Mrs. Belinda Padilla-Teacher/Director
Mrs. Belinda Padilla attended The Fashion Institute for Fashion Design. She later attended Lehman College for Early Childhood Education. She earned her Montessori certification from St. Nicholas Montessori School of London. She has been teaching since 1997 and absolutely loves the Montessori method of learning.
She has four children Britni, Briana, Brendan, and Bryce who are all former TMA students. She has been living in Florida for many years and has been married for almost 30 years to husband, Bryant. She has her Director's Credentials from the Florida Child Care and Educational Program.
Outside of the classroom environment, Mrs. Padilla loves going to the beach with family and friends, traveling with her family, watching sports, and reading a great book.
You can reach Mrs. Padilla at BPadilla@tuskmont.org
Mrs. Belinda Padilla attended The Fashion Institute for Fashion Design. She later attended Lehman College for Early Childhood Education. She earned her Montessori certification from St. Nicholas Montessori School of London. She has been teaching since 1997 and absolutely loves the Montessori method of learning.
She has four children Britni, Briana, Brendan, and Bryce who are all former TMA students. She has been living in Florida for many years and has been married for almost 30 years to husband, Bryant. She has her Director's Credentials from the Florida Child Care and Educational Program.
Outside of the classroom environment, Mrs. Padilla loves going to the beach with family and friends, traveling with her family, watching sports, and reading a great book.
You can reach Mrs. Padilla at BPadilla@tuskmont.org
Ms. Olga Rodriguez- Preschool/Kindergarten Assistant
Ms. Rodriguez was born and raised in Colombia, in a family of educators. Her father was a teacher for more than 30 years. She obtained a degree in Psychology and Pedagogy from the National Pedagogical University and worked as a teacher in 2nd and 4th grades before coming to live in Florida. After having had the opportunity to be part of the family and school life of two children, who were under her care for more than ten years, she was very excited to return to the classroom, this time helping Mrs. Padilla at Twin Rivers.
Olga is married to Henry, and when she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She practices yoga and loves traveling and photography.
Ms. Rodriguez was born and raised in Colombia, in a family of educators. Her father was a teacher for more than 30 years. She obtained a degree in Psychology and Pedagogy from the National Pedagogical University and worked as a teacher in 2nd and 4th grades before coming to live in Florida. After having had the opportunity to be part of the family and school life of two children, who were under her care for more than ten years, she was very excited to return to the classroom, this time helping Mrs. Padilla at Twin Rivers.
Olga is married to Henry, and when she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She practices yoga and loves traveling and photography.
Mrs. Sylwia Ponicki-Teacher
My name is Sylwia Ponicki and I grew up in Rzeszow, Poland. I graduated from University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with the specialization in painting.
In my early twenties I moved to the United States from Poland. While studying during my junior years, I founded Art Club Orlando’s Children Art Experience and started teaching children's art classes.
While finishing my BFA degree at UCF, I started teaching art in a Montessori School. I did appreciate their teaching approach, because it was close to one of my teaching techniques; however, the entire teaching concept was new and exciting for me. After a year of teaching the art program at the Montessori school, I also started assisting teachers.
I enjoy observing children in their learning process. I find it fascinating how children learn in different ways.
After six years of working as an assistant teacher at Live Oak Montessori School, I earned my Montessori Teacher Certificate from Maitland Montessori Teacher Education Program Ages 2 ½ Through 6.
I have been married for 20 years and have two sons. They are sixteen and two and a half years old. I love art, playing tennis, and spending time with my family and friends.
My name is Sylwia Ponicki and I grew up in Rzeszow, Poland. I graduated from University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with the specialization in painting.
In my early twenties I moved to the United States from Poland. While studying during my junior years, I founded Art Club Orlando’s Children Art Experience and started teaching children's art classes.
While finishing my BFA degree at UCF, I started teaching art in a Montessori School. I did appreciate their teaching approach, because it was close to one of my teaching techniques; however, the entire teaching concept was new and exciting for me. After a year of teaching the art program at the Montessori school, I also started assisting teachers.
I enjoy observing children in their learning process. I find it fascinating how children learn in different ways.
After six years of working as an assistant teacher at Live Oak Montessori School, I earned my Montessori Teacher Certificate from Maitland Montessori Teacher Education Program Ages 2 ½ Through 6.
