OUR CVMS TEAM | FINE TUNING UNDERWAY

  • Tim Daniel | Head of School

    tdaniel@cvms.org

    Our Head of School, Tim recently joined the team and brings forty-two years of experience to our community. With a Master's degree in Modern Letters (English), he havs a wealth of knowledge to draw from. Despite being busy with school administration, our Head of School finds joy in spending time with the children - something that always seems to be in short supply.

  • Laurie Thompson | Director of Finance and Operations

    lthompson@cvms.org

    Bio coming soon.

  • Kailea Reed | Director of Admissions and Marketing/Physical Education

    kreed@cvms.org

    Kailea, our Director of Admissions and Marketing is also a Physical Education Teacher with thirteen years of experience and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. She is passionate about sharing the benefits of Montessori with incoming families and has personal experience with the program through her own children. Her love for teaching inspires students to excel in physical education and enjoy their time at CVMS.

  • Tonya Baker | Director of School Relations

    tbaker@cvms.org

    Tonya has been working at CVMS for the last 6 years and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Having worked in the public school sector as well as the collegiate level, she has found the Montessori method to be her favorite type of instruction. Coming to CVMS everyday and seeing the growth of the students throughout the school year makes my heart happy, and is what she loves most about our school.

  • Laine Sempler | Director of CVMS+

    msempler@cvms.org

    Laine has been working with CVMS for one year, and has a total of ten years of experience in education. She holds a Master's Certificate and is passionate about creating a positive learning environment for children by promoting inclusive cultural diversity and the importance of play. She is dedicated to personalized learning, creativity, and imagination. Her love for children drives her to oversee their growth and development, ensuring they leave CVMS+ with a strong foundation for the future. The team values her academic expertise and hands-on approach, and they anticipate many more years of success under her leadership.

  • Christiaan Massa | Director of Facilities

    cmassa@cvms.org

    Christiaan has been part of a Montessori school for a quarter of a year and has experience as a Journeyman Carpenter. He establishes a connection with students, takes pride in keeping the school safe, clean, and organized, and work tirelessly behind the scenes. His dedication to his work and the well-being of the community has made them an essential part of the Montessori family.

  • Deborah Daniel | Toddler Teacher

    ddaniel@@cvms.org

    Bio coming soon.

  • Jennifer Jones | Toddler Assistant

    jjones@cvms.org

    Jennifer has been part of CVMS for four years and has five years working with children. She currently is working towards completing her bachelor's degree. Her favorite part of working at CVMS is the children. She loves seeing their excitement and growing confidence in themselves.

  • Kristin Bowman | Early Childhood Teacher

    kbowman@cvms.org

    Kristin has fifteen years of experience at a Montessori school and twenty years of experience in education. With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Literacy, she is certified in Early Childhood through NAMC and holds an Elementary Reading Certificate from AMS. She enjoys watching their classroom work independently and is dedicated to supporting her students' independence and love for learning. Her commitment to the Montessori philosophy creates a nurturing environment where students thrive.

  • Eileen Gehl | Early Childhood Teacher

    egehl@cvms.org

    Eileen has ten years of experience with a Bachelor of Science in Communications, and a Bachelor of Art in Photography from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She holds an American Montessori Society certification from Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. Our Teacher enjoys teaching children how to read and tie their shoes and watching them grow into confident individuals. She appreciates the Montessori approach and the safe environment it creates, which allows children to learn at their own pace and fosters a love of learning. Eileen is proud to be part of the CVMS team.

  • Rebekah Schiavone | Early Childhood Teacher

    rschiavone@cvms.org

    Becky is Early Childhood Lead Teacher and Parent Education Committee Chair who has been a valuable member of their team for seven years, with ten years of education experience. She has a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, and an International Montessori Teaching Diploma. This individual finds joy in establishing connections with the children and seeing them grow. Her passion for holistic growth has led her to develop a comprehensive understanding of parenting practices and she applies this to her work as the Chair for the Parent Education Committee. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and reading, and she works to foster a love for learning in all of her students.

