Chesapeake Montessori School is a truly one-of-a-kind place – but you already knew that.
As one of the few Montessori schools in Virginia with niche specialists chosen for their expertise and experience in expanding the minds of children, we handpick every new teacher for their strengths, and nourish our community by investing in them as much as they invest in your children. Our team of teachers and administrators is tight knit. Here, everyone knows your name, your face, and your story, which makes the school setting feel more like an extension of home in addition to a place to grow and learn.
Now that we’re all getting back to the rhythm of the school year, we want to share the faces that your student is likely seeing each day; those who steer them toward grace and courtesy for themselves and others, and those who care for them in their home away from home.
Without further ado, please meet…
Donna Wooley – Art / Green Time
Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
A: I love sleeping in and waking up to the sounds of nature, which is why I try to camp and hike as often as I can!
Q: What age group do you teach at Chesapeake Montessori School?
A: I work with all levels through the Garden Club, our school’s opportunity to get out and explore the outdoors. I wouldn’t change that time with my students for the world! The art and Green Time classes, however, are first through sixth years.
Q: What drew you to teaching in a Montessori setting?
A: I’ve taught in traditional settings in the public schools. When I began reading about the Montessori method, every aspect of it seemed so logical and made common sense to me. It was so similar to my child-rearing practices and lifestyle that it seemed like a perfect fit!
Q: What are your main goals for your classroom this year?
A: To connect more with the community outside our doors through speakers, guest artists and field trips. This is the first year our school has had a ceramic kiln so I also am devising a more structured clay program than previous years as well. Clay and glass were my areas of study through college so I am very excited to pass on my own love of the ceramic arts!
Q: What did you learn from last year that you’ll be doing differently this year?
A: I hope to spice up our day-to-day work and stimulate some minds with fun field trips and informative speakers.
Q: The school day is over – what’s your favorite way to wind down the day?
A: Puttering in my yard and gardens or exploring our creek in my kayak!
Susie Smith – Spanish
Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
A: I love the peace I find in nature, especially being with my horses.
Q: What age group do you teach at Chesapeake Montessori School?
A: I teach first year through sixth year.
Q: What drew you to teaching in a Montessori setting?
A: My family has a love of the Montessori school traditions. Both of my children went to this school 13 years ago and 10 years ago – way back when it was a one-room classroom. How the times have changed!
Q: What are your main goals for your classroom this year?
A: I would like for the students to learn (and enjoy the process of learning!) Spanish through speaking, listening, repeating, singing, dancing, reading and playing games.
Q: What did you learn from last year that you’ll be doing differently this year?
A: It sounds counterintuitive, but my students really enjoy being challenged. This year, I’ll do my best to do just that.
Q: The school day is over – what’s your favorite way to wind down the day?
A: I like to wind down by going for a run, going to a yoga class or running through a field on my horse, anything that gives both mind and body a chance to relax.
Bill MacDonald – Physical Education
(We call him Coach Bill!)
Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
A: I come from a family of 7 girls and 2 boys. I have a twin sister; and in our group, there’s also another set of twin girls.
Q: What age group do you teach at Chesapeake Montessori School?
A: I teach PE (Physical Education) to students ages 5-12 years old.
Q: What drew you to teaching in a Montessori setting?
A: After teaching in the public schools for a long time, one of my goals was to work in private school where more personal attention was the focus. CMS has a small and quiet atmosphere that promotes a type of learning environment that allows me to easily accomplish my goal of being more in-tune with my students.
Q: What are your main goals for your classroom this year?
A: My main goals are always to teach the benefits of physical fitness, a variety of sports and games, and the necessity of practicing respect and good sportsmanship. These are foundational skills that have a huge impact later in life.
Q: What did you learn from last year that you’ll be doing differently this year?
A: This year, I’d like to introduce new and exciting games that promote new skills, which will motivate our students to make physical activity a regular part of their daily lives. Making everyday wellness a focus in my classroom is important.
Q: The school day is over – what’s your favorite way to wind down the day?
I love walking my Welsh Corgi, Lizzie. You can also find me catching up with my favorite baseball team, the N.Y. Mets.
Amy Asel – Music
Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
A: I was a pre-med Kinesiology major at William and Mary until the end of my junior year, until I realized that music and teaching were truly my passion! Fortunately, I was able to add a music performance major and still graduate on time.
Q: What age group do you teach at Chesapeake Montessori School?
A: I have the great pleasure to teach general music to the toddler class, three children’s house classes, lower elementary, and upper elementary! I get to see and teach all students that attend Chesapeake Montessori school – which is so fulfilling to me.
Q: What drew you to teaching in a Montessori setting?
A: I was unfamiliar with Montessori education until I started teaching here last year. I have learned so much about it and absolutely love it! I certainly appreciate the child-centered learning that promotes independence and responsibility.
Q: What are your main goals for your classroom this year?
A: I love to make music experiential for each student and base my lessons on what they know and are familiar with in their lives. I strive to make music fun and include aspects of singing, instruments, games, movement, and theory in each lesson.
Q: What did you learn from last year that you’ll be doing differently this year?
A: I create a custom curriculum each year based on the students in each class, so each new school year is different and unique in what we learn in music. This helps me to current and fresh as well as maintain a level of interest for the students.
Q: The school day is over – what’s your favorite way to wind down the day?
A: The best way for me to unwind at the end of the day is to go for a long run! Last year, I had an injury to my foot and was pregnant, so my running was put on hold. I am super excited to get back into it and hopefully run several races this year!
