Educators
Ms. Maria
Maria Alondra Jasso is a founder and Co-Director of Little Wildflowers Preschool. She earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Santa Rosa Junior College, graduating with highest honors in 2009. She has been teaching for over ten years in Amelia Reggio and a Montessori inspired preschools, in both Spanish and English.
Her Montessori training took place October 2012 through July 2013 at the Montessori Teacher Education Center.
In addition, Maria was the Co-Chair of the Hispanic Chamber Young Professionals of Sonoma County from 2016 to 2018, and actively serves as a board member helping to empower and guide young professionals.
Most recently, Maria was honored by being named one of Forty under 40 young professionals for 2019 by North Bay Business Journal.
She formerly taught in Marin County in a Montessori inspired preschool, in which she held the position of Lead Teacher for five years ending in 2019 in preparation of opening her own school - Little Wildflowers. Under her care she taught children ages 2-5 years old using the Montessori method of teaching.
Today, Maria is humbled to open the doors to Little Wildflowers Preschool, which is a true vision of holistic care of the child and the environment. She is a strong advocate for lifelong teaching and learning and looks forward to working as a community to serve the future leaders of the world.
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Maria Jasso published her first children's book titled I Am LatinX in 2022.
Mrs. Evelyn
Evelyn Contreras is a founder and Co-Director for Little Wildflowers Preschool. She has been in the early childhood field for 11 years. She spent the first year working as a Full-Inclusion Aide, five years working as a lead preschool teacher and the last five years as an Administrator/Supervisor. Evelyn has experience working in multiple schools with different teaching philosophies such as: Play-based, Reggio Emilia, and Bilingual Montessori.
Evelyn received her Associate Teacher Certificate in Early Childhood from Santa Rosa Junior College in 2008. After given the opportunity by her former employer to cultivate her education, she completed her Montessori training in 2011 and her Administrative Courses in 2012 at the Montessori Teacher Education Center of San Leandro.
Evelyn has a natural love for teaching and enjoys watching children reach their milestones. Her passion for teaching young minds through hands-on and mindful experiences continues to grow. She feels grateful to welcome all families and children to what she describes an “Oasis in which children are free to explore and make sense of the world around them.” We look forward to embarking on this beautiful adventure together.
Miss Steffi
Stephanie Mendoza (Miss Steffi) is a part time student at the Santa Rosa Junior College and Music assistant at Piner High School. She spent her early years studying music to become proficient in various instruments, fostering a deep love for teaching and sharing her passion with the next generation. She was awarded The “Semper Fidelis” award and a Master Musician plaque. Her journey in music is not just a career path but a way to connect with and inspire others through the universal language of melody and rhythm.
Stephanie is a bilingual English and Spanish speaker. Her role at Little Wildflowers Preschool is to monitor and assist students through daily routines and transitions while forming a nurturing bond. She will also provide support to teachers to ensure a safe and stimulating educational environment.
“Every note they learn is a step towards unlocking their full potential and creating a beautiful melody of their own. I'm honored to be part of their journey, guiding them to find their own rhythm and helping them discover the magic that lies within each and every one of them."- Stephanie