Ms. Shanshan Xie grew up in China’s Fujian province in a family of teachers. She began teaching college courses almost immediately upon her graduation, but found over time that this did not satisfy her as much as teaching children, which she did as a part-time side job for years. Unfortunately, for much of this time, chances to learn the authentic Montessori methods in China were scarce and chances to work applying them were even more scarce. Upon relocating to California after almost two decades of college teaching, she began formally studying for her AMI diploma through the Montessori Institute of San Diego and applying them to guiding her own children in their development. She has a Master of Arts in English Education from Fujian Normal University. 

Ms. Shanshan's teaching practice took place at Lifetime Montessori School, an experience so enriching and inspiring that she decided to return there as soon as possible. 

In her free time, when not teaching and studying, Ms. Shanshan loves to travel, cook, hike, work out, and camp, usually in the company of her husband and two children. She speaks Mandarin and English fluently, as well as Hokkien and Cantonese conversationally. She loves San Diego and is incredibly excited to have the opportunity to continue her teaching journey here.