Welcome to the 2026-27 School Year! 

This year, our theme is ‘Grow with Purpose, Together’ 

I am excited to enter my second year as Principal of Montecito Montessori School. To share a little about myself, my husband and I have two great girls who now thrive as adults. Outside of school time, I enjoy spending time with our family, including our three pets, and love animals, gardening, yoga and hiking. 

As I begin my 24th year in education, I am truly honored to be a Monarch in this vibrant learning community, and am deeply passionate about education and student learning. My career began as a preschool teacher on the Arizona State University campus, where I fell in love with watching children explore and grow. Since then, I’ve served in varying roles—elementary art teacher, third grade gifted teacher at an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, instructional coach, learning interventionist, school leader, district grant coach, and school improvement specialist for the Arizona Department of Education.  Prior to coming to Montecito, I served the Osborn community as  Administrator of Federal and Community Programs and Director of Community Preschool for just over four years. 

I hold degrees from both Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, and am currently in the final year of my doctoral studies in educational leadership and will begin my dissertation research next summer.

I am committed to honoring our Montessori pedagogy while ensuring we help students meet and exceed Arizona state standards. Just as importantly, we will continue to nurture the social and emotional growth of each child through meaningful relationships and a love of learning.

I truly believe that strong partnerships between school and home are key to student success. I invite you to stay involved, share your ideas, and reach out to me anytime.  I look forward to an incredible year ahead with you and your children.

Warm regards,

Stefaney Sotomayor, M.Ed.

Principal, Montecito Montessori School