Meet the teachers!
Tiffany Otwell
Owner/Head of School
Lead Teacher (Early Childhood)
AMS Early Childhood Credential; ADMTEI
Tiffany is a second generation Montessorian who began her own Montessori journey just shy of age three. Her exposure to the Montessorian philosophy of education was from her early learning years and her mother, who is also a Montessorian that planted Montessori schools. When Tiffany transitioned to public school in the 7th grade, there were so many practices that seemed illogical to her compared to Montessori that it was evident the Montessori philosophy were profoundly and positively impactful.
After earning her Bachelor’s of Science from Eastern Michigan University, she and her future husband, Christopher, moved around the United States to explore various career fields before returning to their home state of Michigan. There Tiff continued her education and obtained her AMS Early Childhood credential from Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute (ADMTEI), which was housed in the same school she attended as a child. It was also run by her former teachers who greatly influenced so much of her childhood and perspective on education.
In 2010, she and Chris settled in Lynchburg, VA where her dreams became reality! In the fall of 2012, she was finally able to start Montessori Children's House, named in honor of the school she attended as a child. The first class was only one Early Childhood classroom with 8 children, but within 2 years, Tiffany added the Infant and Toddler Program. Enrollment continued to multiply and in 2017, with the help of Chris, teachers, parents, community volunteers and a lot of teamwork, our building was transformed into the magical Montessori school that we all love! Today, because of Tiffany's sacrifice, determination, love and deep desire to cultivate and enrich the lives of children, five classrooms ranging from Infants to Kindergarten (with Lower Elementary soon to be added) are thriving!
Tiffany is no longer leading a classroom of her own, but she is often seen consoling a child, reading a book with many children around her, teaching a lesson or coaching staff with unsurpassed kindness, generosity and care. She leads by example and all who know her and call her friend are blessed.
Although she is never really out of "work mode", in her down time she loves to be with her family (she is a mother of 2 beautiful daughters - Anya and Isadora) crafting, cooking elaborate meals, practicing mixology or just settling in for a movie night. Her family recently added a new family member - a rescue dog! There is rarely a dull moment in her full, beautiful life.
Owner/Head of School
Lead Teacher (Early Childhood)
AMS Early Childhood Credential; ADMTEI
Tiffany is a second generation Montessorian who began her own Montessori journey just shy of age three. Her exposure to the Montessorian philosophy of education was from her early learning years and her mother, who is also a Montessorian that planted Montessori schools. When Tiffany transitioned to public school in the 7th grade, there were so many practices that seemed illogical to her compared to Montessori that it was evident the Montessori philosophy were profoundly and positively impactful.
After earning her Bachelor’s of Science from Eastern Michigan University, she and her future husband, Christopher, moved around the United States to explore various career fields before returning to their home state of Michigan. There Tiff continued her education and obtained her AMS Early Childhood credential from Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute (ADMTEI), which was housed in the same school she attended as a child. It was also run by her former teachers who greatly influenced so much of her childhood and perspective on education.
In 2010, she and Chris settled in Lynchburg, VA where her dreams became reality! In the fall of 2012, she was finally able to start Montessori Children's House, named in honor of the school she attended as a child. The first class was only one Early Childhood classroom with 8 children, but within 2 years, Tiffany added the Infant and Toddler Program. Enrollment continued to multiply and in 2017, with the help of Chris, teachers, parents, community volunteers and a lot of teamwork, our building was transformed into the magical Montessori school that we all love! Today, because of Tiffany's sacrifice, determination, love and deep desire to cultivate and enrich the lives of children, five classrooms ranging from Infants to Kindergarten (with Lower Elementary soon to be added) are thriving!
Tiffany is no longer leading a classroom of her own, but she is often seen consoling a child, reading a book with many children around her, teaching a lesson or coaching staff with unsurpassed kindness, generosity and care. She leads by example and all who know her and call her friend are blessed.
Although she is never really out of "work mode", in her down time she loves to be with her family (she is a mother of 2 beautiful daughters - Anya and Isadora) crafting, cooking elaborate meals, practicing mixology or just settling in for a movie night. Her family recently added a new family member - a rescue dog! There is rarely a dull moment in her full, beautiful life.