  • Arlene Gulley | Early Childhood Mentor

    agulley@cvms.org

    Ms. Arlene has been a beloved member of the CVMS community for thirty three years as an Early Childhood teacher, and more recently a mentor to our teachers. She has always enjoyed working with the Early Childhood aged children and watching them be excited about learning. She loves that she is able to continue to do what she enjoys most here at CVMS and continue to be part of the shaping and molding of our young students.

  • Stephanie Whitman | Early Childhood Assistant

    swhitman@cvms.org

    Stephanie has eight years of experience and is currently halfway through a Behavioral Science Bachelor's degree with a focus on early childhood and infancy from Grand Canyon University. She appreciates CVMS for fostering children's innate curiosity, desire to learn, and social skills while building confidence. Our Assistant Teacher believes that learning how to learn prepares children for outstanding academic and social achievement in the future.

  • Jordan Rall | Early Childhood Assistant

    jrall@cvms.org

    Bio coming soon.

  • Kim Rall | Early Childhood Assistant

    krall@cvms.org

    Bio coming soon.

  • Jen West | Lower Elementary Teacher

    jwest@cvms.org

    Jen has twenty five years of Montessori education experience here at CVMS. With a Bachelors Degree of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Anthropology she brings the outdoors to all of our students so they can passionately learn about the area's flora and fauna. Jens favorite part about CVMS is the students and their spontaneity. She is also passionate about the community here, and the caring environment that we foster here at CVMS. Her calm, patient, and nurturing personality are the perfect fit for CVMS.

  • Erin Jones | Lower Elementary Teacher

    ejones@cvms.org

    Erin is an experienced and highly qualified educator who has been part of the Montessori community for eight years. She believes in team-teaching as a way to foster a love of education and create a positive learning environment. She frequently creates innovative lessons to engage and inspire her students to reach their full potential. The teacher loves the sense of community at CVMS and is grateful to be part of such a supportive and encouraging environment that motivates staff and students alike to strive for excellence.

  • Madison Favitta | Lower Elementary Assistant

    mfavitta@cvms.org

    Madison has started their fourth school year and holds a degree in Early Childhood from Corning Community College. She is passionate about building relationships with each child by prioritizing their unique needs. As a Montessori parent, she enjoys incorporating Montessori practices in her daily life. She is valued for her skills and gentle guidance and serves as a role model for the children in the school.

  • Michele Johnson | Upper Elementary Teacher

    mjohnson@cvms.org

    Michelle has thirty years of excellence in the Montessori community. Holding a degree in Business and Administration and Montessori Certification for ages 6-12, she provides a safe, nurturing, and family-like environment. She guides students on their journey of self-directed learning, fostering intellectual curiosity, and helping them develop new interests and strengths. Her expertise and contribution make a positive and meaningful impact on the students and the Montessori community.

  • Nichole Sanfratello | Upper Elementary Teacher

    nsanfratello@cvms.org

    Nichole has been on the team for three years and will be starting her fourth year in September 2023. She has fifteen years of teaching experience, a degree in Geography and Geology, and an NAMC Montessori Certification. The teacher enjoys working with staff and students and spending time with her family and gardening.

  • Stephanie Baker | Upper Elementary Assistant

    sbaker@cvms.org

    Stephanie began working with CVMS in 2022. She has an impressive academic background and is a licensed funeral director and a certified public school teacher. She is dedicated to her work and is motivated by the children and her fellow teachers. She is passionate about teaching and enjoys planning intricate lessons. She maintains high standards to inspire and motivate her students on their educational journey. She uses various teaching strategies to cater to each child's learning abilities and creates a safe space for them to learn and grow. The teacher feels privileged to be part of the CVMS family, and her work gives her a great sense of pride.

