2 months – 14 years
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What's happening
At Montessori Academy of Broward, children are guided by a highly qualified, deeply committed team. Montessori Academy of Broward is fully affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS), and our lead teachers are Montessori trained and certified, maintaining professional membership with the AMS. These dedicated educators create a supportive environment where every child is known, encouraged, and challenged to grow at their own pace.
Jimmy Arrojo
Head of School
Flavia Padron
Lower School Principal
Ruthie Melendi
Elementary School Principal
Marianela Gutierrez
Middle School Principal
Melanie Leal
Admissions Director
Jessica Pompa
Office Manager
Yesenia Villeda
Head of Finance
As one of the founding members of Montessori Academy of Broward, my heart is full seeing how much our school has grown. From witnessing first steps and mastered lessons to welcoming former students back as parents, these moments fill me with immense pride, and I am honored to be a part of your child’s journey. I began my path at MAB as a teacher, and my passion has always been to support each child’s unique path and nurture a true love of learning. I am deeply committed to an authentic Montessori environment—one that encourages every child’s academic, social, and emotional growth. Since becoming Lower School Principal in 2015, that commitment has only grown stronger and remains my guiding purpose. Thank you for your trust and partnership—I look forward to all the growth, milestones, and memories we will continue to create together.
I’m truly excited to share highlights of our students’ experiences and all that continues to unfold within our community. As I reflect on my 23 years at Montessori Academy—and the privilege of helping build our Elementary and Middle School programs from the ground up—I’m filled with deep gratitude. Watching these programs flourish and seeing our students grow, learn, and move confidently through their Montessori journey is one of the greatest joys of my work. Each child’s path is unique, and supporting their well-being remains at the heart of everything we do. I am equally grateful for the trust you place in our team and for the partnership we share with each of you. Thank you for walking alongside us. I look forward to all we will continue to accomplish together.
With more than 14 years in Montessori education—from my early years as a teacher at MAB to now serving as Middle School Principal—I’ve seen how children thrive when they are encouraged to explore, create, and grow with confidence. I am driven by a genuine love for discovery, a passion for STEM, and a belief that learning should spark curiosity and joy. These values shape the experiences we create for our students and align deeply with our school’s mission to keep the Montessori philosophy alive and meaningful in every classroom. In our Middle School, I support students in grades 6 through 8 and partner with families to nurture confident, capable, and compassionate learners. I look forward to all the meaningful moments we will continue to share together.
Welcoming new families to Montessori Academy of Broward is one of my greatest joys. From our first connection, my goal is to help you feel supported, informed, and at home. I am here to guide you not only through the admissions process, but throughout your family’s journey at MAB. Staying connected with our families and watching each child grow is incredibly meaningful to me. From their first words to becoming confident learners, it is a privilege to be part of their educational journey. I look forward to getting to know your family and welcoming you into our MAB community.
As the Office Manager and a proud member of our school community for over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside Montessori Academy and watching it become the special place it is today. What began as a role has truly become a second home, filled with meaningful relationships and memorable moments. I love connecting with our children, parents, and staff each day and being part of the moments that make our school so special—from daily smiles to watching students grow and families return over the years. Being part of this journey is incredibly meaningful to me, and I’m grateful to continue supporting our community every day.
Designated Safeguard (DS) Leader
Middle School DS
Lower School DS
Elementary School DS
Meet our Montessori-accredited team and discover how passionate they are in inspiring a lifelong love for learning.