OUR CVMS TEAM | FINE TUNING UNDERWAY
-
Kailea Reed | Head of School
Kailea has been a cornerstone of the Chemung Valley Montessori School community for 14 years, serving as both Assistant Head of School and Physical Education Teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education with a concentration in Coaching, blending her academic expertise with a passion for fostering student growth.
As a parent of Montessori-educated children, Kailea brings a personal connection to the Montessori philosophy and loves sharing its transformative benefits with new families. Her dynamic teaching style and leadership inspire students to excel academically, socially, and physically, while her dedication ensures that every child enjoys a supportive and enriching experience at CVMS.
-

Tonya Baker | Office Manager
For the past 7 years, Tonya has been an integral part of the Chemung Valley Montessori School community, bringing her extensive experience and passion for education to CVMS. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and has worked across diverse educational settings, including public schools and at the collegiate level. Through these experiences, she discovered her true calling in the Montessori method, which she considers the most meaningful and effective approach to teaching.
Watching our students flourish academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the school year is what she loves most about CVMS.
-

Lisa Kinner | Director of CVMS+
Lisa has had a child enrolled in CVMS for the last 5 years, and the past 3 years she has been a member on the Board of Trustees, so of course the next natural step would be to join the staff in a community beloved by so many as our CVMS+ Director. Lisa spent 7 years as an Activity Specialist for the Kids Adventure Club Program in Corning, writing curriculum and executing activities based on social and cognitive development. She ran the largest site with 65-75 children daily. She develops deep and meaningful relationships with the children and their families, which makes her such a great fit for this role.
Lisa also brings with her to the CVMS+ Program certifications in Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities, and Neurolinguistic Programming for Everyday Life. A lifelong learner, she is also currently enrolled in a lofty Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certification program.
-

Carl McDowell | Facilities Manager
Bio coming soon!
-
Dona Qin | Communications, Marketing & Enrollment Director
Dona Qin graduated from Ithaca College with a B.A. in Documentary and a minor in Sociology. She actively applies her creative storytelling and production management skills while working as the Communications, Marketing, and Enrollment Director at CVMS. Her videos and photos capture the highlight of the Montessori environment.
-

Jennifer Jones | Toddler Associate Teacher
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.
-

Marisa Genovese | Toddler Teacher & CVMS+ Staff
Hi, my name is Marisa Genovese and I started out at CVMS with the before/aftercare program. Then I spent time substituting and providing support across a few different levels (EC/LE/UE). I went on to assisting in the Toddler classroom to now Co-teaching there! Currently, I have my associates degree with a concentration in social sciences, however child psychology will always be my favorite subject. My on-going goal this year is to further my Montessori education and experiences. I can't wait to start this new academic year!
-

Kristin Bowman | Early Childhood Teacher
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
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
Becky has been a Lead Teacher for our Early Childhood Program since 2021. Prior to that, she was our Toddler Program Lead Teacher for five years. Becky obtained her Montessori Certification in Early Childhood from the North American Montessori Center, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Childhood Education, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in English Literature, from Elmira College. In addition to her teaching role, Becky is also our Director of Parent Education at CVMS. Becky is passionate about supporting growth and learning for children and their families in order to promote a more peaceful world. In her professional career as well as her personal life as a mother of two "Montessori kids," commitment to childhood development has remained her primary focus. In her free time, Becky enjoys hiking, reading, and scrapbooking.
-

Stephanie Whitman | Early Childhood Assistant
Stephanie has 10 years of experience working with children and is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel confident, supported, and excited to learn. She loves being part of CVMS and appreciates its commitment to nurturing each child’s natural curiosity, independence, and love of learning. Stephanie believes that children learn best when they are encouraged to explore, discover, and develop confidence in themselves and their abilities. As an Assistant Teacher, she strives to help each child grow not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, while building a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
-

Brigid Mountain | Early Childhood Assistant
Bio coming soon.
-

Hailie Cook | Early Childhood Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
-

Jen West | Lower Elementary Teacher
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
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
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.
-

Gwen Glick | Lower Elementary Assistant
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.
-

Michele Johnson | Upper Elementary Teacher
Michelle has 33 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
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.
-

Lex Thompson | Upper Elementary Assistant
athompson@cvms.org
Bio Coming Soon! -

Joy Kimball | Reading Specialist
Joy is starting her 9th 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.
-

Iracema Smith | Spanish Teacher
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.
-

Jake Wilson | Music Teacher
jwilson@cvms.org
Bio Coming Soon! -

Samantha Stumpf | Art Teacher
Bio coming soon
-

Natalie Browning | PE Teacher
Natalie has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Environmental Studies from Eckerd College. She has five years of experience teaching and working in independent schools before joining the CVMS team. After spending many years at home with her children, she is excited to be back in the classroom as the PE Teacher. She believes giving children time to move and play builds confidence as they explore the world around them.
-

Michelle Procopio | School Nurse
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.