Faculty & Staff

Azusa Merrill

Rossano Campus  Room 3 (Spruce)

Head Teacher

I am originally from Japan, and previously resided in Boston and Southern California until my husband’s work had us relocate to Hawaii in 2006. Our teenage sons’ passion to play soccer at a higher level inspired us to move to the Pacific Northwest during the summer of 2021. 



My passion for Montessori Education ignited while I was being mentored by an enthusiastic Montessori guide at a small pre-school in Boston. Encouraged by her, I reached out to the Montessori Institute of San Diego where I completed the primary teacher training in 2006. I believe that the Montessori Education provides children with the ideal learning environment as well as the opportunity to nurture their social, emotional, intellectual and moral skills. Montessori provides the opportunity for children to blossom at their own pace, which ultimately could help them develop a lifelong love of learning.

It is an incredible honor to be able to guide primary age children during their sensitive period when they take everything in effortlessly, and help them find the best way they learn.

I received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and art with a minor in Spanish from University of Massachusetts Boston. Most recently, I obtained a master’s degree in education through Loyola University Maryland. 

In my spare time, I enjoy dancing hula, practicing yoga, playing tennis, going on a hike, playing the piano, doing puzzles, and watching my children play soccer.