Elementary

Elementary Faculty/Staff

List of 27 members.

Virginia Luff

Owner
Bio
I began working as an assistant in a Montessori preschool, just out of college with a B.A. in Anthropology. I fell in love with the environment, the philosophy, and the children, and knew that I had found my calling. The following year I began Oklahoma City University’s AMS Montessori training program for Lower Elementary, then completed a Masters of Education. In 2002, I began working at a public Montessori school in Oregon, started a new classroom, and remained there for 6 years. Because of my husband’s job, we relocated to Texas and I fortunately discovered Headwaters.

In 2010, I began working at Headwaters, which was then Primavera, and I am ecstatic to have found my educational home. The sense of community is amazing, and I relish the mutual respect between parents, teachers, and the administration. Each of my co-workers inspires me to continue to learn, to think creatively, and to live a healthy lifestyle. When not working, I spend much of my time playing music with friends, reading, cooking, hiking, and sharing fantastic conversation and garden-grown food with my husband and daughter.
Jote Khalsa

Creek Campus Manager
Bio
I have been a part of the Headwaters community for many years, first as a parent and then as a staff member. I am the Campus Manager for the Elementary campus, overseeing everyday operations for our 150+ Elementary students. Outside of my work at Headwaters, I most enjoy being behind the lens as a photographer.
Sunni Zuniga

Distance Learning Coordinator & Upper Elementary Guide
Bio
I have been teaching in Montessori classrooms for close to a decade. I began my work in Lower Elementary and soon added Upper Elementary training as well. I have worked in private Montessori and public, as well as served as an Elementary Education Coordinator for a 6-12 Montessori program. Prior to my elementary teaching career, I worked in educational publishing in Boston, MA, and in information technology at the University of Texas at Austin. I made the transition to teaching after watching my two daughters begin their Montessori journeys as toddlers. It was a visit to Virginia Luff's elementary classroom at Primavera (currently Springs campus) that caused me to fall in love with Montessori for the elementary-aged child. The wide scope of content for this age has dovetailed beautifully with my lifelong curiosity about the world and its workings. In addition to Montessori training, I also hold a BA in English and Dramaturgy, an MA in Literature, and Hatha yoga certification. Read my Teaching Philosophy statement here.
Keely Bargnesi

Upper Elementary Guide
Jacqueline Bauer

K-1 Guide
Bio
I first came upon the Montessori pedagogy when studying Early Childhood Education during my first year at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. After an observation at the campus Lab School, I was struck by how the children were guided with respect and compassion. I recall the classroom being a place where awareness and independence were ubiquitous. My admiration led me to include Montessori Education in my studies from that day forward.

In May of 2017, I received my AMS certification for Lower Elementary and a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education after four years of study. I began my work alongside the spontaneous and inspiring 6-9 year old children in Chicago as a Lead Guide for three consecutive years.

I am motivated to honor each unique child and to help them reach their highest potential. Celebrating richness in our community, cultivating peace practices, and meticulously preparing every detail of the classroom is work that undeniably brings a sense of wholeness. I am honored to spend my days alongside the absorbent minds of the children who are relishing in the process. I am lucky to work with the vivacious and wise community of people at Headwaters who inspire creativity and joy.

Alongside my work, I fill my time by continuing my lifelong learning of gardening, fiber arts, and cooking. I find joy in exploring new places to rock climb and biking to vistas at sunset. I enjoy the rhythms of practicing solitude and discovering the excitement of the world through the stories of friends and family.
Beth Berman

Elementary Music Guide
Bio
My teaching adventures began over 25 years ago in New York State, where I received a Bachelor of Music (Music Education) with a concentration in voice and piano. Throughout my early years of teaching, I pursued a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education (math concentration) as well as the highest level of Orff Certification for music teachers. A colleague and I published See Kids Listen: 10 Lessons to Activate Minds.Our techniques for active music listening led us to facilitate workshops throughout New York State and at national Orff conferences during the 90s and early 2000s until she retired and I moved to Texas.

