Alexi Martínez was born and raised by the ocean in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, before beginning a new chapter of her life in Colorado in 2020. Her connection to education began at a young age, inspired by her older sister, who holds a Doctorate in Education and specializes in Montessori education. As a child, Alexi often accompanied her sister into educational environments, experiences that sparked an early appreciation for the meaningful role an educator can have in a child’s life. Years later, Montessori became part of her own journey as a mother when her son, Ian, attended a Montessori preschool in Mexico.

Alexi holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration and Education, along with additional certifications in Special Education and educational support for children with diverse learning and developmental needs. She is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Pedagogy and Neuroscience. Her professional work with children began in Mexico, where she worked with newborns through six months of age who came into care due to abandonment and other vulnerable circumstances, and later with children ages 6–12. She spent several years in Special Education, including working as a shadow teacher and supporting children with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental needs. These experiences shaped a belief that continues to guide her work today: every child deserves to be seen as an individual and supported with dignity, patience, and respect.

In 2020, Alexi moved to the United States, where she first worked as an au pair with elementary-aged children and later as a nanny for several families. During this time, she also gained professional experience in administrative roles within the restaurant industry, drawing on her background in Business Administration. Building a new life in another country while continuing to grow professionally, strengthening her English as a second language, and raising Ian as a single mother became a journey of perseverance, growth, and continuous learning.

Alexi joined Mountain Shadows in May 2026. Returning to Montessori felt, in many ways, like reconnecting with a philosophy that had been present throughout different stages of her life: first through her sister, then as the mother of a Montessori child, and now as an educator herself. She holds an AMI 3–6 Assistant Certificate through Instituto Stoppani, and her current work in the Young Children’s Community (YCC), with children ages 18 months to 3 years, has allowed her to deeply discover a stage of development she had not previously had the opportunity to support in this way. After working primarily with newborns and children ages 6–12, Alexi has become fascinated by the extraordinary growth, independence, and discovery that take place during these early years. This experience has deepened her love for Montessori and inspired her to continue her Montessori training at the 0–3 level and keep growing as a Montessori educator.

Motherhood has been one of the greatest influences on Alexi’s life and her calling as an educator. Raising Ian while building her own academic and professional path taught her perseverance, patience, and the importance of trusting each child’s individual journey. Watching him grow, develop his independence, and become the young man he is today is one of her greatest joys and her greatest motivation. Ian, along with the many children and families who have been part of her journey, continues to remind her why she believes so deeply in creating environments where every child can feel safe, respected, valued, and capable.

Outside of Mountain Shadows, Alexi enjoys traveling, cooking, listening to music, swimming, skating, skiing, and, most of all, spending time with Ian and her family. After growing up along the beaches of Mazatlán, she has also learned to love the mountains of Colorado. Her love of travel and meaningful family experiences is also reflected in ALALI, the travel agency she founded in 2012, which focuses on creating experiences for families in Mexico and Latino families in the United States. For Alexi, education does not end in the classroom; children also learn through travel, discovery, family connection, and experiencing the world alongside the people they love.