WEMS Staff
Each teacher at WEMS has been chosen for his or her education, understanding of the Montessori method, warm spirit and ability to work as part of a team. Together, we provide a well-rounded learning community. Our lead teachers are certified by the American Montessori Society and all assistant teachers are experienced in their program and grade level.
Administration
Janet Gallagher
Founder and Head of School
Founded WEMS in 1997
MS Special Education, Wagner College, NY
BS Education, Hunter College, NY
Music Together® Specialist
Janet has enjoyed over 30 years of working with children and adults as a teacher and administrator. She is dedicated to inclusion and working with children with special needs. She is committed to creating a respectful school community among students, teachers and parents.
A Part of WEMS since 1997
Vickie Turnamian
Assistant Head of School
Instructor, Virginia Center for Montessori Studies
American Montessori Society Early Childhood Certification
Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Early Childhood Educator, and Teacher Educator
After teaching at the early childhood level for 18 years, Vickie transitioned to responsibilities as Assistant Head of School.
With a lifetime passion for learning, Vickie provides staff development and teacher training on topics related to Practical Life, Peace Education, and Positive Discipline.
A Part of WEMS since 2001
Kelly Rauscher
Administrative Assistant
Infant / Toddler Lead Teacher
Elementary Art Teacher
B.F.A. Painting and Printmaking, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA
B.F.A.Digital Illustration, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA
American Montessori Society Infant/Toddler Certification
Kelly uses her understanding of infant and toddler development to work with toddlers helping them grow and learn as they accomplish milestones. Kelly brings her love of art to the elementary students inspiring the children’s creativity.
A part of WEMS since 2007
Kay Cram
Administrative Assistant
BA University of Richmond- History & Art History
Kay was an Early Childhood Lead Teacher at WEMS many moons ago, as well as the parent of 2 WEMS students who are now grown!
A part of WEMS since 2024
Toddler
Lauren Vinayak
Toddler Lead Teacher
American Montessori Society Infant/Toddler Certification
After being a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, Lauren knew she wanted to work with children. She fell in love with the Montessori method of education after sending all three of her own children to WEMS. Lauren knew instantly that a career among the WEMS community was the perfect opportunity to continue her love of working with children.
A Part of WEMS Since 2021
Karen Lynn
Toddler Assistant
Bachelor of Science in Media Arts and Design from James
Madison University
Minor in Music from James Madison University
Certified teacher of Music Together
Karen has a long and cherished history with WEMS, where her three boys attended the toddler and early childhood programs.
Karen taught Music Together as a Parent-Child class instructor at West End Montessori. Initially, Karen returned to WEMS to teach toddler music and transitioned into a position as a Toddler Assistant.
Karen has been an integral part of her family’s business, Disco Sports, where she has worked for 25 years.
A Part of WEMS Since 2024
Dawn Demsko
Early Childhood
Kelley Granger
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
American Montessori Society Early Childhood Certification
Music Together® Specialist
After working in the insurance industry for ten years, and then becoming a stay at home mom of three boys, Kelley found her path to Montessori and WEMS. Her love and passion for Montessori grew as all three of her boys attended WEMS. More than twenty years of experience has provided both personal and professional growth and she credits the children for much of her learning and pleasure in teaching.
A Part of WEMS since 1998
Emily Nicholson
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
BA, Liberal Arts from University of Richmond
Currently pursuing a Master of Teaching at University of Richmond
American Montessori Society Early Childhood Certification
A Part of WEMS since June 2019
Chessie Hanna
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
B.A. in Religion and Theology from Trinity College Dublin
American Montessori Society Early Childhood Certification
As a mom and an educator, I admire how the child-centered Montessori approach encourages the child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. I have a deep love of learning and exploration that I love to share with children of all ages and abilities.
A part of WEMS since 2022
Carolyn Miller
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
B.F.A Painting and Printmaking, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1990.
