Meet The Director
Welcome! I’m Karina Garcia, and I’ve had the joy of leading Beresford Montessori since 1994. My passion for working with children and supporting their growth through education led me to the Montessori philosophy early in my career, and I quickly discovered a deeply meaningful and effective approach to nurturing young minds.
With degrees in Psychology, Liberal Studies, Latin American Studies, and a Master of Education from Notre Dame de Namur University, I’ve always been drawn to understanding how children learn and thrive. I also hold a Pre-Primary Montessori Credential from the American Montessori Society (AMS) and earned my Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Santa Barbara.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible educators and families who share the belief that children flourish in nurturing, hands-on environments. My commitment to Montessori education continues to grow as I witness the positive impact it has on each child’s confidence, independence, and love of learning.
In my spare time, I cherish spending time with my children and family, as well as baking my favorite Argentine pastry recipes.
I look forward to welcoming you to our community!
Karina Garcia, Director
Meet Our Teachers
Umasha Gunawardena
Site Director/Head Teacher
Redwood City, Ladybird Classroom
My name is Umasha Gunawardena, and I’m the Site Director at Beresford Montessori in Redwood City with 20 years of Montessori teaching experience, a Bachelor's in Legal Studies, and AMS teaching credentials. I'm passionate about nurturing each child’s unique potential with care, and I love watching their curiosity and personalities grow. Outside the classroom, I enjoy meditation and trying new recipes for my family.
Chu Chen Huang, M.E.d
Head Teacher
Redwood City, Ladybird Classroom
My name is Chu Chen Huang, a preschool teacher at Beresford Montessori with over 20 years of Montessori experience, a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s in Montessori Education, and AMS certification. I'm passionate about language development and nurturing curiosity and independence through hands-on learning. I love seeing students grow and gain confidence. Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling, baking, and floral arranging.
Marisol Nava
Junior Teacher
Redwood City, Ladybird Classroom
My name is Marisol Nava, and I’m a teacher at Beresford Montessori with seven years of experience. I hold associate degrees in Childhood Education and Spanish, as well as a Montessori teaching credential. I enjoy guiding children ages 2.5 to 6 through the Montessori approach and especially love seeing them master new skills. Outside the classroom, I enjoy thrill movies, hiking, reading—and I love cats.
Tsubasa Hamburg
Head Teacher
Redwood City, Butterfly Classroom
My name is Tsubasa Hamburg, Head Teacher of the Butterfly class at Beresford Montessori in Redwood City. I have over 17 years of experience, a BA in Child and Adolescent Development, and Montessori certification for ages 2.5 to 6. I love making learning fun and especially enjoy those exciting “aha!” moments. Outside the classroom, I spend time with my kids, volunteer with their marching band, and sew costumes for my Bearded Dragon.
Lisa Tang
Head Teacher
Redwood City, Butterfly Classroom
My name is Lisa Tang, a teacher at Beresford Montessori with four years of experience, a Bachelor's in Psychology, and Montessori training. I'm passionate about supporting each child’s individuality and giving them the freedom to choose. I love the enthusiasm children bring—it inspires me to grow and appreciate life’s little moments. Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading, and a fun fact is that I played the violin for 13 years.
Ana Cardenas
Site Director/Head Teacher
San Mateo, Claremont Street, Watermelon Classroom
My name is Ana Carina Cardenas, a Head Teacher at Beresford Montessori Academy with over 20 years of experience and a B.S. in Child Development with AMS certification. I’m passionate about helping children grow into confident, independent learners and love watching them thrive. Outside the classroom, I enjoy gardening, reading, and spending time with family. Fun fact: I was born in Argentina and love soccer!
Ozgul Tamur
Head Teacher
San Mateo, Claremont Street, Watermelon Classroom
My name is Ozgul Erol Tamu, and I have over 10 years of teaching experience with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and an AMS Credential. I’m passionate about Montessori education and love integrating nature-inspired activities into learning. Outside the classroom, I enjoy gardening, photography, and exploring different cultures. Fun fact: I love visiting my home country, Turkey, to swim in the ocean and see family.
