Faculty & Staff

Diann Sanderson

Marleny Escobar

Lead Spanish Primary Teacher


Ms. Marleny joined SBMA in 2024, bringing over a decade of experience in Montessori education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders with a focus on Speech Language Pathology from James Madison University and earned her Association Montessori International (AMI) certification from the Montessori Training Center North East. Fluent in English and Spanish—and learning French—Ms. Marleny grew up in Arlington, VA, with roots in El Salvador. Her favorite part of the Montessori classroom is presenting the grammar symbols, as she enjoys the creative way of exploring language. “It never ceases to amaze me how much children are capable of.”


Outside of the classroom, Ms. Marleny loves hiking, yoga, art, and spending time with her husband and their dog. She’s also a fan of Star Wars, comic book universes, and music ranging from 70s rock to Latin hits. Her playful spirit and deep respect for children’s potential make her a valued presence in our school community.