Our Staff

Dedicated to authentic Montessori education, the administration and staff at Citrus Heights Montessori are highly trained, talented, and love working with children. 

Kavitha Vankayala

(Mrs.Kathy) Owner

Kavitha, or Mrs.Kathy has 15+ years of experience as a lead teacher, Director of Rainbow Kids Montessori, Owner of Alamo Montessori in the East Bay and Citrus Heights Montessori in the Sacramento area. She earned her Montessori diploma for primary age kids in California and has worked as a Montessori preschool teacher in the Bay Area. Apart from her montessori backround, she also earned a Masters degree in computer science and worked as a software engineer.

Mrs Kathy’s goal is to educate the whole child using the montessori method of education. Preschool age is the perfect age to impact a child’s life in a very positive way, helping them believe in themselves and guiding them to pursue their future dreams.

Mrs.Kathy enjoys numerous things from watching movies to Hiking with her two beautiful daughters and a supportive husband.

Mindy Yip

Director
It is my distinct honor to have the opportunity to serve you and your child. I have an extensive background in education that spans from early education to elementary school education. I began my teaching career as a preschool teacher, followed by years as an elementary school teacher for twelve years before becoming a director and principal in early education.
I am fully committed to this job and will work with my staff to ensure each family and child has a positive early education experience.
Collaboration and communication are critical aspects of school success and teamwork. Please note that I can communicate in various languages- Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Laotian, and Thai.

Robyn Sturgis
Assistant Director

Robyn, or Miss Binno (pronounced Bee-know), comes to our Montessori with over ten years of experience in academia. She started her career working with preschool-aged children in 2009 and eventually transitioned into higher education at the University Level. Having her children, she is passionate about encouraging and fostering creativity within each child. Maria Montessori once said, “Education is not what the teacher gives; education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences upon the environment”.

Miss Binno and her husband have three beautiful daughters, two rambunctious sons, and a loyal pup named Mozzy. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting the local farmers’ markets, painting with her children, eating at Leatherby’s, and being near any source of free-flowing water. Fun fact: Miss Binno was an artistic figure skater and sang opera!

Got Questions? Call Us Now