  • Ashley Durfee | Academic Support Coordinator

    adurfee@cvms.org

    Ashley is starting her second year at CVMS. She is working to complete her Bachelors Degree in Educational Studies and Special and Elementary Education by fall of 2023 alongside her certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Trainer (Cornell University). Ashley loves witnessing the genuine curiosity and enthusiasm that the children have for learning every day. It's incredibly rewarding for her to play a role in fostering their growth and seeing them develop into independent thinkers. She loves how the Montessori philosophy empowers teachers to create a nurturing and supportive environment where each child's unique abilities are recognized and encouraged. The collaborative and passionate community of teachers and staff are is among a few of the reasons she loves working at CVMS.

  • Joy Kimball | Reading Specialist

    jkimball@cvms.org

    Joy is starting her sixth year at CVMS, but has been working in education for 15 years. She holds a Masters of Science Degree in Literacy for ages Birth - Grade 12. Joy quickly discovered the beauty in Montessori Education when she enrolled her two children at Chemung Valley Montessori School. She is passionate about working within the Montessori Community to provide academic intervention to children who may need a little extra support during their educational journey.

  • Marissa Cavallaro | Art Teacher/Lower Elementary Assistant

    mcavallaro@cvms.org

    Marissa is starting her second year at CVMS. Marissa holds a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Wildlife Management. Her favorite part of CVMS is seeing the children’s creativity bloom. Her goal working at CVMS is to create an environment where children feel comfortable to express and be themselves. Marissa is also in a band , and plays multiple instruments.

  • Iracema Smith | Spanish Teacher

    ismith@cvms.org

    Iracema has been part of the Montessori community for seven years. She pursued two years of college in the nursing program before completing two years of college in general studies in the USA. As a passionate educator, she creates exciting lessons designed to inspire and motivate students. She encourages students to enhance their learning experiences by providing them with the necessary tools and resources. Through her dedication and commitment, the teacher helps students develop a love and appreciation for Spanish culture, making them well-rounded global citizens.

  • Samantha Stiles | Music Teacher

    sstiles@cvms.org

    This is Samatha’s first year at CVMS, but has been working in the education world for around 4 years. Sam is working on my Master's in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities. Her favorite part of Montessori education is the environment, and she is so excited to be working with our students and making music with them!

  • Hallie Cook | CVMS+ Staff

    hcook@cvms.orges here

    Hallie is an esteemed CVMS+ teacher with a high school degree who is studying education with an art concentration in college. She is dedicated to creating a positive learning environment for children using her artistry to facilitate their growth and development. She encourages personalized learning, allowing each child to develop their unique strengths. Despite her relative newness, her love and dedication to the children make her an invaluable member of the team.

  • Gwen Glick | CVMS+ Staff

    gglick@cvms.org

    Gwen is a dedicated CVMS staff member who has an Associate's Degree in Social Sciences and Humanities and has been working with the school for two years. Her favorite part of the job is working with students and establishing strong connections with them. She has a passion for nurturing individualized learning experiences and believes in fostering the unique interests and strengths of each child. The school is excited to have her for another year, as they believe her energy has a profound impact on the children and the entire community.

  • Brian Joe | CVMS+ Staff

    bjoe@cvms.org

    Brian has been a part of the CVMS community for two years, in our CVMS+ program. He is a dedicated staff member, who enjoys being a part of the students growth in our classrooms and aftercare program. When Brian is not at school he is an assistant coach for the Elmira Pioneers baseball team in the summer as well as a coach for Edison High School football.

  • Marisa Genovese | CVMS+ Staff

    mgenovese@cvms.org

    Bio coming soon.

  • Michelle Procopio | School Nurse

    mprocopio@gstboces.org

    CVMS introduces their well-experienced registered nurse, Michelle with thirty three years of nursing knowledge and expertise. She has spent three years working with CVMS. Holding AAS in nursing, she contributes her skills in providing top-notch care and vital health services to the CVMS community. Her sincere concern for every student's health and safety makes her stand out. She is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of people by providing excellent nursing care every day. As she is dedicated to the staff and students' well-being, CVMS feels fortunate to have her as part of their team.