Our Team
Our educators bring formal Montessori training and a deep understanding of how children learn, develop, and grow. Meet the experienced, AMI and AMS trained educators who guide our classroom each day.
Director, Michelle
Michelle San Agustin believes childhood should be honored, not hurried. Children deserve to be known, given space to explore and create, and supported as they grow into active participants in their families and communities.
Her path to this work has brought together three areas she cares deeply about: Montessori, art, and parent education. After earning her BA from USC in Studio Arts, Michelle moved to the Bay Area for her AMI Montessori training and decided it was her new forever home. She went on to lead both primary and toddler classrooms before returning to school to earn her MA in Art Education. She later pursued Parent Coaching certification because she believes children thrive when the adults around them feel supported, too.
Since beginning her Montessori journey in 2010, Michelle has drawn from Montessori philosophy, art education, anti-bias education, and her own experience as a parent to create environments where children can explore, create, problem-solve, develop independence, and contribute meaningfully to their community.
Little Eden grew from her vision of bringing Montessori and art education together in a way that feels natural and connected to the whole child. It is named after Michelle’s mother and reflects what she hopes every child experiences here: unconditional love, compassion, belonging, and the freedom to grow into themselves.
Michelle is a lifelong learner and continues her studies in early childhood education. Outside of school, she enjoys dabbling in jewelry metalsmithing, photography, baking, cooking, and journaling. She is also an avid gardener and loves exploring the city with her husband, daughter, and dogs.
Favorite classroom activity: When families share their cultural traditions with us. Michelle loves seeing the pride children feel in their family’s background and their eagerness to share a part of their world with their friends
Natty
Montessori Teacher
Natty believes children’s curiosity makes teaching an adventure. She especially loves their endless “why” questions and how they challenge her to think, explain, and sometimes discover something new herself. She first discovered the joy of teaching while working as an art tutor during college, which inspired her to continue working with children and young learners.
Originally from Thailand, Natty has been teaching and working with children since 2017. She earned her BFA in Media Arts from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi. She moved to the Bay Area to work as an au pair, and then went on to receive her AMS Montessori training at MTEC. She brings together her Montessori education and background in art to create a classroom that encourages independence, imagination, curiosity, and creativity.
Natty loves watching children try new things for themselves, work through mistakes, and experience the pride that comes with discovering, “I did it!” Outside the classroom, she enjoys drawing and playing the ukulele.
Favorite classroom activity: Practical Life, especially pouring and transferring activities. She loves seeing children discover what they can do all by themselves!
Tea
Classroom Teacher
Téa believes children learn best when they have space to be creative, curious, and fully themselves. She loves seeing children use their imaginations to turn everyday experiences into something new, whether through art, music, cooking, movement, or pretend play.
Téa first connected with Little Eden through Jumpin’ Gymsters, where she coached recreational classes at preschools throughout Oakland and San Francisco. She became a full-time teacher at Little Eden in 2020 and has continued to grow as an educator ever since. She graduated from San Francisco State University, where she studied Communications and Theater, and brings her background in performance, creativity, and movement into the classroom. Téa also received training in Positive Discipline and continues to attend professional development workshops.
At Little Eden, Téa enjoys creating opportunities for children to express themselves, try new things, and discover the joy of making something of their own. She brings an energetic and imaginative spirit to the classroom and loves finding new ways to make learning engaging and meaningful.
At Little Eden, Téa enjoys creating opportunities for children to express themselves, try new things, and discover the joy of making something of their own. She brings an energetic and imaginative spirit to the classroom and loves finding new ways to make learning engaging and meaningful.
Favorite classroom activity: Music! Téa loves having a dance party with children and has become our residential DJ.
Meet Our Team in the Classroom
Schedule a tour to see our classroom, meet our teachers, and discover how Little Eden can support your child's growth.