GMS Charlottesville Teachers
Christina Pace
she/her
Director
After growing up in Charlottesville and attending the city school system, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Virginia Polytechnic and State University. I continued my education at the College of William and Mary, where I earned my Masters in Education with an emphasis in Gifted Education. Since returning to Charlottesville, I have worked at Village School and Tandem Friends School. I became a mother in September of 2015, and found the perfect reason to finally fulfill my mom and my dream to begin our own school. Together, the three of us paved the way for Generations Montessori School. Since then, I have had the pleasure to watch my 4 children, my nephew, and my niece learn and grow in our program.
Kaylee Shreve
she/her
Lead Teacher, Infant Room
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.
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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.
Shimeun Jung
Teacher's Assistant, Infant Room
Marie-Clare Mandolia
she/her
Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
I grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, and studied Geography and French at the University of Mary Washington. I worked in the zoo field for 6 years, teaching various education programs. While obtaining a Master of Arts in Teaching Biological Sciences, I researched the facilitation of empathy development in children through zoo education programs. I joined the Montessori world in 2022, and am currently getting my Infant and Toddler Certification through the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies. I am passionate about emotional development in children, and am constantly on the lookout for picture books to assist in that journey!
Lauren Mesina
she/they
Teacher's Assistant, Toddler Room
Jennifer Collins
she/her
Lead Teacher, Primary Room
I was born and raised in Germany where I earned my Physical Therapy degree. I came to Charlottesville in 2015 as an au pair, and during that time I started substituting at GMS, traveled through America and met my now husband. In 2019 I decided to leave my family in Germany and move with him to the states. After having our first daughter in 2021 I started working as a preschool teacher full-time and was eager to learn more about early childhood. In February 2023 I earned my Child Development Associate and welcomed our second daughter. In 2024 I obtained my NAMC’s Early Childhood Montessori Diploma. I am super excited to be a part of the GMS community and help your children accomplish their developmental goals in a loving, kind and nurturing environment.
Justin Murkey
he/him
Teacher's Assistant, Primary Room
I am a Charlottesville native, who graduated from Albemarle High School in 2020. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Radiologic Technology at Central Virginia Community College. I developed a passion for helping children when I worked as a basketball coach alongside my older brother after graduating high school. Beyond coaching, I have also babysat and worked at a pool, where I interacted with kids daily. I love uplifting children and supporting them, which I am looking forward to doing here at Generations Montessori School! During my free time, I enjoy watching movies, trying new foods, and fitness.