Meet our leadership team

I am Monica Montalvo, General Director of ITJ Santa Monica. I joined the institution in 2010 and since then I have been fortunate to get to know the school's philosophy and our beloved community.

I am committed to this educational journey; we will continue with the foundations that have distinguished us for so many years of experience and with the responsibility to innovate, always keeping our students at the core.

I am Natalia Levin. I have been part of this wonderful educational team since 2017, having the opportunity to accompany students in this important stage of their development.

Have more than 25 years of experience working with children. I hold a degree in Communication, a degree in Early Childhood Education, and a Montessori certification for children aged 3 to 6 years. Additionally, I have a Teacher's Certificate.

My main goal is to work hand in hand with families and the staff to ensure that students have a continuous learning experience, where each child can explore their creativity, develop skills, and build a solid foundation with love.

I am Ana Claudia Toraya. I feel very fortunate to be a part of ITJ SM and to support the students and families of this amazing community.

For 25 years, I have worked in education, and hold a degree in Education, a degree in Literature, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, along with numerous courses on pedagogy, safeguarding, and learning.

I am committed to setting high academic standards for our students while providing a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity and a love for learning. These standards help instill confidence and a strong work ethic that will benefit our students throughout their lives.

My name is Sara Yeo, and I am the Deputy Head, Head of Upper School, and IB Coordinator. I have been part of the school since 2013, working in the Upper School teaching Chemistry. I have also contributed to the coordination of the Middle School and the Science Department.

With 25 years of experience teaching in the field of science, and I am committed to continuing to work with the values instilled by our founders, while integrating the necessary activities to ensure our students learn not only the content but also the skills that are meaningful and applicable to their lives.

I'm Leticia Lerma, Psychologist and designated leader of safeguarding, specialized in psychopedagogy, with multiple specialties in adolescence, addictions, emotional intelligence, among others, is the basis that has allowed me to work at all educational levels. My specialty in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), allows me to accompany my students and families with the firm commitment to supporting their socio-emotional well-being.

Hand in hand with my master's degree in educational sciences, I work in close collaboration with teachers, on the special needs of each student, integrating interventions according to needs.

My ITJ experience with 15 years of experience also allows me to have a global approach to our school community and its changes. My passion and vocation is to achieve the maximum potential of the abilities of each of my students.

I’m Mónica Díaz, a child psychologist and the person in charge of Wellbeing at Pink & Blue. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in Psychopedagogy and have completed various diplomas in Play Therapy, Literacy, Positive Discipline, and more.

With 4 years of experience working with children, I truly enjoy exploring their world, discovering how unique each one is, and constantly learning from them.

I'm Mariana Ibarzábal. I’m part of the Well-Being team at Thomasito, where I have the privilege of supporting students and their families during such an important stage of their development.

I'm a Psychopedagogue with experience in early childhood education and personalized support. My work focuses on creating strategies that promote inclusion, emotional well-being, and meaningful learning for every child.

I see Well-Being as a bridge that connects home and school, giving children the tools they need to grow academically, socially and emotionally.

Hello, my name is Brenda Villalpando, and I am the Primary School Psychologist at ITJ Santa Mónica. It is a great honor to be part of this community, where I feel deeply grateful and proud to contribute to the integral development of our students.

My role allows me to help reinforce the values that build a positive community between families and school, while promoting essential life skills such as respect, empathy, problem-solving, and the importance of mental health care from an early age.

I bring with me over 10 years of experience in the educational field, having worked as a classroom teacher, which gave me a strong understanding of academic processes. For the past 4 years, I have specialized in school psychology, furthering my purpose of guiding students in both their personal and academic growth. Additionally, I hold a Master’s degree in Family Therapy and have completed courses and certifications in the field of mental health, which strengthen my professional practice.

I'm Stephanie and I have a degree in Psychology and am currently pursuing a Master’s in Neuropsychology and Education. I have experience working with children diagnosed with autism.

My role as an upper elementary school psychologist is to provide support and guidance to students so that, through the wellbeing area, they feel safe, motivated, and confident.

This allows them to build healthy relationships with their peers and, at the same time, reflect this sense of wellbeing both in the classroom and at home. The ultimate goal is to contribute to and positively impact their overall development.

My name is Paola Valerio, humanistic psychologist, master's degree in education and a specialty in body psychotherapy.

With 22 years of experience working with children and adolescents, my work is passionate about understanding the development process of each individual and accompanying them so that they can be their best version.

I am currently working in Secondary School, developing projects that bring well-being to our community, always accompanied by a great team.

My name is Yazmin Ponce, in addition to being part of the Itj, I have a master's degree in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and different courses on adolescence, thus allowing me to have a better understanding of the development of adolescence.

I also have a diploma in the  Counsellor Accreditation Program that allows me to support not only the ITJ but also as an external psychotherapist, vocational guidance support for adolescents.

Have worked at ITJ for 11 years and for me it's a commitment for the students to be prepared so I can help them.