Our Team

Heather Heisig has been a part of the Charlottesville Montessori community since 2003. She taught for 10 years before moving to UMS to begin her administrative career.  She also has been an instructor at the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies in Richmond.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English, and received her Montessori Primary level certification from the Virginia Center for Montessori Teacher Education in 2004. Heather strongly believes that Montessori education creates excited, motivated learners who can change the world.

Darnell has worked the last ten years in the administration and childcare field. On the administration side he was responsible for an array of different tasks including consolidation, billing, accounts payable and accounts receivable. In the childcare field, he worked with children from ages 2 - 5 in an assortment of activities. One of his favorite things about being in the classroom was seeing the many different personalities of each child. In his spare time, Darnell enjoys spending time with family, playing the drums, coaching basketball for the YMCA and watching sports. He is so happy to be a part of the UMS family!

Geovanna is a native of Peru, who trained with the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies. Geo has worked at UMS since 1990 and is a beloved member of the UMS community. In addition to teaching the Morning Program, Geovanna co-teaches the afternoon Kindergarten work cycle with Polly.

Debbie joined University Montessori School in Spring 2023.  Prior to joining the UMS community Debbie worked as a community midwife in the Charlottesville and the Lynchburg areas.  There has been a sweet continuity having met some students when they were brand new to this world and reacquainting with them now.  Outside of UMS, Debbie is enthusiastic about going on all types of grand and everyday adventures. 

Bio and photo to come!

Dr. Sana Aziz recently joined the University Montessori community, bringing expertise in Zoology and a commitment to early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor in Education and Doctoral degree in Zoology, and has over five years of experience teaching Biological Sciences. Prior to her current role as an Aftercare Teacher at UMS, Dr. Aziz has served as an Editor and contributed to scientific publications through articles, book chapters, and conference abstracts. In her classroom, Dr. Aziz employs hands-on, nature-based activities to foster curiosity and helps children develop essential learning skills. Her instructional approach emphasizes respect for each child's innate curiosity and aims to guide students toward realizing their full potential, thereby nurturing young minds. Dr. Aziz has developed advanced skills in biochemistry, cellular biology, and molecular biology duringher doctoral studies, and she maintains a strong interest in scientific writing and literature.

University Montessori School is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, home of the University of Virginia where many community members have ties. The school has a long history of serving a population that is racially, internationally, and economically diverse. It also has a long standing history of being a school where children of same sex parents are warmly welcomed.

UMS does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identification, or national ethnic origin.