Peak Ave

Peak Ave Montessori School of Silicon Valley

Founded in February 2025, the Peak Ave Montessori School of Silicon Valley introduces a fully implemented Montessori school and curriculum to the Morgan Hill area. 

Our school proudly offers comprehensive programs to the families of Morgan Hill, Gilroy and surrounding communities; catering to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. At the Peak Ave Montessori School of Silicon Valley, we boast fully integrated Montessori environments across our Nido, Pre Primary, Primary, and Kindergarten classrooms.

PEAK AVE

17738 Peak Ave.
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Phone: (408) 612-4325

Programs Offered At This Location

Staff Photos and Bios

Amanda Wagner

Head of School

Ms. Amanda has been working with children for nearly 13 years, beginning her journey by providing ABA therapy to children in the Milpitas community before transitioning into Montessori education in 2015. She holds an associate’s degree in general studies, a BA in Psychology, and a Montessori Teaching Credential for the Primary age group. Additionally, she has completed the necessary Early Childhood Education units for teaching in a childcare setting and has pursued numerous professional development courses covering topics such as infancy development, children with exceptionalities, health and safety in preschools, and childcare administration.

As both an educator and a mother of two, Ms. Amanda finds deep inspiration in Montessori’s philosophy of respect for the child, independence as preparation for life, and faith in the child’s potential. She believes in the power of education not just to prepare children for school, but to help them grow into confident, compassionate, and capable members of their communities. Stepping into the role of Head of School at Peak Ave Montessori allows her to expand her impact—not only guiding the children in the school’s care but also supporting and inspiring the dedicated educators on her team.

One of Ms. Amanda’s greatest joys in teaching is witnessing a child’s confidence grow as they navigate new challenges and experience the pride of independence. There is nothing more fulfilling than being chosen by a child to celebrate their accomplishments—whether it’s overcoming a challenge or proudly presenting a masterpiece they created with care.

Outside of school, Ms. Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, heading to the theater, trying out new breakfast spots, or exploring hiking trails. When she’s not out and about, she loves revisiting Maria Montessori’s writings and studying the art of leadership. Her early professional experience at the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose played a pivotal role in shaping her career path, allowing her to gain hands-on experience with children and community outreach programs.

With the opening of Peak Ave Montessori, Ms. Amanda is excited to connect with the Morgan Hill community and watch the Lupine, Poppy, and Buttercup classroom communities come to life, filled with unique personalities, peaceful energy, and a love for learning.

Diana Valencia

Lead Nido Guide
Buttercup Community

Ms. Diana was born and raised in Colombia, where she spent 10 years teaching preschool-aged children (4-5 years old). After moving to California, she continued her journey in early childhood education and has been teaching with MSOSV for the past two years.

She earned her BA in Psychology from the Politecnico Grancolombiano Institution in Colombia and has completed her Early Childhood Education units at Theoria Technical College. She also holds a CPR certification for both infants and adults.

Ms. Diana’s passion for teaching comes from her own experiences as a mother. Watching her son and daughter navigate their educational journeys inspired her to pursue a career in early childhood education. She was drawn to the Montessori philosophy because of its emphasis on independence and freedom of choice, and she finds great joy in guiding children as they explore and learn within a beautifully prepared environment.

When she’s not in the classroom, Ms. Diana enjoys reading fantasy novels, spending time outdoors, and playing tennis with her children. She also has a deep love for baking and has collected an extensive library of dessert recipes across social media, cookbooks, and her phone. A true coffee and sweets enthusiast, she always has a treat to enjoy!

Ms. Diana takes pride in maintaining a clean and orderly environment, both at home and in the classroom, believing that a well-prepared space helps children feel secure and engaged. She is excited to be part of the Peak Ave Montessori team and looks forward to building the Nido Program in the Buttercup Community, sharing the Montessori materials and lessons with the families of Morgan Hill.

Bri Monroy

Lead Pre Primary Guide
Poppy Community

Ms. Bri was born and raised in Gilroy, California, where she currently lives with her chihuahua mix, Baloo.

She began her journey in early childhood education by completing 12 Early Childhood Education units at Gavilan College and earning her Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification. Before joining the Montessori community, she spent time providing ABA services and in-home support to children on the spectrum, ages 2-4.

Ms. Bri was drawn to the Montessori philosophy because of its child-led approach and emphasis on independence and self-confidence. She loves being part of a carefully prepared environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and develop at their own pace. Building meaningful relationships with children and their families is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

In her free time, she enjoys exercising, meditating, journaling, and learning to sew. She also has a unique collection of mint tins, each holding small charms that bring her confidence and joy throughout her week.

Ms. Bri is excited to be part of the Peak Ave Montessori team and looks forward to creating a warm, nurturing space where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow. She is eager to connect with families and become part of a community that values love, trust, and collaboration.

Nicole Vogt

Lead Primary Guide
Lupine Community

Ms. Nicole has been teaching since 2010 and has dedicated her career to providing children with an authentic Montessori experience. She earned a Minor in Education from Multnomah University and a Master’s in Education from Loyola University Maryland. She holds AMI teaching credentials for both the 3-6 and 0-3 age groups, completing her training at Montessori Northwest in Portland. After several years of teaching, she furthered her education with an Inclusive Education Diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego.

A core principle of Montessori that deeply resonates with Ms. Nicole is respect for the child. She is passionate about creating an environment where children feel valued, capable, and joyful in their learning. Her goal is to plant the seeds of peace and curiosity that will last a lifetime.

One of her favorite aspects of teaching is the special moments of shared laughter and connection with the children. She treasures the relationships built within the community and finds fulfillment in the trust and joy that develop in the classroom.

Outside of teaching, Ms. Nicole enjoys free diving in Monterey and hiking trails with her family. She also has a unique life experience—she spent ten years living in Japan, where she taught in a Montessori preschool.

Ms. Nicole is excited to bring a high-quality Montessori program to the Morgan Hill community and looks forward to creating a warm and enriching space for children and families at Peak Ave Montessori.

Location Photos

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