Meet the Heart of Peak Ave Montessori!
At Peak Ave Montessori, our passionate and dedicated educators create a nurturing environment where children thrive. Each member of our team is committed to fostering curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. From guiding tiny hands through their first discoveries to celebrating each milestone along the way, our staff works tirelessly to provide a warm and enriching Montessori experience. We believe in the power of strong relationships—between teachers, children, and families—because when we work together, we create a community where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired. Stay tuned as we
SAGE Instructor Spotlight: Milinh Villanueva
With nearly 13 years of experience in Montessori education, Ms. Milinh is a dedicated guide, mentor, and lifelong learner passionate about supporting both children and adults on their Montessori journeys. She holds an AMS Primary Diploma from the Montessori Teacher Education Center and a Master’s in Montessori Education from Sarasota University. Currently, she is furthering her expertise through the AMS Instructor Academy, deepening her understanding of Montessori philosophy and adult learning theory. Ms. Milinh’s approach to teaching adults is rooted in the same Montessori principles she applies to children—respect, autonomy, and
Cantera Program Spotlight: Building Strong Parent Partnerships with Ms. Rocio
Building Trust Through Connection in the Infant Montessori Classroom In a Montessori environment, relationships are the foundation of a child’s sense of security and belonging. By fostering strong connections with both parents and children, we create a space where infants feel safe, understood, and ready to explore the world around them. Cantera’s Juniper Lead Guide, Ms. Rocio, believes that open communication and collaboration with families are essential to a child’s smooth transition into the classroom. “I’ve found that when parents and teachers work together, children develop a stronger sense of trust and confidence.
🌟SAGE Executive Director Spotlight: Colleen Noll🌟
As the Founder of The Montessori School of Silicon Valley (MSOSV), I’ve spent over 30 years as a Montessori educator, administrator, and teacher trainer. My passion? Developing confident, skilled Montessori guides! That’s why I launched the SAGE Teacher Educator Program, offering in-house training to nurture the next generation of Montessori leaders. I specialize in Practical Life, the foundation of Montessori education, where children gain independence, confidence, and essential life skills. Watching adult learners experience their own “aha” moments as they grow into skilled guides is the most rewarding part of my
Cantera Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Rocio
We’re thrilled to spotlight Ms. Rocio, our passionate Lead Teacher in the Juniper Room at Cantera Montessori! With over eight years of teaching experience, Ms. Rocio joined our team in 2024 and has since been a beacon of inspiration for both students and families. Her love for Montessori education is rooted in its transformative power to foster confidence, independence, and curiosity in young minds. There’s nothing more fulfilling for Ms. Rocio than seeing her students master skills with minimal guidance, igniting their journey of self-discovery. 🌱 When she’s not in the classroom,
Morgan Hill: A Community Where Families Grow Together
Morgan Hill is more than just a place—it’s a community built on connection, family, and a love for lifelong learning. Nestled in the foothills, Peak Ave Montessori offers a warm and inviting space where young learners can explore, grow, and thrive. For families looking for a nurturing environment to raise their children, both Morgan Hill and Peak Ave Montessori feel like home. One of the most special things about Morgan Hill is its close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere. Here, neighbors know each other by name, local businesses support one another, and families gather
Practical Life & Philosophy: Why We Start Here
Why Do We Start with Philosophy and Practical Life in the Sage Teacher Education Program? Have you ever wondered why Montessori classrooms feel so different? It all starts with how we prepare our teachers. Before they ever step into the classroom, Montessori educators go through extensive training—beginning with philosophy and practical life. We start with philosophy because understanding why we do what we do is just as important as how we do it. Our teachers study Maria Montessori’s life, her research on child development, and the principles that shape the Montessori approach. This
Bringing Montessori into The Home: Limit Setting
A Blog Series by Colleen Noll Blog 3 of the 5 Part Series In this blog series we have reviewed the Montessori philosophy in home including becoming a Montessori Parent, and setting up your Montessori home. In this blog we will continue to explore the philosophy around Limit Setting and Ground Rules in your home. Safety is the number one concern with children under the age of 6. Most of our rules in the home are connected to keeping children safe and free from harm. Natural Consequences As young as 3 months old and up
Montessori & Infant Sign Language: A Path to Connection
In a Montessori environment, we honor the child’s natural desire for independence and communication—even before spoken words emerge. By introducing sign language into daily routines like meals, songs, and care moments, we empower infants to express their needs with confidence. Cantera’s Oak Lead Guide, Ms. Sofie, and her sign language program enriches children’s communication from a very early age. “I immersed myself in sign language once I noticed how much easier it was to communicate with children who hadn’t yet developed their vocabulary. By slowly modeling signs during our daily routines-through songs,
Exciting News from SAGE Montessori!
We’re taking Montessori teacher education to the next level! SAGE Montessori launched our formal on-the-job training program to develop skilled lead guides within MSOSV classroom communities. Starting March 3rd, 2025, staff receive 8 hours per week of Montessori coursework, ensuring every campus—at every level—offers Fully Implemented Montessori , while strengthening retention for both educators and families. And here’s the big news… In 2026, we apply for MACTE accreditation! This means SAGE Montessori will soon offer nationwide Montessori training, helping schools across the country grow and thrive. What makes our program unique? On-the-job training during