OUR CVMS TEAM | FINE TUNING UNDERWAY
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Tim Daniel | Head of School
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.
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Kailea Reed | Assistant 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.
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Laurie Thompson | Director of Finance and Operations
Since joining CVMS in 2015, Laurie has seamlessly blended her financial and business management education along with over 15 years of experience working with non-profits to enthusiastically support the mission of the school. In addition, her belief in the Montessori method is strong, and both of her children have attended CVMS. When she's not immersed in financial spreadsheets or crafting endeavors, Laurie enjoys embarking on adventures with her family and creating lasting memories.
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Tonya Baker | Director of School Relations
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.
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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.
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Deborah Daniel | Toddler Teacher
Bio coming soon.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Rebekah Schiavone | Early Childhood Teacher
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.
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Arlene Gulley | Early Childhood Mentor
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.
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Stephanie Whitman | Early Childhood Assistant
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.
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Hallie Cook | Early Childhood Assistant
Hallie is an esteemed teaching assistant who is also 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.
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Brigid Mountain | Early Childhood Assistant
Bio coming soon.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Michele Johnson | Upper Elementary Teacher
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.
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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.
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Stephanie Baker | Upper Elementary Assistant
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.
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Joy Kimball | Reading Specialist
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.
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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.
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Jake Wilson | Music Teacher
jwilson@cvms.org
INFO COMING SOON! -
Li Fong | Art Teacher
Bio coming soon
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Brian Joe | CVMS+ Staff
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.
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Marisa Genovese | CVMS+ Staff
Bio coming soon.
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Sol Immerman | CVMS+ Staff
Bio coming soon
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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.