GMS Charlottesville Teachers
Rita Pace
she/her
Co-Director
I have worked in early childhood education for over 30 years. In that time, I have cared for hundreds of children in the Charlottesville area. Most importantly, I love working with young children as they first begin to develop their individual personalities. I have my Infant and Toddler Certification from the American Montessori Society, and I believe each child develops in a way that is unique to him or her. I specialize in creating educational environments for infants and toddlers that foster growth and independence, and my goal is to work with parents to fully meet their child’s unique cognitive, emotional, social and physical needs.
Tamara Fornes
Lead Infant Teacher
she/her
I have more than ten years of experience caring for and teaching young children, with much of my experience focused on infants. I especially enjoy creating a warm, nurturing environment where babies feel safe, secure, and encouraged to explore the world around them. Building trusting relationships with children and their families is one of the most meaningful parts of my work, and I am excited to join the Generations Montessori community. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, staying active, listening to music, and learning about animals and nature.
Hadley Dyke
Lead Toddler Teacher
I began working at Generations Montessori School during my senior year of high school in the Infant Class. Last year, while continuing to work with the Infants, I had the opportunity to support all the classrooms as needed. I discovered that I really enjoy working with infants and toddlers, which inspired me to begin the NAMC Infant and Toddler Training over the summer. In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing and getting organized. I look forward to continuing to grow at GMS!
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Beyonce Malson
Lead Pre-Toddler Teacher
I have been working with children for 8 years. I am passionate about child development, and I thrive on helping young minds grow and explore their world. I am very excited to watch your little ones grow and succeed in life. I love taking a hands on approach, incorporating interactive learning activities and outdoor exploration to make each day educational and fun for you little ones. I have 2 children and I love to explore, find new books, try new food, visit new places and shop in my free time . I am very excited to be working with your little ones and to be a part of the Generations Montessori School of Charlottesville team!
McKenzie Stayments
she/her
Pre-Toddler Assistant Teacher
I am excited to be part of the Montessori community and enjoy supporting children as they explore and learn through hands on experiences. I look forward to building strong connections with students and families while contributing to a positive and nurturing classroom environment. Outside of school I enjoy reading and value time with family and friends.
Carla Vann
she/her
Toddler Assistant Teacher
I am originally from Oklahoma where the wind literally comes sweeping down the plains. I earned my Bachelors Degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. I am a member of the first class to graduate from there in 2001 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I have taught children ranging from barely 2 to middle school in public, private and church based schools throughout Oklahoma, North Carolina and Virginia for over 30 years. We moved to the Charlottesville area in 2013 and fell in love with the beauty, history and people here. I have 3 beautiful children, who have attended schools in Charlottesville and Fluvanna. I also have 2 wonderful grandchildren. In my free time I enjoy listening to music, singing and preforming. I am a member of a praise team and choir. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, antiquing and thrifting, traveling to new places, and eating new and different types of foods. I am excited to be a part of the Generations Montessori team and look forward to learning and growing with the students and families here.
Emma Passino
she/her
Primary Lead Teacher
I was born and raised on a small farm in Fluvanna County, Virginia. I went to school at Tandem Friends School before earning my bachelors at Appalachian State University. I majored in Recreation
Management with an Outdoor Education concentration, and minored in Social Work. After school, I jumped into the world of outdoor education. This is where I really gained a love and passion for education and working with young people. During my off season I would substitute teach at a Montessori school in New York and was intrigued by the Montessori philosophy. I worked as a full
time assistant at a Montessori school in Moab, Utah. I feel very lucky to work with young people and am excited to continue to grow and learn alongside my students at Generations!
Lizzy Lawhorne
she/her
Pre-Toddler Assistant Teacher
I was born in Charlottesville and raised in Schuyler, VA (at the southern end of Albemarle County)! After graduating from Monticello High School, I earned my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education at Roanoke College. After teaching Third Grade for three years, I wanted to make a move into early childhood education. I was excited to join an environment where I could see students grow and embrace their natural curiosities. When I’m not teaching, I can be found coaching travel fastpitch softball or playing slowpitch softball. I also enjoy reading, watching sports, and spoiling my two cats. I’m so excited to be a part of the Generations Montessori team!