OUR TEAM
Our Montessori-certified teachers (and those in training) bring warmth, talent, and a deep passion for education to our classrooms. With a commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, they empower children to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace. To enrich each child’s learning experience, every classroom has a dedicated teacher who communicates with students in Spanish, promoting bilingual development in a natural and immersive way.
With a keen understanding of each child's unique learning style, our teachers guide students through hands-on activities, encouraging independence, creativity, and critical thinking. Dedicated to continuous professional growth, they are committed to the Montessori philosophy and to helping each child reach their full potential.
Janessa Gipson
DIRECTOR
Ms. Janessa has been with LMOC since its inception in 2023. She has over 20 years of experience in Early Childcare and holds a Director’s Credential through Texas Health and Human Services. Ms. Janessa also holds an AMS 0-3 Montessori Diploma and an AMI Administrator’s Certification through the Montessori Institute of North Texas.
Ms. Janessa is the heart of our school, the main contact for families, the guiding hand who ensures everything runs with consistency and care, the key decision-maker, and often the first warm smile your child will see each morning.
Marley Cullers
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Ms. Marley serves as our Assistant Director and has been an integral part of LMOC since it was established in 2023. She holds an AMI Administrator’s Certification through the Montessori Institute of North Texas, bringing both expertise and heart to her work.
Ms. Marley is the backbone of our school community, overseeing building needs, caring for staff, and making sure daily life flows smoothly. She fosters an environment where teachers feel supported and children feel secure and cared for
She is a trusted partner in decision-making and a warm, familiar presence for children and families alike.
Leslie Lozano-Whitmore
OWNER/FOUNDER
Leslie founded the original Liberated Montessori in 2013 and has since grown her vision into two thriving schools: Liberated Montessori at Oak Cliff and Liberated Montessori at San Antonio.
Leslie works primarily behind the scenes, but her passion and commitment remain at the heart of each school. Much of her focus is on Liberated Montessori Education, a nonprofit she established to expand access to Montessori education to children from underserved communities. Through this work, she continues her mission of creating inclusive learning environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Nido Lead Guides
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Jocelyn Najera
NIDO CO-LEAD
AMS 0-3 Certification (in Progress)
AMI Montessori Core Principles Certificate
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Ethan Guthrie
NIDO CO-LEAD
AMS 0-3 Certification (in Progress)
AMI Montessori Core Principles Certificate
Toddler Lead Guides
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Sarah Leary
TODDLER 1 LEAD
AMS 0-3 Certification (in Progress)
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Rebecca Crawford
TODDLER 2 LEAD
AMS 0-3 Certification (in Progress)
AMI 0-3 Orientation Certificate
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Edith Mendoza
TODDLER 3 LEAD
AMS 0-3 Certification
AMI 0-3 Orientation Certificate
Primary Lead Guides
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Paola Almeida
PRIMARY 1 LEAD
AMI 3-6 Certification
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Claudia Guajardo
PRIMARY 2 LEAD
AMI 3-6 Certification
AMI Montessori Core Principles Certification
