Toddlers

The Montessori Toddler Program

Ones

A child at twelve months is just beginning to experience the world. In the next year, he or she will probably begin to walk and run, talk in simple sentences, feed him or herself, and many other milestones. The one’s classroom at Alegria Montessori has been designed by our Montessori trained teachers to present your young toddler with a safe, engaging, and loving space in which to explore, gain confidence, and practice independence. We offer a language-rich environment that respects the autonomy and individuality of each child in our care. Sensory experimentation and movement are encouraged, with a toddler-friendly outdoor playground and garden.

Twos

Between the ages of 24 months and 3 years of age, your child develops explosively – body control (running, jumping, and dancing), fine motor control (tweezing, spooning, pouring, and grasping), language development (speaking in sentences and paragraphs, telling and listening to stories, and singing), and socially and emotionally (beginning to make friends and learn social graces). Your two year old is busy! Our Montessori trained teachers offer a sensory and language-rich environment that paves the way for future successes. We offer many practical life skills to a child of this age, which hones motor control and independence. At Alegria Montessori School, we have prepared a safe, friendly, and ordered classroom for your child to practice these skills and build concentration, independence, and confidence.

Toddler Faculty:

Ana-Marina graduated Summa Cum Laude from Boca Ciega High school in 2021, a year earlier than expected. She started working at Alegria Montessori in February of 2023, and fell in love with Montessori’s ability to simultaneously facilitate independence and growth in these absorbent young minds. Currently, she is in school to obtain her associates degree in nursing, with hopes of becoming a pediatric nurse in the future.

When she’s not melting in the Florida heat, she can be seen escaping to the colder Carolinas, as she is quite fond of exploring her own natural surroundings through travel. Outside of school, Ana-Marina enjoys immersing herself in her Serbian culture with family, reading books over again like it will change their ending, pretending she can cook, and anything to do with music. 

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Marieleen was born and raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and is fluent in both English and Spanish.

In 2006, Marieleen moved to Tampa, Florida, to pursue a degree in graphic design. In 2010, she graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing from the University of Tampa. Since then, she has worked with various creative mediums, including print advertisement, digital design, photography, and screen printing.

After spending more than 10 years in the marketing field, Marieleen discovered a new passion: early childhood education. She is now dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering their growth, bringing her unique blend of creativity and strategic insight to this fulfilling career path.

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Amelisa Pierre was born and raised in Haiti. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and Veterinary Science in 2015 and worked in the agronomy field before moving to Belgium in 2018 to pursue a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management.

After working as an environmentalist in 2020, Amelisa took time to stay at home with her newborn. During this time, she discovered the Montessori philosophy and was deeply inspired by its calm, respectful, and child-led approach to learning. What began as personal interest quickly became a professional passion.

In 2024, Amelisa transitioned into early childhood education, bringing with her a rich background in science, a deep appreciation for nature, and a genuine love for working with young children. She is committed to creating a nurturing, engaging environment where toddlers feel safe, confident, and free to explore.

Fluent in French, Haitian Creole, and English, she values open communication and strong partnerships with families. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, gardening, and playing volleyball.

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Carrie has been at Alegria since 2010. She started as an intern, observing and substituting in all the classrooms. In 2013 Carrie earned her Infant/Toddler Montessori Teaching Credential from Palm Harbor Montessori Teacher Education Center. She has been a lead toddler teacher for 11 years. Carrie and Soha have been working together since Carrie became the lead. They make a wonderful team! A native of Saint Petersburg, FL, Carrie has two sons – her eldest attended Alegria through Middle School!

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Soha joined Alegria in 2013. Soha was born and raised in Egypt, where she worked as a nurse for 15 years, before moving to the United States in 2009. Soha has been working with Carrie in one of the toddler classrooms for 13 years. She has been referred to as the “child whisperer” on campus, all of the children love Soha so much!

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Kailey was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2021 after high school she moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee where she was introduced to Montessori and absolutely fell in love with it. She worked at a school there for almost 4 years as an assistant teacher. In late 2024 she moved to Tampa and joined Alegria. Since joining the Alegria team, she has been working with the toddler team as an assistant. She is set to receive her Montessori assistant training certification in November.

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