
A good beginning never ends.
Our Team
At OBMS, we believe in the power of nature to inspire and educate young minds. Our Montessori preschool and elementary program provide a unique learning environment that encourages exploration and fosters a love of learning. Our team of dedicated educators is passionate about creating an experience that is both enriching and fun for your child. Join us on this journey of discovery and watch your child grow!

School Founder
Marie Weaver
Marie is a certified Montessori preschool teacher from the Shenandoah Valley, now living in the historic district of Old Beach.
With a background in photojournalism and music industry from James Madison University, Marie worked at various publications and, in 2010, was managing a record label in Washington, D.C. In 2012, she left the industry and started substituting at a Montessori school down the road. Substituting almost immediately turned into teaching full-time, and within the year, she was enrolled to complete her Montessori teacher training.
Marie completed her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2015. Marie earned her Master’s degree in Education from Loyola University Maryland, where she solidified her dream of opening a school that enables children to create a more peaceful world.

Nido Guide
Megan Boulanger
Megan is a certified Montessori nido guide from San Diego, California. Over the past 14 years, she worked as a professional nanny in both California and Virginia. She participated in a Newborn Care Specialist training course and an Advanced Postpartum Workshop to help her to create loving support systems for each child in her care. She completed her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) training for children ages 0 to 3 at the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2024. She is looking forward to supporting the children of OBMS in becoming strong, caring, and loving members of their communities and the greater world.

Forest School Guide
Holly Walsh
Holly is the lead forest school guide at Organic Beginnings Montessori. She received her Bachelor’s in Art Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Old Dominion University. She also completed her Nature-Based Teacher Certification (Level I) from the Association for Nature-Based Education. Her passion for the environment and belief in experience-based, hands-on learning led her to piloting the forest school program (3 to 6 years old) in 2021. She guides students to build strong bonds with the natural environment by visiting local farms, beaches, and waterways. Holly believes that students with a connection to the environment and a strong social-emotional foundation have the skills and confidence to thrive as they continue on their educational journey.

Elementary Guide
Christy Fagundes
Christy is a certified Montessori elementary guide from Reno, Nevada. She is joined the Organic Beginnings Montessori team in 2023 to pilot our elementary program, teaching children ages 6 to 12 years old. She received her Bachelor’s in Elementary education with a focus in early childhood education and bilingual education from the University of Nevada, Reno. She completed her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) elementary training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego and primary training at the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies. She earned her Master’s degree in Montessori Education from Loyola University Maryland. Christy has eight years of classroom experience and most recently piloted a 6- to 12-year-old French/English bilingual classroom at High Desert Montessori Charter School in Reno. She is excited to join the OBMS team and to help the elementary children to explore and care for their local community.
_edited.jpg)
Primary Guide
Meg Trajkovski
Meg is an AMI certified Montessori Primary teacher, graduating from the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies in July 2024. Meg grew up in Metro Detroit, Michigan but has travelled and lived all over the world. She has worked with children for the past 12 years in many capacities, including nannying and substitute teaching. Meg is passionate about guiding children to reach their highest potential and honoring their natural development.

Forest School Assistant
Olivia Gabhart

Nido Assistant
Carrie Williams

Primary Spanish Speaking Assistant
Ode Avila

Elementary Spanish Speaking Assistant
Silvana Bonifaz

Administrative Assistant
Amy Tschai
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”
-Maria Montessori