OUR STAFF
TERRA ALLEN
Principal
principal@brilliantstar.org
Terra Allen joined the Brilliant Star team as principal in 2022. She is committed to leading the school forward and supporting a community of learning that reflects global excellence. She will work to see that Brilliant Star's vision of the entire community coming together to lift the child towards a future of growth, advocacy for humanity, a love for our planet, and ethical citizenship is realized. Terra is a long-term CNMI resident and educator. She firmly believes in the importance of early, inquiry-led, self-directed learning for our little ones. Her two children attend Brilliant Star!
LIZA CASTRO
Office Manager
admin@brilliantstar.org
Bio coming soon!
MS. LINDSAY
Upper Elementary Lead Teacher, Fanihi Room
fanihi@brilliantstar.org
Ms. Lindsay’s Montessori journey began in 2004 when she took her first job in a rural Montana school district that had adopted the Montessori curriculum for their K-3 program. Ms. Lindsay completed her Lower Elementary Montessori training through the Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest and her Upper Elementary training through the North American Montessori Center. She also holds a Master's Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education through Willamette University.
Two of the things that Ms. Lindsay really loves about teaching are that (1) she is continually challenged to learn more about the world around her as she prepares for her day at work, and (2) the joy and enthusiasm that her students have for learning about the world around them.
Ms. Lindsay comes from a family of Montessori educators and is also the product of a Montessori education. Montessori philosophy and methodology are a way of life for her in addition to the way of teaching.
Interacting with all living creatures, being outdoors and exploring the world around her are just a few of Ms. Lindsay's interests. She also loves traveling and eating new and interesting foods wherever she goes. During her free time, she gardens, gets creative in her kitchen and spends time playing with her precious family.
MS. PATRICIA
Lower Elementary Lead Teacher, Eagleray Room
eagleray@brilliantstar.org
Bio coming soon!
MS. SHANSHAN
Primary Lead Teacher, Dragonfly Room
dragonfly@brilliantstar.org
Shanshan was born in Tianjin, China. At the age of 17, she moved to Saipan with her dad and brother, joining her mother who had already been here for 10 years as a refugee. Everyone in Shanshan's family is a refugee because they believe in Falun Dafa, an advanced practice of Buddha’s self-cultivation.
In 2009, Shanshan became a Falan Dafa believer and joined the Brilliant Star team. Initially, she worked part time in the Toddler room. Later, she transitioned into the Primary room as an assistant and Mandarin teacher, where she continues to work. In May 2017, Shanshan completed her Montessori training program at North American Montessori Center and received her Montessori teacher's certificate.
MS. XINMEI
Primary Lead Teacher, Hibiscus Room
hibiscus@brilliantstar.org
This is Ms. Xinmei's third year as lead teacher of the Hibiscus Primary class! Xinmei moved to Saipan and joined the Brilliant Star team in 2012, and has worked in the Primary, Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms. In 2016, Xinmei received her Montessori Teacher's Certificate from the North America Montessori Center. She is now Montessori Credentialed in both Primary and Elementary age groups. Being active is synonymous with Xinmei. All that know her can attest to her adventurous spirit! Brilliant Star loves Xinmei and knows this year will be transformative for her and her students.
MS. MARY
Toddler Lead Teacher, Kingfisher Room
kingfisher@brilliantstar.org
Ms Mary was born in Jangsu, China. She came to Saipan in 1993.
In 2004, Ms. Mary started to work at Brilliant Star Montessori School as a Toddler Assistant Teacher. She worked with Ms. Mei for 12 years and Ms. Nel for 3 years. From these two lead teachers, she learned how to manage a Toddler classroom.
In 2019, Ms. Mary received her Montessori Certificate for Toddler from the North America Montessori Center and became the Toddler Lead Teacher.
Ms. Mary loves traveling, cooking, hiking with friends, and playing soccer.
After her first three years of living in Saipan, she married Will Hinson. They have two sons; Billy is a Marine, stationed at Twentynine Palms and Alan is in college at NMC.
MS. PAZLEE
Primary Teacher
misspaz@brilliantstar.org
My name is Pazlee Martinez, and I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Saipan. I earned my associate degree with an Emphasis in Education in 2019 and began my career as a teacher assistant in a Montessori environment that same year. By 2020, I advanced to lead teacher and, in March 2021, received my NAMC certificate for the Montessori early childhood teacher training program. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Upper Elementary Teaching Assistant, Fanihi Room
missjan@brilliantstar.org
Bio Coming soon!
MS. JAN
MS. RAQUEL
Toddler Teaching Assistant, Kingfisher Room
missraquel@brilliantstar.org
Bio coming soon!
MS. KIM
Elementary Assistant Teacher
misskim@brilliantstar.org
Bio coming soon!
MS. SUSAN
Primary Teaching Assistant, Dragonfly Room
misssusan@brilliantstar.org
Bio coming soon!
MS. REMY
Infant Room Teaching Assistant
missremy@brilliantstar.org
Remy was born in China. She has lived in Saipan for 25 years and continues to enjoy her life in the islands. Remy joined Montessori late last year to become an assistant teacher in the primary class. She enjoys teaching the children life skills and mandarin in her class.
Remy has three kids that have left Saipan in pursuit of big careers. Two daughters that are currently in college and her son being an officer US Marine Corps.
MR. HILBERT
Custodial Engineer
Born in Benguet, Philippines, Hilbert graduated in 1999 from Saint Louis University with a BS in Management.
Hilbert arrived in Saipan in 2004 and began working at Brilliant Star in 2006 as a Custodial Engineer where he is completely responsible for the maintenance and care of the outdoor and classroom spaces. He is a tradesman in many areas, including, but not limited to, carpentry, plumbing, and painting.
Hilbert is married to Raquel and they have two beautiful daughters, Joyce and Hayden.
