Ms. Alex Leriou

I grew up all over the world and feel blessed to have lived on 4 different continents. I began my teaching career 11 years ago in Santa Fe, NM where I designed an AVID curriculum for The Espanola Military Academy, taught AP English at St. Michael’s High School, and also taught Modern and Contemporary Dance at the Santa Fe Dance Company. After 6 years of teaching ELA and Dance, I became the artistic director of the Buen Viaje Dance Company - a contemporary dance company for adults with developmental disabilities. In 2019, I was offered a position at TMMS! I have been here for 5 years, teaching History, ELA, and Dance. I am married to Nick Upton (TMEMS’s Cello teacher) and we have two beautiful children, Kai and Arya. I love to teach, dance, travel, cook, read, and eat! I am excited to be teaching your children and am looking forward to an exciting and wonderful school year ahead. 

Mr. Manuel Carranza

Mr. Patrick Trujillo

Ms. Sarah Ochoa

My name is Sarah Ochoa, and I will be your student’s History teacher during the 2023-2024 school year at The Montessori Middle School. I have been teaching middle school for the last two years. Before that, I spent time teaching special education for the elementary school level. This is my first year at The Montessori Middle School and I am so delighted to join this wonderful community.

Ms. Shana Dempsey

My name is Shana Dempsey. This will be my 5th year working at The Montessori Middle School. My children have had the privilege of attending The Montessori Elementary and Middle School. I currently have one child that will be a 7th grader this year, and my oldest will be entering 9th grade this year.

Since I was in high school, I have always loved math. During my college education, I wanted to be an educator or do something with mathematics. I received my Bachelors's in Business Accounting in 2006 and worked in a law firm for many years. When my oldest child was in Kindergarten I decided to take time off to be a mom and be proactive in my children's education. I was a parent volunteer for several years before becoming an educational assistant.

I love the outdoors, being active, spending quality time with my family and friends, being lazy and just watching TV or movies, and taking some time to work on crochet projects. My passion is math and my ambition is health and physical education. I am continuously learning how to be my best self with mental and physical education. Fortunately, this year I will be able to participate in teaching health and P.E. as well as be your child's math teacher.

Ms. Victoria Blakely