Our Staff

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My name is Ally Altuna, and I am the director at Bell Canyon Montessori School here in Sandy. I’ve had the privilege to be a part of Bell Canyon for about 2 years now, and I have loved every minute! In 2018 I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in early childhood education from the University of Utah. My family has sent my siblings (I am the oldest of 5!) to Bell Canyon for preschool and elementary, so this school has always felt like home to me. Shortly after I graduated college, I became amazed with the Montessori method and then went on to receive my diploma from the North American Montessori Center. With our incredible team here, each day is full of possibility and opportunity for all our students to learn and grow.

My name is Cindy Millett and I was born and raised here in Salt Lake City. I have been a Montessori teacher at Bell Canyon Montessori for 26 years. In 1994, I graduated with my Montessori Method of Education degree from the Montessori world Educational Institute. I have worked in the Montessori profession for 33 years with 31 or those years as a head teacher of children from ages 2 through 6. I have always had an unbelievable passion to teach, help, and care for each child. The children bring an excitement to my job every day. I was drawn towards the Montessori educational method because I can focus on each child’s individuality and they can grow and learn at their own pace and interests.

My name is Gislene Ribeiro, my students call me Ms. Gisa and I am from Brazil. I fell in love with the Montessori Education almost 39 years ago. I had my training for more than a year in Salvador, Bahia Brazil. I was trained by ABEM – Brazilian Association of Montessori Education, from Casa Dei Bambini Italy. My passion for the Early Education is beyond words. The beginning of my career was the beginning of my training, often being tested inside a classroom with 28 children from 3 to 5 years of age. I worked for 18 years at Escola Curumin and 10 years with Pre-school and Kindergarten including children with Autism and other disabilities. I became a Principal and worked for 8 years being responsible for 12 teachers and 260 students. I speak Portuguese, English, Spanish and a little Italian.

My name is Tasirun Mohasin. I am the elementary teacher at Bell Canyon Montessori. I have been working with the Montessori method since 2009. I finished my bachelor’s degree in my home country of Bangladesh. Then, I completed my Montessori training and earned my diploma from the North American Montessori Center as well as my Child Development Associate Credential. I started at Bell Canyon as a teaching assistant, then moved to Head Elementary teacher. I have a great passion for teaching, and I believe so strongly in the power of education. I absolutely love teaching and inspiring children to learn and strive for their goals.