Christina Mata
Christina Mata is a native Santa Fean. She has a great love of New Mexico and a deep respect for her community. Christina began working with children as an Assistant Preschool Montessori Teacher in 2004. Inspired by the philosophy of Maria Montessori, the Montessori materials and the positive effects she witnessed in the children exposed to the Montessori Method, Christina realized that she wanted to become a Montessori teacher. She completed her Early Childhood Montessori training in 2006, and continues to actively expand her education. Christina holds a passion and a special gift for working with toddlers. Deeply attuned to the sensitive periods of early childhood development and inspired by the curiosity and love of learning she observes in all children.
Mario Griego -
Mario Griego was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He holds an Associate's degree in Human Services from Santa Fe Community College and has completed a 45-hour Certificate of Achievement through The Childcare and Education Association. Mario also earned a Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education from the North American Montessori Center.
Building on his Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Mario is currently pursuing his Bachelor's degree, which he expects to complete in May 2026. This continued education reflects his commitment to professional growth and excellence in early childhood development.
As a former family case manager at a local preschool, Mario gained valuable experience working with children and their families. This experience deepened his understanding of the importance of strong home-school partnerships and the unique dynamics of each family unit.
Mario believes a child's education is the most valuable thing in the world. His educational philosophy centers on the principle that knowledge is power, and that early education provides the best foundation for each child's future success. He recognizes that quality early learning experiences set children on a strong academic path while fostering healthy social interaction.
With a deep appreciation for each child's unique qualities and spirit, Mario's professional aspiration is to guide children as they grow into independent, responsible, and compassionate innovators. His genuine passion for working with children creates a nurturing environment where young learners can thrive and discover their potential.
Paola Bustillos-Marquez
Paola is currently enrolled in the Early Childhood program at SFCC.She is in her first year teaching at Santa Fe Montessori Childcare Program. Caring for younger family members gave her the passion to persue a career in early childhood education. Paola believes as early educators that we help build a strong foundation which positively supports the child's educational and human journey throughout their life. Paola believes children are the future and after experiencing the Montessori method hands on she believes Montessori education provides a solid educational foundation for children to build off of and will carry them throughout the rest of their lives.
Celia Basset - Ms. Celia brings a rich blend of education and experience to her role teaching our youngest learners, ages 18 months to three years. With a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and an Associate's degree in Exercise Science, she understands both the cultural and physical aspects of child development. Her specialized training includes certificates in Elementary Education and Montessori early childhood education, alongside completion of the Foundations course in Early Childhood Dance through Discover Dance.
Celia is passionate about creating engaging learning experiences that honor each child's natural development. She has already become a cherished part of our community, teaching dance in our primary classroom every Thursday and providing dance camp for students who need Friday care. We're especially excited that she has expanded her dance instruction to include our youngest students in the 18 months to 36 months program, bringing joyful movement to our toddler community.
She uniquely integrates her love of Irish Dance into her teaching approach, helping to preserve these traditional movement forms while fostering children's physical and cultural awareness.
When not in the classroom, Celia enjoys hiking the beautiful trails around Santa Fe, where she lives with her young family. Her creative spirit extends to knitting, demonstrating her appreciation for both movement and stillness in nurturing young minds.
Her diverse educational background and genuine enthusiasm for early childhood development make her perfectly suited to guide our community in their crucial early years of discovery and growth.
Dolores Mata
Dolores Mata was born and raised in Santa Fe, NM. She has a long 30 plus year background in communications and has always had a love for strong relationships with family and children. Dolores became a first time grandmother in recent years and realized her love for children and their education is strong. Dolores completed her Early Childhood Education teacher training and has been studying the Montessori way of learning and truly believes that proving in a nurturing creative environment is key to early foundational education. Dolores has worked with children as a volunteer to give back to the community and contribute to children’s success for several years. When Dolores is not volunteering she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandaughter Luna Sol. She also enjoys cooking and long walks in the mountains.