Our students learn from highly qualified and experienced faculty, all of whom hold Montessori credentials from MACTE accredited teacher education programs at their level of certification.
Administrative Staff
Head of School
Betsy Gladen is the Head of School at CMS. Betsy has been a Montessori educator for 15 years, and holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education. She is Montessori certified ages 3-6. Betsy oversees the running of the school and its day-to-day operations, acts as a support and mentor to teachers and staff, and proactively works to develop all areas of the school. Any concerns you have regarding your child need to be brought directly to your child’s teacher. If concerns continue, after having met with the teacher, Betsy will gladly offer any assistance she can. Betsy sits in on many parent conferences. Betsy will act as the main administrator for all levels (Infant, Toddler, Children’s House and Elementary).
Curriculum Coordinator
New to the administration team is Carmel Shevis. Carmel has a long history with CMS, including teaching in both lower and upper elementary. A native of Ireland, Carmel has lived in the U.S. for over 25 years. She took her Montessori training at Sion Hill Montessori Teacher College in Dublin and is Montessori certified preschool through sixth grade. Carmel has 17 years’ experience, 11 of which were teaching at CMS. She is excited to share her passion for learning with all levels (Infant, Toddler, Children’s House and Elementary). Carmel will act as the instructional and curriculum advisor to all levels.
Director of Admissions
Aeveen Branco is your primary contact for admissions, schedule changes and updating parent or student information. Aeveen has worked in preschools for over thirty years and has been a Montessori Teacher since 2006 and this is her 15th year at CMS. She was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland.
Office Manager
Ashley Dyer is going into her 10th year as the office manager for CMS. Ashley graduated from VA Tech with a BA in psychology and has a MA in clinical counseling. She has worked for 7 years in clinical settings with children. Ashley is the proud mother of a 16-month-old son. Please go directly to Ashley with any questions or concerns about tuition and money matters.
Before and After School Care and Summer Programs Supervisor and Administrative Coordinator
Susan Narducci is returning for her 18th year at CMS. She began working part time at CMS years ago, and the school has now become her passion. Susan spends most of her time in the front offices helping with school administration and running before and aftercare programs. Susan is also responsible for planning and supervising the summer programs at camp at CMS. Sue is your contact for before care, after care and summer camp and year-round care.
Owner
Shanna Honan is the owner of Chesapeake Montessori School. This year, Shanna is stepping down from her recent Head of School position to focus on the training center (VMTEC) and to teach! Shanna is excited about joining the Upper Elementary teaching team. Shanna has been a Montessori educator for 30 years. Shanna has a Bachelor’s in early childhood education and a Master of Arts Degree in education. She is Montessori certified preschool through sixth grade.
Teachers & Assistants
All of our teaching faculty are credentialed from MACTE-accredited programs and are teaching at the level in which they are credentialed.
