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.
Janet Gallagher
- Head of School
- B.S. EC Education
- M.S. Special Education
- Founded WEMS in 1997
Michele Mohar
- Assistant Head of School
- B.A. Journalism/Fine Arts
- MEd Special Education
- AMS Infant Toddler and EC certified
- A part of WEMS since 2003
Melinda Bell
- Office Manager
- M.B.A.
- Elementary Education
- A part of WEMS since 2015
Jamie Custer
- Lead Infant Toddler Teacher
- MEd
- AMS Infant Toddler certified
- A part of WEMS since 2015
Ellen DePue
- Assistant Infant Toddler Teacher
- Music Together Teacher
- B.A. Journalism/History
- A part of WEMS since 2005
David Esleck
- Elementary Music Teacher
- B.A. Music Education
- M.A. Music
- D.M.A Music
- A part of WEMS since 2006
Mary Freed
- Librarian
- Science Teacher
- Extended Day Teacher
- Bachelor of Arts
- AMI/AMS certified
- A part of WEMS since 2008
Kelley Granger
- Lead EC Teacher
- AMS Associate EC
- A part of WEMS since 1998
Kristi McCullough
- Lead EC Teacher
- B.A.
- AMS EC intern
- A part of WEMS since 2016
Jen Perkins
- Outdoor Environment Coordinator
- AMS Associate EC
- A part of WEMS since 2002
Kelly Rauscher
- Lead Infant Toddler Teacher
- Art Teacher
- B.A.
- AMS Toddler Certified, AMS EC Trained
- A part of WEMS since 2007
Natasha Siva Shook
- Elementary Coordinator
- B.A. English
- AMS Elementary certified
- A part of WEMS since 1999
Audrey Tait
- Assistant Infant Toddler Teacher
- B.S.
- Virginia Teacher License
- A part of WEMS since 2016
Vicki Turnamian
- Lead EC Teacher
- AMS Associate EC
- Positive Discipline Teacher and Parent Educator
- A part of WEMS since 2001
Jazmin Torres
- Spanish Teacher
- B.A. Spanish/Economics
- A part of WEMS since 2013