As someone who enjoys variety, I have taught K-12 Music, Choir, 2nd/3rd grade Math, middle and high school Yoga, and 9th grade Health in previous public and private schools. In the music classroom, I am an “Orff Specialist.” The teaching philosophies created by Carl Orff and Maria Montessori are beautifully compatible. In an Orff classroom, children sing, play instruments, and experience movement/dance in nearly every class. Through imitation, then exploration, our class “orchestra” moves towards musical experiences that may be deeply felt and even transformative. While the music room is an environment of play, multisensory learning and high engagement can be readily observed. It is with great joy and anticipation that I embark on musical journeys with our precious Headwaters children.

Outside of school, my husband and I are fortunate to have our college daughters in Austin and San Antonio in the UT system, one studying Anthropology, and the other studying Biology. At home, I enjoy being at the piano, arranging or playing music with my husband and friends. I also enjoy travel, cooking, yoga, biking, reading, and exploring Austin with friends and family.
Lucille Berrones

Elementary Gardening Guide
Bio
Aside from the endless benefits of garden-grown food, there’s nothing better than gardening with children! I’ve been a home gardener for more than 20 years, and have pursued volunteer service, courses and professional development in botany, native plants, wildlife habitats, urban farming, permaculture, and others. However, the real learning happens in the garden.

My love for Maria Montessori started more than 25 years ago. I was inspired and guided by Gail Allen, (Headwaters’s Montessori Consultant), who was Director of The Montessori Center. I started assisting Lead Guides under Gail’s supervision, then at other Austin Montessori schools. I joined Headwaters (previously Primavera Montessori) in 2005 as a parent (our daughter is a student on the River campus), and in 2007 as a staff member.

My vision to teach in a school garden began to grow while gardening at home with our daughter Luna. I remember her eyes lighting up when we planted tiny carrot seeds, pulled out the colorful roots, and enjoyed their sweet juicy taste! And I remain as delighted as ever to see students be amazed at the miracle of seeds becoming plants, then food, in a matter of months, and having fun every step of the way!

If just one child tries kale for the first time and exclaims, “This tastes great!”, or realizes that gardening starts with the soil’s health under our feet, or that a garden must give back to our native habitat rather than take from it, then I’ve done my job. Thank you for giving me that opportunity with your child.
Caleb Davis

Creativity Club Guide
Bio
I began working with elementary school children in a private school setting in 2008 and immediately fell in love with the natural learning process. One of the most gratifying things for me personally is seeing the expression on a child’s face when they have a “eureka!” moment after working to understand something that they previously had no knowledge of.

In 2011 I helped in starting Progress School Austin, which is focused on K-3rd grade learning in natural environments. There I facilitated emotional and educational growth through imaginary play, team play, and exploration.

I was introduced to Montessori education in 2013, working at Hawthorne Montessori. There, I was a guide in an 18 month – 3 year old classroom, which required a certain level of patience I was unaware existed in human beings. It was also where I latched onto the “follow the child” philosophy of Montessori education, to which I find myself constantly reaffirming.

Being able to see a child fully, and to help facilitate a child’s navigation through murky waters (emotional, social, and educational) is the richest payback of all.
Alexandra Gantley

Elementary Learning Specialist
Bio
A warm hello to the Headwaters community! My name is Alexandra Gantley and I’m the new Learning Specialist at the Headwaters Creek Campus. I’ve worked as a special educator for fifteen years in a variety of academic environments. My experience includes work at both public and private schools, and I’ve taught and tutored students of all ages, ranging from elementary to high school learners.

I grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, and began my career as a special education teacher in Boston, Massachusetts after graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I received my masters in education from Boston College a few years later. After moving to Austin in 2010, I worked as an Inclusion teacher at a public middle school for two years before transitioning to Rawson Saunders. I spent four years at Rawson Saunders as a Language Arts teacher and learned so much about students with dyslexia and ADHD, as well as twice-exceptional students and many other non-traditional learners. Most recently, I worked at a charter high school and also as a private tutor and IEP consultant for families in the Austin area.

In all my years as an educator, it has been an absolute joy to work with students who think and learn differently than many of their peers. I’m so excited to begin my next chapter at Headwaters, working with teachers, families, and students to help all learners maximize their potential and discover what works best for their learning style and interests.

