Faculty

• Title: Head of Business Operations
• Administrative Staff: Administrative Staff

• Title: Lead Guide
• Toddler Staff: Toddler Staff

Natasha Colon serves as the Lead Guide in the Toddler classroom at CMS, bringing a rich blend of international experience and a deep passion for early childhood education. She joined the CMS community in 2022, first supporting the Primary classrooms before stepping into her current leadership role with toddlers.

Originally from Italy and raised in Geneva, Switzerland, Natasha studied foreign languages and literature in London before earning a Master's degree in Psychology. Prior to her career in education, she spent eight years as a flight attendant, a role that allowed her to travel the world and connect with diverse cultures. Natasha holds a degree in education and has worked extensively in early childhood classrooms across Europe.

Natasha holds an AMS 0–3 Infant and Toddler Certification from the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies in Richmond, VA. Fluent in French, Italian, Spanish, and English, Natasha brings a strong multicultural perspective to her work—supporting toddlers with warmth, insight, and a global outlook during their critical early years of development.

• Title: Primary Assistant
• Primary Staff: Primary Staff

Lindsey graduated from Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College in December 2021 with an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development. In January 2025, she earned her Montessori Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Credential through the International Montessori Council.

With a passion for nurturing young minds, Lindsey is dedicated to creating supportive, engaging learning environments where children can thrive. Outside of her work in early childhood education, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, thrifting, and being outdoors.

• Title: Lead Guide
• Lower Elementary Staff: Lower Elementary

Nikki Holmes is the Lead Guide in the Lower Elementary classroom and joined the CMS community in 2023. She brings six years of experience in early childhood education and holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University. Nikki is currently pursuing her Lower Elementary (6–9) certification through the Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative (METTC).

Known for her larger-than-life personality, Nikki is passionate about creating learning environments that honor each child’s individuality and spark a lifelong love of learning. Originally from Wayne County, WV, she now lives in Poca, WV, with her husband and their two daughters—one a student at CMS and the other attending Marshall University.

• Title: Lead Guide
• Upper Elementary Staff: Upper Elementary

Natalya Hanshaw is the Lead Guide in the Upper Elementary classroom at CMS. She brings a rich cultural background, a deep love for the fine arts, and a strong commitment to Montessori education. Originally from Jamaica, Natalya joined the CMS 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 went on to earn a Master’s degree in Music Performance and Pedagogy from Marshall University, 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 on track to complete her AMS Elementary (6–12) Certification through the Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative (METTC) in Lexington, MA this year.

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—or catching up on some much-deserved

• Title: Primary Lead Guide
• Primary Staff: Primary Staff

Staci first joined our school community in August 2021 as a parent and quickly became an invaluable part of our team. She began volunteering and was officially hired as an Assistant in January 2022. During her early time with us, Staci supported every classroom and led weekly Art Specials, showcasing her versatility and commitment.

In May 2022, she earned her Primary Assistant Certification from CGMS and took the lead in running our Summer Camp. Her dedication and passion for Montessori education led her to step into the role of Primary Lead Guide in April 2023. She completed her Primary Lead Certification from VCMS in August 2024.

Born and raised in Charleston, WV, Staci holds a degree in accounting and previously worked in the banking industry before becoming a parent.

In her free time, she loves spending quality time with her friends and family, crafting, and enjoying the pool.

• Title: Primary Assistant
• Primary Staff: Primary Staff

Ania joined CMS in 2023 after realizing how much she loved being part of a child’s early learning journey. As the Assistant Teacher in the Cardinals Primary classroom, she enjoys diving into the Montessori philosophy and creating a welcoming, supportive space where kids feel inspired to learn and grow every day.

In 2024, she earned her Montessori Early Childhood Assistant Teacher credential through the International Montessori Council. She’s always been passionate about learning—not just in the classroom, but out in the world too. In 2022, she studied tropical biodiversity and evolution in Ecuador, an experience that fueled her love for nature and her commitment to environmental awareness.

Originally from Ripley, WV, she now calls South Charleston home. In her free time, you can find her traveling, practicing yoga, or painting—anything that sparks her curiosity and creativity.

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