Ruland Gagne, Head of School
This is Ruland’s 27th year in Montessori education. What she loves most about Montessori is that all children are respected for who they are and taught based on their individual needs and interests. Montessori children develop a love of learning and deep respect for the world around them.
When she’s not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family, seeing live music, traveling, and reading on the beach.
Ruland embodies the Montessori value of seeing the inherent, irrevocable dignity within each child and passionately seeks to encourage their undeniable potential.
Susan Colpitts, business manager
This is Susan’s second year as the business manager, but 31 years ago, her daughter started her first Children’s House year here at Ghent Montessori School! Before GMS, she was a tax CPA and built a wealth management firm in Norfolk.
When she’s not working, she enjoys reading, meditating, biking, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Susan’s stellar work ethic is clearly rooted in a compassionate heart and a need to help others.
Sara Stocks, Office Manager
This is Sara’s first year working at Ghent Montessori School. Before GMS, she was an occupational therapist and managed an inpatient rehab for 25 years.
The thing she loves most about Montessori is the freedom the children have to explore their interests and grow their passions. She believes that Montessori’s focus on kindness and inclusion offers hope for future generations.
When she’s not at school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, entertaining, and being on the water – beach, pool, or boat.
Sara is constantly looking for ways to serve the staff and better our school – she is a sensational part of the team!
olivia cruz, office administrator
This is Olivia’s second year working at Ghent Montessori School. Before GMS, she canvassed for a children’s nonprofit in NYC.
The thing she loves most about Montessori is how much it dignifies and graciously uplifts the child. The philosophy understands that true charity cannot exist without respect and freedom.
When she’s not at school, she enjoys music, singing, playing volleyball, reading on the beach, rock climbing, and eating out!
Olivia lights up when the children walk up to her desk to tell them about their day!
brandon mccrary, middle school
This is Brandon’s 13th year in Montessori education. Before GMS, he had several diverse jobs from sailing on boats to working in the nonprofit corporate world to running an outdoor retail store in Front Royal, VA with his wife.
Brandon is a firm believer in the fact that Montessori, being an education of peace that’s based on fostering a love of learning, is exactly what the world needs. He loves watching children grow into themselves and in turn, the confidence to express independent thoughts.
When he’s not at school, he loves spending time with his family and is an avid sailor. Brandon enjoys sailing education and teaching the life skills mastered aboard his sailboat, “Sea Weasel.”
He is someone that lives out Montessori principles in the way he curiously pursues the adventure of learning and inspires others to come aboard for the ride.
elizabeth kocan, middle school
This is Elizabeth’s second year in Montessori and her 17th year in education, overall. Before GMS, she was a yoga teacher.
The thing she loves most about Montessori is that it encourages children to develop empathy and independence. Students learn the importance of community-building and mutual respect.
When she’s not at school, she enjoys hiking, reading, spending time with her family, and going to concerts.
Elizabeth is empathy and loyalty on legs – she will meet people exactly where they are and yet, never leaves them as she found them.
savannah brown. upper elementary
This is Savannah’s 4th year in Montessori. Before GMS, she taught at other Montessori schools and was a barista at a coffee shop!
The thing she loves most about Montessori is the way children learn how to take responsibility in tandem with freedom.
When she’s not at school, she enjoys antiquing, thrifting, gardening, listening to music, and going to concerts.
Not only is Savannah a sharp educator, but she is extraordinarily patient, compassionate, and intentional with every child she meets.
katherine borum, lower elementary
This is Katherine’s 14th year in Montessori education. Before GMS, she was a yoga instructor and even grew up helping at her mom’s nursery school – teaching has been in her blood from the start!
The thing she loves most about Montessori is its belief that children aren’t just important for their future potential, nor are they merely waiting for some more important part of their life to begin. But rather, childhood is a unique, powerful stage of life that deserves all of our love and respect. Montessori acknowledges that children are incredible for who they are right at this moment in time.
When she’s not at school she enjoys cherishing moments with her family and being a mom. She also loves cooking, lifting weights, and lazy days at the beach!
Katherine is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to true, authentic Montessori learning.
Grace Almquist, lower elementary
This is Grace’s 4th year in Montessori education.
Before GMS, Grace was a Montessori teacher’s assistant and before that, a firefighter!
The thing she loves most about Montessori is the multi-age classroom, creating an atmosphere when children can work at their own pace in a natural way.
When she’s not at school, she enjoys hiking, running, and gardening.
It is evident that Grace is dedicated to Montessori philosophy because she is dedicated to the unique flourishing of each child she encounters
margaret green, children's house 3
This is Margaret’s 24th year in Montessori education. Before GMS, she was an office worker at an insurance company.
The thing she loves most about Montessori is getting to see the children be excited about learning and develop problem-solving skills, independence, and social skills.
When she’s not at school, she enjoys ballroom dancing, traveling, and reading.
Margaret believes in every child she meets.
inna levasseur, children's house 2
This is Inna’s 17th year in Montessori education. Before GMS, she taught at several other schools.
The thing she loves most about Montessori is how it goes beyond just academics. She believes that Montessori truly prepares children for living life in the “real world” that awaits them.
When she’s not at school, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her son and dog.
Inna is gifted when it comes to guiding and directing children with grace and clarity.
erica sires, children's house 1
This is Erica’s 5th year in Montessori education. Before GMS, Erica was in marketing but soon realized her love for early education and Montessori methods.
The thing she loves most about Montessori is the way it nurtures independence, promotes respect for all, and allows the child to make choices in discovering their own interests.
When she’s not at school, she enjoys reading, yoga, playing with her dogs, hiking, cooking, and gardening.
Erica teaches with stark intentionality and sincere kindness.
lysiane keel, children's house 1
This is Lysiane’s 8th year in Montessori education. Before GMS, she was an assistant teacher in several other Montessori schools.
The thing she loves most about Montessori, is that each child is free to work at their own pace and master work before moving on.
When she’s not at school, she enjoys reading, watching TV, and going to outdoor markets.
Lysiane is full of joy and brings sunshine to our school even when skies are gray!
zorah love, toddler house
This is Zorah’s first full year in Montessori education and 5th year in education, overall.
The thing she loves most about Montessori is that children are given the freedom to be themselves and that its ideas are rooted in the belief that every human deserves respect.
When she’s not at school, she enjoys live music – you can find her at concerts and festivals!
Zorah is a beacon of warm, gentle light and has a huge heart for the youngest of GMS.
audrey honeycutt, toddler house
This is Audrey’s second year in Montessori education and 15th year in education, overall. Before GMS, Audrey loved her years spent as a “Navy wife and mom.”
The thing she loves most about Montessori is that it creates joyful, compassionate, and self-motivated children to become thriving adults, prepared to succeed in an ever-changing world.
When she’s not at school she enjoys anything outdoors, teaching yoga, and the beach (she’s a San Diego native).
Audrey’s extraordinary patience and gentleness infiltrates her teaching, creating a radiant, peaceful environment for the children.
tyler mitchell, toddler house
This is Tyler’s first year in Montessori education and second year in education, overall. Before GMS, she was a teacher’s assistant and night auditor.
The thing she loves most about
Montessori is teaching children to be independent and confident.
When she’s not at school, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her dogs.
One thing you can guarantee when you come to school is that Tyler will never fail to make the toddlers smile.