Outside of education, my interests include reading, gardening, movies, cooking, visiting new restaurants, and spending as much time as possible exploring the Hill Country with my husband and our energetic dog, Lily.
Mark Gaston

Maintenance & Transportation
Jennifer Giroux

K-1 Guide
Bio
I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Music from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. After graduation, I stumbled upon a job teaching at a church preschool in Houston. I hadn’t worked there long before I was completely hooked. Those little minds grabbed and kept my attention in a way that was far more profound than anything I had ever studied in school. After two years in Houston, I moved to Germany for a year; then returned to the U.S. to pursue a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I obtained my M.A.Ed. from Washington University in St. Louis in 1995. Since that time, I’ve taught pre-k, kindergarten, and 1st grade in both public and private schools.

I discovered Headwaters in 2010 while exploring school options for my then four-year-old son. As a veteran teacher, I had high standards for the school setting I wanted for my child. Headwaters had it all! I was struck by the beautiful classroom environments, the school’s emphasis on peace education, and the incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable teaching staff. Within minutes of walking through the doors, I knew that I had found the ideal school for my son, as well as for myself. In 2012, I received my Montessori training from the Houston Montessori Center (AMS). I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this incredible community where I get to teach K-1 with the amazing Jennifer Phillips.
Jennie Glass

Elementary PE Guide/ODL
Amanda Johnson
Bio
This will be my fifth year as Director of Creativity Club, and I cannot wait to get back into the world of Headwaters. I ventured here after working at Dougherty Arts Center for four years as a Creativity Club teacher. Prior to that, I had worked at Child’s Day Preschool and Dallas Children’s Theatre. I have always had a passion for theatre, and as I graduated college I realized that my greatest passion was to teach drama, specifically to elementary children. The world of art is a place where children can let their imaginations soar, without boundaries or limitations. It’s also a place where we, as teachers, can explore almost limitless possibilities. This is what draws me to teach theatre, especially at an elementary level, where children are often deprived of the arts (specifically theatre). Headwaters is a place where inspiration, originality and creativity are not just taught, they are practiced daily. That, combined with the love and support of the staff, have made my time here so far incredibly warm and inviting. I hope to continue nurturing the students’ creativity through art, drama, and even video production throughout the coming years.

When I’m not working at Headwaters, I am often involved in a theatre troupe I co-founded with my best friend, called “The Dramazons.” We perform original plays around Austin (wherever we can afford to rent space)! This allows me the freedom to continue acting, which is a great passion of mine. I also enjoy reading, hiking, amateur songwriting, and playing with my animals: my dog, Tazzy and six cats: Juno, Bear, Bandit, Cleo, Mitch, and Stevie Nicks!
Kaelee Kress

Upper Elementary Guide
Bio
I was born and raised in Oregon, and a Montessori student for nine years (primary and elementary). At The University of Oregon I earned degrees in Digital Art and Business Administration. After graduation, I spent a year traveling through Australia. Upon my return I earned my Montessori elementary diploma, as well as a Masters in Montessori Education. After working in an upper elementary classroom in Houston, I spent five weeks in Ohio earning my Montessori Adolescent Certificate for ages 12-18 in a fully immersive program. I moved to Austin in the beginning of August when I started at Headwaters. So far I am enjoying exploring the city and getting to know all of the kind people who live here.
Christopher Larson

K-1 Guide
Bio
My experience in Montessori goes all the way back to when I was first born. My mother, aunt, and uncle are all life long Montessorians, so I was indoctrinated into the philosophy from a young age. I attended Montessori school until the 6th grade and my experience and the memories I made with my Montessori community is what inspired me to become a Montessori Guide myself. I have been working in Montessori communities for over 12 years and have enjoyed my journey every step of the way. I am honored to now be a part of the Headwaters School and to share my passion for Montessori education with this amazing community!
Emily Martin

