Teaching has been bringing me great joy for many years. I feel so honored and so fortunate to be a Montessori guide. I am awed as I observe our children becoming independent, experiencing joyful learning, rising to academic challenges, and creating peace each day.

I live in Golden with my husband and our two boys. Both of our boys have happily attended a Montessori charter school near our home for many years. Spending time with my family outdoors is my favorite pastime. We enjoy traveling, camping, and hiking in our beautiful mountains.

For over 10 years, I have supervised and mentored student teachers during their internship year at Montessori Education Center of the Rockies in Boulder. I have also been an Instructor in MECR’s Lower Elementary Certification Program. I hold my M.A. with a Special Ed Endorsement, my Colorado State Teaching Certificate, and my Lower Elementary AMS Certificate. I value lifelong learning, and believe each day is a new opportunity to learn new things. I truly look forward to another joyful year with our Cougars at DCS! 

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Phone: 303-387-5664

Click here for Ms. Illyce's 2011-2012 Welcome Letter and Class Supply List

Over the years I have had the opportunity to hold some extraordinary teaching and training positions and have acquired skills and experience in Child Development, Elementary Education, Outdoor Environmental Education, and Montessori Education.  Among these areas, I have taught a wide variety of ages ranging from kindergarten to undergraduate students.  I hold a Master of Science, Bachelor of Science, and a Montessori Education Teaching Credential.

Teaching in Montessori environments such as DCS, supports my passion for igniting student curiosity and self-learning, both inside and outside of the classroom.  I enjoy teaching all areas of the curriculum, especially nature, ecology, and children’s literature.  Additionally, I take great pride in being a teacher and find ongoing fulfillment in my career choice.

I am married to “Mr. Albert”, who is an Upper Elementary Montessori teacher.  We have two wonderful sons, Evan and Kyle.  As a family, we are very active and enjoy participating in and supporting many sports and outdoor activities.  Living in beautiful Colorado, our leisure time includes a lot of camping, hiking, and playing.  We especially love Colorado’s mountains and don’t expect to run out of places to visit.

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Phone: 303-387-5655

Click here for Ms. Lisa's 2010-2011 Class Supply List

I have the Lower Elementary Montessori credential from Montessori Educational Center of the Rockies in Boulder, Colorado.  I have a B.A. degree in History from the University of Virginia. Also, I have an initial elementary teacher’s license from the State of Colorado. This will be my fourth year to teach at DCS Montessori. I am married with two children; one who is a seventh grader at Rocky Heights Middle School and the other is a freshman at University of Colorado at Denver.  Virginia is the state where I was born and raised and in 1988 Colorado is where I moved when I married my husband.  To enjoy the mountains, sing, dance, and read are my pastimes.

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Phone: 303-387-5656

Click here for Ms. Perezza's 2010-2011 Letter and Class Supply List

Hello, my name is Roda Pajela, and I am originally from the Philippines. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a major in Computer Technology, and have six years of teaching experience in Montessori and traditional schooling. I have been with DCS Montessori for four years and this will be my first year of teaching as lead at DCSM. My first Montessori training was in the Philippines and I am also receiving my AMS (American Montessori Society) Certification from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (MECR) in Boulder. I am licensed as a professional teacher with an elementary endorsement in the State of Colorado.

My husband (Jon) and I migrated to Colorado in 2000. I have twin boys (James and Justin) and they will be in the second grade this coming fall. I enjoy cooking, hanging out with friends and family, biking, and playing the piano. I believe all children are capable of learning and deserve a great education. I look forward to a great year of learning and laughing with you and your children!

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Phone: 303-387-5665

Click here for Ms. Roda's 2010-2011 Letter and Class Supply List