WEMS Staff
Each teacher at WEMS has been chosen for his or her education, understanding of the Montessori method, warm spirit and ability to work as part of a team. Together, we provide a well-rounded learning community. Our lead teachers are certified by the American Montessori Society and all assistant teachers are experienced in their program and grade level.
Administration
toddler
Early Childhood
Elementary
Dr. David Esleck
Music Instructor
DMA, music, The Catholic University of America, DC
MA, Music, The University of Virginia, VA
MS, Music Education, Tennessee Technological University, TN
Dr. Esleck is on the faculty at the University of Richmond, and has a very active career as a musical performer and producer.
A Part of WEMS since 2009
Hannah Melin
Elementary Assistant Teacher
Bachelor’s in Family Studies, University of St. Thomas
Hannah has 5 years of experience working with children in different environments, including schools, Henrico CASA, and non-profits. She appreciates how Montessori teaching encourages students to become independent in the way they learn.
A part of WEMS since 2024
Abigail Allen
Elementary Teacher
BS in Psychology and M.Ed. in Special Education from George Mason University
Master’s of Administration and Supervision K-12 from Virginia Commonwealth University
Currently working toward American Montessori Society Certification in Elementary I & II Education through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support/Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
Restorative Practices
Autism, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Verbal Behavior
Multi-sensory Reading Instruction and SPIRE Reading Instruction
Abigail has a passion for the development of the whole child from birth to adulthood. She joins WEMS after 24 years in public education as a teacher and administrator and is dedicated to the growth, development, and confidence of every child. Her love for Montessori education grew when realizing that her own special education classrooms were designed much like a Montessori classroom.
A part of WEMS since 2024
Jamie Custer
Elementary Lead Teacher
Associate Instructor for Virginia Center for Montessori Studies
MEd Curriculum and Instruction, Averett University, VA
BS Social Studies Education, University of Evansville, IN
American Montessori Society Infant and Toddler Certification
AMS Elementary II Montessori Certification
Jamie started her teaching career in 2004 teaching high school Social Studies. After leaving public schools in 2009, she attended Montessori Assistant Teacher training at Virginia Center for Montessori Studies and opened a small in-home Infant and Toddler program. Upon receiving her American Montessori Society Infant/Toddler Certification in 2016, she joined WEMS. Jamie worked in the Toddler Class for four years and in 2020, she began working with Elementary students.
A Part of WEMS since 2016
Natasha Siva Shook
Curriculum Coordinator, Elementary Lead Teacher, Instructor for Advanced Institute for Montessori Studies
B.A. English, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA
AMS Elementary I and II Montessori Certification
Natasha has a deep love of learning and community that she has shared with children, from toddler through elementary, and adults for over 20 years.
A part of WEMS since 1999
Andrea Bennett
Elementary Teacher
Andrea holds a B.S. in Social Science from Rutgers University and a Masters in Education from Xavier University. Andrea is a Montessori certified Elementary I Teacher and also holds a state teaching license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. After teaching in public Montessori in Ohio, Andrea moved to Virginia where she has been teaching public elementary school. Andrea brings a wealth of experience to WEMS from her teaching career. In addition Andrea is a U.S. Navy veteran and has traveled extensively. Her personal passions are growing flowers, quilting and baking cookies. Andrea has a granddaughter attending WEMS.
A part of WEMS since 2025
Sarah Burger
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher
Sarah is a married mom of 3 who has lived and volunteered with children in South Africa since 2008. She has recently returned with her family to enjoy Richmond.
A Part of WEMS Since 2024
Sally Glaspie
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher
Sally holds a B.A. in Education (K-8) from Wittenberg University and Masters in Education, Montessori (3-6) from Xavier University.
Sally holds an Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society and is a certified Orton-Gillingham Instructor.
Additionally, Sally is certified in Emotional Freedom Techniques. After raising my own children, I was excited to return to teaching.
I am looking forward to being part of the WEMS team and supporting children in their learning.
A Part of WEMS Since 2025
Sydney Flowe
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Associates of Education from Reynolds Community College
Currently pursuing a Bachelors of Education
After wanting to work with children ever since she was one herself, and becoming a stay at home mom to her son Owen in 2020, Sydney happily found West End Montessori and started her career in Montessori education.