Early Elementary Guide
Bio
began my teaching career in 2003, after graduating with a degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin. After spending two years teaching in public schools working with Gifted and Talented students, I took a small break from the classroom to stay at home with my daughter. In 2008, I planned on returning to teaching and set out to start looking for a school program for my daughter. In spring of that year, I stepped through the doors of our original school, Primavera Montessori, for an open house and I knew instantly that I had found a home for both my daughter and myself. I found myself so moved by the passions and intentions that this little school put forth and was in awe of the reverence in which they held social and emotional learning. This school practiced a radically different approach to education, one that was grounded in close and insightful observations of children and its effects were seen throughout the programs. I joined on as an assistant in the Primary program and began my training to become a Montessori guide. I obtained my Montessori Primary credentials in spring of 2011 a few months after moving up to our early elementary program. After teaching K-1 for 6 years, I moved out to California with my family. We returned this summer and I was fortunate enough to land a position in our early elementary program. I am simply over the moon to again find myself in a community that respects, nourishes, and values each child's gifts and strengths.
Eduardo Martinez

Upper Elementary Guide
Bio
I am a proud father of two children who have been in Montessori since they began their education outside of our home. I fell in love with the method when my wife and I realized that our parenting style was naturally aligned with it. Nine years of being a “Montessori Dad” along with being married to a Montessori Guide, I realized that I too wanted to be in the Montessori classroom. I am currently working toward my Early and Upper Elementary Certification at the Center For Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS) based at the New Gate International Montessori IB School in Sarasota, Florida. The course is a two-and-a-half year program founded by some of the most respected and forward thinking Montessori educators in the country.

When I joined Headwaters, I began supporting the specials programs on our elementary campuses. This included roles as P.E. assistant, Art Co-Guide, Garden Co-Guide, Creativity Club Guide, and a private support guide for elementary children. I have been certified as one of our Low Ropes Challenge Course Facilitators, and look forward to using this unique course as an extension of our classrooms. With our Low Ropes Challenge Course in the Bird’s Nest at the Brodie Campus, we are taking team building to a new level for our students and staff.

In the U.S. and internationally, I have studied environmental design, performing arts, healing arts, studio arts, industrial arts, and Capoeira Angola. I am a licensed massage therapist (LMT). I enjoy kites, boarding sports, swimming, being a disk jockey, up-cycling functional art, health, wellness, sustainable living, organic gardening, reading, and spending quality time with my family.

The Headwaters School community inspires me, and I am thankful that my family is part of it.
Rendi Nutt

Early Elementary Guide
Bio
I have been teaching at Headwaters since 2007. My first two years, I was a Primary assistant, and since then I have been a Guide in the Early Elementary classroom. Before teaching at Headwaters, I studied Cultural Anthropology and Peace Studies at the University of North Texas. My focus was on Tibetan refugees living in India, and I was fortunate enough to spend a summer in the Himalayas studying the ways they obtain their culture through education, language, and religion. Before moving to Austin I taught high school for a year in the Marshall Islands. I obtained my Early Elementary AMS certification from the Houston Montessori Center. I love to dance, perform, travel, and soak up all of my sweet baby’s smells, sounds, and love.

In my first two years at Headwaters, I learned more about the philosophy of Montessori. I was inspired by the unique and compassionate way the guides at Headwaters care for all of the precious children. The importance Headwaters places on a child’s emotional and social development coupled with a strong academic focus resonated with me, and I decided to go deeper in my personal education of the Montessori method. Throughout my experience at this school, I have grown as a person. My relationships with my partner, family, friends, and co-workers have strengthened. The teachers, children, and parents in this community amaze me daily. I look forward to my family growing with this incredible community.
Jennifer Phillips

K-1 Guide
Bio
I am a lifelong learner and eager student of the gifts of childhood and human potential. I was fortunate, in my late teens, to find a path into the marvelous world of Montessori Education and have spent my entire adult life in grateful service to hundreds of amazing and unique young children and their families. My biggest passion in working with children is to be an advocate and facilitator in the growth of the WHOLE child; helping to weave mind, body and spirit together in each child’s quest for self-actualization. I immensely love exploration, expression and connection through the arts and sciences, the pursuit of knowledge and sharing in the wonders of this amazing and beautiful world.

I have two Montessori teaching credentials, received from the American Montessori Society (AMS) in 1994 and the Association Montessori International (AMI) in 2000. And this year, I celebrate my 28th year of Montessori Education in Austin! I am a founding member and “proud mama” of Primavera Montessori School, and have led in the development of the Primary program from its inception. I currently guide within the K-1 program and feel completely blessed to continue my Montessori journey into the Elementary years and the Cosmic Curriculum.

