Meet Our
Staff

The quality of the teaching team is the key to success at any school. At the Montessori Academy at Belmont Greene, we have been fortunate to attract a gifted team of certified Montessori teachers and staff who are the heart of our loving, child-centered school environment. (Click on teachers name to send them an e-mail.)

Beth R. Theriot, Head of School (Academics)

Beth has been a Montessori teacher in Northern Virginia for 22 years. She founded a Montessori school in Northern Virginia ten years ago, which remains very successful today. She brings to MAB extensive experience and a deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy and teaching methods. She has been able to attract a talented team of certified Montessori teachers who share her deep commitment to Montessori education and development. Beth recognizes that successful child development depends fundamentally on building a shared sense of Montessori "family" at the school, which can only be accomplished through effective and continuing communication with parents, teachers and staff.

Beth's experience and reputation have helped MAB to become the only Montessori school in Northern Virginia that offers AMS teacher certification training for new teachers in the age 3-6 Montessori Program.

Beth's professional career in Montessori is based on a Baccalaureate in Psychology from Loyola University, New Orleans, a Master's Degree from George Washington University and Montessori Certification from Virginia Commonwealth University. Together with husband Lawrence, Beth has raised three highly successful young adults, all of whom completed Montessori Primary School.

Bart Theriot, Head of School (Administration)

Bart received a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Auburn University in 1996. Since that time, he has worked as a manager of retirement accounts at United Bank, a financial consultant and a securities fraud investigator with the National Association of Securities Dealers. He has been MAB's Administrator since its inception in 2000.

Bart attended Montessori through Kindergarten and has remained involved with Montessori through his mother, Beth Theriot (Director, MAB). He holds a great deal of respect for the Montessori philosophy and attributes much of his success to the basic fundamental learning skills he developed in those three years as a Montessori student. His understanding of the program and his financial acumen combine to create the perfect fit as the Administrator of MAB.

Though Bart is an avid golfer, snowboarder, fisherman, mountain bike, and swimmer, his most cherished hobby is soccer. He played on the Auburn University soccer team for two years and continues to play in the Washington International Soccer League. He intends to teach a soccer camp for MAB students during the summers.

Robin Mix-Brundage, Assistant Head of School (Organization/Coordinator Special Programs/Head Teacher)

Robin has been a part of MAB since we opened our doors in the fall of 2000. Since that time, Robin has made significant contributions our school and community in each position she has held. She began as an assistant teacher in 2000 and went on to complete her AMS certification for age 3-6 at the Northeast Montessori Institute here at MAB during the summer of 2004. She has been a head teacher for two years and assists with the coordination of our special programs (including Art, Drama, PE, Spanish and Music). Robin also has exceptional management skills, having worked for seven years training staffs of over 200 employees in the retail industry. These skills, along with her natural abilities with children, have contributed to Robin's wonderful teaching style and provide Robin with an excellent background for the Assistant Head of School.

Robin's two oldest sons have gone through Montessori through age five and her daughter is a student in the Junior Montessori program at MAB. Robin enjoys growing orchids, bargain hunting, traveling and family outings. With her understanding and appreciation of the Montessori philosophy, and her experience as a Montessori teacher, she is ready for an exciting, fun-filled and successful year at MAB.

Jill Gunn, Assistant Head of School (Operations/Director Belmont Club/Head Teacher)

Shahani Rassool, Head Teacher

Joni Purdue, Head Teacher

Alexis Davis, Head Teacher

Sherri Williams, Head Teacher

Carolee Marsh, Head Teacher

Lawrence Theriot, Elementary Teacher

"Mr. T," as MAB students know him, was project manager for financing and building the new school. He recently completed the AMS Montessori elementary teacher training at the Barrie School and is lead teacher in the elementary program. Mr. T completed his AMS certification for upper elementary at the Princeton Center for Teacher Education during the summer of 2004.

Mr. T's success as a parent of Montessori children and lifelong career as a youth soccer coach have well equipped him for a career in Montessori elementary education. His years of international experience in government and business provide a unique background to help enrich the education and development of children.

Mr. T has degrees in Business from Loyola University, New Orleans, International Economics from the University of Surrey, UK, and completed course work towards a Doctorate in Soviet Economics at George Washington University. His professional career involved travel and working in more than 40 countries.

A Louisiana native, Mr. T has been married to Beth Theriot for 33 years and happily assisted in raising three Montessori students, all of whom are self confident and independent young adults. The Theriot family (including three cats) resides in Reston, Virginia.

Lily Thomas, Spanish Teacher

Nancy Prestipino, Music Teacher