Monica was born and raised in Ecuador, a small country that holds a special place in her heart, not only for its breathtaking diversity but also for its charm, which inspires her love of Ecuadorian folk music and seafood. At age nine, she immigrated to California with her family.

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Monica has always been captivated by children—their free spirit and boundless curiosity. Motherhood deepened this love, and she devoted herself to being fully present during her children’s early years, cherishing the joy of unconditional love. Though her two children are now older, she continues to walk alongside them with deep gratitude.

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Her professional journey began at CSU Fullerton Children’s Center, where she interned and worked. She was later hired to teach Spanish immersion at Earthroots, but Covid shifted her path. In 2021, she joined HHH, first assisting in summer camp and the Oak Blossom kindergarten class. Now in her fourth year as a lead kindergarten teacher, she nurtures children through movement, rhythm, play, imitation, and storytelling. She offers children the freedom to explore and imagine while maintaining loving boundaries and fostering connections with each child and their family.

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Monica holds a B.A. in Human Services from California State University, Fullerton, and completed one year of Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training at WSOC. She also attended four consecutive years of Waldorf summer intensives in Colorado. Her Waldorf journey began when her twin nephews enrolled at Journey School. Volunteering alongside her young daughter, she fell in love with the philosophy and knew it was the path she wanted for her children. Her daughter graduated from Journey’s K–8 program in 2023; her son is now in sixth grade at HHH.

 

Monica enjoys camping with her husband, children, and dog, dancing, swimming in the ocean, and chasing sunsets. She strives to live by her late mother’s example: work hard, love deeply, and take bold steps toward your dreams.​​