The Del Ray Montessori School is a non-profit Montessori School located in the quaint Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia, we are associated and recognized by AMI/USA (Association Montessori International). Founded in 2011, we serve children ages 18 months through age 12 and their families in the DC metropolitan area.
Describe Montessori in one word: Respectful
Head of School
Jen has over 25 years of experience in early childhood, having served at The Del Ray Montessori School since 2015. Throughout Jen’s career, she has worked with children from infants to school-aged in the following capacities: a SACC teacher for Fairfax County, as a Lead Teacher for three-year-olds, as a Lead Teacher for four-year-olds, teaching Kindergarten, and as a Director for a large child care center. She started with DRMS as the office manager and transitioned into the role of Assistant Head of School in 2019. For the 2024-2025 school year, she began as Interim Head of School, with the Board unanimously voting her to assume the role of Head of School in April.
Jen received a Bachelor’s in Recreation Resources Management from George Mason University. She received her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Administrator’s Certificate in 2022 and is Dare to Lead© trained. She is also certified in Positive Discipline for Early Childhood Educators and Parents.
Jen loves cooking and enjoys spending time outdoors. She values the moments she shares with her children, even though three of the four have become independent adults. This may be one reason she continues to work with young children!
How did you come to learn about and love Montessori?
I have learned about it throughout my years working in early childhood. I also always knew there had to be a better way of interacting with children in the classroom … and when I came to DRMS, it all came together. I saw it in action and am still trying to learn all I can.
What is your favorite Montessori lesson?
I love watching children do flower arranging! Watching them care for the environment and carefully place their arrangements around the room leaves me speechless. The love and care they have for the environment at such a young age is beautiful to witness.
Describe the one WOW factor story you have seen in your children since you have been in a Montessori setting:
I think the wow factor happens at home with my own children. Becoming certified in Positive Discipline has helped build my relationships with my children, even as adults. They also become my guinea pigs ;)
