Danielle Jahne Head of School
Danielle first became interested in Montessori education while earning an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in entrepreneurship. She received her Master of Education with a concentration in reading instruction from Eastern Mennonite University, and her American Montessori Society Certification through Northeast Montessori Institution in Boston, Mass. Danielle holds teaching certificates for Pre-K to Grade 6 in both New York and Virginia.
She began her professional career as a Foster Care Case Manager with Virginia’s Department of Social Services, has taught 1st grade, in addition to directing early childhood programs in New York and Virginia before starting the Montessori school in 2012.
Danielle met her husband while on a study abroad in Greece and they have four children. She enjoys teaching in the classroom from time to time, helping with enrichment and instruction, as well as directing the program.
Grace Gremillion Assistant Teacher & Afternoon Lead
Grace began with VMS upon graduation of JMU and leads the afternoon program.
Enid Ruiz Spanish Teacher
Enid attended the Universidad Central de Bayamón, Puerto Rico and has been working in a Montessori classroom since 2011.
Amanda Misak Young Children's Teacher
Amanda co-teaches in the Young Children's Classroom
Greta Kreider Classroom Assistant
Greta assists in the Primary Classroom
Lupe Garcia Classroom Assistant
Lupe assists in the Young Children's Classroom
Sarah Nieto Montessori Teacher
Sarah grew up in the Shenandoah Valley and has taught young children for over 25 years. She has a degree from Appalachian State University in Child Development and Psychology. Her work in the preschool setting began while she was still in college. After graduation, she traveled to Mexico to learn Spanish and taught English at a Montessori school. She met and married her husband in Mexico and they returned to Harrisonburg to raise their two sons. Sarah was part of the grass roots effort that brought Montessori education to Harrisonburg. She completed her Montessori certification in Richmond Virginia, and taught for many years at a local Montessori school. Sarah has devoted her life to teaching and still finds it extremely rewarding. She looks forward to guiding your children on their journey to a love of learning.
Fostering growth in independence and problem solving; the development of order, concentration, and coordination; the nurturing of oral communication skills; and the stimulation of the child’s joy in discovery and learning.
