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.

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Megan is the Nido guide at Organic Beginnings Montessori. 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 is currently completing her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) training for children ages 0 to 3 at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. She is looking forward to supporting the children of OBMS in becoming strong, caring, and loving members of their communities and the greater world.

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. 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.

Christy is a certified Montessori elementary guide from Reno, Nevada. She is joining the Organic Beginnings Montessori team this year 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.

Olivia is our forest school assistant. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Christopher Newport University. She has worked as a preschool teacher for the past 8 years. She joined Organic Beginnings Montessori in 2021 to pursue her passion for outdoor education. She is thrilled to be a part of our school’s outdoor program, where students have the unique opportunity to learn and grow in our local parks and natural spaces. Olivia firmly believes in the importance of connecting children with nature and providing hands-on experiences that promote exploration and discovery. She understands the diverse needs of each child and strives to create an inclusive environment.

Ode is our dynamic primary assistant, bringing her unique blend of experience and passion to our team. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, she has called various cities across the United States home for over two decades, including San Diego, Nashville, and Virginia Beach. While Ode holds a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design and Visual Arts, her true journey began when she became a mother a decade ago. It was then that she discovered her deep-seated love for working with children, ultimately leading her to a fulfilling career in early childhood education. With 7 years of experience under her belt, Ode has honed her skills as both a preschool and substitute teacher, navigating diverse educational environments from faith-based programs to public schools, and now, our Montessori school. Outside of work, Ode finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it's spending time outdoors or enjoying moments with her husband and daughter. Her commitment to shaping young minds is evident in her dedication and genuine care for every child she encounters.

Carrie is one of our wonderful assistants. She received her associate of applied science from Erie Community College in Western New York, in 1999. After graduating, she worked at an upscale hotel in Rochester, New York  and as a part time nanny. In 2009, she moved to Virginia and continued to work in hospitality. After her daughter was born in 2019, she discovered Montessori. She fell in love with this style of teaching and the gentle guidance it provides children.  When Carrie met Marie and learned about Organic Beginnings Montessori School, she knew she wanted to be part of our team. She is excited for the opportunity to help the children of our community learn and grow with compassion for each other, nature, and their surroundings.