Beautiful from the beginning, our school’s mission has perpetually manifested itself into being, threading together a vital group of Visionaries—educators, parents, and children—committed to a peaceful, empowered, and interdependent village. It has been pure joy to behold our school’s unfolding over the past decade, and to welcome and collaborate with all those who were drawn to come, to share in our vision, and to bring their passionate and amazing talents with them! Each of us is continually surrounded by wonder, inspiration, and unwavering support. Headwaters School is truly an optimal learning environment for us all, cradle to college… and beyond! I look forward to the expansive growth we will continue to create together in Headwaters’s bright and innovative future.
Leslie Scott

K-1 Guide
Bio
As an experienced and passionate educator, I am excited about my fifth year at Headwaters School and working with Chris in the Swifts classroom.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology – Sports Administration with a minor in Psychology and graduated with honors from the University of Houston. I have taken all the classes necessary for the alternative teaching certification in early childhood education, and I have passed the early childhood state exam. However, I feel that the Montessori teachings are a more appropriate direction for me.

I have more than ten years of experience working with a wide range of youth, from newborn babies to young adults. Positions I have held include nanny, swim lesson instructor, Red Cross certified lifeguard instructor, and most recently, I worked at a local children’s shelter with at-risk youth 0-21 years of age. While there, I helped tutor clients, facilitated age appropriate group activities, coordinated house schedules, and maintained a safe and nurturing environment for everyone. My greatest assets are my patience and experience working with children!
Erin Sheppard

Elementary Spanish Guide
Bio
The ways of Maria Montessori have been a natural path of living and guiding. I incorporated Montessori for years without having a name to it. As a nanny, I guided children as their independence unfolded; as a public school teacher, I let students work on their own, experiment, discover, and take ownership of their learning and journeys. As a parent, my children use their hands as they shape their own futures. All of these relationships have been based on respecting each other and the world around us with peace as a way of life. Imagine my joy to discover the Montessori philosophy that encompassed my own philosophy and practices!
My professional Montessori experience includes serving as lead guide of the Nido environment, after-care guide for Young Children’s Community, and Spanish camp guide (all at Mariposa Montessori) as well as an in-home infant/toddler Montessori child-care. I also have experience teaching bilingual education in both an orphanage and a bilingual private school in Mexico, cross-curricular English as a Second Language, Spanish, Math (including for Spanish speakers), and private project-based classes. I have also developed curriculum for Austin homeschool families as well as tutored professionally. My teacher certifications include Bilingual Education (Early Childhood – 6th grade), ESL (Early Childhood – 12th grade), Generalist (Early Childhood – 6th grade), Generalist (grades 4-8), Math (grades 4-8).

Though I love to travel the world, Austin is my family’s home. We love to play outside with friends (and our dog, Pixie), exploring for secret streams, sparkly crystals, and enchanted corners of the city. I also enjoy learning languages, live music, and curling up with a good book.
Jennifer Skiffington

Upper Elementary Guide
Bio
I love Headwaters School because it embodies the Montessori principles of peace through education and communication, along with meeting the needs of each individual child through the concept of “following the child.” I am continually inspired by the passionate work of my colleagues and the eagerness of the children to learn. As a teacher in the Upper Elementary, I strive to inspire the children with surprising and engaging lessons that tap into their insatiable curiosity for new knowledge. In order to explore their world and their relationships with each other, I aim to create a nurturing, caring classroom community, in which the students can feel comfortable to be themselves and discover their own success.

I became inspired to pursue teaching as a career after working for a year in Chambery, France as an English teacher to elementary-aged children. Upon my return home to Tucson, AZ, I discovered the Montessori philosophy of education and was a Montessori middle school teacher for several years at Khalsa Montessori School in Tucson, AZ. I joined Headwaters School after moving to Austin in 2011, working first as a substitute teacher, then as a support guide on the Springs campus. Since 2013, I have taught Upper Elementary as a lead guide.

I have a Bachelors of Arts degree in English and French from the University of Arizona and a Masters of Education (with a specialization in Montessori) from Xavier University. I hold an Elementary I/II Certificate (ages 6-12) from Montessori Education Teacher Training Collaborative (METTC) in Lexington, MA. I also hold a Secondary I/II Certificate (ages 12-18) from Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program (CMSTEP) in Cincinnati, OH.

