International Montessori School
Our Team
Ms. Norma Burillo
Primary Guide, Co-Owner
Ms. Norma Burillo was born in Madrid, Spain, and brings a rich international background to her work in education.
A native Spanish (Castilian) speaker, she is also fluent in English and Portuguese, allowing her to connect easily with families from diverse cultures.
With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Norma has dedicated her career to guiding young children during their most important developmental years.
She is the founder of the International Montessori School of Fort Lauderdale (IMS), where she has successfully led and nurtured a learning environment rooted in authenticity, care, and excellence.
She holds an AMI Primary Diploma from the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies in Phoenix, Arizona, and completed the AMI Administration course at the Whole School Leadership Institute.
Her academic background also includes a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance from San Pablo CEU University in Madrid, Spain, as well as a Master’s Degree in Arts and Education (M.A. Ed.) from INESEM Business School in Granada, Spain.
Ms. Norma is also a certified DELE Spanish teacher and has continued to expand her knowledge through specialized training.
This includes studies in Montessori Medical Partnership for Inclusion (MMPI), as well as a certification in Mindfulness and Neuroscience. Her approach reflects a deep understanding of both the academic and emotional development of each child.
She is passionate about the Montessori philosophy and is committed to maintaining the highest standards in her school, always staying true to the principles established by Dr. Maria Montessori.
On a personal note, Ms. Norma and Mr. Marcus have a son who will soon complete his Montessori high school program and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Data and Business Analytics at IE University.
Her experience as both an educator and a parent gives her a unique and heartfelt perspective on the journey each family takes.
Role
- Primary Guide, Co-Owner
Education
- AMI PRIMARY DIPLOMA - SIMS SOUTHWEST INSTITUTE OF MONTESSORI STUDIES
- AMI ADMINISTRATION COURSE - Whole School Leadership Institute
- Bachelor degree of Business Administration in Finance - San Pablo CEU University
- Master of Arts Degree in Education (M.A. Ed.) - INESEM BUSINESS SCHOOL
Experience
- SUPPORTING THE DYSLEXIC CHILD IN MONTESSORI - MONTESSORI AT ROSEBOROUGH
- understanding interventions and therapies in a montessori setting - MONTESSORI MEDICAL PARTNERSHIP FOR INCLUSION MMPI
- Mindfulness & Neuroscience Technician Certificate
- DELE Spanish Teacher Diploma - INSTITUTO CERVANTES
Other Languages
Spanish, PORTUGUESE
Mr. Marcus Rocha
Administrator, Co-Owner
Mr. Marcus Rocha serves as Administrator and Co-Owner of the International Montessori School of Fort Lauderdale, where he brings a thoughtful blend of business knowledge and genuine care for early childhood education.
With a strong foundation in marketing and operations, Mr. Marcus plays a key role in supporting the school’s daily functions and long-term vision.
His approach is both practical and people-focused, always centered on creating a positive and well-organized environment for children, families, and staff.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Florida Atlantic University (FAU).
In addition to his business background, he has expanded his knowledge within the Montessori field through specialized training.
This includes a Montessori Sports Guide Certification, which focuses on supporting children’s physical development in alignment with Montessori principles, as well as Early Childhood Assistant Training from the Instituto Europeo de Educación, giving him valuable insight into the classroom experience and child development.
At the school, Mr. Marcus oversees administration and operations, ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
He also leads the school’s digital presence and outreach, helping share the Montessori philosophy with the broader community and welcoming new families into the school.
Mr. Marcus believes that a strong school is built on both structure and heart. By combining clear organization with a deep respect for the Montessori approach, he is committed to helping create a nurturing and lasting educational environment where every child can grow with confidence.
On a personal note, Mr. Marcus shares this journey with Ms. Norma as both partners in education and as parents. Their son, who will soon complete his Montessori high school program, plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Data and Business Analytics at IE University, reflecting the values of independence, curiosity, and lifelong learning that they both support at home and at school.
Ms. Julia Trujillo
Behavior Therapist Consultant
Ms. Julia Trujillo serves as the Behavior Therapist Consultant for the International Montessori School of Fort Lauderdale.
She brings a compassionate, strength-based, and solution-focused approach to her work, helping students, parents, and educators break through behavioral patterns and create lasting positive change.
Ms. Julia works closely with children, adolescents, and families to collaboratively develop treatment goals and design individualized interventions that meet each child’s unique emotional and developmental needs.
Her work emphasizes empathy, connection, and empowerment, helping students build confidence, resilience, and self-regulation.
She specializes in psychological and psychoeducational assessments for both children and adults, offering valuable insights that guide personalized educational and therapeutic strategies.
Outside of her professional role, Ms. Julia enjoys reading, drawing, and dancing. She finds peace and inspiration in nature, often taking walks or spending time at the beach to recharge and reflect.
Family time is her greatest joy, and she values meaningful connections as the foundation of a balanced, fulfilling life.
