Meet Our Team

Maison Mizu is proudly female founded and powered by a talented, all-female team. Our consultants specialize in the fields of Montessori, Occupational Therapy, and Special Education.

Claire Skodnek

  • Claire is an education consultant who weaves Montessori principles, environmental education, and early literacy strategies to cultivate children’s independence, resilience, and stewardship of the natural world. She designs Montessori-inspired classrooms, playrooms, and homes that embody order, natural beauty, and intuitive engagement.

    Claire holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education, a Montessori Primary (3–6) diploma, and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. Her teaching experience spans public, private, special-education, and bilingual settings. Deeply embedded in the nonprofit sector, she spent seven years directing a nonprofit dedicated to environmental education programs and regenerative agriculture.

Dr. Natalia Rivera

  • Natalia Rivera, OTD, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports children and their caregivers through purposeful play, emphasizing independence, sensory integration, and connection with the natural environment—core principles that align closely with the Montessori philosophy. She specializes in curating and adapting environments to promote self-directed learning and functional development, always grounded in client-centered goals.

    Natalia holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and has worked with children since 2004 across a range of settings, including sensory clinics, public and private schools, hospitals, and home-based care. She currently leads a private practice and serves as an Early Intervention evaluator. Deeply committed to the principles of respect, observation, and developmentally appropriate practice, she also spends much of her time immersed in nature with her young child.

Christine Roland

  • Christine is a skilled master special education teacher who creates engaging, hands-on learning environments that support children’s interests and developmental growth. Her expertise includes implementing effective instructional and classroom management techniques, fostering a strong sense of community, and encouraging self-growth through individualized learning activities. She embeds inclusive practices to meet the needs of diverse learners and behaviors, ensuring every child has opportunities for exploration and development.

    Christine holds a dual Master’s in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and, drawing on over twenty years of experience in the field, has cultivated a diverse range of teaching strategies that inspire and empower young learners.