Our Class Guides
Our Staff
Ms. Tatiana Ilmova
Head of School
Degrees and Experience
Ms. Tatiana is one of the founders who worked hard to open Isla Montessori School in 2018. As a person with a background in Psychology, Ms. Tatiana has always admired the Montessori method of education. All of her kids have attended Montessori schools and her two youngest are enrolled at Isla.
Being an active promoter of Montessori education, Ms. Tatiana believes in the mission and values that Isla Montessori School carries out into the island community. In 2022 she completed the AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) course for Administrators.
Ms. Tatiana holds two master's degrees. Her first masters is with honors in Psychology. Her second masters is in International Relations. In 2012, she established and successfully led the First Russian School – a language school teaching Russian language, culture, and the history of Russia to students of any age and level. In 2021 her language school signed a contract with the Saint-Petersburg State University which will provide students an opportunity to get a certificate from one of the biggest state universities in Russia in recognition of their level of Russian language mastery on an international level.
Ms. Tatiana is the mother of three beautiful daughters who are 20, 11 and 3 years old; the two youngest were born in Saipan. She and her family have lived on Saipan since 2009.
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Dedication to the Local Community
Since moving to Saipan in 2009, Ms. Tatiana has been dedicated to this beautiful Island! During these years she has been an active member of the island community. She has sat on the boards of two not-for-profit schools and is currently an active member of the Saipan Soroptimists Organization.
In her spare time, Ms. Tatiana regularly participates in local festivals such as the Flame Tree Festival and the Taste of Marianas Festival with her artworks (mosaics made from ceramic tiles, crochet toys, and jewelry).
Ms. Diana Silveira
Children's House Guide, Mentor & Children's House Program Director
Degrees and Experience
Ms. Diana is super excited to return to Saipan and reunite with Isla Montessori once again. She brings 14 years of Montessori experience and passion with her as an AMS certified Early Childhood Montessori Teacher while also being a holder of a B.S. in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago.
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When Ms. Diana previously lived in Saipan (2016-2023), she initially worked at Brilliant Star for 2 years. Later, she became a cofounder, early childhood teacher and co-head of school at the island's second Montessori school, Isla Montessori.
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During the pandemic, Ms. Diana founded Montessori@Home, an in-home tutoring and support services endeavor. Using Montessori methods and materials, she helps children acquire stronger foundations in reading and math.
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Ms. Diana brings to learning, not only her experience and passion for Montessori, but her heartfelt love for children, cultures and learning. She can often be heard saying, ‘The children are by far my best teachers and they help make me a better guide and person.’ Along with her strong belief for the Montessori pedagogy, she has a firm belief in this quote by Ivor Lovaas: "If a child cannot learn the way we teach... then we must teach the way the child can learn."
Ms. Akari Esteves
Children's House Assistant
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With a diverse cultural background and a passion for education, I am thrilled to bring my organizational skills and drive for learning to the Isla Montessori family. As a woman of Japanese and Chamorro descent holding an associate's degree in liberal arts, I have a unique perspective to share with students. My educational foundation paired with my natural work ethic ensures I can help cultivate curious, capable young minds. I look forward to making a positive impact as part of the Isla Montessori team.​​
Ms. Christy Aldan
Children's House Assistant & Chamorro Enrichment Teacher
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Ms. Christy was born and raised on the beautiful island of Saipan. She is pursuing an associates degree in Applied Science in Criminal Justice and a Liberal Arts degree with an emphasis in Social Work.
Since she joined Isla Montessori in 2023, Ms. Christy's passion for teaching our children has grown. Her deep understanding of the Chamorro culture within the CNMI has made her an invaluable asset to the program. Her dedication to lifelong learning in education reminds her that learning is a continuous journey, and seeking knowledge regardless of age or stage in life can be tremendously fulfilling.​​
Ms. Alison Van Ee
Elementary Guide
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Ms. Alison joined Isla Montessori in 2024 as its Elementary Guide. She has been in the education field for 11 years in a variety of positions in elementary and middle schools. She holds a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Dordt University. "The thing I love about teaching is seeing children grow; becoming confident in themselves, and using their knowledge in positive interactions with others and the environment."
Ms. Alison and her family have lived on Saipan for the last 2.5 years. Before that, she and her husband lived on Saipan from 2011-2013. During the in-between years, they lived in Wisconsin near their family. "Though we miss being close to family, we love the multicultural community of Saipan and love that our kids are growing up here. Two of our three kids are attending Isla."
Being at Isla, Ms. Alison is eager to guide students to learn more about the world in which we live in a Montessori environment. "All the hands-on materials and the natural inquiry-led education are a dream! Personally, I’m very eager to learn more about local cultures through learning Chamorro, weaving and making local pottery. I'm looking forward to be a part of the Isla family."
Ms. Noreen Ashley S. Angui
Substitute Teacher & Ukelele Instructor
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Ms. Ashley graduated from Northern Marianas College in 2020 with an associates degree in Liberal Arts. She joined Isla Montessori in 2022 as a substitute teacher.
In Her Words
"When I heard and read about Montessori, it changed my perspective towards education because throughout my life I had been in the Public School System. We had to follow a strict curriculum-based learning model.
"Montessori is based on self-activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Dr. Maria Montessori said, “The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life."
"I’ve learned that Montessori education recognizes that children learn in different ways and it also encourages them to learn at their own pace. Children are able to decide what their focus of learning will be in either one of the five studies: practical, sensorial, mathematics, language, and cosmic. I have learned that children learn best with hands-on projects. The children are a part of a close, caring community. The older children become role models and mentors to the younger children. This helps them feel supported and gain self-confidence about the challenges ahead. Since then, I’ve learned what a prepared environment should look like; how our body language and tone of voice can affect a child, etc. My goal as a teacher is to observe each child and what work interests him/her, make learning joyful, motivate and encourage each child's curiosity for learning. I hope that one day Montessori education can expand more in the CNMI because I believe that it will benefit children to grow into responsible, independent people who have a lifelong love of learning."
Be Part of an Authentic Montessori Team
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Isla Montessori offers a qualty authentic Montessori education that also specializes in the two primary island cultures, Chamorro and Carolinian.
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At this time, there are no current positions available at Isla. However, if you think you might want to be part of a passionate and dedicated team, please submit your resume and a cover letter along with 3 references. We will keep your information on file for future consideration. These documents can be emailed to us at info@islamontessori.org.
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We look forward to hearing from you!