Chaneé Starks
Office Manager & Substitute Teacher
Chaneé grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania where her passion for the earth and animals grew deeply. In 2009, she obtained her Associates Degree in Law Enforcement intending to pursue being a State Trooper. However, her journey and opportunities led her elsewhere! From 2009 - 2019 she explored several career interests from restaurant management to being an independent contractor in the energy industry to managing various offices. Her nearly 9 years of office management experience comes from being a paralegal for several different attorneys in a variety of legal fields ranging from Criminal Defense to Real Estate. And in 2017 she was a Branch Manager for a community bank until she and her family moved to Lynchburg in 2019.
The move to Lynchburg fulfilled a dream she had since she was 18 when her sister (Tiffany Shaff - MCH's Asst Head of School & Infant/Toddler Dept Head) married and moved south. Throughout the years, Chaneé was often encouraged by both her sister and Tiffany Otwell to move and join the Montessori team. In January 2021, she got that opportunity and became an assistant in the infant and toddler rooms. Although she loves children deeply, she did not feel that being in the classroom was the best fit for her skills. So in August 2021, she transitioned into the Office Management position. Her organizational skills, love of systems and attention to detail offer the team a great sense of balance and resource. Chaneé can also be seen substitute teaching in any of the classrooms as needed, where she builds a sweet bond with the children!
During her personal time, she can be found feeding her passion for earth, animals and family by gardening, playing with her 2 dogs and exploring with her husband and children. She is an avid lover of coffee, friends, singing and playing piano. She is also very involved in her church and holds a financial coordinator position while leading in a children's program and singing in choir.
Office Manager & Substitute Teacher
Chaneé grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania where her passion for the earth and animals grew deeply. In 2009, she obtained her Associates Degree in Law Enforcement intending to pursue being a State Trooper. However, her journey and opportunities led her elsewhere! From 2009 - 2019 she explored several career interests from restaurant management to being an independent contractor in the energy industry to managing various offices. Her nearly 9 years of office management experience comes from being a paralegal for several different attorneys in a variety of legal fields ranging from Criminal Defense to Real Estate. And in 2017 she was a Branch Manager for a community bank until she and her family moved to Lynchburg in 2019.
The move to Lynchburg fulfilled a dream she had since she was 18 when her sister (Tiffany Shaff - MCH's Asst Head of School & Infant/Toddler Dept Head) married and moved south. Throughout the years, Chaneé was often encouraged by both her sister and Tiffany Otwell to move and join the Montessori team. In January 2021, she got that opportunity and became an assistant in the infant and toddler rooms. Although she loves children deeply, she did not feel that being in the classroom was the best fit for her skills. So in August 2021, she transitioned into the Office Management position. Her organizational skills, love of systems and attention to detail offer the team a great sense of balance and resource. Chaneé can also be seen substitute teaching in any of the classrooms as needed, where she builds a sweet bond with the children!
During her personal time, she can be found feeding her passion for earth, animals and family by gardening, playing with her 2 dogs and exploring with her husband and children. She is an avid lover of coffee, friends, singing and playing piano. She is also very involved in her church and holds a financial coordinator position while leading in a children's program and singing in choir.
Shanté Figgatt
Lead Teacher (Lower Elementary)
B.Ed.
Born and raised in Lynchburg, Shanté grew up in a large, close-knit family that she is still close with today. While in her high school years at Liberty Christian Academy, Shanté participated in Cross-Country, Track, Marching Band and Basketball. Her passion for sports extended to coaching basketball and track during those years. In 2005, she began her educational journey with 3 & 4-year-olds at LCA’s Early Learning Center where she truly fell in love with working with children. In fact, she was so passionate about it that she attended Liberty University for her degree in Elementary Education.
While acquiring her bachelor's degree, she spent time working in elementary classrooms of various levels with most of her focus on 1st and 2nd grade. In the afternoons, she worked as a Science teacher with a local homeschool co-op that fed her love for helping children and families. Upon graduation from LU in 2012, she was employed full-time for Lynchburg City Schools as a middle school Math, Science and English teacher where she taught for 6 years.
