About us

About us
The success of our school is the result of the quality of our program and the mature professional staff we choose, and the realization that all children deserve the greatest respect, loving care, and professional guidance in their development. This philosophy underlies everything we do at school. The task of the teacher in our classroom is more that of guide than that of instructor. This is why the teacher is normally called “directress”. His/her main function is to be a link between the child and the Prepared Environment, by means of which the child has the opportunity to develop his individual potentialities to the utmost.
Ramona Klymko - Owner / Teaching Director Montessori Program

Ramona's first contact with the Montessori Method goes. back to the year 2000, when she was offered to teach the French language in a Montessori School, here in the United States. By that time she had acquired her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Languages (German and English) and had been teaching languages in Europe since 1987. Being in her first Montessori School, she suddenly discovered a new way of knowing, loving and teaching a child. She began to understand the importance of working more fully with the child's urge to learn and the importance of preparing the child, at this very young age, not for school but for life. Ramona successfully mastered the Montessori Diploma in February, 2002 and completed the approved Course of Study and Practical Training of the International Association of Progressive Montessori. Her inner discipline.and excellent. organizational skills made. room for more. Ramona went back to College and successfully completed the Infant and Toddler Program at UCI Montessori. She also completed the Program for the Administration of Schools for Young Children - Personnel, at Irvine Valley College. Ramona's strong belief in the Montessori Philosophy and Education together with her already acquired pedagogical experience and excellent educational background, made it possible to start her own Montessori Program under the name of "Robin Hood Montessori School". Ramona has recently been selected by the International Association of Progressive Montessori to train and become a Montessori Instructor for IAPM. Ramona is looking forward to becoming an instructor and continuing the legacy of IAPM.
Katy Mirnezam– Teacher Montessori Program

Katy completed her BA in French at the Azad Islamic University in Teheran, Iran. Katy has completed her Montessori Training at the IAPM in 2005 and has ever since worked in a Montessori environment. Katy completed her Infant Training at the Saddleback College. Her strong organizational skills and passion for education made her relationship with Robin Hood a successful one for years. When not at school Katy spends a lot of time with her 2 boys and husband.

Neda Khatami – Assistant Teacher Montessori Program

Mrs. Neda Khatami has so much passion for working with the early childhood age group. She imaginatively uses resources to help youngsters learn. She received her BOA In German Translation and has many years’ experience of working in information technology and human resource management fields. Mrs. Khatami loves artistic painting as a hobby. She is currently studying in child development program at the Saddleback College. Over the last two years, she has been working for a non-profit organization called  Children’s Hope International Literacy & Development (Children’s Hope) supporting the  low-income children with limited resource and disabilities by providing them with health, education and other life essentials. She is also currently helping CHILD Organization as a part time volunteer. Mrs. Khatami is married and mother of 16 years old boy. Mrs. Khatami is excited to be part of the Montessori Program and build on her experience.    
Kianna Zaragoza – Assistant Teacher Montessori Program

Kianna knew she wanted to become a teacher since she was a littler girl. She nannied in her early teens and later worked at a daycare. She graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Elementary School Education. Kianna aspires to have her own classroom one day. When she is not working she is spending time with her family or dog.
Shahin Abtin – Assistant Teacher Infant/Toddler Program

Ms. Abtin was born and raised in Iran. After completing her secondary studies, she went to London to pursue her hobby of ceramic arts. She returned home and met her future husband. They came to California about 40 years ago and started a family. Ms. Abtin loves to spend time with her grandson whenever she can. Ms. Abtin obtained a certificate as a registered dental assistant as well as a certificate in child development. Ms. Abtin has extensive experience caring for infants and preschool children which she considers a joy. She loves her new position with Robin Hood Montessori School because she believes in the school’s methods and mission.
Kendall Smith – Assistant Teacher Infant/Toddler Program

Kendall has loved working with children, infants and toddlers since her early adolescence. She brings love, compassion and over 10 years of childcare experience to Robin Hood, including taking care of autistic and disabled children. Kendall is currently in the process of obtaining her Child Development and Early Childhood Education certification from Saddleback College. In her free time, she loves to garden, travel, and spend time with her family and friends. 
Samantha Steele – Assistant Teacher Infant/Toddler Program

Samantha has been caring for children almost all her life. She is currently going to Saddleback College to get her Certificate in Early Childhood Development and Education. She loves being around children and making a difference in their lives! She’s been a nanny and tutor for over the last 10 years. When Samantha isn’t teaching children, she is making arts and crafts or at the beach with her family.

Friedhelm Klymko - Owner / Administrator

Friedhelm worked in the Montessori School Field for over 10 years. He assisted the Office Manager and Director with administrative duties and tasks. Friedhelm was responsible for the record keeping and students' files and had permanent and strong relationship with the parents and children as well. His excellent experience in the administrative field made it possible to fully join his wife, Ramona, in the Robin Hood Montessori School as the Administrator of the School in 2005. Friedhelm loves being around children and engaging in many activities and games. In his free time Friedhelm is the passionate archer and archery trainer. He likes to participate in competitions all over the country and world.
Lillian Garrison – Art Teacher

Ms. Lillian Gleason Garrison is the daughter of well known artist, Duncan Gleason. She received her training at USC with BFA and MFA, working with prominent artists, Francis de Erderly, Keith Crown and Merril Gage. She has taught art classes for adults and children in Palos Verdes Estates, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Mission Viejo and El Toro; state design for UCI, Palos Verdes College and children productions in Irvine.
Ms. Lillian’s Montessori teaching experience has been head teacher at Montessori School in Laguna Beach and Program Director for Montessori Teacher Training Institute IAPM.  
Ms. Lillian has had training in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics and various other crafts. She enjoys bringing her art and teaching experience to Montessori students.
Diana Castillo – Spanish Teacher

I was born in Bogotá, Colombia. Shortly after, moved to Maryland were I was introduced to English when only 6 months, at 4 went back to my homeland. At 17 as an exchange student returned to the U.S. to attend senior year at Hingham High School near Boston. After graduation I went on to receive a bachelor's degree in engineering and then a master's degree in marketing in Colombia. I have been back in the U.S. for the last 8 years.   I live with my husband and daughters, and I am very proud to raise them to be fluent in English and Spanish. As a family we love to spent time together; beach, movies, walks, long and short trips are some of the activities we like to do. I have been tutoring children with English as their first and second languages for 4 years in math, reading, and language and arts, as well as teaching Spanish in after school programs in different preschools. Now with my own business couldn't be more excited and proud to share my culture, language, and be part of the learning experience of many children.



This site uses cookies. Please note that you agree to the continued use of our offer with their use. Read our Privacy Policy for how we protect your information. Read more.