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​Raquel Del Fiorentino - Director
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I am a lover of the outdoors, movement and creating art. Sharing these deep rooted passions of mine with children is a magical experience that continues to provide endless possibilities and brings my life great joy. Providing children a safe and inspiring environment where they can explore their curiosities with a uniquely curated and developmentally appropriate practice is my mission.

After working with children for more than two decades in a variety of capacities ranging from ballet instructor to public school and Montessori teacher, I've enjoyed being in nature and exploring the spirit of inquiry children embody. I believe Maria Montessori said it well:
                                          "Play is the the work of the child." 

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Education

• BA in Liberal Studies and minor in Dance from San Francisco State University.

• MA in Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from University of California Santa
Cruz.

• AMI Diploma (Association Montessori International from Munich, Germany.

• CPR/First aid certified

• National Association for the Education of Young  Children member

• Continually participating in professional development opportunities. 

Work

• Fourth grade teacher at a music focused charter school in Oakland, CA. I taught with a strong emphasis on cooperative learning and provided appropriate scaffolding to support the child and their personal learning needs.  Students learned through inquiry and project-based curriculum.

• English Teacher at an international Montessori kindergarten in Munich, Germany. 

• Support staff at Grand Lake Montessori in Oakland, CA.

• Art and outdoor instructor at various outdoor education programs in the Bay Area.

• Dance Director at Northgate High School in Walnut Creek, CA. 

The Arts

• Taught dance and yoga at a local conservatory. 

• Dances with LV Dance Collective, a Bay Area modern dance company. 

• Trained in ballet, modern, and jazz from a young age, and taught dancers ages 3-17 years old these styles of dance as well.