In 2016, she and her husband welcomed their first child, which prompted a search for childcare in 2018. She discovered MCH, and after she saw the wonderful benefits of the Montessori Method, she fell in love with it and knew it was a perfect fit for her and her family. From 2018 - 2020, she returned to her roots of early education to focus on her family and educational practices for young children before returning to Lynchburg City Schools. In the Winter of 2022 - 2023, MCH pursued adding a Lower Elementary program to start in the fall of 2023, and knew Shanté would be the perfect fit. Thankfully, she accepted the offer! Both MCH and Shanté are so excited for this next phase of our journey together. Her charisma and her years of experience will be exactly what MCH needs to launch into the future!
While enjoying time outside of the classroom, Shanté loves photography, working with puzzles, long runs and outdoor activities with her family. She now has 4 children who are all enrolled at MCH and who keep her very busy - as you can imagine! She is a faithful member of her church where she works in the nursery and children's choir. She plans to participate in upcoming Spartan races and Tough Mudders in and resume coaching when life slows down a bit.
Lead Teacher (Lower Elementary)
B.Ed.
Born and raised in Lynchburg, Shanté grew up in a large, close-knit family that she is still close with today. While in her high school years at Liberty Christian Academy, Shanté participated in Cross-Country, Track, Marching Band and Basketball. Her passion for sports extended to coaching basketball and track during those years. In 2005, she began her educational journey with 3 & 4-year-olds at LCA’s Early Learning Center where she truly fell in love with working with children. In fact, she was so passionate about it that she attended Liberty University for her degree in Elementary Education.
While acquiring her bachelor's degree, she spent time working in elementary classrooms of various levels with most of her focus on 1st and 2nd grade. In the afternoons, she worked as a Science teacher with a local homeschool co-op that fed her love for helping children and families. Upon graduation from LU in 2012, she was employed full-time for Lynchburg City Schools as a middle school Math, Science and English teacher where she taught for 6 years.
In 2016, she and her husband welcomed their first child, which prompted a search for childcare in 2018. She discovered MCH, and after she saw the wonderful benefits of the Montessori Method, she fell in love with it and knew it was a perfect fit for her and her family. From 2018 - 2020, she returned to her roots of early education to focus on her family and educational practices for young children before returning to Lynchburg City Schools. In the Winter of 2022 - 2023, MCH pursued adding a Lower Elementary program to start in the fall of 2023, and knew Shanté would be the perfect fit. Thankfully, she accepted the offer! Both MCH and Shanté are so excited for this next phase of our journey together. Her charisma and her years of experience will be exactly what MCH needs to launch into the future!
While enjoying time outside of the classroom, Shanté loves photography, working with puzzles, long runs and outdoor activities with her family. She now has 4 children who are all enrolled at MCH and who keep her very busy - as you can imagine! She is a faithful member of her church where she works in the nursery and children's choir. She plans to participate in upcoming Spartan races and Tough Mudders in and resume coaching when life slows down a bit.
Daniel Garrett
Assistant Teacher (Lower Elementary)
Bio coming soon!
Assistant Teacher (Lower Elementary)
Bio coming soon!
Katie Tuominen
Asst. Director
Lead Teacher (Early Childhood)
AMS Early Childhood Credential; VCMS
Born and raised in Northern Indiana by educators, Katie quickly realized she wanted to be a teacher herself. She moved to Lynchburg in 2012 to further her studies but it took her until 2016 to find her educational calling. Katie had intended to work in the public school system with lower elementary children upon graduation, but when she started at MCH in 2016 she fell in love with the Montessori theory and practice. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Education, History, & Psychology her next step was to become AMS certified, which she accomplished in 2019.
Although Katie is also the Assistant Director of MCH, her most loved role is being the Lead Teacher of one of our Early Childhood classrooms. Katie’s enthusiasm for education and her love of sharing that knowledge with children is a natural fit for MCH. As she has delved more into the curriculum, Katie’s inner scientist has come out in so many ways. She has a passion for learning about each child’s individual developmental path and prides herself on being ready to introduce whatever material each child needs at any given time. Katie’s diligence coupled with her strong problem solving skills are some of the wonderful attributes she contributes to our team.