American Montessori Society Early Childhood Certification
American Montessori Society, Infant/Toddler Certification
Carolyn is the mother of 3, and found her passion for guiding children over 22 years ago in Montessori
Schools. She enjoys teaching children’s yoga and art classes.
A Part of WEMS Since 2022
Laura Serosh
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
B.A. in Intercultural Studies from Bethany Global University, MN in 2019.
American Montessori Society Early Childhood certificate.
Laura started working with children at a young age. Her love for children led her to pursue a Montessori teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education in 2019-2020. The following school year she taught English as a foreign language to both toddlers and lower elementary students in Tunisia. Laura is excited to enter back into the Montessori learning environment.
A part of WEMS since 2021.
Grace Cox
Early Childhood Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, minor in disability studies from Virginia Tech.
Before joining WEMS, I worked at a Montessori school in New Jersey for two years.
A Part of WEMS Since August 2023
Poppy Marquez
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
BFA, Virginia Commonwealth University
Currently working toward American Montessori Society Early
Childhood Certification
I am passionate about nurturing the development and creativity of children. I care about the whole child – who they’re now and the person they are developing. I am committed to maintaining an authentic Montessori environment that honors each individual child and creates a supportive, inclusive, peaceful community. I am grateful to be a part of the WEMS community.
A part of WEMS since 2024
Sarah Burger
Assistant Teacher
Sarah is a married mom of 3 who has lived and volunteered with children in South Africa since 2008. She has recently returned with her family to enjoy Richmond.
A Part of WEMS Since 2024
Natalie Jackson
Elementary
Natasha Siva Shook
Elementary Coordinator, Elementary Lead Teacher, Instructor for Advanced Institute for Montessori Studies
B.A. English, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA
AMS Elementary I and II Montessori Certification
Natasha has a deep love of learning and community that she has shared with children, from toddler through elementary, and adults for over 20 years.
A part of WEMS since 1999
Jamie Custer
Elementary Lead Teacher
Associate Instructor for Virginia Center for Montessori Studies
MEd Curriculum and Instruction, Averett University, VA
BS Social Studies Education, University of Evansville, IN
American Montessori Society Infant and Toddler Certification
AMS Elementary II Montessori Certification
Jamie started her teaching career in 2004 teaching high school Social Studies. After leaving public schools in 2009, she attended Montessori Assistant Teacher training at Virginia Center for Montessori Studies and opened a small in-home Infant and Toddler program. Upon receiving her American Montessori Society Infant/Toddler Certification in 2016, she joined WEMS. Jamie worked in the Toddler Class for four years and in 2020, she began working with Elementary students.
A Part of WEMS since 2016
Abigail Allen
Elementary Teacher
BS in Psychology and M.Ed. in Special Education from George Mason University
Master’s of Administration and Supervision K-12 from Virginia Commonwealth University
Currently working toward American Montessori Society Certification in Elementary I & II Education through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support/Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
Restorative Practices
Autism, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Verbal Behavior
Multi-sensory Reading Instruction and SPIRE Reading Instruction
Abigail has a passion for the development of the whole child from birth to adulthood. She joins WEMS after 24 years in public education as a teacher and administrator and is dedicated to the growth, development, and confidence of every child. Her love for Montessori education grew when realizing that her own special education classrooms were designed much like a Montessori classroom.
A part of WEMS since 2024
Hannah Melin
Elementary Assistant Teacher
Bachelor’s in Family Studies, University of St. Thomas
Hannah has 5 years of experience working with children in different environments, including schools, Henrico CASA, and non-profits. She appreciates how Montessori teaching encourages students to become independent in the way they learn.
A part of WEMS since 2024
Dr. David Esleck
Music Instructor
DMA, music, The Catholic University of America, DC
MA, Music, The University of Virginia, VA
MS, Music Education, Tennessee Technological University, TN
Dr. Esleck is on the faculty at the University of Richmond, and has a very active career as a musical performer and producer.
A Part of WEMS since 2009