Our Team

Lara holds a BS in Communication Arts with a minor in Music, MS in Journalism/PR, and Certification in Early Childhood Education from Age of Montessori. She has been a part of MWS since its opening in 2009. She served as a lead teacher in the primary classrooms for six years and is grateful to now serve the school as co-director. Lara also has many years of experience as a piano teacher and can often be found sharing her love of music with the MWS students. She believes in the Montessori approach to individualized learning for each student and its holistic focus on developing the whole child. “This instills a lifelong love of learning that empowers our students to become self-motivated, independent thinkers. What a blessing it is to see a child’s eyes alight with the joy of discovery!”

When she’s not at MWS, you’ll find Lara walking the trails or the neighborhood with her dogs, meeting a friend for coffee or reading a good book. She loves spending time with her husband, son and daughter, and is grateful when they can travel together and explore new places.

Joye’s BS in Early Childhood Education was earned at the University of Georgia. She taught for 40 years in traditional classrooms in Georgia and Tennessee, mostly kindergarten age. In the last three of those years, Joye visited numerous Montessori schools and was deeply touched by what she saw young children accomplishing. Wishing to continue making a difference in the lives of children and parents, Joye attained her Montessori Certification through the North American Montessori Center. She realized her dream of opening Montessori Weaver School in 2009, carefully crafting a beautiful learning environment to nurture independent, joyful, lifelong learners. Her wisdom guides us, and staff members often pause to consider, “What would Joye do?”

When she is not working hard to support the staff and serve the students at MWS, Joye enjoys baking, reading, hunting for treasures at antique stores and relaxing by the beach. She treasures time with her family and is blessed with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that fill her heart.

Angela is a Franklin, Tennessee native who graduated from Lipscomb University and completed teacher training for infants, toddlers and 2-year-olds through North American Montessori Center. She has taught at Montessori Weaver School for 13 years as a lead teacher in the pre-primary class. Angela makes our youngest students feel welcomed and loved while building their confidence and independence. She loves how the Montessori methodology creates independence, intrinsic motivation and a love of learning. “I am always excited to begin each school year, meeting each child where they are when they arrive with us, and working to establish a sense of community, respect and responsibility.” Angela truly partners with parents to help each child reach his or her full potential.

Angela has three children and five grandchildren. Her hobbies include reading and spending time outdoors, but her favorite hobby is spending time with her grandchildren.

Brooke holds a BA in Music Education and Montessori Certification in Early Childhood Education from the North American Montessori Center. Her experience working with early learners started as a private clarinet instructor. She has also utilized her music education training to work with middle school bands for auditions and large group evaluation. Brooke has worked with infants to age 7 in various environments including Early Learning Academies, Private Pre-K, and as a Kindergarten Paraprofessional in GA public schools. She joined MWS in January of 2022 and is now a lead teacher for our primary students. “I firmly believe that the Montessori method is the most beautiful, peaceful, and effective teaching/learning approach I have encountered. Working with MWS students and the exceptional staff has not only made me a better teacher, but also a better human being.”

Outside of teaching, Brooke is a wife, mom of 3, and a dog mom. Her family relocated to Murfreesboro from Senoia, Georgia in 2021 and have grown fond of their new home. As a music enthusiast, Brooke particularly enjoys the live music opportunities in this state, especially in Nashville. Apart from attending concerts, her family loves traveling and exploring new cities. Brooke also finds joy in baking, crafting, and playing the clarinet.

“I have a passion for nurturing young minds and creating a warm, supportive, and engaging environment where children feel safe to explore and grow at their own pace.” Kayla holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from MTSU and an active teaching license for Pre-K to 3rd Grade in Tennessee. She has taught reading and STEM at the Boys and Girls Club, Kindergarten at Salem Elementary, and Kindergarten and 2nd Grade at The Discovery School. 

Throughout her career, Kayla has been devoted to helping each child develop independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. “My journey into Montessori education began when I first visited Montessori Weaver School and saw firsthand how this child-centered approach could empower students to become confident and self-motivated learners.” Inspired by this philosophy, Kayla pursued Montessori certification through the North American Montessori Center. Kayla joined the MWS staff in 2023 is now the lead guide for our kindergarten class.

Kayla is a proud mom to 2 children of her own and understands the joys and challenges of early childhood development both as a teacher and a parent. When she’s not in the classroom, you can find her spending time with her family, hunting for books at the library, hiking in nature, or curled up with a good book and a cat (or two) in her lap. 

