Dinusha Perera is a devoted Montessorian, educator, and lifelong learner with more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education. Her journey with Montessori began not in a classroom, but in her own childhood home, where she was surrounded by relatives who had been personally trained by Dr. Maria Montessori in India. This rare and profound exposure instilled in her a deep respect for the method and a sense of responsibility to carry forward its legacy. Even as a child, she witnessed firsthand how the Montessori philosophy nurtures curiosity, independence, and compassion—and that early impression has blossomed into a lifelong calling.
Dinusha began her formal Montessori training in 1991 in Sri Lanka, earning her AMI Infant & Toddler (0–3) credential, where she discovered her gift for working with the youngest children during their most formative years. After moving to the United States, she continued her teaching career at Piedmont Hills Montessori Academy in San Jose. With a clear vision to create a school that truly embodied the essence of Montessori, she founded Montessori Explorer School in Bonita, California, in 2002. What started as a small, heartfelt project has now become a thriving community serving children and families with warmth, excellence, and joy.
For over 23 years, the Chula Vista campus has been a cornerstone of Montessori education in the region, nurturing generations of children and building strong bonds with families. Building on this success and driven by a passion to bring Montessori education to more communities, Ms. Dinusha has expanded Montessori Explorer with two additional campuses—Hillcrest, San Diego and Escondido. This growth marks an exciting new chapter, allowing the school to reach and support even more families. Through these new locations, Montessori Explorer extends its mission of providing a nurturing, inclusive, and academically rich environment where children flourish, while also strengthening its impact across diverse communities in San Diego County.
True to her belief in lifelong learning, Dinusha pursued additional credentials over the years: her AMS Primary (3–6) credential at the Montessori Teachers College of San Diego, and later her Elementary (6–12) Montessori credential through MACTE-accredited training and practicum. This comprehensive preparation reflects her conviction that Montessori is not just for one stage of childhood—it is a continuum that honors the child at every age and stage of development.
In addition to her Montessori qualifications, Ms. Dinusha holds a BSc from Sri Lanka, as well as a BA and an MBA from institutions in the United States. Her academic background complements her practice, equipping her with both the pedagogical and leadership skills to guide a school community with vision and balance. She has also been deeply involved with the American Montessori Society (AMS), contributing as a conference proposal reviewer and serving as chair of international engagement at national conferences.
For over two decades, Dinusha worked daily in the classroom while simultaneously leading the growth of Montessori Explorer. Her leadership has always been hands-on and heart-led: she knows each child by name, supports families with genuine care, and walks alongside teachers as a mentor and guide. Her deep commitment has shaped Montessori Explorer into far more than a school—it is a community rooted in respect, inclusivity, and continuous growth.
What sets Dinusha apart is not only her experience, but also her profound love for children and families. She believes that every child carries within them unlimited potential, and that education should be an act of service to the child’s unfolding. Her work is guided by the conviction that when children are empowered to become confident, independent, and compassionate human beings, they transform not only their own lives but the world around them.
Her legacy at Montessori Explorer is evident in the joy of the children, the trust of the families, and the dedication of the staff who look to her for wisdom and inspiration. With her blend of knowledge, humility, and heart, Ms. Dinusha continues to guide the vision of the school with clarity and purpose, ensuring that it remains a place where children are celebrated, families are supported, and the spirit of Montessori thrives.
Note: For families, educators, and community members who wish to connect with her, Ms. Dinusha can be reached at: Dinnushy@MontessoriExplorer.org
