Faculty

Mayra Fuentes, Executive Director and Head of School, came to Renaissance Montessori in the summer of 2015, with 15 years of experience in management and administration. Mayra earned her Montessori Certification Credential, specializing in Montessori Leadership Administration, from The Center for Guided Montessori Studies, an International Montessori Council (IMC) and MACTE accredited organization. She received her Montessori Fundamentals Certificate from The Center of Guided Montessori Studies, (CGMS), working in the Children’s House classroom for five years. She taught and gave Montessori lessons, specializing in bilingual lessons, leading the Spanish Curriculum at Renaissance, identifying creative ways to implement Spanish throughout the children’s work cycle. Mayra has also earned the North Carolina Early Childhood Education Credential through Wake Technical Community College, and is classified as a Level Three (3) Administrator for the state of North Carolina.  She holds a Bachelor of Art in Sociology, with a Concentration in Medical Sociology, and a Minor in Spanish Education from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She also holds a Master of Science in Administration, Concentration in Human Resources Administration from Central Michigan University.

Mayra grew up in a military family, having the opportunity of traveling around the world. Living in Washington State, Puerto Rico, Massachusetts, California, and her parents retiring in Fayetteville, North Carolina while she was in high school. She considers North Carolina home. She has two wonderful teenage sons, and a daughter, (alumni of Renaissance Montessori). She chose to be a Montessori parent because it aligned with her belief that children are immensely capable of independence, and loved that the Montessori philosophy equally values the importance of children’s wellbeing and academic development through child-directed work. 

Aliyah Smith serves as the Assistant Director. Prior to this role, Ms. Aliyah has served as Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher at Renaissance Montessori since 2016, having experience working in both our Toddler Program and our Children’s House. Obtaining training from The Center for Guided Montessori Studies specializing in the Toddlers, her background and passion for early childhood education extends into her collegiate studies. Ms. Aliyah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Saint Augustine’s University, concentrating in Elementary Education. In her studies, much of her coursework focused on childhood education, studying an array of subjects such as the essentials of elementary teaching and learning, classroom management and behavioral analysis, child and adolescent development, exceptionalities among student learners and technology literacy for teachers. She earned her Montessori Certification Credential, specializing in Montessori Leadership Administration, from The Center for Guided Montessori Studies, an International Montessori Council (IMC) and MACTE accredited organization in 2025.

She takes pleasure in being able to facilitate communication and answers to any questions received by our families or teachers. Ms. Aliyah provides management and supervision of our Aftercare Program. She also is entrusted with our human resources management. Aliyah finds inspiration in identifying different ways in which we can enrich our student’s experiences, as well as the management, and the organization of our day-to-day operations at Renaissance.

Mariela De Jesus serves as the Operations Director.  She joined Renaissance in 2018, gaining working knowledge of the Montessori method by serving in both the Toddler classroom and Children’s House classroom.  She has received her Montessori Fundamentals Certification from The Center for Guided Montessori Studies. Ms. Mariela earned a Bachelor’s in Communications from the University of Puerto Rico. 

As Operations Director, Ms. Mariela oversees and manages day to day operations, such as student events, community engagement, scheduling analysis and implementation, as well as writing policy and procedures to ensure best practices at the school. She specializes in diligently planning, and on occasion preparing Spanish Montessori materials.  She enjoys gathers innovative resources through research and providing strategies for each of our classrooms, implementing Spanish education opportunities for our children. She also leads bilingual staff by providing ongoing training and communication in order to best meet the needs of our student’s Spanish enrichment. Mariela works with Leads, Assistants, and directly with our students.  

Ariana Sifuentes serves as a Lead Guide in the Children’s House. She has been with Renaissance Montessori since the summer of 2023.  

Ms. Ariana has studied a degree in English from Cesar Vallejo University in Peru, and has earned her MACTE Early Childhood Montessori Certification.

Ms. Ariana is a firm believer in this non-traditional Montessori method of teaching, and takes pride in fostering a nurturing prepared Montessori environment that helps stimulate the growth of the children. She encourages participation and inspires the children to explore different areas of learning. Ms. Ariana strives to help teach children reach their own potential through independent growth.

Rebecca Peterson serves as a Lead Guide in the Children’s House. Ms. Rebecca (Becki), for as long as she can remember, she has always wanted to teach. Growing up, all the children in her neighborhood would come over after school to ‘play school’ in her little clubhouse where she would give lessons on a chalkboard. Her Montessori journey began in 1983 when she was hired as a Teacher Assistant in a Montessori daycare in Warren, Pennsylvania. She quickly fell in love with the Montessori method, and shortly afterward moved her family to Cary, where she enrolled in the Center for Montessori Teacher Education (CMTE) in North Carolina.  She was the Children’s House Lead Teacher for three decades at Heartwood Montessori until sadly the COVID pandemic closed the school. She is excited about her life’s path now leading her to Renaissance, where she can continue doing what she loves and believes in. She has 3 grown adult children and 4 grandchildren, all of whom have had the wonderful experience of Montessori education.

Elena Huerta, Montessori Lead Guide and Aftercare Administrator, is originally from Mexico and moved to North Carolina in 2020 with her husband, shortly after becoming a mom to two boys. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana in her home country.

Since relocating, she has worked with several families in the area and discovered her passion for working with children. Elena is currently obtaining her Children’s House Montessori credentials through CGMS beginning this fall.

She strongly believes in the Montessori philosophy and loves being actively involved each day with students, teachers, parents, and staff.

In her free time, Elena enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places in the area, and traveling.

