Ms. Karen has dedicated over 24 years to Montessori education, with 15 of those years spent as Assistant Director at a small Montessori school in Reston, Virginia. She holds a B.A. in English from George Mason University and earned her Early Childhood Montessori credentials from the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies.

Opening her own school had long been a dream. After moving with her family to Winchester in 2018, she continued working part-time in Reston—until the pandemic in 2020 brought that chapter to a close. While homeschooling her children during that time, Ms. Karen realized it was the perfect moment to bring her vision to life. In February 2022, Shenandoah Montessori School opened its doors with just five children. Since then, she has found both joy and challenge in growing the program, connecting with families, and building strong ties within the local community.

Ms. Karen lives in Winchester with her husband of 21 years, their three children, and their beloved dogs—Reese, Butters, and Pepper. If she’s not in the classroom, she’s probably fighting back the weeds in her garden or listening to a true crime podcast.

Ms. Sandy discovered Montessori education while working as a nanny for children enrolled in a Montessori program, inspiring her to earn a B.S. in Education from Cleveland State University. She taught middle school in an inner-city district before moving into an administrative role with a national Montessori teacher’s association, organizing educator conferences and assisting at a Montessori training center in Cleveland.

After relocating to Northern Virginia, she worked at a progressive private school near D.C. as an office manager and program assistant. Following the birth of her son, she reconnected with Montessori through volunteer work at Shenandoah Montessori School (SMS) in 2022, quickly becoming a Primary classroom assistant.

Now supporting SMS’s expanding Elementary program, Ms. Sandy is training to become a certified Montessori Elementary teacher, with expected completion in July 2027. She lives in West Virginia with her husband and son, and enjoys reading, thrillers, thrifting, local events, and discovering new food spots—always with an iced coffee in hand.

Ms. Linda has been part of Shenandoah Montessori School since it opened its doors in 2022. She brings a wealth of experience from her ten years as a Teaching Assistant in Winchester Public Schools, where she supported students in kindergarten through fourth grade, including five years working with Special Education students. Prior to that, she taught first grade at a private school in Falls Church, Virginia.

Ms. Linda earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from James Madison University. She finds great joy in working with children and nurturing their natural curiosity about the world around them.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Linda enjoys practicing yoga, going for walks, and cooking for her family. She lives in Winchester with her husband of 30 years and is the proud mother of two grown daughters.

Ms. Erica has worked with children for 28 years and has spent the past two years specializing in the Montessori approach. As Lead Assistant at Shenandoah Montessori School, she is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment where children can grow with confidence, independence, and curiosity. 

Ms. Erica lives in Berkeley Springs with her husband of 27 years, has two daughters and two grandchildren, and loves spending time with her family and doing crafts. Her passion for learning and nurturing children continues to inspire the care and dedication she brings to her work each day.

Ms. Sarah was born in Beckley, West Virginia, and currently resides in Hampshire County, WV. She began her career in child care in 2006 and worked in the field until 2022. Before joining Shenandoah Montessori School in 2024 as a Teaching Assistant, she worked for Frederick County Public Schools in both the cafeteria and as a Special Education aide.

Ms. Sarah brings many years of experience supporting children’s growth and development. She is known for her friendly demeanor and positive attitude, which help create a warm and welcoming environment for the children. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, attending car shows with her husband and daughter, and spending time with her family.

Ms. Abby grew up in Stephens City, Virginia, and is a proud graduate of Sherando High School. She is currently enrolled at Laurel Ridge Community College, where she is pursuing her interest in a career in education.

Abby has experience working with children of all ages—from infants to high schoolers—through her volunteer work and role as a Sunday School aide at her church, as well as through many years of babysitting.

In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, spending time with friends, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.

Ms. Lexi is from Winchester, Virginia, and has a passion for fishing and spending time outdoors. On weekends, she enjoys babysitting and working with children, bringing a caring, responsible, and energetic approach to every interaction. Lexi loves creating fun, engaging, and safe environments where children can learn, play, and feel supported.