Angela Walker Given serves as the Head of School at Charleston Montessori, where she is dedicated to fostering a thriving Montessori community where children, families, and educators can grow together. A Charleston native, Angela grew up just a few miles from the school in Kanawha City. Her deep connection to the community and love for West Virginia inspire her commitment to strengthening education across the state and creating opportunities for children to grow, belong, and find their voice.
During her time at Marshall University, she was actively involved in the university’s dance community and community service initiatives, including working with elementary schools throughout the Huntington area. These experiences deepened her passion for children, education, and community engagement.
Before joining Montessori, Angela built her career in early childhood education through preschool teaching and leadership experiences. She holds a West Virginia Infant/Toddler (WVIT) Certification through Kanawha County, is a Certified Early Childhood Montessori Guide through Virginia Center for Montessori Studies (VCMS), holds a Prepared Adult Certificate through Xavier University, is Positive Discipline Certified, and has earned an American Montessori Society Early Childhood Reading Credential. She is passionate about early literacy, particularly phonemic awareness and strong reading foundations, and has contributed to roundtable discussions with West Virginia policymakers focused on literacy initiatives.
Since joining Charleston Montessori in 2025, Angela has led the school through intentional initiatives focused on strengthening Montessori practice. Her first-year initiative, The Prepared Environment, emphasized thoughtfully designed spaces that support independence, order, and intentional spaces. Her second-year initiative, The Prepared Adult, focuses on developing reflective educators, elevating professional practice, and recognizing the essential role of the adult in the Montessori environment.
Angela is a member of the American Montessori Society (AMS) and actively participates in the Montessori leadership community. In July 2025, she attended the AMS Heads of School Summer Program in Washington, D.C., and continues to engage in weekly Heads of School discussions and professional forums. She was also selected for the American Montessori Society Curriculum Coach Cohort 2026. At the end of the year, Angela will be a Certified Montessori Curriculum Coach.
Angela lives in South Charleston with her husband, Kevin; their teenage sons, Luke, Eli, and Edan; and their husky, Tucker. Outside of school, she enjoys trout fishing and nature photography, reflecting her love for the beauty of West Virginia and her belief in connecting to the natural world.