the joy that her students ignite while exploring their environment and the Montessori method. When not being inspired by children and her team of co-teachers. She is an art and yoga specialist for Girl Scout volunteers, yoga studios, and in the GLM aftercare program. She loves to dance, scrapbook, go on hikes and dress up as famous artists like Georgia O’Keefe, Frida Kahlo and Yayoi Kusama.
Deserae Bright
Ms. Bright was born and raised in Oakland. She loves her hometown and appreciates all of the diversity of people living within it. She has a twin brother and was raised in a diverse family with a host of cousins, aunties and uncles. Her interest in working with children began when she was in high school and was involved in a program called the Future Teachers Academy, as well as through time spent taking care of her younger cousins, nieces and nephews. She began working at Grand Lake Montessori in 2001. During her time at GLM she has earned her AMI Montessori Primary teaching credential. She strongly believes that children should have fun while learning. Her goal is to help them develop a love of learning, so that they continue to pursue their passions and interests throughout life. Her own passions include music, dance and a new-found love for theatrical arts.
Somsy Phonexaysitthidet
Ms. Phonexaysitthidet (PON-SE-SIT-TI-DAY) was born in Laungprabang, Laos and came to the United States in 1980. She graduated from high school in 1984 at Fremont High. In 1985 she began working at a public elementary school as a Laotian bilingual support teacher and stayed until 2003. While in the service of public education, she went back to college for five years to study liberal arts. In mid 2003 she was introduced to Montessori and impressed with the philosophy, she decided to take the Montessori training at the Montessori Teacher Education Center in San Leandro. She then worked at Rising Starr Montessori school for seven years years, before joining GLM in 2011. She has been living in Oakland for three decades and married for thirty three years to a wonderful husband who served in the social services in Oakland. It is an honor for her to support and teach within the GLM community. In her spare time she enjoys working out at the gym and cooking healthy food from scratch.