I have been married for 20 years and have two sons. They are sixteen and two and a half years old. I love art, playing tennis, and spending time with my family and friends.
Ms. Mariah Roque- Assistant Teacher
My name is Mariah Roque, and I am excited to part of the Twin Rivers staff this year. I was born and raised in Bronx, New York.
In 2014, I attended Stella and Charles Guttman Community College where I received an Associate of Human Services. In 2016, I moved on to receiving my Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation at Lehman College. While attending Lehman College, I started working in a daycare center called Rainbow Kiddie Academy as a daycare worker. I always loved helping others learn and grow. While working in Rainbow Kiddie Academy, I became passionate about teaching children to learn something new every day.
I have recently moved to Florida and wanted to become a teacher’s assistant to gain more knowledge and experience in Early Childhood Education. I am happy to say I have joined the Twin Rivers Montessori Academy team as a teacher’s assistant in Mrs. Ponicki’s class and I look forward to many more fun experiences with our students.
My name is Mariah Roque, and I am excited to part of the Twin Rivers staff this year. I was born and raised in Bronx, New York.
In 2014, I attended Stella and Charles Guttman Community College where I received an Associate of Human Services. In 2016, I moved on to receiving my Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation at Lehman College. While attending Lehman College, I started working in a daycare center called Rainbow Kiddie Academy as a daycare worker. I always loved helping others learn and grow. While working in Rainbow Kiddie Academy, I became passionate about teaching children to learn something new every day.
I have recently moved to Florida and wanted to become a teacher’s assistant to gain more knowledge and experience in Early Childhood Education. I am happy to say I have joined the Twin Rivers Montessori Academy team as a teacher’s assistant in Mrs. Ponicki’s class and I look forward to many more fun experiences with our students.
Mrs. Kaley Gilford- Administration Staff
My name is Kaley Gilford, and I am excited to join the Twin Rivers staff this year, working in the office. I am passionate about education and am eager to support the teachers and families. I was born and raised in Orlando, and attended Florida State University where I received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, I moved to Boston with my husband and had the joy of teaching First Grade for six years in downtown Boston, specifically Beacon Hill. While teaching, I returned to school to earn my Masters of Education from Gordon College as a K-8 Mathematics Specialist. Math is my particular passion, especially in the early years.
I have a three-year-old son, which has propelled me to further explore the Montessori method, and I find it extremely compelling and rewarding. On the weekends, my family loves to go to Disney or the beach, and I particularly enjoy an outdoor run or cup of coffee with a good book! I am thankful for this opportunity to meet, support, and engage with our teachers, students, and families as we work together to help this next generation grow and learn.
My name is Kaley Gilford, and I am excited to join the Twin Rivers staff this year, working in the office. I am passionate about education and am eager to support the teachers and families. I was born and raised in Orlando, and attended Florida State University where I received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, I moved to Boston with my husband and had the joy of teaching First Grade for six years in downtown Boston, specifically Beacon Hill. While teaching, I returned to school to earn my Masters of Education from Gordon College as a K-8 Mathematics Specialist. Math is my particular passion, especially in the early years.
I have a three-year-old son, which has propelled me to further explore the Montessori method, and I find it extremely compelling and rewarding. On the weekends, my family loves to go to Disney or the beach, and I particularly enjoy an outdoor run or cup of coffee with a good book! I am thankful for this opportunity to meet, support, and engage with our teachers, students, and families as we work together to help this next generation grow and learn.
- Mr. Julian Ramirez- Facilities Manager
- Mr. Julian Ramirez has been a member of the TMA Staff for over 20 years as our Facilities Manager. He is responsible for both the Tuskawilla Montessori Academy (TMA) and Twin Rivers campuses and helps our teachers and faculty with anything involving handiwork, construction, and more.
Mr. Ramirez was born in the Dominican Republic and relocated to New York City, where he lived for over 25 years. In his time in NYC, Mr. Ramirez earned many certifications and mastery recognition in the areas of construction, plumbing, and building maintenance and supervision. He was the Lead Supervisor of Maintenance and Grounds Services for several real estate conglomerates in New York City and New Jersey, before meeting his wife, Alba Ramirez.
The Ramirezes have two children and currently live in Oviedo. In his spare time, Mr. Ramirez enjoys the beach, music, and Spanish food and culture.
