The staff at Luna’s Montessori is committed to the care and education of children, our staff continually assist programs that encourages the staff members to continuously assess their skills and understand the psychology of the child in a changing world.

Abigail Luna

Head of School / Owner

Abigail Luna…  Growing up in a Montessori school run by her family, Abigail is a 2nd generation Montessori educator. She received her formal Montessori Training at "Montessori Teacher Education Center of San Francisco" and following in the footsteps of her family, bought her own school in a classic Victorian to bring a warm and close knit feel for her students.

Abigail continues her education in Business and current Montessori Philosophies in order to provide the best quality care in a warm, loving environment where children can have fun and experience nurturance, encouragement and direction in order to optimize their potentiality in social and emotional development.

Eva Duran

Director/ Teacher of Luna’s Montessori

Eva Duran…  Born in Mexico, she earned her early childhood teaching degree from E.N.E.P.N. "Escuela Normal de Educacion Prescolar". She began teaching in preschools for four years and, following her passion to teach Montessori Preschool, she finally came to the U.S. in 2002. Eva studied the Montessori Teacher Training of Advanced Studies from 2002-2005 and obtained her Montessori Teacher Credentials. As this is her lifelong dream, Eva quotes "I wanted to become a teacher as far as I can remember. It is very fulfilling and a joy every time I experience the development of the children."

Eva is Pediatric CPR / Health and Safety Certified

Amapola Benn

Teacher

Amapola Benn…  Born in Nicaragua and spent time in Spain before becoming a resident of Alameda in 1975. After completing her Associate Degree in Special Education, Amapola went to work for the Alameda Unified School District as a Para-professional. Shortly after, she pursued a Montessori Teaching Credential in Early Childhood from the Montessori Teacher Education Center of San Francisco where she subsequently worked at for 5 years. Fluent in Spanish, Ms. Benn now leads the Spanish Immersion Kindergarten program at Luna’s.

Amapola is Pediatric CPR / Health and Safety Certified

Laura Loza

Teacher

Laura Loza…  Received her early childhood education training through Chabot College and continues her Montessori Training with aspirations for Advanced Certification. Laura values each day, as working with the children and watching them grow and develop in a safe and loving school is very gratifying.

Laura is Pediatric CPR / Health and Safety Certified

Gertrudis Garcia

Substitute Teacher

Gertrudis Garcia…  Born in Puerto Rico, Gertrudis moved to the States in her teens and ultimately attended Berkeley City College to receive her teaching credentials. That allowed her to move back to Puerto Rico, where she taught English as a second language. Finishing up a BA Degree at the University of Puerto Rico, she continued to teach for almost 28 years. Gertrudis eventually returned to the states and attended Montessori Training School in San Leandro and Chabot College in Hayward for certification as a pre-school teacher. She proceeded to work for the Montessori School System for 8 years.

A mother of 5 children, all professionals now, she’s a retired teacher working part time at Luna’s Montessori. Gertrudis quotes "I love children and I love to teach and that’s why I haven’t completely retired from the school system"