Rosa Lejandra serves as a Montessori Assistant Guide at Renaissance Montessori School. She loves working with children and truly values making a strong and meaningful impact on the children she cares for at Renaissance Montessori.

Claire Dates is an assistant in Children’s House and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business. She has discovered a deep passion for Montessori education and believes it helps children grow in independence, confidence, and emotional intelligence. She sees the potential in every child and is committed to supporting their growth through gentle guidance and purposeful learning. Claire looks forward to continuing her Montessori journey by pursuing certification in the near future.

Kathy Velez serves as Montessori Toddler Lead Guide. Originally from Puerto Rico, she moved to and fell In love with North Carolina 9 years ago with her loving husband and best friend of 20 years, Diego.  They have 3 beautiful children, their daughter Kaydee, their middle son Diego and their youngest son Louie, which Is also a student at Renaissance Children’s House.  

She obtained an Associates Degree In Early Childhood Education In 2008 from the University of Puerto Rico, and she obtained her Toddler  Montessori Fundamentals Certification from The Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS).  She has over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, specializing in the Montessori pedagogy, previously serving as Lead Toddler Guide here at Renaissance, as well as Lead Guide for a specialized transitional classroom we had at Renaissance years ago.  She is passionate about the Montessori method and looks forward to getting to know your child, nurturing their growth and development.  Ms. Kathy is excited to embark on this journey of learning and growth with all of you. 

Kepsha Henderson (goes by Ms. KeKe, Ms. Kepsha as well), serves as Montessori Toddler Lead Guide. She was born and raised in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and has two children, Tremayne, Zaria, as well as a grandchild, Naomi. 

Ms. KeKe has worked in childcare for over ten years, mostly with toddlers, and has been in love since day one. She expresses that this fulfilling journey doesn’t feel like work because she genuinely loves what she does.

Now she is approaching the completion of earning an associate’s degree, majoring in EarlyChildhood Education and Development from Wake Tech College, and has obtained her Toddler Montessori Fundamentals Certification from The Center for Guided Montessori Studies.

Starting Ms. KeKe’s second year teaching Montessori, she is enthusiastic and keen to deepen her understanding of the Montessori philosophy and theory. Her focus is on getting to know your child and helping nurture their growth and developmental journey.

Lily Marziliano serves as a Montessori Assistant Guide at Renaissance Montessori School. She feels it is an honor to work with her Toddler students. She loves working with the children and growing into such a lovely Montessori school community.

Ally Powell is an assistant guide in the Lotus classroom for the upcoming school year. She has spent the past four years working with toddlers in daycare settings, and discovered her passion for Montessori education when she joined Renaissance a year and a half ago. Since then, she has truly fallen in love with the Montessori approach — watching the children grow, explore, and blossom is one of the greatest joys in her life.

She is currently continuing her education with the goal of earning a degree in speech pathology, and is excited to bring that growing knowledge into her work with young children. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her cat, Prince. She is looking forward to starting another wonderful school year with both new and familiar faces!

Anna Pietrosemoli was born in the vibrant heart of Venezuela and is deeply connected to her Italian heritage, bringing a rich cultural blend to everything she does. Her passion for early childhood education was sparked during her college years, where she discovered the Montessori philosophy — and it was love at first sight. Captivated by its focus on independence, curiosity, and hands-on learning, she knew she had found her calling.

Outside the classroom, you’ll likely find her soaking up the sun at the beach, where the waves bring her peace and inspiration. She treasures quality time with her friends and family, whose love and laughter keep her grounded and joyful. Whether she’s guiding young minds or catching the perfect sunset, she embraces life with warmth, purpose, and a smile.

CJ Rodriguez, serves as a Support Provider.  Mr. CJ provides care to the children and support in our after care program, as well as substituting when the need arises.  The children light up when they see Mr. CJ and enjoy his interactive approach when caring for the children!

Joshua Bresler serves as the Finance Manager at Renaissance. Joshua completed coursework specializing in Certified Public Accounting at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa in 2014. He has completed coursework from Wake Technical Community College and continues to work towards his degree in Business Administration. Joshua not only serves as our Finance Manager, but also works independently as a Cyber Security Analyst. Joshua is a great asset to Renaissance, providing structure and reliability to our tuition management. He takes pleasure in serving our community by providing feedback to any finance related questions you may have.

Liane Watson, Owner, Vice President, came to Renaissance Montessori with 20 years experience in the Montessori classroom and administration. Liane received her Primary certification from the Center of Montessori Teacher Education-NC in 1999. She taught and worked in administrative roles at Heartwood Montessori School. She also has worked with The Center for Guided Montessori Studies as Financial Assistant and Field Consultant for the past four years.

Liane grew up in Raleigh and with the exception of seven years in Illinois, has spent most of her time in the area. She and her husband have two grown children and two grandsons and one granddaughter. Liane holds a BA in Human Services from Peace College and Masters in Family Life and Parent Education from North Carolina State University.

Marc Seldin, Founder, Owner and Business Director, started Renaissance out of a long admiration for the Montessori Method. A student of philosophy and education, Marc grew up around Montessori, and attended The Barrie School in Silver Spring, Maryland, from birth until 7th grade. His passion for the Montessori method was reignited by the birth of his daughter. This led him to recognize the shortage of highly qualified Montessori teachers and launch The Center for Guided Montessori Studies, a teacher training center, and eventually our school in partnership with Rachel Kincaid.

Marc’s educational background includes a bachelors from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, and an MBA from the Robert H. Smith school at the University of Maryland. He is a member of the international Beta Gamma Sigma honor society for business excellence. Marc currently pursues a doctorate in education at St. Edward’s University.