ABOUT BLUE RIDGE MONTESSORI SCHOOL IN LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
Empowering Children to Become Who They Naturally Are, Since 1985
About Blue Ridge Montessori School
Blue Ridge Montessori School is a nonprofit Montessori childcare & preschool in Lynchburg, VA, serving children from 6 weeks through lower elementary. Rooted in a 40-year legacy and located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our school is known for its beautiful environment, exceptional educators, and commitment to nurturing confident, independent learners within a strong, values-driven community.
Our Mission
To provide an authentic, high-quality Montessori education in which every child is supported in developing a love of life and learning within a safe, peaceful, and responsive community.
Our Vision
To become a leader in educational excellence, Blue Ridge Montessori will be a sanctuary where children acquire the skills and are allowed the freedom to think broadly, to develop to their own potential, and to learn about the world.
Nurturing Values for Life
Respect for the child and all living things are at the heart of all we do.
-
![]()
Compassion
-
![]()
Empathy
-
![]()
Tolerance
-
![]()
Scholarship
-
![]()
Independence of Thought
-
![]()
Creativity
-
![]()
Clarity of Expression
Meet Our Team
Administration
-
KIRSTEN FILIBERTO
Executive Director
MAT, Elementary Education
MAT, Special Education
BS, Communications
VA State Teaching License
Center for Guided Montessori Studies: Leadership Program Certified
IMC: Leadership Credential -
TAYLOR WOMACK
Assistant Executive Director
BA in Elementary and Middle School Education with Math and Algebra 1 Endorsement
VA State Teaching License -
ELIZABETH COLES
Office Assistant
-
BRITTANY NAPIER
Compliance & Facilities Coordinator
CLASS Certified Observer: Toddlers
Lead Guides/Teachers:
Our lead teachers are highly qualified and committed to the Montessori philosophy and the education of each child. We share a common philosophy and approach, which allows us to consistently deliver the highest level of commitment and quality care and education for the community of children.
-
ERIN ECKLUND
Nido Lead Guide
IMC Infant Toddler Credential
-
SAVANNA HANSEN
Nido Lead Guide
Enrolled in CGMS for Infant Toddler Credential
-
SARA HARRIS
Pre-Primary Lead Guide
Enrolled in CGMS for Infant Toddler Credential
-
EMILY GIBSON
Pre-Primary Lead Guide
-
DAELYNN CHRISTMAN
Pre-Primary Lead Guide
-
LIZZY BOOTH
Pre-Primary Lead Guide
IMC Infant Toddler Credential
-
JANET TUOHY
Primary Lead Guide
Enrolled in CGMS for Early Childhood Credential
-
RAEANN POINDEXTER
Primary Lead Guide
-
LEAH CARNEAL
Primary Lead Guide
Assistant Teachers & Teaching Aides:
Our assistants receive ongoing Montessori training through coaching and mentoring from our administration and our lead teachers.
-
MS. CAITLIN
-
MS. JUDY
-
MS. MYRA
-
MS. ANABELLE
-
MS. ANN MARIE
-
MS. JORDAN
-
MS. SHARON
-
MS. JORDAN
-
MS. NATALIE
-
MS. OLIVIA
-
MS. PERI
-
MS. STEFANIE
-
MS. KARA
-
MS. MARION
-
MS. KAYLEE
-
MS. JULIANA
-
MS. KALLIE
-
MS. ADDIE
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our Board works collaboratively with our administration team to ensure our commitment to our mission and stability in operations. The Board includes vital Montessori advisors, including our Executive Director. The full board meets quarterly at a minimum and all families and staff are welcome to attend.
-
Hope Moffa
President -
Drew Taylor
Vice President -
Emily Barker
Secretary -
Jennifer Bolger
General Member -
Michael Levens
General Member -
Bianca Lovelace
General Member -
Geralyn Fortney
General Member -
Nancy McAndrew
General Member -
Tom Taylor
Founder, Ex-Officio Member
BRMS was founded on the idea that:
“Montessori can change the world, it really can.”
– Tom Taylor, Founder of Blue Ridge Montessori School
Our History
It all started in the fall of 1985 …
Our founder, Tom Taylor, opened the doors of Blue Ridge Montessori School in an old building in Forest, Virginia. Originally, he was the owner, administrator and lead teacher. He believed strongly in the long-term impact of Montessori education on our community and the future. We later became a registered nonprofit in 1999 with a fully functioning Board of Directors made up of Montessorians, parent volunteers and local business leaders.
In the summer of 2009, BRMS moved to its current location in Forest, Virginia, into a building that is specifically designed for the Montessori environment. The move provided the opportunity to expand our program to two Pre-Primary classrooms and two Primary classrooms.
In the fall of 2020, we opened the doors to our Taylor Building, in honor of our founder. This building is an expansion of our main building on our 221 campus. It is currently home to Elementary. By that spring the Anita Building was opened for our Nido and Pre-primary classrooms. The Anita Building is named after our founder, Tom Taylor’s late wife Anita. Anita was a neonatal nurse and loved infants, so it was only fitting to name it after her.
Teaching at Blue Ridge Montessori
We seek caring, experienced guides who are committed to thoughtful, child-centered education. We invest in our teachers through on-site training, ongoing support, and competitive compensation.
Imagine Walking Into a School That Feels Right from the First Day
“When our daughter was two and our son was nine months old, I decided I wanted to return to work part-time. I wasn’t very familiar with the Montessori Method prior to that but I walked into the school for an initial tour and felt so comforted. Here was a clean, safe, educational space for our kids with attentive teachers. I knew we had found the right place.
Our children learned so much at BMRS! The structure in place gave them the freedom to choose what they wanted to learn about and the materials to do so. It was just the best experience for our family.”
– The Mitchell Family
Support the Work. Experience the Difference.
You can support access to Montessori education through a gift—or see firsthand how our environment supports children and families.