Ana Napoles
Teacher Assistant
San Mateo, Gum Street, Floater
My name is Ana Napoles, and I’m an Assistant Teacher at Beresford Montessori School with over 20 years of teaching experience and an AA in Child Development. I’m passionate about working with preschoolers and believe every child is unique and thrives in a stimulating environment that supports their growth. I especially enjoy talking with them and sharing in their curiosity. Outside the classroom, I love spending time with my family, cooking, and traveling.
Michelle Pantig
Head Teacher
San Mateo, Claremont Street, Blueberry Classroom
My name is Michelle Pantig, and I am a Head Teacher at Beresford Montessori Academy, while having nearly 19 years of early childhood education experience and a Bachelor’s in Science with a Marketing major. Montessori-trained since 2010, I am passionate about fostering a nurturing, child-centered environment. I love seeing children’s moments of discovery and enjoy exploring cultures, cuisines, and following various sports.
Marianela Riquelme
Head Teacher/Spanish Teacher
San Mateo, Claremont Street, Blueberry Classroom
My name is Marianela Riquelme, and I’m a Student Teacher at Beresford Montessori Academy. Originally from Argentina, I hold a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and have experience as a kindergarten teacher. I’m passionate about the Montessori philosophy and love seeing children’s natural curiosity and joy in learning. Outside the classroom, I enjoy baking, cooking, traveling, drinking mate, and cheering for my favorite soccer teams.
Portia Mayo
Teacher Assistant
San Mateo, Claremont Street, Floater
My name is Portia Mayo, and I am a floater assistant and music teacher. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the Philippines. I also obtained a Montessori primary diploma from ages 2.5 - 6 years old through a scholarship grant from the Italian government. Before joining Beresford Montessori in September 2005, I taught at a Montessori in Fremont for five years, as well as six years at Montessori School in San Mateo.
Regina Maslog
Site Director/Head Teacher
San Mateo, Gum Street, Daisy Classroom
My name is Regina Maslog, Site Director and Head Teacher at Beresford Montessori, Inc. With 23 years in early childhood education, I hold a Bachelor’s, an MBA, and Montessori credentials. I’m passionate about nurturing children’s curiosity and growth, and I find daily inspiration in their perspectives. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, exploring new cuisines, and I’m a proud cancer survivor.
Gabriella Pons
Head Teacher
San Mateo, Gum Street, Daisy Classroom
My name is Ms. Gabriella, and I’m a Head Teacher in the Daisy classroom with eight years of experience. I hold a BA in Liberal Studies from San Diego State and a Montessori credential. I love working with children ages 2.5 to 6, encouraging independence and a love of learning. I’m inspired daily by their curiosity and humor. Outside the classroom, I enjoy time with family, baking sourdough, and fun fact—I’m a Beresford alum myself!
Alexandra Reynoso
Teacher Assistant/Spanish Teacher
San Mateo, Gum Street, Daisy Classroom
My name is Alexandra Reynoso, and I’m an Assistant and Spanish Teacher at Beresford Montessori with 14 years of preschool experience. I’m passionate about helping children grow in all areas and love seeing their progress, especially when they overcome challenges. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my two boys, baking, and crafting—I crochet, knit, and cross-stitch.
Veronica Garcia
Head Teacher
San Mateo, Gum Street, Sunflower Classroom
My name is Veronica Garcia, and I have been working as a lead teacher at Beresford Montessori for 15 years. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and have completed my Montessori training. I love teaching and inspiring children to become creative thinkers and independent learners. In my spare time, I enjoy going for walks with my family and listening to music.
Damaris Nesa
Teacher Assistant
San Mateo, Gum Street, Sunflower Classroom
My name is Dama, and I have 3+ years of experience in early childhood education, hold an Associate’s in Psychology, Montessori training, and am completing my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with plans for a Master’s in Special Education. I love supporting children ages 2.5–6 with warmth and encouragement. Outside the classroom, I volunteer with Foster Love, enjoy cooking, walking my dog, and baking sourdough bread.