LINDA S. BENITEZ – Co-Director

Born in Connecticut, Linda’s  family transplanted to Florida and shortly after high school graduation, married and started a family.   While raising two little ones, she studied Business Administration and secured a position in a major utility company where she managed offices in several departments over the course of 15 years.  

 Longing for a change and bigger and brighter opportunities, Linda landed in New Mexico in 1997, where her oldest sister, a teacher, had recently relocated and become “enchanted”.  Having worked in the corporate world, she was sought a change in her career and was determined to find a place that felt more like home.   As fate would have it, she found herself at La Mariposa Montessori.  Although she had never worked in a school environment, she always loved school and learning, and entertained the idea of being a teacher as a young girl.

 Linda cherishes the joy she found in working with such a dedicated and committed staff and in supporting such an incredible community of students and their families.   Although not familiar with Maria Montessori or her work upon her arrival at La Mariposa 28 years ago, the philosophy naturally resonated within her and her understanding and belief in its value to each child fortunate to experience this kind of child-centered education, continues to grow exponentially on a daily basis.    

At La Mariposa Linda takes great pride in providing a warm and loving environment in which children can grow and learn, and in sharing a bit of the Mariposa magic with everyone who enters our doors!