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.
Ashley Wright
Infant Lead Teacher
I have been working in childcare since I was 16, and caring for children has always been my passion. As a mom of two beautiful children, I truly understand the joy of watching little ones grow, learn, and discover new things each day. I love creating a fun, nurturing, and supportive environment for kids. In my free time, I enjoy coloring, spending time by the river, and making memories with my family.
Hadley Dyke
Infant Assistant Teacher
Beyonce Malson
Infant Assistant Teacher
While I am new at Generations Montessori School, I have been working with children for 7 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 can’t wait to be a part of the Generations Montessori School of Charlottesville team!
Quinn Prater
she/her
Infant Assistant Long-Term Substitute
Hi, I’m Ms. Quinn! I first started working at Generations when I was 17, learning as much as I could and helping out where needed, providing me with experience in every room. Now at 23, I have been given the opportunity to go back to my favorite age group, and teach in our infant classroom. I love supporting kids of all abilities, backgrounds, and ages, so I prioritize creating a supportive, safe, and happy space where little ones feel loved and are encouraged to explore the world around them.
Kaylee Shreve
she/her
Pre-Toddler Lead Teacher
I have been teaching children under 3 years old since 2020. I have also had the opportunity to babysit for many families, and nanny for a family for a year. It is my passion to care for each and every child
that I have the privilege to meet. I am so excited to help guide your babies through their early journey in life as they discover their unique and beautiful personalities, interests, language, confidence,
independence, and new developmental skills. I look forward to building connections with each child and family at Generations Montessori school this school year.
Stephanie Wallen
she/her
Teacher's Assistant, Infant Room
I am a long time Fluvanna resident. I have been happily married for 20 years and have eight beautiful children. I was a stay at home mom for all 20 of those years. Two years ago my youngest child started school and I decided to enter the work force as a teacher. For the past two years I have worked with low income families in a local Head Start program as an assistant teacher. In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. I am excited to spend time with the children and to learn more about the Montessori community.
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.
Kimberly Eppard
Toddler Lead Teacher
I was born in Honduras and moved to Charlottesville in 2005. I graduated from Charlottesville High School and am currently completing my final class at PVCC to earn my degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been teaching for over 9 years and aim to bring passion and dedication to the classroom. I strive to create a loving, kind, and nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my two children, who inspire me every day. I'm thrilled to be a part of the GMS community and look forward to helping each child reach their developmental milestones.
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 1 granddaughter who is 2 and a grandson coming any day now. 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 so excited to be joining the team this year at Generations Montessori School and I 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!