When Katie isn’t coming up with new science experiments or developing lesson plans, she is often found doing one of her many hobbies: running, shopping, baking, hanging with friends and family and drinking coffee. Katie has participated in several half marathons, but her favorites have been when she races at Walt Disney World! She is married, a dog mom and is enjoying every step of that journey.
Asst. Director
Lead Teacher (Early Childhood)
AMS Early Childhood Credential; VCMS
Born and raised in Northern Indiana by educators, Katie quickly realized she wanted to be a teacher herself. She moved to Lynchburg in 2012 to further her studies but it took her until 2016 to find her educational calling. Katie had intended to work in the public school system with lower elementary children upon graduation, but when she started at MCH in 2016 she fell in love with the Montessori theory and practice. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Education, History, & Psychology her next step was to become AMS certified, which she accomplished in 2019.
Although Katie is also the Assistant Director of MCH, her most loved role is being the Lead Teacher of one of our Early Childhood classrooms. Katie’s enthusiasm for education and her love of sharing that knowledge with children is a natural fit for MCH. As she has delved more into the curriculum, Katie’s inner scientist has come out in so many ways. She has a passion for learning about each child’s individual developmental path and prides herself on being ready to introduce whatever material each child needs at any given time. Katie’s diligence coupled with her strong problem solving skills are some of the wonderful attributes she contributes to our team.
When Katie isn’t coming up with new science experiments or developing lesson plans, she is often found doing one of her many hobbies: running, shopping, baking, hanging with friends and family and drinking coffee. Katie has participated in several half marathons, but her favorites have been when she races at Walt Disney World! She is married, a dog mom and is enjoying every step of that journey.
Mahalia Harris-Dula
Assistant Teacher (Early Childhood)
Bio coming soon!
Assistant Teacher (Early Childhood)
Bio coming soon!
Ando Prince
Assistant Teacher (Early Childhood)
Bio coming soon!
Assistant Teacher (Early Childhood)
Bio coming soon!
Nicola O'Boyle
Lead Teacher (Early Childhood)
Obtaining AMS Early Childhood Credential; VCMS
Nicola joined the Montessori Children’s House community by way of babysitting a former staff member's two girls. While being interviewed as a babysitter, Nicola spoke about finishing her degree in early childhood education and her love for the Montessori philosophy. Additional interviews were set up and we knew right away Nicola would be a great fit for our school.
In January, 2020 Nicola joined MCH as an assistant toddler teacher and in the fall, she moved to one of our early childhood classrooms. Her love and passion for leading her own classroom grew and in the Summer of 2022 she began her training to be a Certified AMS Lead Teacher. She is eagerly taking on more leadership roles at MCH in preparation for leading her own class. Her soft approach, warm demeanor and desire to grow instantly draws people of all ages to her. The children of the classroom adore her and her strong work ethic makes her an asset to everyone at the school!
Nicola has lived in multiple places throughout the US, China and Canada before moving to Lynchburg, VA to attend Liberty University. Nicola enjoys spending time with friends and her family whenever she can. She loves flowers and gardening, reading, hiking and baking.
Lead Teacher (Early Childhood)
Obtaining AMS Early Childhood Credential; VCMS
Nicola joined the Montessori Children’s House community by way of babysitting a former staff member's two girls. While being interviewed as a babysitter, Nicola spoke about finishing her degree in early childhood education and her love for the Montessori philosophy. Additional interviews were set up and we knew right away Nicola would be a great fit for our school.
In January, 2020 Nicola joined MCH as an assistant toddler teacher and in the fall, she moved to one of our early childhood classrooms. Her love and passion for leading her own classroom grew and in the Summer of 2022 she began her training to be a Certified AMS Lead Teacher. She is eagerly taking on more leadership roles at MCH in preparation for leading her own class. Her soft approach, warm demeanor and desire to grow instantly draws people of all ages to her. The children of the classroom adore her and her strong work ethic makes her an asset to everyone at the school!
Nicola has lived in multiple places throughout the US, China and Canada before moving to Lynchburg, VA to attend Liberty University. Nicola enjoys spending time with friends and her family whenever she can. She loves flowers and gardening, reading, hiking and baking.
Kelly Nesser
Assistant Teacher (Early Childhood)
Bio coming soon!
