Faculty & Staff

HEAD OF SCHOOL

TMS has been a staple in Amanda’s life since she was ten years old as she watched her mother guide the first students at TMS. Her deepened understanding of the pedagogy came when she watched her own children become inquisitive learners as they progressed through TMS to the elementary level. Amanda has a Master’s in Nonprofit Management and treasures her role sharing the wonder of the Montessori method with the Richmond community. With a lifelong commitment to her own learning, it is her passion to create an environment which inspires young minds.

CURRICULUM DIRECTOR

An educator for over two decades, Carrie holds Master’s Degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and School Administration & Supervision. Carrie earned her Primary Montessori Certification from The American Montessori Society in 2004. She is in her element when working with TMS families at the intersection of home & school while also supporting the faculty in the authentic implementation of Montessori.

PRIMARY LEAD

Amanda joined TMS in 2019 and has been a Montessori educator for the past ten years. She is an alumna of James Madison University and L’Ecole Ferrandi, Paris. Amanda received her AMS Early Childhood (3-6) certification from the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies. In addition to her professional teaching experience, Amanda has years of international experience as a classically trained French chef.

PRIMARY ASSISTANT

Jen joined the TMS community in 2021 with an eagerness to share her more than 20 years of experience in Montessori education. She has a passion for early childhood education and believes that each child has the unique and inherent ability to change the trajectory of the future. She completed her Early Childhood Montessori Certification with the Virginia Center for Montessori Education.

PRIMARY ASSISTANT

Rachel fell in love with Montessori when she was a Primary student herself. She holds a Montessori credential at the Lower and Upper Elementary levels, but has found her true calling to be in the primary classroom. She loves working with the Primary students on the fundamentals of mathematics with the concrete Montessori materials.

PRIMARY LEAD

April has been working at TMS for the past twenty-nine years when it was located in a one-classroom cottage. Mentored by Pat DiGirolamo, April feels she trained under a “Maria Montessori incarnate.” She holds an Early Childhood Montessori Credential. She is an advocate for Foster Care, and adopted her two children through the foster care process.

PRIMARY ASSISTANT/INTERN

Gretchen is a scientist, artist, and recently became an AMS accredited Montessori guide. She loves seeing the links between the children and the incredible Montessori materials. Her favorite part of being a guide is facilitating the pathway for children to practice and fulfill their natural curiosities and abilities, preparing them for the adult world.

PRIMARY ASSISTANT

Francesca joined TMS in 2021, after spending three years as a TMS parent. Originally from NYC, Francesca previously worked as both an advertising copywriter and college teacher. Her two children are both proud and happy TMS students. When she’s not at school, she can be found reading, cooking, and trying to feed the entire neighborhood.

PRIMARY LEAD

Holly began working at a Montessori school in Alexandria, Virginia, in 2001. Within weeks, she knew she found her calling. She has been working at TMS since 2008 and adores her classroom cohort. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and Early Childhood Montessori Credential. Holly enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband, and listening to all genres of music.

PRIMARY ASSISTANT

Taylor joined TMS in 2015 as a high school intern. She found Montessori to be the way she wished she learned in school and was hooked. During her tenure at TMS, she has completed her Montessori Primary certification. When not in the classroom, Taylor can be found in front of a stage enjoying her favorite band or walking in the park with her dog.

PRIMARY ASSISTANT

As both the Kindergarten and Elementary Spanish teacher, Claudia loves bringing her Spanish games and skills to the children of TMS. She is excited to work alongside Holly and Taylor to make Fuji’s class magical and dynamic. Outside work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.

PERMANENT SUB

Megan has been a part of the TMS community since 2016, first as a parent before becoming an assistant in the Toddler classroom in 2021. She loves how Montessori focuses on the individual child, encouraging a love of learning and self awareness. Outside the classroom, Megan loves traveling and eating with her husband and son.

PERMANENT SUB

Mariana joined TMS in 2022. She has worked in various classrooms, experiencing the joy of Montessori at the toddler, primary, and elementary levels. She loves the Montessori Method for the way it allows each child to work at their own pace. Beyond the classroom, she enjoys fishing with her husband and spending time with her crazy fun-loving family.

PERMANENT SUB

Joy has been working in Montessori schools since 2017. In 2021, she joined the TMS family and has assisted mostly in primary classrooms. Her love of Montessori has grown each year—seeing children gain independence and develop their unique interests. Aside from her love of teaching, she plays volleyball and bakes treats to share with her family and friends.