Kailea holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a dual major in Health and Physical Education, and a concentration in Coaching From Lock Haven University. Since 2011, she has served the Chemung Valley Montessori School community in nearly every capacity, from Physical Education Teacher to Director of Marketing and Enrollment to Assistant Head of School, and now as Head of School. This range of experience gives her a comprehensive understanding of the school, from the classroom to daily operations to governance.

As a parent of Montessori-educated children, Kailea brings a personal connection to the Montessori philosophy and is deeply committed to ensuring every family experiences its transformative benefits. Her leadership is grounded in a dedication to preserving the close-knit, family-centered community that has always defined CVMS, even as the school continues to grow.

Tonya has been an integral part of the Chemung Valley Montessori School community since April 2017, 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 has been a part of the CVMS community since 2020, first as a parent, then as a member of the Board of Trustees beginning in 2022, and joining the CVMS staff in 2024 as our CVMS+ Director. She also serves as the Events and Technology Systems Coordinator, supporting the systems and events that help keep our school community connected.

Lisa spent many years working with the Kids Adventure Club Program in Corning, where she developed curriculum and planned engaging activities rooted in children’s social and cognitive development. Her experience creating meaningful programming, leading and supporting children, and building deep relationships with children and their families makes her a natural fit for her leadership role at CVMS.

Carl serves as the Facilities and Maintenance Manager at Chemung Valley Montessori School. He helps keep our school building and grounds safe, clean, organized, and ready for students and staff each day.

From caring for our classrooms and outdoor spaces to tackling repairs, projects, and the many behind the scenes needs that come with keeping a school running, Carl is an important part of the day to day life at CVMS. Just as importantly, Carl genuinely loves being around our students, and that feeling is very much mutual. Our students know him, look for him, talk with him, and are always excited to see what he is working on next.

Carl takes great pride in caring for our school and has quickly become a familiar and loved part of the CVMS community. We are so grateful for the care, kindness, and attention he brings to our campus each day.

Dona graduated from Ithaca College with a B.A. in Documentary and a minor in Sociology. She continues apply her creative storytelling and project management skills while working as the Communications, Marketing, and Enrollment Director at CVMS. Her videos and photos capture the highlight of the Montessori environment. She has been part of the CVMS community since spring of 2026.

Jennifer has been part of the CVMS community since the 2020-2021 school year. She began as a Toddler Assistant, later spending several years as an Early Childhood Assistant, before returning to the Toddler program. She has been the toddler teacher for the past two years. In addition to her classroom role, Jennifer facilitates the school's Montessori Beginnings program outside of the summer session. Jennifer holds certifications in Hand-in-Hand parenting and is currently working toward her Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with the goal of becoming a child therapist. She is passionate about supporting children's emotional development and building strong, meaningful connections with children and their families. She enjoys helping children feel safe, understood, and connected while they learn to express and navigate their big emotions.

Marisa Genovese started out at CVMS with the before/aftercare program in 2023. Then she spent time substituting and providing support across a few different levels (EC/LE/UE). She went on to assist in the Toddler classroom to now Co-teaching there! Currently, she has an associates degree with a concentration in social sciences, however child psychology will always be her favorite subject. Marisa's on-going goal is to further her Montessori education and experiences.

Kristin started her journey working at CVMS in the summer of 2009. She has over 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 has been working at CVMS since 2017. She has a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Art from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She holds an American Montessori Society certification from Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. Eillen 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.

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 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 has been a part of the CVMS community since 2023 and working as an assistant in Early Childhood since 2024. Prior to that, she was a stay at home parent to her two children. Brigid strongly believes in the value of peace education and the Montessori philosophy to raise good and kind humans. As a classroom assistant, Brigid loves helping students develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning in a safe and nurturing environment.

Hailie is an Assistant Teacher at our school since 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys supporting children as they grown, learn, and develop their independence in the classroom. Outside of school, Hailie enjoys making art and reading, which allow her to express her creativity and continue learning.