Assistant Teacher (Early Childhood)
Bio coming soon!
Vanda Sherrod
Part-time Assistant Teacher (Early Childhood)
Bio coming soon!
Part-time Assistant Teacher (Early Childhood)
Bio coming soon!
Tiffany Shaff
Asst Head of School
Infant/Toddler Department Head
Lead Teacher (Toddler)
AMS Infant & Toddler Credential; CMTENC
Tiffany began her Montessori journey MCH’s first year as an assistant teacher in January 2013 and has been with Montessori Children’s House ever since. She was introduced to Montessori Children’s House while working as a nanny for one of our first students. When that student transitioned to full days at school, she did as well. Having been a nanny who had been able to work with children over the course of several years, the Montessori philosophy spoke to Tiffany. When the need to expand our program to serve younger children grew, she happily went to training to learn how best to meet our student’s needs. Tiffany earned her Infant and Toddler teaching credential through the American Montessori Society in May 2015.
Over the course of Tiffany’s journey with our school she developed first our toddler program and then the infant program. She is currently a lead toddler teacher and is the Infant/Toddler Department head. At each new phase (including her own journey into motherhood) she has grown and developed her skills through experience, patience and love. MCH just wouldn’t be the same without her!
Tiffany and her husband, Ben, live in Lynchburg and have three young children - Kenzie, Knox and Kruz and one dog. Tiffany can often be found working out, going for a run, grabbing coffee for a park day or singing in her church (she has a voice worth singing!). She’s a fan of anything chocolate, Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A and spending time with her friends and family.
Asst Head of School
Infant/Toddler Department Head
Lead Teacher (Toddler)
AMS Infant & Toddler Credential; CMTENC
Tiffany began her Montessori journey MCH’s first year as an assistant teacher in January 2013 and has been with Montessori Children’s House ever since. She was introduced to Montessori Children’s House while working as a nanny for one of our first students. When that student transitioned to full days at school, she did as well. Having been a nanny who had been able to work with children over the course of several years, the Montessori philosophy spoke to Tiffany. When the need to expand our program to serve younger children grew, she happily went to training to learn how best to meet our student’s needs. Tiffany earned her Infant and Toddler teaching credential through the American Montessori Society in May 2015.
Over the course of Tiffany’s journey with our school she developed first our toddler program and then the infant program. She is currently a lead toddler teacher and is the Infant/Toddler Department head. At each new phase (including her own journey into motherhood) she has grown and developed her skills through experience, patience and love. MCH just wouldn’t be the same without her!
Tiffany and her husband, Ben, live in Lynchburg and have three young children - Kenzie, Knox and Kruz and one dog. Tiffany can often be found working out, going for a run, grabbing coffee for a park day or singing in her church (she has a voice worth singing!). She’s a fan of anything chocolate, Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A and spending time with her friends and family.
Leah O'Boyle
Lead Teacher (Toddler)
AMS Infant & Toddler Credential; VCMS
Leah joined the MCH family in January 2021 after hearing about us through her sister Nicola (another sister pair at MCH!). However, her experience with children began several years before when she worked in a childcare facility in Pennsylvania. She also provided private childcare for several families before and after she moved to Lynchburg, VA.
Leah has always had a heart for children and that was evident when she, after being in one of our toddler classes for a few months, decided to get her AMS Infant & Toddler Credential. Her calm and soothing disposition coupled with her ability to bond with the children quickly made it clear MCH was blessed to have her! She has been a self-led intern for her own toddler class since the fall of 2021 and will graduate with her credential in the spring of 2023! Today she continues to cultivate an environment of trust, care and learning where her students thrive. She always invents new ways to incorporate a fun learning opportunity with her fun, upbeat attitude - making every interaction with her a positive one!
While growing up, she lived in China, Canada and the US, which fed her passion for people of all walks of life. She enjoys fashion, running and spending quality time with friends & family!
Lead Teacher (Toddler)
AMS Infant & Toddler Credential; VCMS
Leah joined the MCH family in January 2021 after hearing about us through her sister Nicola (another sister pair at MCH!). However, her experience with children began several years before when she worked in a childcare facility in Pennsylvania. She also provided private childcare for several families before and after she moved to Lynchburg, VA.
