Amanda
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Ms. Amanda holds advanced degrees in Education and Educational Leadership, along with a background in Business Administration. She is licensed Pre-K–12 with an endorsement in Administration and trained in Montessori education through VCMS. With over 15 years of experience across public, private, and Montessori schools, Ms. Amanda has worked in teaching, leadership, and program development. As a Montessori parent, she founded Village Montessori Academy to bring high-quality early childhood education to her community—rooted in a love of learning, nature, and connection.
What drew you to Montessori?
"I worked in a Montessori school in the Outer Banks, NC and I fell in love with the beautiful classroom, meaningful work and freedom within the environment. It made me want to go back to school all over again! I knew it was what I wanted for my children before they even existed."
What do you love most about working with children?
"I love so many things about working with children! They give me a reason to laugh and smile each day. Everyday is different. We get to spend so much time immersed in our beautiful outdoor spaces. They bring me back to what matters most: being present in each moment and taking care of each other."
What do you enjoy doing outside of the classroom?
"I love spending time with my family and friends, being active, anything outdoors and working around my home. Yoga, cooking, gardening, hiking, being on the water and shopping for second hand treasures are some of my favorites!"
What's one thing you hope every child takes with them?
"I hope that every child carries fond memories of playing in the gardens and a lifelong love of learning."
Angelica
MONTESSORI GUIDE AND SPANISH LEAD
Ms. Angelica holds AMS certification and brings over a decade of experience in Montessori education. She is bilingual, speaking both Engilsh and Spanish bringing our Spanish immersion program to life.
What drew you to Montessori?
"What drew me to Montessori was my wonderful Montessori trainer who deeply inspired me to embrace Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy and method as my career. I especially love how this approach honors each child’s natural development and fosters independence through a beautiful and thoughtful prepared environment."
What do you love most about working with children?
"I love how present and curious children are. Their sense of wonder is contentious and I cherish being a witness to their milestones. They constantly inspire me to stay in the moment and see the world from a fresh perspective."
What do you enjoy doing outside of the classroom?
"Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. I love being outdoors, working out at the gym, catching up to a good movie, baking, relaxing at the beach and listening to music."
What's one thing you hope every child takes with them?
"I hope every child remembers how uniquely special they are -empowered with their own gifts and talents to share with the world, especially with those closest to their heart."
Sandy
MONTESSORI GUIDE AND FOREST LEAD
After graduating with a B.A. in English & Mass Communications, Ms Sandy completed her Montessori certification for ages 3-6 from MWEI & AMI. She is also certified from ANBE to teach nature-based education & has over 30 years child care experience.
What drew you to Montessori?
"I was drawn to it when I discovered it's based on years of scientific observations which follows the natural development of children & most importantly is the foundation for Peace education."
What do you love most about working with children?
"I love being able to share their daily discoveries & witness their growing confidence in themselves.'
What do you enjoy doing outside of the classroom?
"Outside of the classroom I like to participate in anything nature related, reading, and visiting new places with family and friends."
What's one thing you hope every child takes with them?
"I hope they take with them an understanding that everything on Earth is connected, we are all connected & together we can all help create a brighter future for all."
Edy
MONTESSORI GUIDE AND ENRICHMENT LEAD
Ms. Edy studied Writing at the Pratt Institute with a double minor in Art Education and Social Justice. She has a background in the Reggio Emilia approach and is currently pursuing Montessori certification.
What drew you to Montessori?
"When I came to a Montessori classroom for the first time, I was immediately enchanted by the feeling that I had just walked into a world that belonged to the children. The intention present in every aspect of the environment, day, and education was exactly what I had been looking for in non-Montessori space."
What do you love most about working with children?
"The privilege of getting to experience the magic of the world from each of their perspectives every day."
What do you enjoy doing outside of the classroom?
"Outside of school, I love to make art, cook gluten-free meals, and spend time with family."
What's one thing you hope every child takes with them?
"A life-long sense of self-confidence that is grounding and peaceful, based on their knowledge of themselves as capable, driven, and individual people."
Lauren
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Ms. Lauren earned her bachelor’s in Early Childhood Development and began teaching in China, where she helped open a second private academy. After consulting on Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches in Australia, she returned to the U.S. and transitioned into designing child-centered home environments. With over a decade of experience, she now embraces a Montessori lifestyle at home and is excited to bring her creative, grounded approach to Village Montessori.
What drew you to Montessori?
"During college, I was assigned a presentation on the Montessori Method—and from that moment, I was hooked. I delved into every book by Maria Montessori and thought, “This is exactly what I’ve been searching for.” Finally, I understood how I naturally connected with children. Those books became my touchstone for raising my own kids. What I always saw as the magic in children suddenly had a name—and Montessori made it real."
What do you love most about working with children?
"The magic I just described above. When you allow children to be themselves and bear witness to how truly capable they are, your perspective on life changes. I have a love of being a life-long learner, and there is so much we can learn from children."
What do you enjoy doing outside of the classroom?
"My son is the love of my life and my greatest joy is being with him. I have two more loves, my husband, Detlev and my dog, Toastie; if I am with the three of them, I am happy. I also love wellness, design, traveling, and reading."
What's one thing you hope every child takes with them?
"I hope every child leaves with a core knowing that who they are is beautifully and divinely made. "
Talie
MONTESSORI GUIDE AND DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM OPERATIONS
Ms. Talie is an experienced educator holding master’s degrees in Special Education and Montessori Education, alongside an AMI Primary Diploma. Her background spans global advocacy, behavioral support, and school administration. Guided by a passion for inclusion and sustainability, she blends Montessori philosophy with environmental stewardship to foster child-centered growth.
What drew you to Montessori?
"After spending years helping children develop independence and find their voices, I was immediately in awe of the Montessori world after observing a classroom for a prospective job opportunity. The classroom was filled with active, present, and happy children, completely going against the grain of traditional public education. It was everything I had been looking for–that I didn’t know I was missing."
What do you love most about working with children?
"Children remind us of where we all came from—they embody humanity before society shapes us, bringing pure hearts, honest intentions, and the innate ability to be whimsical and wonderfully silly."
What do you enjoy doing outside of the classroom?
"I enjoy crafting, baking/cooking, knitting, gardening, camping/hiking, live music, movies, board and social deduction games, my loved ones, and my two cats!"
What's one thing you hope every child takes with them?
"That they are important."
Photos by Hunter Henkel Photography