Our Staff
Parisa Kelly
Parisa is the owner of Starlight School. She holds a California teaching credential from San Francisco State University. Parisa and Starlight Montessori Preschool are both members of the American Montessori Society as well as the Bay Area Montessori Association.Parisa holds a Montessori Primary certificate through Fountainhead Montessori and Cal-State East Bay.
She has owned Starlight School since 1998 and has worked as a Montessori teacher since 1996. She has served as a teacher in public elementary schools, a provider of in-home child care, and a behavior specialist for a private school.
Halima Buksh
I started teaching after receiving my BA in English linguistics in Morocco, and an International Montessori Teaching Diploma from North American Montessori Center NAMC from BC, Canada. I enjoy teaching and working with young children. I believe that early childhood education is so important, because it is the time when a child is shaping his/her personality, develop order, concentration and independence.
I worked as a head teacher with children ages 3-6 for 5 years in a full Montessori school and an inspired American Montessori pre-k in Morocco before I moved to the states. I also have been teaching Arabic, art and craft to students ages 8-14 years old.
I cherish quality time with my family (Husband and daughter), and in my free time, I enjoy baking, traveling, nature and arts and craft.
I am very excited to be part of the Starlight Montessori team!
Natalie Ferrer
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and my AMS Montessori Certification. My journey in education has taken me through a range of age groups, from middle school to preschool. While I began working with older children, I quickly discovered that my heart belongs in early childhood, where the foundations of learning and wonder truly begin.
For the past seven years, I’ve been part of a Montessori school in the East Bay, where I had the privilege of serving in several capacities, as a toddler teacher, primary teacher, administrator, and Spanish teacher. Each of these roles deepened my understanding of the Montessori philosophy and the importance of nurturing the child through a connected school community and strong, supportive relationships with families.
What continues to draw me to Montessori education is the deep respect for each child as a capable, unique individual. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be when children are given the freedom and opportunity to explore and grow at their own pace. Guiding them through those early stages of development, nurturing their curiosity and independence, is what inspires me every day.
Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with friends and family, attending festivals, exploring arts and crafts events, and watching movies of all genres.
I’m thrilled to be joining the Starlight team and look forward to building meaningful connections with the children and families in this wonderful community.