I spent my elementary school years in Milford, NH before moving to Tucson, AZ, which I now consider my hometown. I’ve also lived in Chennai, India; Guadalajara, Mexico; and Chambery, France. I enjoy traveling and experiencing the diversity of foreign cultures. My other hobbies include scuba diving, yoga, bicycling, sewing, cooking, and dancing.
Yvonne Solorio

K-1 Guide
Bio
I first came upon Montessori in 1991 while employed as an assistant in a primary classroom. I was moved by the amount of respect and level of independence apparent in the children. The practices and philosophies immediately struck a chord with me. I knew right away I wanted to be a part of this method of education as a pathway to peace.

In August of 2000 I received my AMI Primary Certification. I have been working in Montessori classrooms now for the past 26 years and continue to be inspired and motivated by the unique potential within every child. It is an honor to collaborate with others in the shaping of mankind through the support of human development. Preparing environments to provide the means for the education and independence of the young child is a creative aspect I enjoy puzzling through.

For years I was an admirer of Primavera Montessori and would occasionally stop by to say hello to old friends and enquire about the school. It’s energizing to now be a part of this honest, open minded and vibrant culture. I look forward to broadening and texturing my experience with education as the school continues to grow and take shape.

In my free time I relish the simple pleasures of life: taking long quiet walks, spending time with my family, cooking, gardening, discovering new tastes and smells, reading and travel.
Shari Stoker

Creativity Club Guide
Brannon Via

Elementary Art Guide
Bio
I believe in the “it takes a village” approach to raising our young people. I have experienced first-hand the importance of working effectively as part of a team. After college, I worked as an Americorps member, with a team of diverse individuals. Together, we ran an educational program for elementary school students with a focus on service work and making a difference in the community. The experience inspired me to start my own after-school art program, and since, I’ve continued to teach art to a diverse population of children in a variety of settings.

When the opportunity to work in the Elementary Art program with the incredibly talented Jane Hill arose, I jumped to the occasion. I knew, given my interests, abilities, and experiences, that this role would allow me to more fully serve the Headwaters community.

I am excited to see what the year brings alongside people who share my passion for helping children grow and learn–as I myself look to grow and learn!

In my free time I enjoy working on creative projects, swimming, gardening, experimenting in the kitchen, and going on long walks with my sweet dog, Bean. My latest hobby: I will be spending most weekends this fall fixing up the home my beau Eric and I just bought in East Austin.
Deborah Way-Salinas

Early Elementary Guide
Bio
I consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world for having the opportunity to co-create this incredible elementary program, and at the same time raise my daughter in this community’s loving arms since she was in kindergarten. I began working in the Montessori community as Gail Allen’s assistant teacher back in 1988. I completed my AMS teacher training courses for 3-to-6-year-old children at Oklahoma City University, and taught for eight years at The Montessori Center. After that I worked at St. James Episcopal School as founding director and teacher. In 1998 I took the AMS teacher-training courses for 6-to-9-year-old children at the Houston Montessori Center, and taught Early Elementary at Parkside Community School for two years until I became a mother. For the next three years I created a Montessori program in my home for my daughter and her peers. In the spring of 2005, I reunited with beloved colleagues at Primavera to teach Primary, and a year and a half later launched the Elementary program.

I studied Cultural Anthropology at the University of Texas. Some of my hobbies include hiking, journaling, cooking, music, and many types of dancing. Every day I am inspired by the children, my colleagues, and the amazing community of parents at our school.
Christi Wilson

Early Elementary Guide

List of 2 members.

Mark Gaston

Maintenance & Transportation
Dennis Morehead

Maintenance & Transportation

Springs Campus

18 months to Pre-K

6305 Menchaca Rd.
Austin, TX 78745
Phone: 512-443-8843

Creek Campus

Elementary School
9607 Brodie Ln.
Austin, TX 78748
Phone: 512-804-2708
Fax: 512-628-4810

River Campus

Middle & High School
807 Rio Grande St.
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-480-8142
Fax: 512-480-0278