A part of WEMS since 2025
Grace Cox
Early Childhood Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, minor in disability studies from Virginia Tech.
American Montessori Society Early Childhood Certification
Before joining WEMS, I worked at a Montessori school in New Jersey for two years.
A Part of WEMS Since August 2023
Sarah Chong
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
M.A. in Early Childhood Education concentration on Montessori, Gordon College in 2021
Certifications AMS certification from NEMTEC in M.A.
Montessori certificate in MTP of Washington
Over 20 years of Montessori guide experience in the classroom and years of experience of supervising and training Montessori teachers.
Currently Pursuing in AMS Instructor Academy cohort 5
A Part of WEMS Since November, 2024
Emily Nicholson
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
BA, Liberal Arts from University of Richmond
Currently pursuing a Master of Teaching at University of Richmond
American Montessori Society Early Childhood Certification
A Part of WEMS since June 2019
Kelley Granger
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
Instructor, Virginia Center for Montessori Studies
American Montessori Society Early Childhood Certification
AMS Early Childhood Reading Certificate
Music Together® Specialist
After working in the insurance industry for ten years, and then becoming a stay at home mom of three boys, Kelley found her path to Montessori and WEMS. Her love and passion for Montessori grew as all three of her boys attended WEMS. More than twenty years of experience has provided both personal and professional growth and she credits the children for much of her learning and pleasure in teaching.
A Part of WEMS since 1998
Roopal Shah
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
Roopal holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a focus on special needs.
She brings over 15 years of experience in education, including a decade of dedicated work at a Montessori school in Atlanta.
Roopal is completing her AMS Early Childhood certification at the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies.
She is passionate about fostering independence and curiosity in young children through the Montessori method.
Dawn Demsko
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Miss Dawn has a strong background in customer service management, bringing over 20 years of leadership and communication experience to the classroom. A devoted single mother of four, Dawn is passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging environment for young children to grow and thrive.
Karen Lynn
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Media Arts and Design from James
Madison University
Minor in Music from James Madison University
Certified teacher of Music Together
Karen has a long and cherished history with WEMS, where her three boys attended the toddler and early childhood programs.
Karen taught Music Together as a Parent-Child class instructor at West End Montessori. Initially, Karen returned to WEMS to teach toddler music and transitioned into a position as a Toddler Assistant.
Karen has been an integral part of her family’s business, Disco Sports, where she has worked for 25 years.
A Part of WEMS Since 2024
Lauren Vinayak
Toddler Lead Teacher
American Montessori Society Infant/Toddler Certification
After being a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, Lauren knew she wanted to work with children. She fell in love with the Montessori method of education after sending all three of her own children to WEMS. Lauren knew instantly that a career among the WEMS community was the perfect opportunity to continue her love of working with children.
A Part of WEMS Since 2021
Kay Cram
Administrative Assistant
BA University of Richmond- History & Art History
Kay was an Early Childhood Lead Teacher at WEMS many moons ago, as well as the parent of 2 WEMS students who are now grown!
A part of WEMS since 2024
Kelly Rauscher
Administrative Assistant
Elementary Art Teacher
B.F.A. Painting and Printmaking, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA
B.F.A.Digital Illustration, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA
American Montessori Society Infant/Toddler Certification
Kelly uses her understanding of infant and toddler development to work with toddlers helping them grow and learn as they accomplish milestones. Kelly brings her love of art to the elementary students inspiring the children’s creativity.
A part of WEMS since 2007
Vickie Turnamian
Assistant Head of School
Instructor, Virginia Center for Montessori Studies
American Montessori Society Early Childhood Certification
Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Early Childhood Educator, and Teacher Educator
After teaching at the early childhood level for 18 years, Vickie transitioned to responsibilities as Assistant Head of School.
With a lifetime passion for learning, Vickie provides staff development and teacher training on topics related to Practical Life, Peace Education, and Positive Discipline.
A Part of WEMS since 2001
Janet Gallagher
Founder and Head of School
Founded WEMS in 1997
MS Special Education, Wagner College, NY
BS Education, Hunter College, NY
Music Together® Specialist
Janet has enjoyed over 30 years of working with children and adults as a teacher and administrator. She is dedicated to inclusion and working with children with special needs. She is committed to creating a respectful school community among students, teachers and parents.
A Part of WEMS since 1997