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 of Liberated Montessori at Oak Cliff

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.

D'Onna Spivey, Admin Assistant at Liberated Montessori at Oak Cliff

D’Onna Spivey

Admin Assitant

Ms. D’Onna has been a valued member of the Liberated Montessori community since May 2026. She holds her AMS 0–3 certification and brings many years of experience as an Infant Lead Guide.

Her background in Montessori education and early childhood development allows her to support both our administrative team and the needs of our school community. Ms. D’Onna is dedicated to helping our school run smoothly while supporting our guides, children, and families each day.

Nido Lead Guides

Rebecca Crawford, Nido Lead Guide at Liberated Montessori at Oak Cliff

Rebecca Crawford

NIDO LEAD 

AMS 0-3 Certification (in Progress)

AMI 0-3 Orientation Certificate

Jocelyn Najera, Nido Co-Lead Guide at Liberated Montessori at Oak Cliff

Jocelyn Najera

NIDO CO-LEAD

AMS 0-3 Certification

AMI Montessori Core Principles Certificate

Ethan Guthrie, Nido Co-Lead Guide at Liberated Montessori at Oak Cliff

Ethan Guthrie

NIDO CO-LEAD

AMS 0-3 Certification (in Progress)

AMI Montessori Core Principles Certificate

Toddler Lead Guides

Sarah Leary, Toddler 1 Lead Guide at Liberated Montessori at Oak Cliff

Sarah Leary

TODDLER 1 LEAD

AMS 0-3 Certification

Edith Mendoza, Toddler 3 Lead Guide at Liberated Montessori at Oak Cliff

Edith Mendoza

TODDLER 3 LEAD

AMS 0-3 Certification

AMI 0-3 Orientation Certificate

Primary Lead Guides

Claudia Guajardo, Primary 2 Lead Guide at Liberated Montessori at Oak Cliff

Paola Almeida

PRIMARY 1 LEAD

AMI 3-6 Certification

Claudia Guajardo, Primary 2 Lead Guide at Liberated Montessori at Oak Cliff

Claudia Guajardo

PRIMARY 2 LEAD

AMI 3-6 Certification

AMI Montessori Core Principles Certification