Asheville Montessori School
Becoming a teacher is definitely following in my parents’ footsteps, as they are all teachers as well. I find myself so drawn to teaching because of my love for children. I have spent a lot of time nannying and really wanted to find a place to work that allowed me to be with children. And now I have found it! It is truly a pleasure to be a part of this Montessori community and I look forward to learning more and more every day. When I am not at school I enjoy hiking, reading, and indulging in the wonderful places Asheville has to offer. I graduated from Kansas State University with a B.A. in Philosophy and Spanish. During this time, I took the opportunity to study abroad — once in Ronda, Spain, and once in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Traveling, particularly to Spanish speaking countries, continues to be a passion of mine. After graduation, I moved here to Asheville to enjoy the beautiful mountains. I have been with Asheville Montessori School since January, 2006. I completed my Montessori training and certification through the NC Center for Montessori Teacher Education (an AMS accredited organization) in 2007. Continuing education is important to all of us, here at AMS. I have attended several annual American Montessori Society conferences, in addition to smaller workshops and trainings, and continuously read about current research in the field of education. In 2010, I passed the state certification test for Early Childhood Education. I love working with children and have truly found my calling as a Montessori teacher.” I’m a recent graduate from UNCA with a BA in Psychology. I’m continuing an internship at night as the Children’s Program Director in a transition home for women and children. I love helping, playing outside, music, art and all of the unique options Asheville has to offer. I love being in the mountains! Jennifer Nance – Hi! My name is Jenn Nance. I began my life journey in Columbus Ohio. At 16 I moved to the beautiful state of Utah where I resided for 2 years exploring the red rocks. Living in Utah was a very special part of my life as I was able to delve into my connection to the outside world. Moving to Asheville was a rather spontaneous decision and has proven a fantastic choice! I attended the Aveda Institute of Columbus where I studied and practiced cosmetology. My passion for “art work of the hair” faded as I was presented with more opportunity to have interactions with a movement in people. In April 2010 I began working for a wilderness therapy program as a wilderness field instructor for “troubled adolescents”. I spent 8 days at a time with students in the stunning mountains of the Pisgah National Forest followed by 6 days off. I did this intense work for 2 1/2 years before settling into the idea of following my dream of teaching kindergarten. I was presented with this wonderful opportunity to be an assistant teacher here at AMS entering with a big smile and open heart. I feel very connected to small children and their ever present joy. Montessori education would have changed my educational experience! I am so grateful to be here everyday waking with a feeling of excitement. I enjoy spending my time on a yoga mat, trotting through the mountains, swimming in the mountain streams, capturing life through a camera lens, walking my dog, cuddling my cat, making stained glass art, reading poetry and when inspired even writing my own! As an Aunt of 6 nieces and nephews children have always been a big bright part of my life. Their creativity and openness to wonder is a constant reminder to me. Several years ago I volunteered at a Montessori school as a guest musician and was amazed at what I saw. Children encouraged to love learning! I am convinced that this is why my husband, Montessori educated through 12th grade, is so clever and curious. Recently, I discovered that my own great grandmother founded the second Montessori school in the country in her home in New Jersey. So here I am almost 100 years later following in her footsteps.
Ms. Monica
Monica Curwen – Lead Teacher “Hola! I am Monica Curwen. Originally from Chicago, I spent my formative years in Nashville, TN. I have lived in Asheville since 94’ and know that I am at home in the mountains! After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a BA in Spanish in 2000 and settling in town to begin a family, my love for teaching was kindled about 4 years ago. While my son was attending the Julia Street location, I discovered quickly how much the Montessori method both inspired my child’s love for learning and awakened my love of teaching. I then began teaching Spanish at Asheville Montessori School while working towards my full Montessori accreditation. I now live in North Asheville with my husband and two sons. We are an extremely active family; whether hiking, camping, running or cycling, we are constantly in motion and at play! I look forward to working, playing, and sharing the joy of learning with your children.”Assistant Teachers
Kate Weisenfluh – Hello! My name is Kate Weisenfluh. I have lived in the Brevard/Asheville area for six years, and absolutely love this place. I am an avid mountain bike rider, and spend most of my time riding bikes with my dogs and friends. I also occasionally race downhill during the riding season. I graduated from Brevard College in 2010 with a degree in literary studies and a minor in wilderness leadership experiential education. I have always wanted to work with children and have found my spot at the Woodfin Montessori campus.
Adrianne Webb-Mitchell – Hello! My name is Adrianne Webb-Mitchell. I am delighted to be joining Asheville Montessori School this year! After volunteering last spring I absolutely fell in love with the school and am so pleased to be an assistant teacher now! I grew up in Carrboro, North Carolina and fell in love with the mountains when I moved here to attend Warren Wilson College. I graduated in 2010 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. Then I moved to New England for a year-long interlude and am now back in Asheville! It is such a wonderful place to be.
Ms. Anna
Anna Finkelson – Lead Teacher “Hi, my name is Anna Finkelson. I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska where I attended Montessori school as a child. This early foundation has been an important influence throughout my life. My life has truly come full-circle now, as I teach children many of the same lessons and songs I loved as a child!
Assistant Teachers
Kelsey Forrest - Hi! My name is Kelsey and I’m very excited to join the AMS Family! I have been a teacher at the Jewish Community Center for the past four years, generating and encouraging a ‘green’ movement. I feel that AMS will be a great opportunity to continue this passion and a great experience to grow as a teacher. I look forward to getting to know you all!
Ms. Elenore
Elenore Vena – Lead Teacher “Hi I’m Elenore Vena and I’m so pleased to be starting my 4th year at Asheville Montessori School. I’m originally from Little Rock, AR but have lived in Swannanoa for the last 6 years. I graduated from Warren Wilson College with a BA in Visual Art with a focus in Intaglio Printmaking and a minor in Environmental Science. I am thrilled to be starting my first year as a lead teacher and am so excited to be completing my Montessori training. I live with my partner Ryan Frank and our cat Luna and enjoy spending time with them. I love gardening, seeing live music and spending time with friends and family.”Assistant Teachers
Daniela Stein – Hello! My name is Daniela Stein, but the children call me Ms. Dani. I was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida where I attended Santa Fe College. I graduated in 2009 with a degree in Radiography. Before college I worked as a toddler teacher at the very school I attended from Pre-K through 5th grade. I absolutely love working with children! My first class of toddlers was 6 years ago and I still keep in touch with most of the children I’ve had over the years. The Montessori method is new to me but I am very excited to grow and learn along side your children! Outside of the classroom, I enjoy hiking, working on my vegetable garden, and exploring Asheville.
Eliza Schweizbach – Hello, I’m Eliza Schweizbach and I am thrilled to be joining the AMS team year in Ms. Elenore’s class. Ten years ago I moved to Asheville after graduating with a degree in photography and a french minor from Ithaca College. It’s been the perfect home for writing and performing songs, learning the banjo, crafting, dancing, farming, being a photographer, hiking, reading, falling in love, and even getting married!
