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.
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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."
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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."
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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!"
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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."
Dawn
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & COLLABORATIVE GUIDE
Ms. Dawn holds AMS certification and brings sixteen years of experience in Montessori education. She has a strong background in English and gifted education, and is trained in both the Orton-Gillingham and Lindamood-Bell approaches.​
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What drew you to Montessori?
"What drew me to Montessori was the calm, joy, and confidence in children when their individual needs are met. Children’s needs for independence, movement, and exploration are respected and learning is natural."
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What do you love most about working with children?
"I find so much joy in the moments of discovery and growth that happen in the classroom—when a child realizes they can read, uncovers a math pattern, works collaboratively with peers, explains why we compost, or proudly helps welcome a new classmate."
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What do you enjoy doing outside of the classroom?
"Outside of the classroom I enjoy time with family, sailing, yoga, gardening, and hiking."
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What's one thing you hope every child takes with them?
"I hope that every child takes with them faith in their own abilities, a sense of being a needed part of their community, and a love of the natural world."
Sandy
COLLABORATIVE GUIDE
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.
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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."
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What do you love most about working with children?
"I love being able to share their daily discoveries & witness their growing confidence in themselves.'
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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."
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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
COLLABORATIVE GUIDE
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.
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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.
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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. "