“We await the successive births in the soul of the child. We give all possible material, that nothing may lack to the growing soul, and then we watch for the perfect faculty to come, safeguarding the child from interruption so that it may carry its efforts through.”
Ms.Miho Namba
(Founder/Lead Montessori Guide)
Ms. Miho is the Founder and Lead Guide of Cosmos Montessori. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary/Multiple Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies and holds an AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma (ages 0–3) from Montessori Northwest (2015). She has been teaching in Nido and Toddler environments since 2014.
Ms. Miho is a Certified Positive Discipline Educator, Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and Infant Massage Therapist, bringing a holistic, relationship-based approach to her work with children and families. In 2023, she completed her AMI Primary (ages 3–6) Orientation Certificate through SIMS, further strengthening her Montessori practice across developmental stages.
She founded Cosmos Montessori after welcoming her son in January 2021, inspired by a vision to create a warm, home-like Montessori environment in the Castro neighborhood. Since opening, Cosmos Montessori has proudly served many families from around the world, growing into a close-knit, multicultural community rooted in respect, care, and authentic Montessori principles.
Ms.Miho enjoys learning new languages, reading, cooking with her family, and traveling to different countries.
Ms.Tsugumi Okabe
(Assistant Guide)
Ms. Tsugumi Okabe is a caring and attentive Montessori educator with experience supporting children from infancy through early childhood. She has completed an AMI Orientation Course for ages 0–3 and holds an AMS Early Childhood Teacher Credential, bringing a strong foundation in Montessori philosophy and practice to our program.
A native Japanese speaker, Ms. Tsugumi also supports our multilingual and multicultural community with warmth and sensitivity. She is known for her gentle presence, thoughtful observation, and ability to create a calm, nurturing environment where young children feel safe, secure, and confident to explore.
Ms.Nanase
(Assistant Guide)
Ms. Nanase Niikura is a Montessori educator with extensive experience teaching in Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms, as well as supporting school leadership and family partnerships. She holds an AMS Lower Elementary Montessori Teaching Credential and is currently pursuing her AMS Administration Credential, reflecting her commitment to both high-quality teaching and thoughtful school leadership.
Ms. Nanase brings a strong foundation in curriculum design, student assessment, and parent education. She is especially skilled in guiding children through academic growth while integrating social-emotional learning and honoring each child’s individual learning journey. Her work is grounded in clear communication, collaboration, and a deep respect for diverse cultures and identities.
Mr.Alejandro Alvarenga
(Assistant Guide)
Mr.Ale was born and raised in El Salvador. After his son’s birth, he became more interested in early childhood education, especially the Montessori method. He left his previous career to become a Montessori teacher and joined Cosmos in 2022. He obtains an AMI A to I Orientation course certificate.
He loves playing chess, reading books, painting, and playing soccer with his son.
**All our team members obtain CPR+First Aid, Mandatory Reporter training with cleared live scan and updated immunization records (measles (MMR) and whooping cough (DTaP).