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Faculty

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Faculty

  • Title: Guide
  • Upper Elementary Staff: Upper Elementary Team

Natalya Hanshaw is a certified Guide in the Upper Elementary classroom at Charleston Montessori. She brings a deep love for the fine arts, a passion for learning, and a strong commitment to Montessori education. Originally from Jamaica, Natalya joined the Charleston Montessori community in 2022 and quickly became a valued member of the teaching team.

Natalya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Alcorn State University in Mississippi, where she showcased her musical talents at national and international competitions and conferences. She continued her studies at Marshall University, earning a Master’s degree in Music Performance and Pedagogy, where she also served as an Adjunct Instructor of Music.

Her interest in the Montessori approach led her to earn a Montessori Assistant Certification, and she is a certified Elementary (6–12) Montessori Guide through the Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative (METTC) in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Natalya believes in creating a classroom environment where students are encouraged to explore, think critically, collaborate, and develop independence. She is passionate about supporting students through meaningful work, cultivating curiosity, and helping children discover their unique strengths.

Outside of the classroom, Natalya enjoys life with her husband, Isaac, a native of West Virginia. Together, they enjoy video games, competition shows, and the occasional indulgence in retail therapy. In her downtime, you’ll often find her reading, spending time with family, or catching up on some much-deserved rest.

Charleston Montessori is grateful for Natalya’s creativity, dedication, and the unique perspective she brings to our Upper Elementary community.

“An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live.”

— Maria Montessori, Education and Peace (1949)

  • Title: Certified Assistant
  • Upper Elementary Staff: Upper Elementary Team

Ania McDougal joined the Charleston Montessori community in 2023 after discovering how much she loved being part of a child’s learning journey. As a Certified Assistant in the Upper Elementary classroom, she enjoys exploring the Montessori philosophy and creating a welcoming, supportive environment where students feel inspired to learn, grow, and discover their independence each day.

In 2024, Ania earned her Montessori Early Childhood Assistant Teacher credential through the International Montessori Council. Her passion for learning extends beyond the classroom, as she is continually inspired by opportunities to explore the world around her. In 2022, she studied tropical biodiversity and evolution in Ecuador, an experience that deepened her appreciation for nature and strengthened her commitment to environmental awareness.

This school year, Ania will be presenting science lessons in the Upper Elementary classroom. She has thoughtfully prepared and aligned the science curriculum to support students’ curiosity, exploration, and understanding of the natural world through a Montessori lens.

Originally from Ripley, West Virginia, Ania now calls South Charleston home. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, painting, and exploring new experiences that inspire her curiosity and creativity. Ania has a deep love for animals and enjoys spending time with her cat, Butters.

Charleston Montessori is grateful for Ania’s enthusiasm, dedication, and the thoughtful energy she brings to our students and community.

“A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”

— James N. Watkins

  • Title: Head of School
  • Administrative Staff: Administrative Staff

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.