about us

Jenni Nino received her B.A. in Communications from University of California, Davis. She went on to earn her Multiple Subjects Teaching credential as well as her Master’s in Education, from Teachers College of San Joaquin. Jenni then discovered her passion for teaching young children during her four years of teaching kindergarten for Stockton Unified School District. As the Director of Education and a cofounder of Lodi Montessori, she strives to ensure that each child reaches his/her own potential and to provide a caring atmosphere in which your child can learn in. Jenni has a Montessori certification under her belt, making her expertise in education for young children well-rounded. When away from work, Jenni enjoys exercising, spending time with family and friends, and supporting her children’s sports and activities.

Jolie Zins received her Bachelor’s Degree from University of California, Davis and went on to explore a career in teaching. She began substitute teaching in the surrounding school districts and quickly found her niche in the education field. After developing a connection to both the older and younger children, Jolie decided to obtain her Multiple Subjects and Physical Education credentials. As one of the founders of Lodi Montessori, Jolie has been fortunate to do something she loves over the years, while also getting to be with her own young children, as they began their preschool education. As the Operations Director, Jolie plays an integral part in the day-to-day operation at Lodi Montessori, ensuring they are committed to going above and beyond State Licensing standards. Her moto has always been, If it’s not good enough for my own kids, then it’s not good enough for my students! Jolie enjoys being outdoors, exercising, gardening, and spending time with her husband and three children. 

Alicia Dace first gained an interest in the education field while serving as a teacher’s aide and tutor in high school. She has earned multiple Associate’s Degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences and Liberal Arts & Science, and her Associate’s Teacher certificate from San Joaquin Delta College. She has sixteen years of experience working in the Montessori setting with both toddlers and preschoolers. Alicia completed her Montessori Certification through North American Montessori Center. When away from work, Alicia enjoys spending her time with family, traveling and reading.

Kirby Bianchi has always loved working with children and raised three of her very own. She started in the education field as a paraeducator for children with special needs in 2008. In 2013, Kirby opened her own in-home daycare. After ten years of maintaining a successful business, she decided to close one chapter to pursue her passion of becoming a preschool teacher. Kirby did what she had set out to do by completing her early childhood education courses and landed a position as a Head Teacher for a 2-year-old classroom. Since joining Lodi Montessori as a valuable member, Kirby quickly developed an appreciation for the Montessori philosophy. She completed her “Infant/Toddler” Certification through the North American Montessori Center, and leads the Montessori Prep/2’s program. Outside of work, Kirby enjoys spending time with her family and watching her daughters play volleyball and softball. She also likes going on camping trips and has an immense love for animals!

Brianna Tovar first gained a great deal of childcare experience while babysitting through her high school years. She has been working professionally with young children since 2018, while teaching at an in-home daycare. Brianna began her college journey at San Joaquin Delta College where she graduated with an Associate’s of Arts degree in Child Development. She is now looking forward to continuing her education at Sacramento State this Fall. While working at Lodi Montessori, Brianna quickly developed a love for the Montessori method and dedicated her time to completing the “Early Childhood” certification program at North American Montessori Center. While she has dreams of opening her own facility one day, for now, Brianna enjoys spending her spare time with friends and family, as well as taking trips to Disneyland.

Rosa Nguyen has been a valuable part of Lodi Montessori for over nine years now. She first acquired an interest in childhood education after taking a child development course at San Joaquin Delta College. She received her Associate’s degrees from San Joaquin Delta College and continued to pursue her new interest in childhood education by earning a B.A. in Child Development and minor in Counseling from Sacramento State. At Sacramento State, she was able to volunteer at the child center where she worked in a Montessori based classroom. Rosa appreciates and respects Montessori education which values open-ended time and creating a child centered environment. She also believes that children are capable of great learning when given the freedom and time. Rosa hopes to continue to help young learners grow as she explores her own growth in working with children. Outside from work, she enjoys spending time with her family, dogs and friends. She loves dancing, traveling, and venturing out for good tasting food.

Tess Hinton has over 19 years of experience working in the early childhood education field. During her early years, she attended the APPLE program at Lodi High, worked in multiple childcare centers, as well as a kindergarten classroom. After graduating she moved to Alaska to attend UAA, where she received her Alaska Early Childhood Administrator credential. It was here where she gained ten years of Montessori experience, beginning as an assistant in the toddler program. Over the years, Tess gained a well rounded knowledge base with her role as an administrator. In her free time she loves to be outdoors, whether it’s fishing, biking with the family or hanging at the beach.

Kiara Baker was born and raised in Lodi and has always had a passion for working with kids. She has earned two associates degrees from San Joaquin Delta College— one in Business and another in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, both with honors. Building onto this, Kiara completed a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State, combining her passion for education with a strong foundation in business. After taking a Child Development class at Sacramento State and watching her youngest sister go through the Lodi Montessori program, Kiara realized she wanted to pursue a career working with children. She volunteered at Lodi Montessori for two summers, fell in love with the program, and is now continuing her Child Development education. She hopes to one day open a program of her own. In her free time, Kiara enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, baking, and traveling.

Amira Ibrahim is passionate about supporting children’s growth through hands-on learning and meaningful experiences. She has worked with children of various ages in educational and therapeutic settings, including leading lessons and activities at MAS Community and Youth Center and assisting therapists in a speech therapy office. These experiences have strengthened her understanding of diverse learners. Amira has obtained her associate’s degree from San Joaquin Delta College and is currently pursuing a degree in Child and Adolescent Development at Sacramento State with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. At Lodi Montessori, Amira strives to foster curiosity, independence, and a love of learning in every child. Outside the classroom, Amira enjoys walking, traveling, and spending time with family.