Leah has always had a heart for children and that was evident when she, after being in one of our toddler classes for a few months, decided to get her AMS Infant & Toddler Credential. Her calm and soothing disposition coupled with her ability to bond with the children quickly made it clear MCH was blessed to have her! She has been a self-led intern for her own toddler class since the fall of 2021 and will graduate with her credential in the spring of 2023! Today she continues to cultivate an environment of trust, care and learning where her students thrive. She always invents new ways to incorporate a fun learning opportunity with her fun, upbeat attitude - making every interaction with her a positive one!
While growing up, she lived in China, Canada and the US, which fed her passion for people of all walks of life. She enjoys fashion, running and spending quality time with friends & family!
Kharis Sanchez Acosta
Part-time Assistant Teacher (Toddler)
Bio coming soon!
Part-time Assistant Teacher (Toddler)
Bio coming soon!
Christa Kibler
Lead Teacher (Toddler)
AMS Early Childhood Credential; VCMS
Christa graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Elementary Education in 2014 but was unsure if she wanted to work in a public setting, so she embarked on a journey to find her calling. Her Montessori path began shortly after graduating when Christa took some time to visit her family and friends in Oregon. While there, she took a part time position as an aide at Crossridge Montessori and found the Montessori philosophy spoke to her soul. The idea that children could be calm, self guided and trusted to develop in their own time on their own terms was an awakening experience.
Upon returning to Lynchburg, Christa began working part-time at Montessori Children’s House in December 2015 with our infants and has been lighting our world with her smile ever since. Her calm presence and love for children of all ages made it easy for Christa to float from age group to age group working with our students in whatever capacity was needed. In the spring of 2016, she began full-time in our early childhood classroom. That summer, Christa began her AMS training at the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies where she earned her early childhood credential.
Christa was a lead teacher in one of our early childhood classrooms and the head of our Early Childhood program for several years when she felt led to pursue another passion of hers - farming! After some time, she felt the tug to return back to the children and teaching. In the fall of 2022, she came back to MCH as a lead toddler teacher and has been thriving ever since. She absolutely adores the children and the ability to help foster their love for learning. Christa’s work ethic and dedication to the Montessori Method are an inspiration to her co-workers and we are so thankful she’s a part of our MCH family!
Christa co-owns a farm-to-table garden called Stagecoach Gardens with her mother. She can often be found with her fingers in the dirt in an inside or outside garden, reading, drinking tea, camping or spending time with her friends and family.
Lead Teacher (Toddler)
AMS Early Childhood Credential; VCMS
Christa graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Elementary Education in 2014 but was unsure if she wanted to work in a public setting, so she embarked on a journey to find her calling. Her Montessori path began shortly after graduating when Christa took some time to visit her family and friends in Oregon. While there, she took a part time position as an aide at Crossridge Montessori and found the Montessori philosophy spoke to her soul. The idea that children could be calm, self guided and trusted to develop in their own time on their own terms was an awakening experience.
Upon returning to Lynchburg, Christa began working part-time at Montessori Children’s House in December 2015 with our infants and has been lighting our world with her smile ever since. Her calm presence and love for children of all ages made it easy for Christa to float from age group to age group working with our students in whatever capacity was needed. In the spring of 2016, she began full-time in our early childhood classroom. That summer, Christa began her AMS training at the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies where she earned her early childhood credential.
Christa was a lead teacher in one of our early childhood classrooms and the head of our Early Childhood program for several years when she felt led to pursue another passion of hers - farming! After some time, she felt the tug to return back to the children and teaching. In the fall of 2022, she came back to MCH as a lead toddler teacher and has been thriving ever since. She absolutely adores the children and the ability to help foster their love for learning. Christa’s work ethic and dedication to the Montessori Method are an inspiration to her co-workers and we are so thankful she’s a part of our MCH family!
Christa co-owns a farm-to-table garden called Stagecoach Gardens with her mother. She can often be found with her fingers in the dirt in an inside or outside garden, reading, drinking tea, camping or spending time with her friends and family.
Faith Evans
Part-time Assistant Teacher (Nido/Infant)
Bio coming soon!
