Meet the peoplein the room.
Our teachers hold authentic Montessori credentials. Our principal has a doctorate. Our staff has been together long enough to feel like family, and the children feel that.


Cindy Acker
Founder and Principal
Cindy is the founder of The Child Unique and The Montessori Elementary Intermediate School of Alameda (MEISA), and has served as principal for over 43 years. She has several degrees in education, human development, spirituality, cultural studies and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UC Berkeley. Cindy has also been involved in public policy, representing Montessori schools in California. She is a published author and a national keynote speaker.

Miesha Lampkins
Events Coordinator/Director
Miesha was born and raised in Oakland, California. She has a degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and Hospitality, Tourism, Lodging, Resort, and Club Management. She loves communicating and connecting the dots.

Brionna Robinson
Office Assistant
Brionna has been immersed in Montessori education for her entire life. She speaks four languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, and Japanese. She holds degrees in Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences, and a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics from Arizona State University.

Vivi Qin
Pre Primary Teacher, Pacific Campus
Vivi has been in Montessori education since 2012, with over five years as a teacher and director in China. She developed an art-based curriculum inspired by Reggio Emilia and presented her workshop at The Montessori Event 2022, hosted by AMS.

Marisela Mascorro
Primary 1 Teacher, Encinal Campus
Mari has been with The Child Unique for over 20 years. She holds degrees in Liberal Arts and Child Development as well as a Montessori Early Education Credential. She is the proud parent of three beautiful daughters.

Charity Ezenwa
Primary 2 Teacher, Encinal Campus
Charity is an Early Years Educator with over ten years of experience in teaching. She has a bachelor's degree in Government Education and a Montessori Diploma in Early Childhood (MACTE) certified.

Carolina Serrano
Toddler 1 Teacher, Pacific Campus
Carolina, born and raised in Colombia, holds degrees in dental hygiene and social work. She has led family workshops and supported at-risk youth with employment assistance. She is passionate about young children.

Henock Berhane
Pre-Primary Teacher, Pacific Campus
Henock was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He holds a degree in Business Management and is a proud father of two boys. His passion for helping children reach their potential makes his work at TCU one of the most fulfilling accomplishments of his career.