Jen has over thirty years of experience in Montessori education. She's been part of the CVMS community since 1996. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Anthropology and has Montessori training for children ages 6–9. Jen loves bringing the outdoors and the natural world into the classroom, giving students opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences and exploration. Over the years, she has enjoyed leading CVMS’s Trout in the Classroom program, where students raised brown trout from eggs, cared for them as they developed, and ultimately released them into a local watershed. Her class also enjoys hatching chickens and caring for them, creating another wonderful opportunity for students to observe, nurture, and learn from living things.

After 30 years at CVMS, Jen’s favorite part of the school is still the students. She has a special place in her heart for each child and believes in treating every student with kindness, patience, and respect. She loves getting to know them as individuals and celebrating what makes each of them unique. She feels incredibly fortunate to be part of a caring community where children can be themselves, follow their interests, and grow as learners.

Erin has been a member of the CVMS community since 2016. Her time at CVMS began in the Toddler Room, where she worked as an assistant teacher before moving to Lower Elementary. She continued as an assistant teacher until 2021, when she became a Lead Teacher in Lower Elementary.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in English, as well as Montessori Lower Elementary certification. Erin values the Montessori approach and the many ways it supports children as they grow into confident, independent, and curious learners.

Madison started her journey at CVMS since 2020, and she holds a degree in Early Childhood from Corning Community College. She is currently working on her Bachelor's degree at Alfred University. 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 is a dedicated CVMS LE assistant who has an Associate's Degree in Social Sciences and Humanities and has been working with the school since 2021. 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 has been part of the CVMS community since 1993. 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 has been part of the Upper Elementary team since the 2020–21 school year. She holds a B.S. in Geography and Geology from Mansfield University and earned her Montessori 9–12 certification through NAMC. She enjoys guiding students toward independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Outside of school, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her family.

Lex brings over 15 years of dedicated experience to our elementary community. Trained in Montessori 6-12, Lex possesses a deep expertise in supporting the cognitive, social, and emotional shifts that occur across both Lower and Upper Elementary planes.

Lex believes education is a holistic endeavor that extends far beyond academics. She places a profound emphasis on mental and emotional well-being, creating a nurturing community grounded in mutual respect. By empowering students to become active co-creators of their education, Lex helps children discover their intrinsic motivation, resilience, and true potential.

True to the Montessori spirit, she views education as a continuous journey. Lex brings a joyful love of learning and a commitment to constant personal and professional growth to our school community every day. She has been part of the CVMS community since 2026.

Joy has been part of the CVMS community since 2017, 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 has been part of the Montessori community since 2015. 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 has been part of the CVMS community as the Music teacher since 2024. Jake attended Mansfield University under their music technology program, has been in numerous ensembles, both instrumental and vocal, and has been playing music locally in bands and solo settings for over a decade. Jake has two children who attend CVMS, and is constantly learning something new every day at CVMS! Here's to a new exciting school year!

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. She started her journey at CVMS in 2026.

Samantha has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cleveland Institute of Art and a Master of Fine Arts from the School for American Crafts at Rochester Institute of Technology. Not only has Samantha been teaching for eighteen years but has also continued her studio practice. She has taught at several colleges in the upstate New York area, K-12 in western Maryland and various community Art Centers that promote enrichment for all levels. She is always inspired by the enthusiasm and creativity that the children bring to their art. She is committed to guiding her students to find personal connections through art while providing a safe place to explore process and materials. She has been part of the CVMS community since 2025.

Ms. Mary is a well-known and well-loved familiar part of the CVMS+ family since 2024. She’s filled the kids' lives with love, snuggles, and gentle reassurance. She’s an integral part of our program and we’re so lucky she’s with us!

Ms. Lou, better known as Mary Lou, is new to CVMS in 2026. She comes to us with 8 years of Montessori Experience and a love of children that brought her out of retirement and into our lives. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team!

Ms. Emma joins our before care team in 2026 with many years of experience with children as a lifeguard. As the first face your kiddos see in the morning, Emma brings a calm nature to her role that is sure to set your children up for success as they head off to school. She makes an amazing addition to the team!