Part-time Assistant Teacher (Nido/Infant)
Bio coming soon!
Jess Aleigha Smith
Assistant Teacher (Nido/Infant & Toddler )
Bio coming soon!
Assistant Teacher (Nido/Infant & Toddler )
Bio coming soon!
Kate Sobczak
Infant & Toddler Lead (Nido/Infant)
Obtaining AMS Infant & Toddler Credential; VCMS
Bio coming soon!
Infant & Toddler Lead (Nido/Infant)
Obtaining AMS Infant & Toddler Credential; VCMS
Bio coming soon!
Tina Terry
Assistant Teacher (Nido/Infant)
Bio coming soon!
Assistant Teacher (Nido/Infant)
Bio coming soon!
David Dawson
Asst. Teacher (Floating)
Extended Care Coordinator
Dave has been with Montessori Children’s House since the very beginning! He joined the MCH family in August 2012 when the school first opened as a co-teacher in the early childhood classroom. Dave began his Montessori journey in the late 90's when he worked as an assistant in an early childhood classroom. In 1999, he attended the North Carolina Center for Montessori Teacher Education where he completed the coursework for lower elementary training. Throughout his career, Dave has worked with children in toddler, early childhood and lower elementary classrooms.
After years of service to children, Dave left MCH in Spring 2018 to pursue other endeavors, but educating children remained close to his heart. In Fall 2020 Dave returned to MCH and is now an assistant in one of our Early Childhood Classrooms as well as our Extended Care Coordinator. We are so thankful his path brought him back to us!
Dave’s calming presence, patience and gentle way of speaking to children makes him an excellent role model of kindness and respect in and out of the classroom. It’s easy to see why year after year his students adore him. Dave loves the Montessori philosophy because of its child centered approach and because it affords him the opportunity to observe and assist in the creation and maintenance of an environment where the spontaneous self creation of the child occurs. In his down time, he loves making things (art), gardening, playing RPGs with friends and being out in nature.
Asst. Teacher (Floating)
Extended Care Coordinator
Dave has been with Montessori Children’s House since the very beginning! He joined the MCH family in August 2012 when the school first opened as a co-teacher in the early childhood classroom. Dave began his Montessori journey in the late 90's when he worked as an assistant in an early childhood classroom. In 1999, he attended the North Carolina Center for Montessori Teacher Education where he completed the coursework for lower elementary training. Throughout his career, Dave has worked with children in toddler, early childhood and lower elementary classrooms.
After years of service to children, Dave left MCH in Spring 2018 to pursue other endeavors, but educating children remained close to his heart. In Fall 2020 Dave returned to MCH and is now an assistant in one of our Early Childhood Classrooms as well as our Extended Care Coordinator. We are so thankful his path brought him back to us!
Dave’s calming presence, patience and gentle way of speaking to children makes him an excellent role model of kindness and respect in and out of the classroom. It’s easy to see why year after year his students adore him. Dave loves the Montessori philosophy because of its child centered approach and because it affords him the opportunity to observe and assist in the creation and maintenance of an environment where the spontaneous self creation of the child occurs. In his down time, he loves making things (art), gardening, playing RPGs with friends and being out in nature.
Teijah Witt
Part-time Floating Assistant Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Part-time Floating Assistant Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Marvens Moise
Assistant Teacher (Floating)
Bio coming soon!
Assistant Teacher (Floating)
Bio coming soon!
Happy Halloween at JoJo's Pizzeria!
MCH students celebrated the halloween holiday learning all about making pizzas! JoJo's Pizzeria located in Lynchburg http://www.myjojopizza.com/, hosted our students and taught them all about mixing, saucing, cheese-ing and baking their very own personal pizza pies!
The sound of music...
October - MCH welcomed music education majors from Lynchburg College to our school. Over the next month, our students were introduced to a variety of different instruments and learning activities. Thank you Dr. Kara Dean.
In the News,...
Montessori Children's House has been featured in Lynchburg Business Magazine:
http://www.lynchburgbusinessmag.com/mag/montessori-childrens-house-creating-the-ideal-learning-environment/
http://www.lynchburgbusinessmag.com/mag/montessori-childrens-house-creating-the-ideal-learning-environment/