Donna holds a BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education/Special Education, MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, and EdS in Administration and Supervision. She is a licensed Tennessee teacher for grades K-5 and Special Education grades K-12 and a licensed administrator for K-12. 

Donna has worked with children in many environments. She was a church Preschool Director for 10 years, taught special education for 11 years, taught 4th and 5th grade classes for 5 years, and worked for 12 years as a technology specialist for K-8. This is her 9th year at MWS. In addition to assisting in our pre-primary classroom, Donna facilitates many technological and administrative tasks.

As a college student, Donna was fascinated by the Montessori Method and learned all she could. She was thrilled to join the staff at MWS. In her years with us, Donna has had the opportunity to work with all the age groups as an assistant, most recently in the pre-primary class. “It still fascinates me to see what the students learn and how they grow.”

When she isn’t busy at MWS, Donna enjoys watching Tennessee football and baseball, reading, traveling, and capturing special moments with her photography. You’ll often find her spending time with her grandsons and cheering them on in their sports activities. 

Nancy Geier (pronounced guy-er) was born in Mexico and raised in Hohenwald, TN. She moved to Murfreesboro in 2006 to attend MTSU, earning a bachelor’s degree in science. She was blessed to spend 5 years as a stay-at-home mom to her two boys. Kenzo (5) is currently a student at MWS and Niko (1) will have to wait a little bit longer before he joins us. Along with her husband, John Paul, Nancy enjoys spending quality family time with the boys outdoors–watching/playing sports, boating on the lake, or enjoying a bonfire. Cooking and eating in a full house filled with love and laughter is truly what brings them joy. 

Nancy worked at a local mortgage company before parenthood, and recently helped teach PreK in the public school setting. She quickly learned that the hands-on Montessori approach fosters a love for learning and builds a child’s confidence and independence, preparing them to succeed in any setting. This is Nancy’s first year at MWS, and she is excited to grow her roots with us for many years to come.  

Amy is an MTSU grad with a B.S. in Elementary Education as well as a M.Ed. and an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction. She recently retired after 30 years of teaching in the Murfreesboro City School system. During that time, she taught preschool for 4 years and kindergarten for 26 years. Most of those years were spent at Cason Lane Academy and John Pittard Elementary. She joined the MWS staff in 2024.

While at MTSU, Amy met her husband, and they have been married for 30 years. They have 3 children, ages 23, 22, and 15. They love spending time together as a family.

After many years spent teaching young children, Amy is learning to really appreciate the Montessori method. “Children thrive in an environment where hands-on learning and real-world skills are emphasized. I am so excited to be a part of Montessori Weaver School!”

Deanna earned her BA in German Language and Literature and Russian Studies from Albion College in Albion, Michigan and completed her MA degree and PhD exams in German Literature at Vanderbilt University, where she also began teaching German. Deanna went on to teach German, History and Social Sciences for 22 years at St. Cecilia Academy in Nashville.  She joined the MWS staff in August 2024.

Deanna is a former Montessori student, having attended Montessori as a 4- and 5-year-old.  The investigative nature and student-centered approach of the Montessori Method gave her the tools she needed to be a life-long learner.  She feels that the opportunity to help guide young learners in discovering their passions at Montessori Weaver School is truly a blessing. Deanna can often be found guiding the kindergarten students as they care for the MWS garden.

Deanna and her husband, Brian, moved to Tennessee in 1997 from Clawson, Michigan.  They have one daughter, Brianne, and a son-in-law, David.  Deanna loves spending time with her family (which includes lots of different animals) in their garden.  She also enjoys reading, cooking, crafting, and volunteering. 

Cherish holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and has worked with children as long as she can remember. Whether it be through volunteer positions, mission trips, or being a stay-at-home mom to her two boys, working with children has always been a great source of joy in her life. She joined MWS in 2024 and enjoys working with students of all ages at our school, graciously helping wherever she is needed. The Montessori method has always fascinated Cherish, who especially appreciates the hands-on nature of learning and the emphasis on educating the whole child. “Dr. Montessori invented an approach to learning that ignites independence and excitement, and I’m thrilled to be a part of her legacy.”

When she is not busy with children, you can find Cherish reading profusely, planning excessive birthday parties, biking, hiking, and working on knitting, embroidery, or sewing projects.