Our Teachers

Owner & Principal

Norma Damiani is the owner and principal of Steeple on the Beach Montessori. Her connection to the Montessori philosophy began in her own childhood in Chihuahua, Mexico, where she first experienced the values of independence, respect, and curiosity that continue to inspire her work today.

With more than 23 years of Montessori experience, Norma was thrilled to take ownership of SOTB in 2017. Over the years, she has taught in Mexico, Italy, Texas, California, and Florida, bringing a rich global perspective to her classrooms. Her passion lies in creating a bilingual Montessori environment where Spanish and English are seamlessly integrated into everyday learning.

In addition to her Montessori background, Norma completed 2½ years of Nutrition studies, deepening her understanding of holistic child development and well-being. She is also a proud mother of a young adult son who attended a Montessori school during his childhood—a journey that strengthened her belief in the power of the Montessori approach.

Norma holds Montessori certifications in:

• AIM Assistant to Infancy (0–3 years) – La Jolla, California
• Pre-Primary (3–6 years) – North American Montessori Center, Canada
• AMI Montessori Administrators Certification

Melody is the Assistant director, Infant toddler guide  and a mother of two children, born in Miami but raised in Spain, Madrid. While living in Madrid, she studied A.A. In Early Childhood and a B.S. in Educational Psychology. Once she finished her studies in Spain, she decided to come back to Florida to reinforce her English.  Shestarted working in a Montessori School and fell in love with it so she decided to complete the Infant/Toddler training. 

Melody has been working with children in a Montessori setting over 15 years. During that time, she has completed her training in Montessori Early Childhood, and the Directors credentials.

"I  love children, I think they are the most special, honest, innocent and vulnerable thing in theworld and I am passionate to help them grow in the amazing human being that they will be in the future because they are our future." - Miss. Melody

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in various Montessori environments, guiding children in both the Infant Community and the Children’s House. With over 23 years of experience in Montessori education, I have come to realize that my true passion lies in being with the children—observing, guiding, and supporting their natural development.

There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing a child’s joy and pride when they accomplish something independently. That moment of realization—when they know “I can do it myself”—is deeply meaningful and reminds me every day why I chose this beautiful profession.

My name is Brenda Montoya. I was born in Mexico City . I am a wife and a proud mother of two wonderful girls, ages 6 and 5, who—along with my husband—are my greatest motivation every day.

In Mexico, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminalistics and later completed a Master’s Degree in Criminal Investigation in Forensic Sciences, a field I have always been deeply passionate about for its focus on truth, justice, and investigation.

Three years ago, I made the decision to move to the United States, beginning a new chapter in my life. Here, I studied to become a Teacher Assistant and have completed several training courses related to child care and early childhood development. This experience has allowed me to discover a new vocation that I truly love and enjoy—guiding, educating, and caring for children during their early years of learning.

I consider myself a dedicated, responsible, and growth-oriented person, always eager to keep learning and to give my best in every stage of my life, both personally and professionally.

My name is Gisela Vissepo, I was born in Panama and studied Accounting. My professional journey took me to Seattle, Washington, where I first worked as a toddler assistant and later as a teacher for children ages 3 to 12 months for three years.

During that time, I discovered my true passion: the Montessori method. That is why I decided to pursue academic training, and today I am proud to be Montessori certified. 

I truly enjoy guiding children in their learning process every day with love, respect, and dedication. My next goal is to continue my studies to become a lead teacher, contributing even more to the integral development of children. 

Jeannine, a native New Yorker received her BFA in Dance from New World School of the Arts in Miami FL, and enjoyed a career as professional dancer spanning 15 years. She was able to call both Miami and New York her home as she was based as a working contemporary and ballet dancer between both cities, and had the opportunity to travel to Bahia, Brazil to perform as well.
  Throughout her career she has been able to fuse her love for dance with her passion for working with children. She has taught dance in public, charter and private studios to students ranging from 3 years old up to 18 yrs old, as well as worked as a private nanny as well as in a daycare facility.
 Now as a mother of a toddler, she is passionate about furthering her studies in early childhood education, and specifically the Montessori Method. She is honored and excited to be working at SOTB.