Announcements

Open House

February 7th

10AM to 12PM

253-277-8580
13125 SE 261st St., Kent, WA 98030

Our Staff

Amrutha-Kanumuri

Amrutha Kanumuri

Director

My journey into the Montessori philosophy began when my two teen daughters (now) attended Montessori school in their younger years. As a parent, I strongly believed in early childhood education and was deeply involved with our children and their education from their preschool years and provided for them the best foundation through Montessori philosophy and learning environment. Since then, I am a firm believer and have been advocating for the Montessori approach and philosophy. I am passionate in serving the young curious minds in helping them explore to their independent potential. Every day is a new and unique day observing and guiding the children towards their overall development and providing fulfilled environment. I love interacting and building relationships with the families of the school community. In my personal time, I enjoy outdoors doing a run in the neighborhood or hiking and our family likes to travel to experience different cultures. I am an AMS (American Montessori Society) certified Montessori Professional, and have worked for several years at Montessori schools. I attend several continuing education trainings in early childhood teaching and management programs regularly. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Information Systems.

Jelena Hajduk Veljkovic

Jelena Hajduk Veljkovic

Montessori Lead teacher

Hello! My name is Jelena Hajduk Veljkovic. I moved to Washington in 2013, and it has been home since. Working with children has always been something I truly enjoy, and over the years I have been fortunate to gain valuable experience helping children learn, grow, and build confidence. My passion for early childhood education grew even stronger after the birth of my daughter. That was when I was first introduced to Montessori philosophy, and I immediately fell in love with its approach. I was inspired by the way it respects each child as an individual and encourages independence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. I believe every child is born with amazing potential. As teachers, we have the privilege of creating an environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to explore the world around them. I enjoy guiding children as they discover new skills, make their own choices, and develop confidence in themselves. Watching those moments of growth and independence is one of the most rewarding parts of being an educator. To continue growing as a teacher, I am currently completing the Montessori Institute for Teacher Education (MITE) program. This experience has strengthened my understanding of child development and Montessori principles, and it continues to inspire me to create meaningful learning experiences that meet the unique needs of every child. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I am excited to be a member of the Lake Meridian Montessori family and feel grateful to be part of each child's learning journey at this school and look forward to creating a warm, caring, and engaging classroom where every child feels valued, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Karina Fernandez (2)

Karina Fernandez

Montessori Lead Teacher

My name is Karina Fernandez, and I am a bilingual Mexican American educator originally from Los Angeles, California. I am excited to be part of the Lake Meridian Montessori community and look forward to supporting each child’s learning journey. I have completed my Early Childhood Education certification and have extensive experience working with young children in Montessori education. I truly love Montessori philosophy and believe in nurturing children’s independence, curiosity, and confidence through a calm and respectful learning environment. I am passionate about helping children develop independence and learning through fun, meaningful experiences. Before pursuing a career in education, I attended California State University Northridge where I initially majored in Business Management. After spending time in the corporate world, I decided to pursue a career in education which has given me a deeper sense of purpose and joy. I am currently continuing my education through advanced Montessori studies to further grow as an educator and better serve my students. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors, reading, cooking, singing karaoke, and spending time with my teenage son. I look forward to getting to know each child and being a part of a wonderful school year together. 

Marilyn Divino(2)

Marilyn Divino

Associate Teacher

Hi, my name is Marilyn Divino, and I am a Filipino-American educator with over two decades of experience in early childhood education. I have a proven track record of delivering dynamic and stimulating learning environments for young children. My passion lies in fostering a love of learning and creating enriching educational experiences. My professional background includes a foundation in child psychology and early childhood education which informs my approach to fostering positive relationships and a supportive classroom environment. I believe in nurturing each child's individual development and creating a space where they feel safe, respected, and empowered to learn, grow and reach their fullest potential.  Beyond my work in the classroom, I enjoy reading legal thrillers and suspense novels of John Grisham and Sidney Sheldon, walking around the park with my husband and spending time in nature. These activities provide me with balance and inspiration, enriching my perspective and enhancing my ability to connect with young children on a personal level. As for my family, we live in Kent and I am blessed with three wonderful children in their 20’s, two are degree holders and my youngest is still in college.  I look forward to meet and serve LMM families. 

Mirasol Depano (2)

Mirasol Depano

Toddler Lead Teacher

My name is Mirasol Depano, and I grew up in the Philippines surrounded by a loving and happy family.  I graduated from Baliuag University, where I built a strong foundation for my personal and professional journey. I worked in the finance industry in the Philippines for several years. During that time, I gained valuable skills and experience in financial services, developed strong and trusting relationships with clients, and gained a solid understanding of business operations.  My experience as a financial officer taught me the importance of responsibility, patience, and attention to detail—qualities that continue to guide me in my teaching career. My passion for working with children inspired me to pursue a career in early childhood education. I spent several years as a Toddler Teacher at The Goddard School, where I had the privilege of helping young children reach important developmental milestones while creating a classroom filled with love, curiosity, and encouragement. I am happy to be part of the teaching team at Lake Meridian Montessori, where I continue to grow as an educator. It has been a wonderful opportunity to support children’s development while partnering with families to create meaningful learning experiences. I believe every child is unique and deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued. My goal is to nurture each child’s confidence, independence, creativity, and love of learning. I understand that choosing someone to care for and teach your child is one of the most important decisions a family can make. I am committed to providing a warm, caring, and supportive environment where your child can thrive. I value open communication with parents and believe that when families and teachers work together, children experience the greatest success.

