The Team
Casa del Mar Montessori Marbella was established in 2016. We embrace Maria Montessori’s philosophy and pedagogy according to standards defined by AMI. Our teachers are AMI-certified, they are experts on following the natural development of the child and know how to support children’s social and emotional learning while cultivating their intellectual ability.
Elena Santaella
Patricia Brito
Mary Lopez
Evgenia Stamateri
Elisa Ferrau
Noelia Villalobos
Amanda Noble
Inga Timoshchuk
Pedro Cuevas
Elisenda Carrero
Maria Gimenez
Ruth Coca
Nido & Infant Community Team
Elena Santaella
Elena holds a degree in Education from the University of Granada and brings solid experience working with children from six months to ten years of age, in settings ranging from early years care to summer schools, as well as coaching children’s volleyball.
Her time in Ireland, where she worked as a Montessori teacher in an English-speaking nursery caring for children from six months to five years, gave her a strong foundation in nurturing the youngest children’s autonomous development and in working closely with both colleagues and families.
Elena now joins our team as a Nido/IC Assistant (0–3), bringing her energy, responsibility and warmth to caring for our very youngest children in a safe and stimulating environment. Elena speaks fluent English and Spanish.
Patricia Brito
Patricia is an AMI Montessori Guide, certified in Positive Discipline, with particular expertise in observation and a strong background in parent communication. She holds a degree in History and brings a rich professional background in research, diplomacy and facilitating adult learning.
With several years of experience as a Montessori Lead Guide in early childhood classrooms, Patricia accompanies young children’s development with warmth, patience and intention.
She now joins our team as Lead Guide in our Infant Community (0–3), where her deep respect for the youngest children and her attentive, observant approach will help each child grow with confidence and independence.
Patricia lives in the area with her family, including her two teenage daughters, who have both been educated in Montessori schools — so she brings not only professional expertise but also a genuine, first-hand belief in Montessori education. She is a native Spanish speaker, fluent in English.
Mary López
Born in Granada, Mary holds a degree in Early Childhood Education — a field she approaches with genuine passion and a deep commitment to this beautiful profession. She is also a qualified Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) teacher and has trained as an AMI Montessori Assistant, bringing the principles of the Montessori philosophy into her everyday practice.
For Mary, teaching is far more than a job; it is her true vocation, one that fills her life with purpose and joy — especially through the pure and unconditional love of the little ones.
Mary is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Children’s House Team
Evgenia Stamateri
Evgenia holds an AMI 3–6 Diploma from RTI Montessori Training Centre. She holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Language Acquisition and Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and has taught young children across Italy, Australia, Mexico and Chile — bringing a deeply international perspective and a clear conviction in the Montessori approach.
She speaks Greek (her native language), English and Spanish fluently.
Elisa Ferrau
Elisa has been part of our Casa del Mar community for the past two years. She began as a dedicated shadow aide and later joined our administrative team while contributing daily in the classrooms as a rotating assistant.
Having now trained as an AMI Montessori Assistant (3–6), Elisa has stepped into the role of Children’s House Assistant, bringing the principles of the Montessori philosophy directly into her daily work with the youngest children.
Elementary Program Team
Amanda Noble
Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Primary Education (English and Spanish). She holds the AMI 6-12 Montessori Diploma by Montessori Northwest in the United States.
She is a passionate educator who greatly enjoys awakening curiosity for learning in children. She loves to laugh, dance and transmits positivity. For Amanda, Casa del Mar Montessori is a place where children learn not only about school, but about life.
Amanda is a native Spanish speaker and fluent in English.
Noelia Villalobos
Noelia joined Casa del Mar in 2025 while also completing her master’s internship with us.
She holds a degree in Primary Education from the University of Málaga and an AMI 6–12 diploma from the University of Girona.
Noelia is now Lead Guide of our Second Plane team. Her enthusiasm and attentiveness have made her a wonderful addition, and she brings both solid academic grounding and genuine dedication to the children in her care.
Admin Team
Maria Gimenez
With over 16 years of experience in Montessori education, Maria founded and directed her own Montessori school in Madrid and has worked as Pedagogical Director for a group of Montessori schools. She is also a trainer and mentor of Montessori guides, accompanying other educators throughout their professional development.
Maria holds the AMI Montessori 3–6 Diploma from the University of Vic, in collaboration with the Montessori Institute of San Diego (MISD), and completed the AMI Montessori 12–18 Orientation. She is currently undertaking the AMI Montessori 6–12 training and is further expanding her expertise in Neuroscience and supporting children with learning differences in MMI, London, strengthening her ability to meet each child’s individual needs.
Maria has also attended several AMI Administrators courses. Her people-oriented approach and interest in team leadership have led her to pursue further training in human resources, school management and educational leadership.
Maria is originally from Spain and speaks fluent English
Ruth Coca
Ruth is a Computer Science Engineer with a strong passion and drive towards Montessori Education.
Preparing an environment that will nurture a lifelong love of learning is our drive for educating our students. Casa del Mar Montessori Marbella provides a respectful, warm and welcoming environment for children to live, learn and flourish.
Support Team
Inga Timoshchuk
Originally from Kaliningrad, Russia, Inga spent the last 14 years in Dublin, Ireland, where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Development.
She joins our team as a Support English Teacher and, thanks to her training in Jolly Phonics, will be our specialist in this program — guiding children through the fundamentals of English reading and pronunciation in a playful, engaging way.
She and her family are now based in Estepona. Inga is a native Russian speaker, fluent in English, and currently learning Spanish.
Elisenda Carrero
Elisenda is a psychopedagogue with expertise in inclusive learning.
She collaborates with our teaching team by providing professional development, classroom observations, and practical strategies. Elisenda offers tips, guidance, and resources to help our guides create supportive and enriching learning environments for all students. Her work focuses on empowering our teachers and enhancing classroom practices to meet the diverse needs of our learners.