Escuela Plus Celebrates Legacy and Welcomes New Head of School

Source: Special to Los Angeles Sentinel News Service - November 5, 2025

→View Article Here

Christiane (Chrissy) Roussell Willis, Escuela Plus Elementary head of school.

As Escuela Plus Elementary turns an exciting new page, the Escuela de Montessori and Escuela Plus Elementary community (alumni families and faculty, current parents and faculty, and friends of Escuela) will come together on Sunday, Nov. 23, for the Escuela Legacy & Leadership Reception—a special evening celebrating the past, present, and future of this beloved Los Angeles institution.

The event will honor the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Sandra Roussell, founder of both Escuela de Montessori in Westchester and Escuela Plus Elementary, who has shaped generations of children through more than 50 years of visionary leadership. The evening will also mark the formal welcome of her daughter and successor, Christiane (Chrissy) Roussell Willis, Esq., as Head of School.

A proud graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, Roussell Willis’ career beautifully bridges education, law, and leadership. She began her professional journey as a teacher at Escuela de Montessori before pursuing law, later serving as an employment attorney and human resources executive for major corporations. She returned “home” to Escuela Plus Elementary in January 2024 as Assistant Head of School, officially stepping into the role of Head of School in August 2025.

Related Stories

Student Athlete of the Week: Jada Kindle

Black Health Matters Podcast Ep. 2: Planning for a Healthy School Year with Cedars-Sinai

“I feel incredibly honored to carry forward what my mother began,” Roussell Willis said. “Escuela has always been about more than academic excellence—it’s about nurturing confident, compassionate, and curious learners. As we look to the future, we’ll continue to hold that mission close while growing into our next chapter in a new home.”

From left are Christiane (Chrissy) Roussell Willis, Sabrina Willis (Roussell Willis’ daughter and Escuela Plus student), Dr. Sandra Roussell, and Dena Crowder, Dr. Roussell’s daughter and head of social media and brand for Escuela Plus.

The Legacy & Leadership Reception promises to be a memorable evening of connection, celebration, and inspiration. The program will be emceed by alum parent and renowned attorney Areva Martin, Esq., and her daughter, Escuela alumna and attorney Michael Martin, Esq. Featured guests include Escuela alum parents–legendary attorney Carl Douglas, Esq., and acclaimed historian Larry Earl–who will help contextualize Escuela’s powerful legacy and lasting impact on the community.

Guests will enjoy a fabulous live auction and raffle, along with special video tributes featuring alumni reflections, heartfelt messages from current students and faculty, and a glimpse of what lies ahead for Escuela Plus as it prepares to expand into its next chapter.

“As we celebrate this transition, we’re reminded that Escuela’s strength has always been its people,” said Dr. Roussell. “Together, we’ve built something lasting—and the best is yet to come.”

For more information about and registration for the Escuela Legacy & Leadership Reception and information about Escuela Plus Elementary generally, please visit www.escuelapluselementary.com.