Ramandeep Kaur

Ramandeep Kaur

Assistant Teacher

My name is Ramandeep Kaur and I have been living in the United States for two and a half years. I was born in India and moved to the US with my husband and I have a 7-month-old daughter. Education-wise, I earned my bachelor’s in Computer Application and master’s in Computer Science. I have taught grades 8th through 12th ever since I graduated from university and enjoyed it. I love playing Badminton, stitching, and dancing in my free time. I also enjoy cooking for my family as it gives me pleasure and joy and I can cook a variety of Indian dishes. At Lake Meridian Montessori, I am an Assistant Teacher and I really enjoy working with young kids.

Hardeep Kaur

Hardeep Kaur

Assistant Teacher

My name is Hardeep Kaur. I am originally from India. I have bachelor’s in science and education as well as master’s in Commerce and diploma in personal management and farmer training. I have 25 years’ experience teaching young children as a science teacher. I have a son who is working in the Harbor view hospital. My husband is also master’s in public administration. I love children. I am happy to work with young children with great empathy and care. I am truly honored to be part of the team at LMM and love the opportunity to help the children in this school.

“Free the child’s potential and you transform him into the world.”

– Maria Montessori

About Us

Educating children as Montessori Time for over 20 years, our school is now Lake Meridian Montessori. We provide quality schooling for toddlers 18 months – 3 & preschoolers 3 – 6 year olds. We are located on Kent’s East Hill and serve Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Covington, Auburn, and Federal Way.

Our school follows the Kent School District’s calendar year. We offer many opportunities for personal growth for your children. Our teachers provide a positive and nurturing environment with individualized attention.

“Education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life.”

– Maria Montessori

Our Goals

“One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child.”

– Maria Montessori

Enrichment Opportunities

Spanish Program – We offer an intensive Spanish program for all students. Statistics show the best time to learn a 2nd language is during the early years (ages 18 months – 6).

  • When children learn multiple languages at a young age, they develop a life-long love of communicating with others.
  • Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other countries.
  • By incorporating foreign languages into curriculum, children develop a greater appreciation for diversity.
  • When young children learn about the structure of other languages, their ability in English is enhanced.
  • When children learn a second language at an early age, they will achieve a more native grasp of both grammar and pronunciation in the second language.
  • Leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening.
  • Employers in the United States will continue to value employees who can speak multiple languages, especially Spanish.
  • Children in foreign language programs have tended to demonstrate greater cognitive development, creativity, and divergent thinking than monolingual children.
  • Several studies show that people who are competent in more than one language outscore those who are speakers of only one language on tests of verbal and nonverbal intelligence.
  • Studies also show that learning another language enhances the academic skills of students by increasing their abilities in reading, writing, and mathematics.
  • Improves a child’s understanding of his/her native language.

Music Program – Using the Cycle of Seasons program from Musikgarten, students will celebrate their love of nature and gain independence through activities involving the four seasons. This music program develops listening, focused attention, imagination, creativity and self-expression.

  • An arts education, especially musical, exposes children to the incomparable.
  • Children at this age, for the most part, are naturally receptive to the nuances of pitch and rhythm.
  • Young children are less inhibited than they might be after they enter elementary school. They are ready to jump right in and give it a go!
  • Fine and gross motor skills can be improved through improvisational dancing and handling of the instruments.
  • Vocal and speech development can improve through singing.
  • Listening skills and concentration improve with aural training.
  • The old-fashioned goals of sharing and cooperation are reinforced with the sharing of instruments and encouragement of other students.
  • One of the most important benefits is the proven positive effects music has on brain development in the areas of language and reasoning.
  • There is also a causal link between music and spatial intelligence (the ability to perceive the world accurately and to form mental pictures of things). This kind of intelligence, by which one can visualize various elements that should go together, is critical to the sort of thinking necessary for everything from solving advanced mathematics problems to being able to pack a book-bag with everything that will be needed for the day.
  • Children learning about the arts learn to think creatively and to solve problems by imagining various solutions, rejecting outdated rules and assumptions. Questions about the arts do not have only one right answer.
  • A study of the arts provides children with an internal glimpse of other cultures and teaches them to be empathetic towards the people of these cultures. This development of compassion and empathy, as opposed to development of greed and a “me first” attitude, provides a bridge across cultural chasms that leads to respect of other races at an early age.
  • Through music lessons, students learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of hard work.
  • Music study enhances teamwork skills and discipline. In order for a group of children playing recorders to sound good, all players must work together harmoniously towards a single goal.
  • Music provides children with a means of self-expression. Self-esteem is a by-product of this self-expression.
  • Music study develops skills that are necessary in the workplace. It focuses on “doing,” as opposed to observing, and teaches students how to perform, literally, anywhere in the world. In the music classroom, students can learn to better communicate and cooperate with one another.
  • Music performance teaches young people to conquer fear and to take risks. A little anxiety is a good thing, and something that will occur often in life. Dealing with it early and often makes it less of a problem later. Risk-taking is essential if a child is to fully develop his or her potential.
  • Field Trips – We go on several field trips during the year. Some of our past field trips have included seeing a play at Carco Theater, visiting Remlinger Farms in the fall, and going to the Fire Station.
  • Show and Tell – Children learn to speak in front of a group and practice their listening skills, as well as learn to take turns and respect others’ point of view. Items shared include items such as natural artifacts, books and cultural items.
  • Book Club – Parents and children have the opportunity to buy books, videos, and software at reasonable prices through the Scholastic Book Club.
  • Activities of a Religious Nature – No specific religious belief will be emphasized, however we welcome ethnic and cultural diversity which helps to raise children’s awareness as well as gain an understanding and respect toward all peoples of the world.